This was our second Viking cruise (first one was a Rhine cruise). Really enjoyed this itinerary.
We took the 2 day pre cruise extension in Budapest and stayed at the excellently situated Buda Hilton with a great view of the Parliament buildings across the Danube. The Viking staff were helpful but we do think that the notes could have mentioned how difficult it is to visit the Parliament building because of an immense construction project. We wasted hours trying to get there only to find that there were no tickets left for English tours. Knowing the problems in advance would have avoided that.
There are good restaurants very close to the hotel and it is a simply delightful location.