viking river tours europe

8 highlights of Europe best experienced by its rivers

Discover the best of Europe with Viking river cruises.

| THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Viking Cruises |

--> BY Louis Costello

Last updated . 02 May 2024

Viking river cruises provide an eye-opening way to explore parts of the continent that few travellers have had the privilege to see.

Rivers are seen as the lifeline of European cities. Once the main way to stay protected while being able to transport goods and people around the continent, it’s no wonder many of Europe’s prettiest cities and towns can be found perched near a riverbank. It follows that the most authentic way to experience these towns is by taking to the water yourself. Operating throughout Europe and beyond, Viking river cruises acts as a floating hotel with the promise of only unpacking once on a single, multiple-country trip.

Join travel experiences created for the curious-minded (who still want all necessities included). Join local Christmas celebrations in Regensburg, sail through the imposing Iron Gate or roam through the French wine capital.

Discover just eight of the incredible experiences waiting for you by European rivers.

Take to the water and explore Europe’s prettiest towns and cities.

1. Experience a traditional German yuletide

Germans have mastered the art of Christmas cheer, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a city or town that hasn’t completely transformed into a winter wonderland come the festive season.

Follow the comforting aromas of cinnamon and cloves to find the Glühwein that permeates the Christmas markets of Passau and Regensburg – two riverside Bavarian cities included in the Christmas on the Danube tour. Known to embrace tradition, partake in yuletide celebrations among twinkling fairy lights and candescent decorations while chewing your way through a warm bag of moreish candied almonds (just look for a chalk-written sign that mentions ‘ gebrannte mandeln ’).

In Passau, set aside some time to venture to St Stephen’s Cathedral which can be seen looming over the Christkindlmarkt, illuminated by the sea of lights below.

Master the art of Christmas cheer.

2. Sail through the Iron Gate

Looking at the rock sculpture of the Dacian king, Decebalus, from aboard Viking Longship , you’ll understand why it took sculptors over 10 years to complete. Protruding from the rocky walls that line the Danube River at the Iron Gate between Romania and Serbia, this eerily imposing piece of art is just one of many highlights en route to the main event.

Once you’ve journeyed through the Carpathian Mountains comprising natural wonders and ancient relics, you’ll reach the most famous gorge of them all: the Iron Gate. Processing the impressive skyline surrounded by only a small handful of humans, it may feel like you’ve reached the end of the world.  In reality, it’s only day five of the 11-day Passage to Eastern Europe tour. There’s plenty more of the world to explore after you’ve passed through the Iron Gate, let that be known.

Gaze on the drama of the Iron Gate.

3. Wander through Bordeaux’s wineries

Wine and rivers go hand in hand in Europe, especially in the famous Bordeaux region of France. The Ch â teaux, Rivers and Wine voyage is a formidable introduction to the country’s most beloved export. Spend your time sampling wine in historic cellars and roaming through sprawling vineyards in the beating heart of the French wine capital.

Once you’ve traversed the river Garonne to reach the city, spend eight days in a haze of decadent vintage wine and fresh oysters as you traipse across the famous Place de la Bourse. Outside of Bordeaux’s town square, you’ll be guided through lavish châteaux, where you’ll have ample opportunity to relay some French that you learnt from Viking river cruises ’s onboard tutor, Maaike.

Stop for a drop of Bordeaux wine.

4. Explore German castles fit for a fairytale

The Rhine is the natural, scenic and slow-paced answer to a destination freeway; ticking off multiple countries in one trip along Europe’s second-largest river.

As part of the Rhine Getaway voyage, you’ll be taken along this river until your feet are firmly planted in front of Marksburg Castle, one of the few historic buildings to remain relatively unscathed since its construction in the Middle Ages. Along the way, spot a slew of additional castles watching over the Rhine like non-sentient guardian angels – each one more picturesque than the last. It’s what fairytales are made of.

Spot a slew of castles watching over the Rhine.

5. Soak in Budapest’s ancient thermal baths

Dating back centuries, the Budapest Thermal Bath has long been thought to hold genuine healing properties. Local frequenters of the baths aren’t afraid to engage in casual chit-chat, so bask in the water as it restores you back to health, while exchanging profound tales with Budapesters and like-minded explorers.

While many flock to Budapest for its industrial nightlife scene, the European Sojourn tour will prove the city is a confounding melting pot of medieval architecture coexisting with modern cultural events and festivities. Gain an understanding of how that plays out by visiting the Grand Market Hall. Try not to be overwhelmed by the dizzying array of local food and wine that spans three stories.

Soak your way to better health.

6. Stomp grapes in Portugal

Although France owns the crown for producing the most recognisable wine, Portugal still comes out on top for being home to the oldest wine region in the world.

Famous for its production of port wine, one of the most efficient ways to scour this stunning country is to join Portugal’s River of Gold cruise tour. On board, make your way to towns such as Régua and Pinháo via the Douro River.

There isn’t a single way to turn your head without seeing something photo worthy in Portugal, and that rings particularly true when you’re witnessing its coastal towns via the water. A truly unforgettable experience is to observe the multicoloured buildings light up like Christmas trees as dusk settles; their reflection bouncing off the river waters.

Taste port wine in Portugal.

7. Savour signature Swiss chocolate

A holiday that begins in Paris and ends in the Swiss Alps is what dreams are made of, so to enhance your very own storybook fantasy, stop by Zürich and enter a world of pure chocolatey goodness.

The Lindt Chocolate Workshop offers a first-hand glimpse at how these world-famous cocoa confections are made. After receiving an extensive tour from an experienced chocolatier, accept a Lindt uniform and get to work making your very own (customisable) chocolate bar. The professionals will watch over you to ensure everything runs as smoothly as their chocolate.

Try making your own chocolate.

8. Stop to smell the lavender in Provence

Provence is often touted as the best place in the world to experience lavender fields. Growing in abundance from June to August, the fields blanket the already beautiful landscape with vibrant purples and violets. In keeping with tradition, be sure to find a nearby winery to savour a glass of rosé while breathing in that floral lavender scent.

For a well-rounded, 15-day tour of a single country, France’s Finest is a once-in-a-lifetime trip along the Seine from Paris, connecting to the Rhône to waltz around Provence and Lyon.

Wander lavender fields in Provence.

Find an exhaustive list of Viking river voyages tours and itineraries at vikingrivercruises.com.au .

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• Expeditions

Press Release

Viking announces opening of 2026 european river season, due to strong demand, bookings are now open for the company’s popular river voyages.

Los Angeles (December 11, 2023) – Viking® ( www.viking.com ) today announced that the 2026 season of its European river voyages is now open for reservations. With many 2024 dates already sold out and the 2025 season selling well, strong demand among North American travelers has led to an early opening of all 2026 departures for Viking’s iconic itineraries on the rivers of Europe.

“Our guests are curious travelers who are interested in history, art and culture, which is why Europe remains our most popular destination,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “The idea of a modern river voyage is still new to many, even to some of the most well-traveled individuals. But make no mistake; there is no better way of exploring the heart of Europe than sailing its historic waterways on an elegant Viking Longship. We look forward to welcoming more guests, both returning and new, on board our state-of-the-art vessels in the coming years.”

With a current fleet of 80 river ships and more than 50 percent of the market share for North American travelers, Viking is by far the industry’s leading river line. Some of company’s most popular itineraries in Europe include:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Viking recently announced it will welcome an additional 10 Viking Longships ® to its river fleet by the end of 2026. Currently under construction, eight of the new vessels will sail Viking’s itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, while two additional Viking Longships will join the fleet on the Seine River. To meet the strong demand, five of the new vessels will be delivered in 2025, with the remaining five to be delivered in 2026.

Today’s announcement follows a year of accolades for Viking. Most recently, Viking was honored with seven awards—more than any other line—in the 2023 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards, including Best River Line, Best for First-Timers and Best Service in the river category. In October, Viking made history when it was voted #1 for rivers, oceans and expeditions by  Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. The company was also voted to the top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure in the 2023 World’s Best Awards. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications.

Booking Details

From now through December 31, 2023, Viking is offering North American travelers the Holiday Sale, with up to FREE international airfare, special fares and a $25 deposit on all 2026 European river voyages—as well as other river, ocean and expedition voyages. Call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel advisor for details.

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For more information about Viking, or for images and b-roll, please contact [email protected] .

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™. 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 https://www.viking.com/ . For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit https://www.viking.tv/ .

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Uncork new discoveries as you raise a glass of Riesling on our acclaimed Rhine River cruises through Switzerland, Germany and The Netherlands. See how the Rhine, Main and Moselle river systems unfold to create a spellbinding display of storybook villages, Dutch windmills, German vineyards and splendid UNESCO Sites.

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Highlights of rhine river cruises.

A Rhine River cruise takes you into the heart of Middle Europe, where stately castles, fairytale villages and cultural centers have long been witnesses to history. The river’s banks are brimming with historic treasures, natural beauty and vibrant capitals. Here are a few highlights Viking reveals to you:

• Amsterdam’s charming canals and gabled houses
• Windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Cologne’s Gothic Dom
• Rüdesheim’s wine-growing region
• Marksburg Castle, perched above scenic Braubach
• Multicultural Strasbourg
• Breathtaking views of the legendary Black Forest
• The distinct French-German culture of Alsace
• Mythical Lorelei Rock at the Middle Rhine Gorge
• Stunning Heidelberg, inspiration to writers and philosophers

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Berwick Travel

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Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour

Discover more sale, travel through the heart of europe, 15 days | 12 guided tours | 4 countries.

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.

Plan Your Viking River Cruise

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

1: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Capital of The Netherlands, Amsterdam is renowned for its museums, colorful gardens, abundance of bicycles and endless lattice of canals.

2: Kinderdijk, The Netherlands

The South Holland village community of Kinderdijk includes a set of 19 windmills and other ingenious technologies built in the 18th century to control flooding.

3: Cologne, Germany

An intriguing mix of old and new, Cologne reveals its Roman heritage in the city layout and ancient ruins that lie scattered through the town.

4: Koblenz, Germany

On a breathtaking stretch of the Rhine that leads from medieval Koblenz to Braubach to Rüdesheim, the 13th-century Marksburg Castle towers over the river.

5: Miltenberg, Germany

Lively and romantic, the medieval town of Miltenberg on the Main River lies amid one of Germany’s fine wine–producing regions.

6: Würzburg, Germany

Würzburg is home to the Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7: Bamberg, Germany

Founded in 902, Bamberg remains a medieval-looking city known for its symphony orchestra and specialty, “smoke” beer.

8: Nuremberg, Germany

One of Germany’s most renowned and intriguing cities, Nuremberg is surrounded by 13th-century walls that have many fully intact gates and watchtowers.

9: Regensburg, Germany

Having escaped major damage during World War II, the picturesque town of Regensburg is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities and the oldest city along the Danube.

10: Passau, Germany

Set at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers, enchanting Passau is home to elegant colored buildings and graceful arcades.

11: Melk, Austria

The charming city of Melk is set amidst an important wine-growing region.

12: Vienna, Austria

The capital city of Austria, Vienna is filled with green parks, upscale stores, theaters and gracious boulevards.

13: Vienna, Austria

Strauss and Mozart composed many fine pieces in Vienna, Europe’s center of classical music.

14: Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is aptly called “Paris of the East” for its beautiful evening illumination and reflected lights in the Danube’s waters.

15: Budapest, Hungary

Riverside beauty, a vibrant cultural scene and elegant Art Nouveau architecture converge in Budapest.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Itinerary sails in both directions; stops are the same for Budapest to Amsterdam but in reverse order.

Offer valid on bookings made from May 1-31, 2024. Onboard Credit is max $300 per person and cannot be refunded for cash, for new to Viking guests only. OBC $100pp for Standard E/F, $200pp for French Balcony or Veranda A/B/C/D, $300pp for Suite AA/ES. Prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Solo travelers higher. Air does not have to be purchased to get cruise/tour offer. All fares reflect cruise taxes, port taxes and fees. Offer expires May 31, 2024.

Air Promo: FREE international airfare based on select Jun/Jul/Aug/Oct/Nov/Dec 2024 & Jul/Aug/Nov 2025 departures of Grand European Tour. Call for details. Air prices are per person based on cruise or cruise tour check-in date and include transfers. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change until full payment of air is received. Airfares vary on other gateways and departures. Air offers not valid on Alaska, Hawaii, San Juan and Mexico City; call for details. 

Nothing Compares to a Viking River Cruise

A river cruise is about more than the destination – it’s the journey. We invite you to take one of our European river cruises or Asia river cruises and see the world in luxury and comfort.

Sailing Europe’s storied rivers, the award-winning Viking Longships offer a variety of stateroom categories and true (two-room) suites with full-size verandas. Onboard amenities include a restaurant, bar and lounge, library and expansive sun deck. The ships feature al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, an elegant Scandinavian design and “green” features, such as solar panels, an onboard organic herb garden and energy-efficient hybrid engines for a remarkably smooth ride.

River cruising is a relaxing, immersive and thoroughly enjoyable form of travel where you can enjoy ever-changing scenery along the banks of waterways such as the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Volga and Yangtze. Unpack just once on an award-winning, state-of-the-art 190-guest Longship and journey into the very heart of iconic cities and charming towns.

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What to Expect on a River Cruise

River cruises are brimming with onboard amenities. Stateroom are most often river-facing, and come equipped with hotel-style beds, private bathrooms, individual climate control, refrigerators, safes and TVs. Higher stateroom categories may have French balconies, verandas, and separate sleeping and sitting quarters. Rooms range from 150 to 600 square feet. Guests receive excellent and personalized service from on board staff. Additionally, ships include restaurants, lounges and bars, as well as free Wi-Fi. Some ships even come equipped with libraries, boutiques, pools and/or sun decks.

Guests are given a choice of dining options, including where and what to eat. Breakfasts can either be enjoyed al fresco or at the morning buffet, while lunches and dinners can be eaten while viewing passing sights or with friends in a common eating area. Open seating is offered, allowing guests to meet new people or enjoy the presence of the same people each day. Cruises offer regional cuisine and use locally sourced ingredients to help with their authenticity. Also common are wine pairings, selected from local tastes to help guests get a closer understanding of a region’s culture.

River cruisers spend more time in the cities, towns and ports along the way. Included shore excursions consist of guided tours that help guests become well-acquainted with the culture, art and history of their destinations. In addition to guided tours, guests can roam freely around local stops or arrange optional shore excursions. There’s always ample opportunity to find something to do in every port, whether it’s visiting an ancient castle, attending a classical concert or enjoying a famous museum.

Who You’ll Be Cruising With

While river cruises can be enjoyed by people of all ages, they generally appeal to people more advanced in age — baby boomers, in particular. Many river cruise lines allow children aboard their ships, although they may have age restrictions in place and usually there isn’t much for kids to do. The makeup of a liner can include people of a wide range of nationalities, but more often than not, guests come from English-speaking countries.

Best Times to Go

Whether you choose to travel in the on-season or the off-season, you’ll be able to gain a deep cultural experience in each of your destinations. In the spring and summer, you may witness local outdoor events and lively activities that only occur during the warmer months of the year. Cooler weather in the fall may mean you’ll run into fewer people in the streets of cities and ports you visit, which will allow you to take your time and get a closer look at sites that interest you without feeling rushed or crowded. And in the winter season, you’ll be delighted by festive Christmas markets and enchanted by the holiday traditions and celebrations of the locals.

What You Should Pack

Given that weather will be variable depending on where your river cruise takes you, bringing along both warm and light clothes is wise. Even during warm months, there is wind on the rivers, so it’s best to plan for layers even if the weather is hot. Additionally, you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking, so bring along comfortable shoes. Lastly, pack some dressier clothes in case you attend a formal event while visiting one of your cruise destinations.

How They Differ from Ocean Cruises

Although river cruises and ocean cruises share a number of similarities, there are also various—and considerable—differences between the two. For one, ocean liners are bigger and offer more stateroom accommodations on average. Appropriately, they’re able to host significantly more guests. The smaller scale of river ships means fewer guests, but more opportunities to get to know fellow travelers, which often lead to lifelong friendships.

In contrast to ocean cruises that may include multiple sea days, you will rarely experience a full day of sailing on a river cruise. Typically, guests will awake each morning to find themselves in a new port. With river cruising, you can also enjoy an ever-changing mural of breathtaking scenery from your ship, so the journey itself becomes part of your discovery.

For those without sea legs, river cruises have the advantage of smooth trekking, shallow waters and the gift of land that’s always in sight. Lastly, most river cruises offer inclusive value, meaning your Wi-Fi, water, alcohol and included excursions are covered in the price. However, ocean cruises tend to offer more upscale amenities, like fitness centers, multiple dining options and a variety of live entertainment.

Who Would Enjoy a River Cruise?

River cruises are great for everyone, especially those desiring a more relaxed and intimate form of travel. Individuals who’ve never stepped foot on a ship before will enjoy the relative ease of a river-bound trip with little chance of seasickness. Furthermore, with a focus on cultural exploration of locations, river cruises are perfect for those with a curiosity about art and history, or a general interest in travel.  Every river is unique and each tells a different story—not only of the countries through which it flows, but also of its locks, canals, scenery and bridges.

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4 reasons why a river cruise is an exceptional travel experience

T he joys of a river cruise are plenty. Whether you are dreaming of sailing down the romantic Danube, historic Seine or vineyard-laced Douro, this exceptional way to travel combines a unique blend of relaxation, culture, and exploration.

What makes Viking river cruises great is their intimate and sociable ambiance. River cruise ships are smaller than ocean ships, which means that you can connect more easily with fellow travellers and enjoy attentive service throughout your journey.

Scenic beauty is unparalleled, too, as you peacefully glide along picturesque rivers, passing through charming towns, taking in the awe-inspiring landscapes.

Plus, once onboard a Viking river cruise you get to unwind in modern, comfortable staterooms with stunning views from your room.

A river cruise journey offers a relaxed, hassle-free way to explore diverse destinations, making it an exceptional travel choice for those seeking a balance of leisure, culture, and captivating views.

Thinking of booking a river cruise? Let’s get into four key reasons why it is such an exceptional travel experience.

1. Ease of travel

One of the great joys of river cruising is that you can visit multiple countries or destinations with ease. There’s no need to navigate foreign roads, train stations or airports, no packing and unpacking and checking in and out of hotels every day. Simply unpack once and wake up in a new destination every day, refreshed and ready to explore.

“As far as ease of travel goes, river trips can’t be beaten. Not having the hassle of constantly having to pack and unpack like you do on long road trips or guided coach tours is a marvellous feeling,” confirms our Australian Women’s Weekly travel editor, Bernard O’Shea.

2. Everything is included

The all-inclusive nature of a river cruise simplifies your travel experience and makes it one of the most cost-effective ways to travel, too.

On Viking, your cruise fare includes transportation between destinations, a river view stateroom, all meals on board with wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, unlimited Wi-Fi, a guided excursion in every port, and more.

Port excursions are led by Viking’s knowledgeable local guides who are passionate about their unique region. From the iconic to the obscure, soak up the culture, art, history and architecture of your destination while gaining an insight into the local way of life. They will often share stories and traditions passed down through their family generations, all insights that you’ll never read in a guidebook.

Food is one of the best ways to experience a destination. On board a Viking cruise, expect world-class chefs who use locally sourced ingredients to prepare meals, regional specialities and everyday classics that are bursting with fresh, local flavours.

On Viking, enjoy personalised service in The Restaurant, or dine al fresco on the Aquavit Terrace – the only outdoor á la carte restaurant on the rivers of Europe.

3. Experience a new destination every day

Sit back, relax and enjoy the ever-changing scenery on board the elegant Viking Longships as they gently carry you into a new destination every day. Because of their size, river ships can dock in the heart of some of the world’s biggest cities as well as the smallest towns, so you are just a short walk from opportunities of discovery.

River cruises prioritise cultural enrichment, providing guided excursions to historical sites and local experiences that deepen your understanding of the regions you visit.

4. Explore your own way

You can choose to do as much or as little as you like on a Viking cruise. Join a range of included and optional excursions, hike a mountain, cycle a valley, explore on your own, or enjoy an afternoon of quiet solitude, the choice is yours.

Discover more about the people, culture, history and cuisine of every destination. On a Viking river cruise you will spend longer in each place and enjoy entertaining talks, cookery demonstrations and lively performances to bring each destination to life back on board.

Laid-back, easy-going, and sociable, that’s the Viking way. There’s no butlers, formal nights or fancy dress, just a relaxed and casual ambience on board a Viking river ship, very much like the kind of guest they attract. Visit Viking to find out more about river cruises.

Europe’s best-kept secrets

7 things to expect on your first river cruise, holiday, scandi style .

The post 4 reasons why a river cruise is an exceptional travel experience appeared first on The Australian Women's Weekly .

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures

Germany River Cruises

Raise a glass of Kölsch to our Rhine, Elbe and Baltic cruises through Germany, where you can discover stunning cathedrals, magnificent riverside castles and the fabled Black Forest. Let Viking immerse you in German history, cultural treasures and famed UNESCO Sites.

Rhine Getaway

• PRICE & BUILD

Grand European Tour

Romantic Danube

Danube Waltz

NEW! Rhine & Main Explorer

Cities of Light

Paris to the Swiss Alps

Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland

• Request a Quote

Elegant Elbe

Holland & Belgium

European Sojourn

Treasures of the Rhine

NEW! Treasures of the Danube

Christmas on the Rhine & Moselle

Christmas on the Main & Moselle

Christmas on the Rhine

Christmas on the Danube

Danube Christmas Delights

Christmas Along the Elbe

Rhine & Viking Shores & Fjords

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Christmas on the Rhine

• From $2,799
• 8 Guided Tours
• 4 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Amsterdam to Basel Basel to Amsterdam

Christmas on the Rhine Map

‘Tis the season to be joyful

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.

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Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Lake Como

From $1,249 | 3 Nights

Pre: Lucerne at Christmas

From $949 | 2 Nights

Pre: Basel at Christmas

From $649 | 2 Nights

Post: Amsterdam

From $749 | 2 Nights

Post: Amsterdam Premium

From $1,249 | 2 Nights

Post: Belgium at Christmas

From $1,049 | 3 Nights

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Investor Relations
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

• Work & Careers
• Life & Arts

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