Viking announces new offer for European river trips | News
Viking® (www.viking.com) today announced a range of new European river travel experiences available for booking now. Highlights include scenic Zeppelin airship excursions in Germany, offering guests aerial views of Cologne and the Ruhr area on select Rhine routes, along with new culinary and cultural shore excursions, small group shore excursions and expanded land extension opportunities across Europe.
“Europe remains a favorite destination for our guests, especially those interested in taking a river voyage for the first time,” said Torstein Hagen, executive chairman of Viking. “As we continue to expand our offering in Europe, we are excited to introduce new experiences that allow our guests to engage with their destination the Viking way – through local food, culture and traditions, or even from the sky in a zeppelin.”
New shore excursions
From the 2026 season, Viking has expanded its extensive range of shore excursions with a collection of experiences for its Rhine, Danube, Seine and Elbe routes. Highlights of the new excursions include:
Zeppelin Flight over the Ruhr Area – Board a Zeppelin airship to see the picturesque Ruhr Area from a new perspective. Drive to Essen/Mülheim Airport, where your Zeppelin will be waiting for you. These remarkable airships were first designed in 1893 by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin and became a popular mode of transportation in the early 20th century. Enjoy stunning views as the Zeppelin gently rises to just over 300 meters. Soar through the air over lush forests and Lake Baldeney and watch the landscape unfold beneath you. Fly above the Ruhr Area, once Germany’s economic powerhouse, and see the Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Eiffel Tower of the Ruhr Area,” before returning to the airport. (Available on select Rhine routes.)
Zeppelin flight over Cologne – Fly on a Zeppelin airship and enjoy panoramic views of Cologne’s striking monuments. Drive to Bonn-Hangelar Airport, where your Zeppelin will be waiting for you. As you settle into your seat, the airship slowly rises to its cruising altitude of 1,000 feet. Float through the air above the Rhineland and watch the landscape unfold beneath you. Fly over Cologne and see the exhibition complex and the Lanxess arena. Follow the arches of the Hohenzollern Bridge to Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an impressive example of Gothic architecture. Upon return, you will see Cologne’s modern sights, including the Musical Dome and the Media Park, before descending. (Available on select Rhine routes.)
Dinner at Nikolaihof Winery – Visit Austria’s Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous region, to explore Nikolaihof Winery, one of the oldest wineries in Austria. Learn how it was one of the first in Europe to implement a biodynamic process and visit the cellar, where you can see the oak wine barrels and taste some of the wine. Finally, sit down to a dinner of seasonal dishes made from locally sourced game and produce, some of which is grown on the winery’s grounds. (Available on certain routes along the Danube.)
Dürnstein on Foot and Local Dinner – Explore Dürnstein, a town dating back to the 12th century, on a guided walking tour through the historic streets to learn about its rich history, including the 13th-century construction of the castle and its connection to Richard the Lionheart, followed by dinner in Alte Klosterkeller, a former monastery cellar, to enjoy regional cuisine paired with local wine. (Available on certain routes along the Danube.)
Sights and Tastes of Belgrade – Enjoy the sights of Belgrade as you visit a local market and take part in a cooking class to prepare your own lunch. Set off with your guide on a drive through the city to see some of the most iconic sights. Visit Kalenić Market, Belgrade’s largest open-air market, where you can stroll through stalls and buy ingredients for your upcoming cooking class, where you can prepare and enjoy traditional Serbian dishes. (Available on certain routes along the Danube.)
Red Stone Castle & Wine Tasting – Discover the heart of Slovak wine country with a visit to the picturesque Little Carpathians and the well-preserved Red Stone Castle, a former 16th-century fortress converted into an aristocratic residence. Explore the grand interior and cellar complex before visiting a local winery to taste the region’s special white wines. (Available on certain routes along the Danube.)
Sights and flavors of Rouen – Explore Rouen over the Christmas period and discover some of the iconic sights and taste the local cuisine. Start at Rouen Cathedral, a structure that has evolved over the past 800 years and features a mix of early Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. Learn the history of the area at the Old Market Square, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Pause at several bakeries and pastry shops to sample local delicacies and soak up the atmosphere of Rouen’s café culture. (Available during the Christmas period in Paris and Normandy)
Flavors of Berlin – Experience Berlin during the Christmas period and taste the flavors of the German capital. Visit some of the city’s culinary institutions with your guide. At Lindner, the city’s famous deli known for its house-made butter, you can enjoy a taste of Berliner Boulette, a flat meatball seasoned with onions, along with other delicacies. Admire Berlin’s colorful street art on your way to EAT Berlin, located amid a network of picturesque Art Nouveau courtyards. Local cheeses, mustards, pestos (sauces) and more are sold here, and there are many products to sample. Order from the popular Curry 61 currywurst, a city favorite. No food tour of Berlin would be complete without a taste of traditional coffee and cake at one of the city’s many cafés. (Available during Christmas along the Elbe)
New small group experiences
Starting in 2026, Viking has also introduced new Small Group Experiences on select European river routes, offering guests even more intimate and immersive ways to explore iconic landmarks and local culture, including:
Small-Group Experience: Palace of Versailles – Discover the opulence and grandeur of Versailles on a more intimate guided visit to the famous palace and gardens, learning about the history, art and legacy of the French royal family.
Small-Group Experience: Schönbrunn Palace – Explore Vienna’s beautiful Schönbrunn Palace in a small-group setting and discover the history of the Habsburg dynasty as you admire the palace’s opulent rooms and landscaped gardens.
Small-Group Experience: Český Krumlov on Foot – Step into ancient Bohemia on a guided small-group walking tour of the Czech Republic’s fairytale city.
Small-Group Experience: Medieval Village of Colmar – Walk with a small group through the charming Alsatian village of Colmar as you explore its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and picturesque canals steeped in medieval history.
Small-Group Experience: Picturesque Bratislava – Experience the highlights of Slovakia’s capital on a small-group exploration of Bratislava’s historic Old Town, Baroque architecture, and local culture.
New pre and post land expansions
Viking also announced new fully guided land expansions starting in 2026 and 2027, which can be added before or after river itineraries to offer guests a deeper immersion in Italy, France, Croatia, Slovenia, Belgium and the Netherlands. Highlights of the new land expansions include:
NEW in 2026 Moritz, Lombardy & Alpine Train – Board the Bernina Express for a scenic train journey along a UNESCO World Heritage Site route through the majestic Alps and northern Italy. Explore the old town of Chur and admire beautiful views from the top of an alpine mountain in St. Moritz. Experience Milan, the cultural center of Northern Italy.
NEW in 2026 Croatia and Slovenia – Experience the vibrant cultures of Slovenia and Croatia. In Ljubljana, explore the city and visit the picturesque Lake Bled and charming Radovljica. Walk the streets of Zagreb’s medieval Old Town and visit the stately Festetics Palace in Keszthely on a journey that combines history and picturesque landscapes.
NEW in 2026 The Best of Belgium – Experience Belgium’s rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant culture on visits to three of its most fascinating cities. Immerse yourself in the picturesque, UNESCO-protected charms of Brussels and medieval Bruges, and explore vibrant Antwerp, the famous diamond capital of Europe.
NEW in 2026 Best of Holland – Discover the rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty and iconic sights of the Netherlands. Explore the Royal Dutch Delft Pottery Factory in Delft and the historic sights of Gouda, and partake in a stroopwafel. See the sights of The Hague and admire the masterpieces on display at the Mauritshuis Museum and the Rijksmuseum.
NEW in 2027 Turin & Barolo – Discover Turin, Italy’s first capital, known for its elegant Baroque architecture, lively squares and Piedmont wines. Visit Alba, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Langhe wine region, and explore Chambéry, the historic seat of the Dukes of Savoy.
NEW in 2027 Seville and Cordoba – Discover the spirit of southern Spain, where Moorish and Roman legacies create a rich cultural tapestry. Discover the architecture of Seville in the stately cathedral. Visit the royal Alcázar Palace and the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, two of the region’s impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Passion play Oberammergau 2030
Additionally, Viking returns to Bavaria in 2030 with its Oberammergau Passion Play 2030 and is now accepting registrations for guests who want to find out more once the departure is officially open for booking. Viking has been privileged to host guests for this cherished event since 2010. This long-term relationship allows Viking to plan years in advance and seamlessly integrate the Passion Play into carefully designed routes.
Booking details
To make a booking or for more information call 0800 458 69 00 or visit www.viking.com
