Viking is introducing a wide range of new experiences for its European river cruises, which are now available for booking. Highlights include scenic zeppelin flights over Germany for passengers on select Rhine itineraries, offering aerial views of Cologne and the Ruhr Valley, as well as new culinary and cultural excursions, small-group experiences, and expanded land extension options in Europe.
“Europe remains one of our guests’ favorite destinations, especially for those looking to experience a river cruise for the first time,” said Torstein Hagen, Viking’s CEO. “As we expand our offerings in Europe, we are excited to introduce new experiences that allow our travelers to connect with destinations the Viking way: through food, culture, local traditions, or even from the air aboard a zeppelin.”.
Starting in the 2026 season, Viking will incorporate new experiences into its river itineraries on the Rhine, Danube, Seine and Elbe.
- Zeppelin flight over the Ruhr Valley (Germany). Travelers can admire the Ruhr Valley from a unique perspective aboard a zeppelin. The tour departs from Essen/Mülheim Airport and offers a flight over forests, Lake Baldeney, and iconic landmarks such as the Zeche Zollverein industrial mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Zeppelin flight over Cologne. This experience offers privileged views of some of Cologne's main landmarks. Departing from Bonn-Hangelar Aerodrome, passengers will fly over the Rhine region, taking in Cologne Cathedral, the Hohenzollern Bridge, the city's exhibition center, and other architectural icons.
- Dinner at the Nikolaihof Winery (Austria). In the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley, guests will visit one of Austria's oldest wineries. In addition to learning about its biodynamic production methods and historic facilities, they will enjoy a dinner prepared with local products and wines from the region.
- Dürnstein walking tour and local dinner. Passengers will explore this historic 12th-century Austrian town, discovering its heritage and the castle's connection to Richard the Lionheart. The experience will conclude with a traditional dinner at the former Alte Klosterkeller monastery.
- Flavors and monuments of Belgrade. This tour combines a visit to the main sights of the Serbian capital with a visit to the Kalenić market and a cooking class where participants will prepare and taste typical Serbian dishes.
- Red Stone Castle and Wine Tasting (Slovakia). Travelers will discover the Little Carpathian wine region, visit Red Stone Castle, and participate in a tasting of the area's characteristic white wines.
- Monuments and Flavors of Rouen (France). Available on Christmas itineraries, this excursion allows you to visit Rouen Cathedral, the square where Joan of Arc was executed, and various traditional bakeries and pastry shops to sample local specialties.
- Flavors of Berlin (Germany). During the holiday season, passengers will explore Berlin's gastronomy by visiting gourmet shops, markets, cafes, and iconic establishments where they will sample specialties such as the Berliner Boulette or the popular currywurst.
New experiences for small groups
Starting in 2026, Viking will also offer more exclusive and immersive small-group tours:
- Palace of Versailles (France): guided tour of the palace and its gardens.
- Schönbrunn Palace (Austria): visit focused on the history of the Habsburg dynasty.
- Český Krumlov (Czech Republic): Guided tour of this fairytale town.
- Colmar (France): a tour through the medieval streets and canals of this Alsatian town.
- Bratislava (Slovakia): exploring its historic center and baroque heritage.
New land extensions before and after the cruise
Viking is also introducing new fully guided extensions for 2026 and 2027, which can be added before or after river cruises.
- St. Moritz, Lombardy and Alpine train. Includes a journey aboard the famous Bernina Express through the Alps, visits to Chur, St. Moritz and Milan.
- Croatia and Slovenia. Tour of Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Radovljica, Zagreb and the Festetics Palace in Hungary.
- The best of Belgium. Visits to Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp to discover their historical heritage, architecture and culture.
- The best of Holland. Includes Delft, Gouda, The Hague, the Mauritshuis museum and the Rijksmuseum, plus a stroopwafel-making workshop.
New for 2027
- Turin and Barolo. A tour of Turin, Alba, the Langhe wine region and the French city of Chambéry.
- Seville and Cordoba. An immersion in the history and culture of southern Spain, with visits to the Seville Cathedral, the Royal Alcazar and the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, all of them monuments of international importance.
Viking also announced that it will once again offer programs linked to the famous Oberammergau Passion Play in Bavaria in 2030. The company is already accepting inquiries from travelers interested in this event, considered one of the world's most important religious spectacles, and for which Viking has been the main North American partner since 2010.
Until June 30, 2026, Viking's Summer Sale promotion offers reduced fares, free international flights on selected river, ocean and expedition itineraries, plus a reduced deposit for all bookings made during the promotional period.
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