VIKING CELEBRATES START OF 2024 RIVER SEASON IN EUROPE
New Winter River Voyage Extends Viking's Sailing Season on the Danube River
LOS ANGELES, March 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking® (www.viking.com) today is celebrating the start of its 2024 river season in Europe, as the award-winning Viking Longship® fleet begins sailing itineraries throughout the region. Designed specifically for European waterways, the company's river fleet of sister ships, which host 190 or fewer guests, sail a variety of itineraries on the Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Moselle and Elbe rivers.
"With its rich history, culture and scenic regions that are best explored by river, Europe remains our most popular destination," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "As more curious travelers become familiar with river voyages as a seamless method for exploring, we are pleased to begin a new season on Europe's iconic waterways."
Viking has also announced a new opportunity to call on ports along the Danube River during the winter months with the 10-day itinerary, Treasures of the Danube. The new voyage will sail between Budapest and Passau, from December 2024 until early March 2025. Viking guests also have the choice to explore the Rhine River during the winter season, with the 10-day Treasures of the Rhine itinerary, which debuted in December 2023 and sails between Amsterdam and Basel. An ideal time to visit, winter offers guests smaller crowds, easier access to landmarks and opportunities to savor local traditions.
Viking's River Voyages in Europe:
Sailing March through December, some of Viking's other popular river itineraries in Europe include:
-- Rhine Getaway (8 days; Amsterdam--Basel) - Explore one of Europe's
best-loved rivers. Discover the turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals,
historic cities, medieval towns and stunning scenery of the Middle
Rhine--a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste the region's renowned white
wines, the roots of its terraced vineyards reaching back to Roman times.
Savor the various culinary traditions of Alsace. With calls in
Amsterdam, Cologne and Basel, this journey reveals a rich landscape of
beauty and culture.
-- Danube Waltz (8 days; Budapest--Passau) - Soak up soothing steam at a
Budapest thermal bath. Learn to waltz at a Viennese dance school. Savor
Austro-Hungarian cuisine in Vienna and Budapest. Admire the Wachau
Valley's beauty. Explore lesser-known Central European cities like
Bratislava and Passau. Witness daily monastic life on an exclusive visit
to Göttweig Abbey. This eight-day itinerary reveals the best of these
places while cruising leisurely through spectacular scenery.
-- Romantic Danube (8 days; Budapest--Regensburg) - Visit Budapest's Castle
District and cross the famous Chain Bridge. Explore Göttweig Abbey, one
of Austria's most revered monastic centers, and make dumplings with
Wachau Valley apricots. Visit historic Salzburg. Spend two days in
Vienna, and celebrate the city's musical heritage at a concert featuring
works by Mozart and Strauss. With medieval towns, grand cities and
stunning scenery, this 8-day journey on the "Blue Danube" is one you are
sure to love.
-- Paris & the Heart of Normandy (8 days; Paris roundtrip) - Dock in the
heart of Paris, admiring views of the Eiffel Tower and a replica of the
Statue of Liberty from your ship. Experience history firsthand at the
Normandy beaches and delight in Rouen's Gothic architecture. Explore
Giverny and the charming house and gardens where Claude Monet lived and
worked, the setting inspiring many of his masterpieces. This voyage
celebrates history, art, food and customs in France's most alluring
urban and pastoral settings.
-- Lyon & Provence (8 days; Lyon--Avignon) - Tap into your inner van Gogh
at an Arles painting class. Discover Roman Provence at Les Arènes
d'Arles and the Pont du Gard. Explore the world's largest Gothic palace
at Avignon's grand Palace of the Popes. Excite your palate in Lyon,
capital of French gastronomy. Savor local wines, hunt for truffles and
see how chèvre cheese is made. Come witness the beauty that inspired
artists like Cézanne and Chagall on this eight-day voyage along the
Rhône.
-- Christmas on the Rhine (8 days; Basel--Amsterdam) - Immerse yourself in
the spirit of Christmas as you journey through storybook villages.
Sample tasty yuletide treats and regional delicacies as you browse
colorful stalls for handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts. Admire the
twinkling lights of Cologne and revel in the merry atmosphere of the
Rhine Valley, as storefront displays, wine cellars and markets embrace
the holiday season. This 8-day voyage is a joyful celebration of festive
cheer.
-- Danube Christmas Delights (8 days; Budapest--Passau) - Pass through
Europe's most enchanting countries, stopping to explore cultural
capitals and fairy-tale villages. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine, admire
the Wachau Valley's beauty and explore Central European cities. Take
part in European holiday traditions and experience the region's renowned
Christmas markets. Breathe in the scents of traditional fare and admire
the handiwork of local artisans--perfect for bringing home to your
family and friends.
-- Christmas on the Seine (8 days; Paris roundtrip) - Embrace the holiday
season with a taste of Joyeux Noel. Explore Paris, France's twinkling
"City of Light." Sail through the snow-covered landscapes of Normandy's
countryside and admire the scenes of fairy-tale villages along the way.
Enjoy the scented aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts amid a
festive backdrop of Christmas markets. Onboard festivities include
regional dining specialties, seasonal treats and more to celebrate the
holidays.
-- Portugal's River of Gold (10 days; Lisbon--Porto) - Experience the
renaissance of Lisbon, newly invigorated with trending galleries and
restaurants. Explore two of Iberia's oldest university towns: Coimbra,
Portugal and Salamanca, Spain. Roam the port warehouses of Porto. Enjoy
traditional cuisine, wine and fado singing. Cruise the Douro River
Valley, the world's oldest demarcated wine region and a UNESCO Site. Our
10-day cruisetour includes a hotel stay in Lisbon and the added bonus of
a visit to Spain.
-- Grand European Tour (15 days; Budapest - Amsterdam) - Admire Rhine
Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the food and wine of
Austria's Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz and linger in
Budapest's Café Gerbeaud. Indulge all your senses on this 15-day
journey spanning the best of Europe. Our most iconic itinerary traces
the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways
of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging
encounters at every bend.
Media Assets
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About Viking
Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person(TM). Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. Viking is also rated at the top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking's award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.
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