Cost comparison

By "take a bus" do you meant take a multi-day bus tour that covers your lodging and transportation costs, or do you plan to do it on your own, either by car or by bus? I am assuming the latter. But do you plan a single base with multiple day-trips or some sort of loop that might involve multiple hotels? That may not affect the hotel cost, multiple round-trips may be costlier for any type of transportation than a loop.

In some cases trains might be an option. In general, regional trains (as opposed to express trains) and buses of the sort you'd use for many out-and-back day-trips or on a loop through a limited area are very inexpensive. If you're planning a high-mileage itinerary, it's possible a rental car would be cheaper, but don't forget the (very high) cost of fuel in Europe, possible tolls, and often parking fees.

There are probably at least a few people here who can provide more specific guidance if you tell us what areas you're thinking about visiting on your own.

One thing I know from this forum is that Germany in particular has fabulous deals on regional train tickets.

Since you mention "cities", I guess the answer is that the train will be the most cost effective. But it would be helpful if you mentioned which cities you want to visit.

You are asking a question with an impossible answer. Touring with a group can be very cost effective when you consider the total cost of a self tour and combine it with the wear and tear on yourself for having to plan and execute a similar trip. River cruises like Viking (we have been on two) are very relaxing and easy because they do all the planning but there is a cost associated with their conveniences. Rent a car is expensive when you factor in additional fees like insurance, tolls, parking, and some get a bigger surprise six months or so later when the traffic tickets arrive. And, of course, one of you has to drive and the other follows the map. That doesn't work well for us since my wife has zero map sense.

We have always used the ports calls to get a good overview of the area, see a few highlights and determine if we would like to return another time. On our last Viking cruise (Grand European cruise) from Amsterdam to Prague, we went a week early to Amsterdam and did a number of things on our own. Got off in Prague for few days and then took the train back to Vienna that had been one of the Viking stops. Finally came home from Vienna. Our normal, more or less, pattern is to go early by a week to ten days, take a cruise (ocean or river), then spend another week or so afterwards before coming home. We generally use an open jaw (multi-city) airline tickets -- sometimes cheaper. There are so great advantages to have your bedroom move from one location to another without you having to do anything.

But to directly answer your question, I don't necessarily think doing it on your own will be cheaper, could be, and it could be more expensive.

Calculate the per-night cost of your cruise, and do some research into hotels in the cities where you want to spend time, looking for approximate nightly rates for those that seem to fit your needs. Booking.com would be a good way to explore. Add estimated meal costs and other more or less predictable costs like transportation. Auto Europe is a good source for rental cars. As noted above, buses and trains are relatively cheap, except for the fast trains between major cities, and booking well ahead can save a lot on those fares. Good guidebooks to countries, like Rick Steves and Lonely Planet, have information about average meal and other costs. Include admission fees for museums and such. Then compare what you have to what the cruise costs.

Chances are your self-planned land trip won't stop in as many cities or towns as a river cruise, since you're trying to spend more time in the places that matter most to you. Keep in mind that whenever you change overnight locations you're spending time and money moving between them instead of really experiencing them. I enjoyed a Danube cruise some years back, but didn't feel like it gave me enough time in Vienna and other places. Like you, I realized that I wanted to spend more time in some of the destinations. The food was good but dinner in the same place every night got old.

If you can spend time in Europe before and/or after your 15-day cruise, you can try for the best of both worlds. We spent several days in Budapest before ours, which was a very good idea.

EDIT: I second all of Frank's thoughts above, which he posted while I was still struggling to compose mine. ;-)

I'm assuming this is Viking's Amsterdam - Budapest cruise. Cost effective? Who can say. You would have to break down the cruise into cost per day, then compare that to the cost of food, lodging and transportation per day. Lodging costs depend to a great extent on the level of hotel you would be happy with.

Transportation is a whole nuther kettle of fish. If driving, you've got the price of the rental, cost of insurance, gas, tolls, parking, international drivers permits, and last but most definitely not least, the substantial drop off fee for dropping in a different country. You would be spending hours per day in the car, with the driver not seeing much scenery since he would be concentrating on the road. And then theres the problem of parking, which in most European cities is not nearly as easy, or inexpensive as in the US.

Trains are generally plentiful and most likely significantly less expensive than renting on the type of trip you are proposing. They generally go from city center to city center. But you are limited to THEIR schedule, and are limited to the amount of luggage you can comfortably carry yourself. Plus, you would have added costs of taxisor public transportation to your hotels or touring sites.

And needless to say, you would need much more time than 15 days to do this, so your food and accommodation costs would increase accordingly

Cost comparison is the least of your concern.

This is a very hard comparison for several reasons. First and most importantly, the schedule the river cruise follows would be a killer to try and do by public transportation or a rental car. They do almost all one day trips and travel in the evenings. So, if you did it by car or public transport you would need at the minimum twice the allotted time to have any extra time in each city. For the itinerary I saw on their website you would need more than likely at least 40-45 days to ENJOY the cities listed.

If you don't want to do the cruise to have more time in different cities, I suggest trains and build yourself an itinerary that fits your time table and cities you would like to see. Normally, costs are cheaper on your own versus bus tours, but comparing a river cruise where there are one day stops, the river cruise would be much more relaxing. You might do it cheaper, but you wouldn't like the pace.

Having taken one Viking cruise (Budapest to Nurnberg) my wife and I are of the opinion that we could have visited the same places on our own, renting a car, for significantly less than the cruise cost. Cruises have their place, especially for those who would feel out of their comfort zone visiting places on their own or don’t want to rent a car. As you pointed out, with a cruise you can’t spend a longer amount of time in a location if you want to. Also, a cruise’s cost can vary depending on if you can get a deal, e,g,, 2 for 1. With a cruise, when in port, you’re herded around town in groups of 25 seeing what the cruise line wants you to see, not to mention jostling with the tour groups from all the other cruise ships in port. Frank made some good points. I disagree with Dick about not seeing as many places because many of a cruise’s stops are really not that far apart and could be reached quicker by car. You might actually be able to see more places since you could stop at some additional towns or sights between destinations. Parking in larger cities can be a pain, but I’ve seldom had an issue in smaller towns. Few parking lots are free, so assume all parking will be pay. Last, if renting a car, you will incur a hefty fee if you’re returning the car in a country different from where you rented it.

I would encourage you to think about the concept of "value" vs. cost. What I would want to know is which experience might give me the greatest value for my money. So much of that answer depends on what aspects of travel are important to you and what you really value on a trip.

I know people that really enjoy being able to settle into a cruise ship, unpack once, enjoy their shipmates and have carefully selected "tastes" of places that they visit. They enjoy the high quality food and service and a platform to view cities that is usually based in the center of the city. This can also be quite the solution for the mobility impaired allowing them to see much of the countryside. If any of this sounds like you, then cruising is a good value.

I know others that really enjoy the challenge of planning their independent itineraries. They start on their tour books, the internet, and this forum months in advance tweaking their plans to exactly match what they want. They take great pride in using public transport or driving and love the idea that they are in charge of the itinerary and the budget. They research carefully and find some great experiences and restaurants. If this sounds like you, than independent travel is a good value.

Another group enjoys the fellowship of traveling with other like minded travelers on an itinerary that is about 1/2 planned activities and 1/2 free time. (A Rick Steves Tour) They travel on a proven itinerary with carefully selected sites and activities designed to maximize the experience for most people. Lodging, transportation, and about 1/2 the meals are planned. They get to follow their own interests for the other meals and during free time. There is a guide who provides education and assistance for the entire time. If this sounds like you, than a good quality tour company is a good value.

While money is important in vacation decisions for most of us, don't lose sight of the value to you of the types of experiences that each mode of travel provides.

The most valuable component of your vacation is time and how you spend it.
We have taken cruise vacations and enjoyed wonderful journeys, but we prefer creating our own itinerary and taking control of where to spend time.
To provide better input we could use the following information:
- first journey abroad or one of many?
- what cities on the cruise itinerary have your most interest?
- how is your health and mobility?
- what time of your are you taking the trip?

That Viking cruise is amazingly expensive, so yes, you can do it much cheaper on your own. However, planning a trip can be a lot, so the money may be worth it for you vs. planning yourself. I love planning trips so other than RS tours generally plan my own. But if you do decide to plan it yourself renting a car outside cities makes sense, and taking trains from city to city. We'd need to know a little more detail though to really be of help in planning. Whatever decision you make, have fun!

Just noting that since the ship cruises mostly at night while you're sleeping, you have all day to see and experience the places you are, rather than checking in and out of hotels, getting to bus/train stations, waiting, and the actual transit time. You'd be seeing Europe through a bus or train window. Each move would take up a half or a whole day. You can't make a cost only comparison without recognizing the benefit of having it all organized for you, and having all logistics arranged so you can focus on the experience. Yes, its not quite the immersion of being on your own, but its quite a comfortable way to do "Europe Lite".

I'd just go with what you have, and if what you see interests you, go back another time on your own. You'd never be able to cover as much ground on your own in fifteen days.

To state that a "Viking cruise is amazingly expensive" is a sweeping and inaccurate statement. While some travelers will opt for the largest staterooms, and pay dearly for it, the least expensive staterooms are a genuine bargain. Our Viking experience on the lower Danube (Passage to Eastern Europe) 11 days for $3200 (including round-trip airfare) is less expensive than any RS tour when included air is considered. And that cost includes all meals. This is not to imply these two travel adventures are either similar or equal - but, having taken both, there is value in either one.
With 180 fellow shipmates on board, a river cruise is not the personal experience some prefer, nor is it the flexible schedule one might want. And, there is an "obligation of gratuity" with most river cruise companies. Although I am no fan of ocean cruises, I found both Viking and Avalon river cruises offered excellent value and worthwhile experiences. We also met some wonderful people on board.
Seeing Europe from a river is a nice experience. Personally, I have almost no experience driving in Europe, and what little I have does not encourage me to revisit that option.
I suspect you will enjoy your Viking experience. Those cities you wish to further explore will be added to your "next time" list.

A little background...I LOVE planning independent travel; this is my preferred style of travel. I have also taken three Viking cruises (with extended family) so a completely different style and motivation for travel-which I thoroughly enjoyed. The bottom line is you have to decide on the travel experience that is best for you. Have you been to Europe before? Are you comfortable maneuvering several languages and currencies? How do you feel about packing up and moving to a new location multiple times? No right or wrong answers, just about your comfort level and what you want to get from your trip.

Remember that you are free to spend your cruise days as you choose. Want to explore the town a little more while others eat lunch on the ship? It's your trip, so do it! Plan your own day rather than take a tour? Of course! Staying in port until late? The ship concierge can help you with availability of public transit or taxis. Just be sure to know when the ship sails so you are on board!

If Viking is scheduling your flights, be sure to ask for an "air deviaton". For a small fee you can arrive several days early and/or add on days at the end. Both Amsterdam and Budapest are cities worthy of more time; you will have little time in either as part of the cruise. This will give you a taste of independent planning-and, if you have questions, you will find superb assistance on this Forum.

As others have recommended, read guidebooks about the cities you are most interested in (start at your local public library). Return to this Forum with questions. And, most of all, happy travel planning and travels!

One more thought...my experience has been that the local guides leading the tours for Viking (a tour provided in each port) are excellent!

....That Viking cruise is amazingly expensive, so yes, you can do it much cheaper on your own. ..... That is an awfully broad statement without any facts to back it up. My guess is the poster hasn't traveled much and certainly not on river cruises. You need to take that statement with the proverbial "grain of salt." Remember if doing a cost comparison compare all factors. A big item (and cost) is that each stop with Viking includes a guided half day tour. Most people don't do that when traveling on their own. For us, that is attractive because I like live guides who will answer questions and given good explanations. A self-guided walking tour from a guidebook may work for some but not for us.

PS I agree with Don. All of our guides were very good to excellent. Some of them have fascinating backgrounds. Don't remember the cities but our guide was a Vietnamese refugee who came to Germany around the age ten, major in German history, and owned the touring company plus his family own two Vietnamese restaurants in the little town. Lunch was excellent and he provided insights into German life and current culture that you just cannot get from a guide book.

Please don’t “guess” about my travel experience. I have traveled extensively as well as living in foreign countries. I have been on several ocean cruises but not a river cruise. We also rented a car and toured Ireland for two weeks.

To me the biggest advantage of cruising is unpacking once and knowing where you will sleep at night. The biggest disadvantage is the limited time spent in each port. I am not an “organized tour” type of person (with the exception of a 4person private tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel with an incredible guide) and prefer walking around discovering on my own and having dinner in a local restaurant.

Maybe I phrased the question wrong. The cost is not an issue but the experience is. Maybe the question should be, If you have done a river cruise, did you feel that you would have enjoyed just traveling at your leisure or adhering to the agenda of the cruise.

This:

Transportation is a whole nuther kettle of fish. If driving, you've
got the price of the rental, cost of insurance, gas, tolls, parking,
international drivers permits, and last but most definitely not least,
the substantial drop off fee for dropping in a different country. You
would be spending hours per day in the car, with the driver not seeing
much scenery since he would be concentrating on the road. And then
theres the problem of parking, which in most European cities is not
nearly as easy, or inexpensive as in the US.

Add to that the additional work of researching and booking your own hotels, researching and purchasing your own attraction tickets (the busiest may have timed-entry ticketing), and researching your meal options, if a foodie. Then it's researching the background/history of the attractions you wish to see if not sharing the knowledge of a human guide. Decide driving is not for you? Then you'll be researching trains and buses.

See, it can come down to less about cost efficiency than travel style and how much effort one is willing to put into the plan? Any escorted tour which changes locations daily (or even every other day, where larger cities are concerned) isn't intended to provide the broader European experience., IMHO. They are good samplers for seeing what you like (or don't) and coming back to those fave places on your own another time. They also give you some experience as far as dealing with the local currency, certain customs, what to pack and what not to, etc.

So comparing a Viking cruise to independent travel isn't apples to oranges, cost aside. One is going to be a lot more work on your part than the other. Still, it's work some of us prefer doing to be able to go exactly where we want to, for exactly as long as we wish to, and to spend our days doing precisely what interests us versus following a tour's set agenda. Others love being able to unpack once, know where they'll be eating every day, enjoy the social aspect of interaction with other cruisers, know they've got some support should something go awry, and have the near-daily services of a guide at hand. It's a one-stop trip shopping for very busy folks or those who are less into deep, pre-tour research. There's no right or wrong either way as long as one comes home feeling like they've just had the most WONDERFUL adventure!

I have traveled extensively as well as living in foreign countries. I have been on several ocean cruises but not a river cruise. We also rented a car and toured Ireland for two weeks.

Maybe I phrased the question wrong. The cost is not an issue but the experience is. Maybe the question should be, If you have done a river cruise, did you feel that you would have enjoyed just traveling at your leisure or adhering to the agenda of the cruise.

Thanks for the additional information bruses. If I were doing this river cruise I would combine self touring along with the comfort of the cruise boat amenities, travel and meals. Take a hard look at the excursions included. If none fit your tastes in a particular city, research the city and create your own list of sights to see. No one says you can't go out on your own for the day. Spend the day how you wish to spend it and see what you want to see. If an includable excursion is something on your list, take advantage of it. You really have to dissect the daily offerings and excursions available to determine an itinerary. I think you can have the best of both worlds, but you will have to do some research and planning.

Remember all the headaches are removed with the cruise....no driving, no parking, no train schedules, one unpacking and a support staff on board. You could never take the same route in a car or by trains without a lot of extra days and extra costs.

bruses, yes I see that is a different question. We've only done one river cruise (Viking, Rhine). But are considering more. I alluded to it before as "Europe Lite" because, no you really dont get much time in each port to do much, and don't interact with locals unless you really make an effort. On the other hand, the excursions are well organized, and you do get to see some things and places you might not get to on your own.

On the cruise excursions, a lot of time is taken up in loading and unloading buses, and the schedule timed so morning excursions get back to the boat for a leisurely lunch, and afternoon excursions get back in time for dinner. So its really just a couple of hours anywhere. You could arrange and plan your own on-shore activities, but whats the point of being on a cruise tour if you have to do that? Note that sometimes the boat docks in industrial areas pretty far from the central city areas, so its not that convenient for arranging an independent excursion. But those are all tradeoffs you make for the convenience.

We went with a group of six people, and we'd never been able to plan and agree on any independent trip, especially at meal time. So the cruise was a good way to avoid conflict, and the food and drink make it very convivial. If its just you and spouse, and you are always on the same page, then independent would be the way to go, if your priority is the experience.

As someone who never unpacks, I can’t relate to the benefit of only
unpacking once on a cruise. Why do it even once?

Tom, have you ever been on a cruise ship? Unless you are in one of the larger suites, your cabin will be SMALL. And there's really no room to leave your suitcases out. Unless you leave them on the love seat, in which case you've got no where to sit except the bed.

Ah, the reframed question lends to helping define an answer based upon similar experiences. Our 20th wedding anniversary and wife laid down the law, this trip she desired simplicity, best affordable luxury and ability to experience the travel menu without needing to overthink selection of hotels, restaurants, etc. A cruise checked off all the boxes and we made the mental commitment to enjoy the experiences as developed by others. A wonderful journey we still cherish and accepting the "offerings' actually enabled us to learn about different experiences we have since incorporated into additional trips. So go enjoy the journey via the cruise!
Be well!