CRUISE GPS
Voyages for the Curious
Viking’s European river voyages are crafted for rich exploration, education, and enjoyment.
CRUISE GPS
Voyages for the Curious
Viking’s European river voyages are crafted for rich exploration, education, and enjoyment.
With its journeys down Europe’s rivers, each Viking itinerary is thoughtfully designed to pay homage to the continent’s storied rivers, celebrated ports, and local traditions. While you can expect to expand your palate and your culinary understanding with every journey, we’ve selected a few extra-special ways to experience the food and culture along Europe’s glorious waterways.

The Culinary Scene
On the Rhine Getaway, wander through Strasbourg’s local markets and sample regional specialties including fine chocolates, pralines, and kugelhopf cake. You can also spend time with a resident chef and learn to make flammkuchen, Germany’s version of pizza. Be sure to take notes as a sommelier explains how to perfectly pair French wines with your newly created dish and other local foods.
On the Grand European Tour, visit Budapest’s Grand Market Hall—the oldest and largest indoor market in the city—and taste a dizzying array of bread, meat, wine, honey, and strudel. While there, be sure to tip your hat to German tradition by making weisswurst from scratch. As for the Danube Waltz itinerary, try some of Slovakia’s best beers in a medieval pub. If you’d rather make dumplings—perhaps with your dumpling—pay a visit to Austria’s revered monastic center, Göttweig Abbey, during your Romantic Danube voyage.

The Culture Scene
While Viking’s itineraries are full of culinary delights, they’re also brimming with amazing cultural experiences. During your visit to Göttweig Abbey, climb the Imperial Staircase, which is one of the largest baroque staircases in the world. And don’t forget to look up! It’s crowned by a massively spectacular fresco. In Budapest, the Gothic glory is on full display from the top of Castle Hill, where you’ll find the sprawling Buda Castle. First constructed in the 13th century, it was the residence of Hungary’s kings for almost 700 years.
As for Vienna, it’s the epicenter of classical music and known as the “City of Waltzes.” Take in an enchanting musical performance by the renowned Alma Deutscher at the illustrious Wiener Konzerthaus, the stage for the world’s best orchestras and star soloists. While in port, you might be inspired to don your dancing shoes and learn the steps to this traditional ballroom dance—best experienced after a visit to Mozart’s Vienna apartment. If horseback riding is more your style, you’ll have access to an exclusive tour of the Spanish Riding School. The internationally renowned equine institution is home to the Lipizzaner stallions, Europe’s oldest horse breed.
With the belief that travel should be a doorway to cultural insight and personal enrichment, each Viking itinerary helps you explore and engage with your destination through its food, culture, countryside and customs, offering experiences created for curious travelers.
Navigate the world’s rivers with Viking.

With its journeys down Europe’s rivers, each Viking itinerary is thoughtfully designed to pay homage to the continent’s storied rivers, celebrated ports, and local traditions. While you can expect to expand your palate and your culinary understanding with every journey, we’ve selected a few extra-special ways to experience the food and culture along Europe’s glorious waterways.

The Culinary Scene
On the Rhine Getaway, wander through Strasbourg’s local markets and sample regional specialties including fine chocolates, pralines, and kugelhopf cake. You can also spend time with a resident chef and learn to make flammkuchen, Germany’s version of pizza. Be sure to take notes as a sommelier explains how to perfectly pair French wines with your newly created dish and other local foods.
On the Grand European Tour, visit Budapest’s Grand Market Hall—the oldest and largest indoor market in the city—and taste a dizzying array of bread, meat, wine, honey, and strudel. While there, be sure to tip your hat to German tradition by making weisswurst from scratch. As for the Danube Waltz itinerary, try some of Slovakia’s best beers in a medieval pub. If you’d rather make dumplings—perhaps with your dumpling—pay a visit to Austria’s revered monastic center, Göttweig Abbey, during your Romantic Danube voyage.

The Culture Scene
While Viking’s itineraries are full of culinary delights, they’re also brimming with amazing cultural experiences. During your visit to Göttweig Abbey, climb the Imperial Staircase, which is one of the largest baroque staircases in the world. And don’t forget to look up! It’s crowned by a massively spectacular fresco. In Budapest, the Gothic glory is on full display from the top of Castle Hill, where you’ll find the sprawling Buda Castle. First constructed in the 13th century, it was the residence of Hungary’s kings for almost 700 years.
As for Vienna, it’s the epicenter of classical music and known as the “City of Waltzes.” Take in an enchanting musical performance by the renowned Alma Deutscher at the illustrious Wiener Konzerthaus, the stage for the world’s best orchestras and star soloists. While in port, you might be inspired to don your dancing shoes and learn the steps to this traditional ballroom dance—best experienced after a visit to Mozart’s Vienna apartment. If horseback riding is more your style, you’ll have access to an exclusive tour of the Spanish Riding School. The internationally renowned equine institution is home to the Lipizzaner stallions, Europe’s oldest horse breed.
With the belief that travel should be a doorway to cultural insight and personal enrichment, each Viking itinerary helps you explore and engage with your destination through its food, culture, countryside and customs, offering experiences created for curious travelers.
Navigate the world’s rivers with Viking.

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Hi there! I'm Laurie Holden!! Before you get to hear about Holden Family Travel, let me tell you a few things about myself.
I am...
Married to Doug for 40 years.
Mom to Matt and Brittany.
Mother-in-law to Nick and Heather.
Nana to Liam, Winnie, Mia and Jane!!
Fun Facts -
I began in the travel industry, working for a local travel agency focusing on Disney.
Travel is my third career. I worked as a nurse until my daughter was born, a daycare provider while raising my kids, and now a travel agent. I think taking care of people is in my blood!
We lived in Germany and traveled to many European countries.
I am a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees!!
I have an adorable and quirky mini golden-doodle named Mo.
Since Holden Family Travel's inception, I have worked closely with wonderful travelers, helping to bring clarity and expertise to the planning process. By taking away my client's "overwhelm," they are freed up to have wildly successful and altogether delightful ...