There is simply no better way to experience the rivers of the world than from the comfort of one of Viking’s elegant, small ships. Viking provides destination-focused, culturally enriching voyages designed for English-speaking, mature couples with curious minds and an interest in history, culture and geography. Viking is also proud to be the first travel company rated #1 for both rivers and oceans by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler for five consecutive years.

The cultural treasures of Europe beckon curious travelers. Viking’s river voyages allow guests to experience everything up close in Viking comfort. Travel with ease as you unpack once and relax to an ever-changing canvas of breathtaking landscapes. Arrive in the center of town – often at Viking-owned dock locations – and stroll right into the heart of town and begin exploring. 

Watch history unfolds before your eyes on a voyage along Europe’s great rivers. Viking invites you to discover the fascinating stories behind iconic landmarks when you join them on an enriching journey. Immerse yourself in the storybook villages, vibrant cultural centers and picturesque landscapes of The Netherlands, Austria, Germany, France, Hungary and Switzerland, and unlock a whole new world of discovery.  

Viking’s onshore experiences are designed to take guests closer, The Viking Way®, by offering behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities that sets themselves apart. Guests can discover within each destination the Local Life, Working World, and Privileged Access® experiences exclusive only to Viking. With Privileged Access, guests can go behind the scenes at one of Austria’s revered cultural institutions and spend the afternoon with the Vienna Boys’ Choir, available on Grand European Tour, or experience the real Downton Abbey on a pre or post-extension option with Paris & the Heart of Normandy and visit the iconic filming location of Highclere Castle.

Viking’s destination-focused itineraries are designed to help you explore and engage with your destination through its food, culture and customs. Sail with like-minded travelers on The Thinking Person’s Travel Experience, a culturally rich, immersive experience with onboard and onshore experiences that bring culture and history to life. Plus, the Viking Inclusive Value covers just about everything—port charges, Wi-Fi, all onboard meals, lectures, onboard activities, a complimentary shore excursion in every port of call and so much more—so all you have to do is relax and enjoy a great journey. 

In addition to being known for all that they do, Viking stands apart for all that they do not do:

• No children under 18
• No casinos
• No nickel and diming
• No charge for Wi-Fi*
• No charge for beer & wine at lunch & dinner
• No umbrella drinks
• No photography sales
• No art auctions
• No inside staterooms
• No smoking
• No waiting in lines
• No formal nights, butlers or white gloves

Here is a sample of what you will see on one of Viking’s top river or ocean voyages:

Rhine Getaway, 7 nights, Amsterdam to 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.

Romantic Danube, 7 nights, Budapest to 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.

Danube Waltz, 7 nights, Budapest to 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 sailing leisurely through spectacular scenery.

Grand European Tour, 14 nights, Amsterdam to Budapest - Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the culinary delights of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz, visit Melk’s Benedictine Abbey and delve into Nuremberg’s World War II history. Indulge your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe, tracing 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.

Iconic Western Mediterranean, 7 nights, Barcelona to Rome (Civitavecchia) - Trace the shores of the Mediterranean coast with calls to Spain, Italy and France’s famed Riviera. Immerse yourself in Catalonian and Tuscan art, architecture and history during overnights in Barcelona and Tuscany. In the South of France, stroll the network of canals in Sète, immerse yourself in nature in the Calanques National Park and visit Monte Carlo, Monaco’s glamorous city by the sea, a blend of old-world elegance with modern luxury.

Ancient Mediterranean Treasures, 7 nights, Istanbul to Athens (Piraeus) - Trace the origins of civilization as you sail the Aegean Sea. Spend two days in Istanbul, a compelling blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Travel to the ruins of Troy, long steeped in myth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore historic sites in Ephesus and experience the distinct character of the islands of Rhodes and Crete. Discover the architectural legacy of ancient Athens and the city’s charming port of Piraeus during an overnight stay.

Ships Designed for Exploration

With ships designed for exploration, Viking’s vessels provide all the amenities of a boutique luxury hotel with all outside-facing staterooms. Its modern small-ships are designed for comfort and discovery, with light-filled public spaces and staterooms that feature thoughtful amenities, such as heated bathroom floors, anti-fog mirrors, and luxury bed linens. Each ship docks within the heart of the destination, with town centers and iconic landmarks just a short walk away. 

Guests can enjoy a meal on the Aquavit Terrace and take in the scenery as it passes by while enjoying the most al fresco dining on Europe’s rivers. When traveling with Viking, guests can experience the local culture through its food and wine, with fresh locally sourced ingredients. While dining, guests can also enjoy handpicked wine selections and tastings that showcase the area’s quintessential varietals. 

Discover for yourself why Viking truly is The World’s Leading River Cruise Line®.