POINT OF VIEW
Opulent Aqua
Adventures
Opulent Aqua Adventures
Experience a new side of Europe with Viking’s best-in-class river journeys.
Travelers are seeking out more intimate and culturally immersive experiences—which is one reason why small-ship river journeys are on the rise. In 2024, for the second year in a row, Viking swept Condé Nast Traveler’s “World’s Best” awards, with readers naming it the number-one in each of the Oceans, Rivers, and Expeditions cruise categories. The staff’s dedication and meticulous attention to detail are a few favorite features—along with these five reasons to sail with Viking on its European itineraries through France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, and the Netherlands.
1. That sought-after “small ship” experience
Viking ships are designed to access smaller ports, bringing travelers closer to the heart of each destination. And with no more than 190 guests per ship, travel is luxuriously intimate and comfortable. With the freedom of open-seating dining arrangements, enjoy a cocktail and admire the spectacular scenery in a spacious, light-filled stateroom or dinner al fresco on the Aquavit Terrace as the ship gently navigates past windmill-dotted waterways of Holland from Amsterdam to Budapest on Grand European Tour, or the turreted medieval castles along the UNESCO-protected Middle Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam on the Rhine Getaway.
2. Inclusive pricing
Viking’s all-inclusive approach is customized to make travel luxuriously seamless and carefree, with Wi-Fi, wine, beer, and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner, and port fees and taxes built into the fare. Itineraries include one complimentary shore excursions at every port, inviting travelers to discover not only Europe’s must-sees but also its lesser-known marvels. Inclusive pricing removes any worries about hidden fees so the focus is spent on incredible experiences, from a wine tasting in Alsace’s terraced vineyards that date to Roman times, to a lesson in dumpling-making with Wachau Valley apricots.
3. Thoughtful, curated experiences
Onboard programming provides cultural and historical context designed to enrich the journey for thoughtful travelers. Curious guests can, for example, dig into Nuremberg’s WWII history in an expert historian’s lecture before exploring its art and cuisine on shore.
4. Destination-driven culinary excursions
Dining with Viking is meant to be a cultural exploration in itself, with menus inspired by local ingredients and traditions. Pair Austrian schnitzel not only with Wachau Valley wines, but also with sweeping views of the region’s verdant hillsides.
5. Stress-free travel and ease
Having to unpack just once, guests explore destinations across the continent, and rest easy knowing the details are already in place. With thoughtful attention from their Swiss-trained, English speaking staff, Viking’s award winning service provides warm hospitality to guests, ensuring everyone feels at home onboard.
Discover the world of Viking.
POINT OF VIEW
Opulent Aqua
Adventures
Opulent Aqua Adventures
Experience a new side of Europe with Viking’s best-in-class river journeys.
Travelers are seeking out more intimate and culturally immersive experiences—which is one reason why small-ship river journeys are on the rise. In 2024, for the second year in a row, Viking swept Condé Nast Traveler’s “World’s Best” awards, with readers naming it the number-one in each of the Oceans, Rivers, and Expeditions cruise categories. The staff’s dedication and meticulous attention to detail are a few favorite features—along with these five reasons to sail with Viking on its European itineraries through France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, and the Netherlands.
1. That sought-after “small ship” experience
Viking ships are designed to access smaller ports, bringing travelers closer to the heart of each destination. And with no more than 190 guests per ship, travel is luxuriously intimate and comfortable. With the freedom of open-seating dining arrangements, enjoy a cocktail and admire the spectacular scenery in a spacious, light-filled stateroom or dinner al fresco on the Aquavit Terrace as the ship gently navigates past windmill-dotted waterways of Holland from Amsterdam to Budapest on Grand European Tour, or the turreted medieval castles along the UNESCO-protected Middle Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam on the Rhine Getaway.
2. Inclusive pricing
Viking’s all-inclusive approach is customized to make travel luxuriously seamless and carefree, with Wi-Fi, wine, beer, and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner, and port fees and taxes built into the fare. Itineraries include one complimentary shore excursions at every port, inviting travelers to discover not only Europe’s must-sees but also its lesser-known marvels. Inclusive pricing removes any worries about hidden fees so the focus is spent on incredible experiences, from a wine tasting in Alsace’s terraced vineyards that date to Roman times, to a lesson in dumpling-making with Wachau Valley apricots.
3. Thoughtful, curated experiences
Onboard programming provides cultural and historical context designed to enrich the journey for thoughtful travelers. Curious guests can, for example, dig into Nuremberg’s WWII history in an expert historian’s lecture before exploring its art and cuisine on shore.
4. Destination-driven culinary excursions
Dining with Viking is meant to be a cultural exploration in itself, with menus inspired by local ingredients and traditions. Pair Austrian schnitzel not only with Wachau Valley wines, but also with sweeping views of the region’s verdant hillsides.
5. Stress-free travel and ease
Having to unpack just once, guests explore destinations across the continent, and rest easy knowing the details are already in place. With thoughtful attention from their Swiss-trained, English speaking staff, Viking’s award winning service provides warm hospitality to guests, ensuring everyone feels at home onboard.
Discover the world of Viking.
MORE STORIES
What to Read Next
What to Read Next
Room Key
Surpass the norm with our Hotels & Resorts Collection’s top-notch amenities and perks.
View Finder
Celebrity Cruises brings travelers up close and personal with nature’s best.
Destination GPS
The Dominican Republic serves up beach, jungle, and savory culinary experiences.
With 27 years of travel & tourism industry experience, Monica Arun is the Founder & Destination specialist at Globetrotter LLC.
She is a tourism board certified Hawaii & Alaska destination expert as well as Lindblad Expedition National Geographic specialist. She has traveled to Europe, Canada, Bahamas, South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Qatar, Dubai, India, Hongkong-Macau and USA.
Her customer centric approach, knowledge of multiple destinations, expertise in the travel industry and an eye for detail, makes her the perfect go-to person in planning memorable holidays.
An ardent travel enthusiast herself, Monica brings down her expertise in planning and booking travel for people who love to explore. Owing to her diligent attitude and unrivaled customer service, Monica has garnered herself a lot of appreciation and acknowledgment not only from her customers, but also across different media platforms. The Story Exchange, an award-winning m ...