If you haven’t experienced it before - you have to go on a European river cruise!
River cruising is a unique way to travel and a great idea for big birthdays or special anniversaries. It is also perfect for groups of friends looking to travel together in a fun and stress-free way. River cruising is relaxed, elegant and totally different to big ship ocean cruising. Gliding through Europe on gentle rivers, there is no risk of sea sickness.
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One of the delights is that you tie up right in the heart of wonderful European cities – built in medieval times when the river was the key mode of transportation. So you walk down the gang plank and immediately arrive at the centre of things. Viking are called the “Thinking Person’s Cruise” because the Viking Way is to bring you deeper insights into the culture, arts, theatre and history of the wonderful places you visit. The Viking experience may be enhanced by cultural partners such as TED talks, the Metropolitan Opera and National Geographic. Uniquely, Viking own their own docking spaces in Europe – so you arrive right in the heart of the destination with guaranteed access.
At every stop you make along the way Viking offer carefully curated excursions to make sure you gain a deeper appreciation of the destination. “Local life” excursions allow you to rub shoulders with the locals – for instance a Pub Crawl in Cologne that goes to authentic drinking establishments in the city. “Working World” gives you an insight into the daily lives of the inhabitants – for instance in Portugal you visit a bakery, roll your sleeves up, and help make bread! And “Privileged Access” provides special behind the scenes access that others may not enjoy – for instance in Russia, at the Hermitage, Viking guests get to see artwork that is not on public display.
In addition, the onboard “Culture Curriculum” really adds to the experience as you glide along the great rivers of Europe. Wine tasting, local musicians, folklore shows and lectures on local art and history are some examples of the culture that comes right to you on the ship.
So much is included in your Viking cruise! You’ll be experiencing amazing European cuisine, of course. Wine and beer, plus soft drinks are complimentary at lunch and dinner, and gourmet coffee and bottled water are available 24/7. You can expect complimentary Wi-Fi on board, plus many other little extras that make all the difference to your vacation like pampering Freyja bath products in your stateroom. All you have to pay are gratuities, and for any optional excursions you select.
With great all-inclusive value, a small, intimate ship and seamless luxury – there is no better way to see Europe. Enjoy the wonderful views from your stateroom – the world goes by your windows – and enjoy multiple cities without packing and unpacking every day. With Viking River Cruises you arrive in the heart of European towns and cities, walk down the gangplank, and you are right there
On a Viking river cruise your vessel has all the amenities of a fine hotel and you glide in luxury past magnificent vistas to arrive at each destination. River cruise ships in Europe are limited by the size of the medieval bridges, so these are small, intimate vessel with just 95 cabins. The beauty is that as you explore the heart of Europe - you unpack your bags just once. At each stop, stroll down the gangplank and enriching discoveries are just a short walk away. A river cruise ship is very accessible thanks to elevators inside and the ease of getting on and off the ship.
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Your Viking Longship is a true haven on the river. Onboard amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access and serene and elegant public spaces. During daylight sailing guests often gravitate towards the Sun Deck with its 360-degree views and shaded sitting area - there is even an organic herb garden, which the chef puts to good use! The Sun Deck also has a putting green and walking track. The sun deck is a lovely vantage point to admire the view and a hub for socializing and relaxing.
The Aquavit Terrace is a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area at the bow of the ship with grills for al fresco dining. Inside the Observation Lounge and bar and the Restaurant both have floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views. There’s also a Library corner and an onboard boutique.
Viking offer the widest choice of staterooms of any ships - and some of the most spacious. The largest are suites with a separate bedroom, sitting area and veranda. Several stateroom types offer you either your own outdoor veranda where you can sit and admire the view, or a “French balcony”, which means a floor to ceiling door that opens to a railing. It is well worth stretching your budget if you can – the views from your stateroom are wonderful and you are feet away from vineyards, villages and gracious cityscapes. In total there are 2 Explorer Suites, 7 Veranda Suites, 39 Veranda Staterooms, 22 French Balcony Staterooms and 25 Standard Staterooms.
The dining is extraordinary – and the produce is locally inspired. You may meet the chef on the gangplank as he goes to a nearby market for supplies! Authentic regional specialties or American classics are accompanied by complimentary drinks – wine or beer from the region or soft drinks and bottled water. You have several options on where to dine on the ship. There is the elegant main restaurant, but you can also eat on the Sun Deck or the al fresco dining area at the bow of the ship on the Aquavit Terrace.
As it is so often the case – it is the staff that often make the difference. Viking River Cruise staff are Swiss-trained, friendly and knowledgeable. Stateroom stewards, restaurant staff, Guest Services team and the Program Director all play their part in welcoming you onboard.
Based in Basel, Switzerland, Viking provides a wide range of River Cruises which are primarily in Europe, though they also offer river cruises and small ship ocean cruises in other parts of the world.The company currently operates a fleet of more than 60 vessels. Family run Viking River Cruises are the largest and most respected river cruise operator in Europe. They also own or operate all their own ships – so quality and consistency is ensured both in Europe and in other parts of the world where they operate.
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Viking was recently voted the #1 River Cruise Line by Condé Nast Traveler in their 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is known as the “Thinking Person’s Cruise” as they offer destination-focused itineraries designed for travelers who have an interest in geography, culture and history. Each journey includes a shore excursion in every port, and an exclusive Viking Culture Curriculum program that provides deep immersion in the destination through performances of music and art, cooking demonstrations, informative port talks and carefully selected guest lecturers.
River cruises range from 8 to 23 days, with itineraries featuring Europe’s Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Moselle, Elbe, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers. Viking also have itineraries on Russia’s Volga, Neva and Svir Rovers, Egypt’s Nile, China’s Yangtze and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia.
The Danube Waltz itinerary is just one example and a great choice for travellers new to river cruising as well as devoted river cruisers who haven’t yet explored this part of the Danube. The itinerary offers a very varied experience – from wine tasting to a performance of the Vienna Boy’s Choir. The Danube is a very popular destination in River Cruising. One of Europe’s great rivers, it flows past gorgeous landscapes, castles and fairy-tale villages and takes you to the centre of some magnificent European cities.
The Danube River is the very heart and soul of Central Europe! As you travel along in your Viking Longship you will see beautiful scenery and vineyards in the Wachau Valley. You will experience history including the daily life in an abbey on an exclusive visit to Göttweig in Austria and at the UNESCO World Heritage castle of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic. This journey allows you to soak up the culture with local wine, Austro-Hungarian cuisine, music in Vienna and the Roman Thermal Baths in Budapest. And it takes you to exciting European cities such as Bratislava, Vienna and Budapest.
Want to know more about the destination? Check out Chris' Travel Notes!
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