![](\"https:\/\/mms.businesswire.com\/media\/20260605500367\/en\/2824897\/5\/Torstein-Hagen-Window-Zeppelin-Cologne.jpg\")
<\/a><\/a>![](\"https:\/\/mms.businesswire.com\/media\/20260605500367\/en\/2824896\/5\/VIKING_logo-color_%281%29.jpg\"){kind=logo}
<\/a><\/a>\n\u201cEurope remains a favorite destination for our guests\u2014particularly those interested in experiencing a river voyage for the first time,\u201d said Torstein Hagen, Executive Chairman of Viking. \u201cAs we continue to expand our offerings in Europe, we are pleased to introduce new experiences that allow our guests to engage with their destination in the Viking way\u2014through local food, culture and traditions, or even from the air in a Zeppelin.\u201d<\/p>
\nNew Shore Excursions<\/b><\/p>
\nBeginning in the 2026 season, Viking has added to its extensive shore excursion offerings with a collection of experiences for its Rhine, Danube, Seine and Elbe river itineraries. Highlights of the new excursions include:<\/p>
- \n
- \nZeppelin Flight Over the Ruhr Valley<\/i><\/b><\/a> \u2013 Board a Zeppelin airship to view the picturesque Ruhr Valley from a new perspective. Drive to Essen\/M\u00fclheim Airport, where your Zeppelin awaits. First conceived in 1893 by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, these remarkable airships became a popular mode of travel during the early 20th-century. Take in stunning views as the Zeppelin gently ascends to just over 1,000 feet. Glide through the air over lush forests and Lake Baldeney, watching as the landscape unfolds beneath you. Soar above the Ruhr Valley, once Germany\u2019s economic powerhouse, and see the Zeche Zollverein\u2014a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the \u201cEiffel Tower of the Ruhr\u201d\u2014before returning to the airport. (Available on select Rhine River itineraries.)<\/li>\n
- \nZeppelin Flight Over Cologne<\/i><\/b><\/a> \u2013 Take flight on a Zeppelin airship and enjoy a bird\u2019s-eye view of Cologne\u2019s striking monuments. Drive to the Bonn-Hangelar Airfield, where your Zeppelin awaits. As you settle into your seat, the airship will slowly ascend to its cruising altitude of 1,000 feet. Glide through the sky above the Rhineland, watching as the landscape unfolds beneath you. Soar over Cologne, seeing its Trade Fair complex and the Lanxess arena. Follow the arches of the Hohenzollern Bridge to the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO-listed site and an impressive example of Gothic architecture. On your return, you will spot Cologne\u2019s modern landmarks, including the Musical Dome and the Mediapark, before descending. (Available on select Rhine River itineraries.)<\/li>\n
- \nDinner at Nikolaihof Winery<\/i><\/b><\/a> \u2013 Visit Austria\u2019s Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned region to explore Nikolaihof Winery, one of the oldest wineries in Austria. Learn how it was one of the first in Europe to implement a biodynamic process and visit its cellar, where you can see its oak wine barrels and sample some of its wine. Finally, sit down for a dinner of seasonal dishes made from locally sourced game and produce, some of it grown right on the winery\u2019s grounds. (Available on select Danube River itineraries.)<\/li>\n
- \nD\u00fcrnstein on Foot & Local Dinner<\/i><\/b><\/a> \u2013 Explore D\u00fcrnstein, a town that dates to the 12th<\/sup> century, on a guided walking tour through its historic streets to learn about its rich history including the castle\u2019s 13th<\/sup>-century construction and connection to Richard the Lionheart, followed by a dinner at Alte Klosterkeller, a former monastery cellar, to enjoy regional dishes paired with local wine. (Available on select Danube River itineraries.)<\/li>\n
- \nSights & Flavors of Belgrade<\/i><\/b><\/a> <\/b>\u2013 Take in the sights of Belgrade as you visit a local market and join a cooking class to prepare your own lunch. Set off with your guide on a drive through the city to see some of its most iconic sights. Visit the Kaleni\u0107 Market, Belgrade\u2019s largest open-air market, where you can stroll through stalls and purchase ingredients for your upcoming cooking class where you will prepare and enjoy traditional Serbian dishes. (Available on select Danube River itineraries.)<\/li>\n
- \nRed Stone Castle & Wine Tasting<\/i><\/b><\/a> <\/i>\u2013 Discover the heart of Slovakian wine country with a visit to the picturesque Little Carpathians and the well\u2011preserved Red Stone Castle, a former 16th\u2011century fortress transformed into an aristocratic residence. Explore its grand interiors and cellar complex before visiting a local winery to sample the region\u2019s specialty white wines. (Available on select Danube River itineraries.)<\/li>\n
- \nSights and Tastes of Rouen<\/i><\/b><\/a> \u2013 Explore Rouen during the Christmas season and discover some of its iconic landmarks and taste the local fare. Begin at the Rouen Cathedral, a structure that has evolved over 800 years and features a blend of early Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. Learn the history of the area in the Old Market Square, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Pause at various boulangeries<\/i> and patisseries<\/i> to sample local treats and take in the atmosphere of Rouen\u2019s caf\u00e9 culture. (Available on the Christmastime in Paris & Normandy<\/i><\/a> itinerary.)<\/li>\n
- \nFlavors of Berlin<\/i><\/b><\/a> \u2013 Experience Berlin during the Christmas season, sampling the flavors of Germany\u2019s capital city. With your guide, visit some of the city\u2019s culinary institutions. At Lindner, the city\u2019s renowned fine foods shop celebrated for its house-made butter, you will enjoy a taste of Berliner Boulette<\/i>\u2014a flat meatball flavored with onions\u2014along with other delicacies. Admire Berlin\u2019s colorful street art en route to EAT Berlin, located amid a network of picturesque art nouveau courtyards. Local cheeses, mustards, pestos (sauces) and more are sold here, with lots of items to sample. At the popular Curry 61, order currywurst, a city favorite. No food tour of Berlin would be complete without a taste of traditional coffee and cake from one of the city\u2019s many caf\u00e9s. (Available on the Christmas Along the Elbe<\/i><\/a> <\/i>itinerary.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>
\nNew Small Group Experiences<\/b><\/p>
\nBeginning in 2026, Viking has also introduced new Small Group Experiences across select European river itineraries, offering guests even more intimate and immersive ways to explore iconic landmarks and local culture, including:<\/p>
- \n
- \nSmall Group Experience: The Palace of Versailles<\/i><\/b><\/a> <\/i><\/b>\u2013 Discover the opulence and grandeur of Versailles during a more intimate guided visit to the famed palace and gardens, learning about the history, art and legacy of French royalty.<\/li>\n
- \nSmall Group Experience: Sch\u00f6nbrunn Palace <\/i><\/b><\/a>\u2013 Explore Vienna\u2019s magnificent Sch\u00f6nbrunn Palace in a small group setting and uncover the history of the Habsburg dynasty while admiring the palace\u2019s lavish rooms and landscaped grounds.<\/li>\n
- \nSmall Group Experience: \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov on Foot<\/i><\/b><\/a> \u2013 <\/i>Step into the Bohemia of old during a small group guided stroll through the Czech Republic\u2019s fairy-tale town.<\/li>\n
- \nSmall Group Experience: Medieval Village of Colmar<\/i><\/b><\/a> \u2013 Stroll through the charming Alsatian village of Colmar alongside a small group as you explore its cobblestone streets, half-timbered homes and picturesque canals steeped in medieval history.<\/li>\n
- \nSmall Group Experience: Picturesque Bratislava <\/i><\/b><\/a>\u2013 Experience the highlights of Slovakia\u2019s capital during a small group exploration of Bratislava\u2019s historic old town, baroque architecture and local culture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
\nNew Pre and Post Land Extensions<\/b><\/p>
\nViking also announced new fully guided land extensions beginning in 2026 and 2027, which can be added before or after river voyage itineraries to offer guests deeper immersion in Italy, France, Croatia, Slovenia, Belgium and the Netherlands. Highlights of the new land extensions include:<\/p>
- \n
- \nNEW in 2026<\/i> St. Moritz, Lombardy & Alpine Train<\/i><\/a><\/b> \u2013 Board the Bernina Express for a stunning rail journey along a UNESCO World Heritage Site route through the majestic Alps and Northern Italy. Explore the old town of Chur and admire striking views from atop an alpine mountain in St. Moritz. Experience Milan, the cultural center of Northern Italy.<\/li>\n
- \nNEW in 2026<\/i> Croatia & Slovenia<\/i><\/a><\/b> \u2013 Experience the vibrant cultures of Slovenia and Croatia. In Ljubljana, explore the city and visit scenic Lake Bled and charming Radovljica. Walk the streets of Zagreb\u2019s medieval old town and visit the stately Festetics Palace in Keszthely on a journey that blends history and picturesque landscapes.<\/li>\n
- \nNEW in 2026<\/i> Best of Belgium<\/i><\/a><\/b> <\/i>\u2013 Experience the rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant culture of Belgium during visits to three of its most captivating cities. Immerse yourself in the picturesque UNESCO-listed charms of Brussels and medieval Bruges, and explore bustling Antwerp, Europe's renowned diamond capital.<\/li>\n
- \nNEW in 2026<\/i> Best of Holland<\/i><\/a><\/b> \u2013 Discover Holland\u2019s rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty and iconic sights. Explore Delft\u2019s Royal Dutch Delftware Manufactory and Gouda\u2019s historic sites, and partake in a stroopwafel<\/i> workshop. See The Hague\u2019s landmarks and admire the masterpieces on display at the Mauritshuis Museum and Rijksmuseum.<\/li>\n
- \nNEW in 2027<\/i> Turin & Barolo<\/i><\/a><\/b> <\/i>\u2013 Discover Turin, Italy\u2019s first capital, renowned for its elegant Baroque architecture, vibrant piazzas and Piedmont wines. Visit Alba, the gateway to the Langhe Wine Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore Chamb\u00e9ry, the historic seat of the Dukes of Savoy.<\/li>\n
- \nNEW in 2027<\/i> Seville & Cordoba<\/i><\/a> <\/b>\u2013 Uncover the spirit of southern Spain, where Moorish and Roman legacies create a rich cultural tapestry. Discover Seville\u2019s architecture at its stately cathedral. Visit the royal Alc\u00e1zar palace and C\u00f3rdoba\u2019s Mosque-Cathedral, two of the region\u2019s impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
\nOberammergau Passion Play 2030<\/b><\/p>
\nAdditionally, Viking will return to Bavaria in 2030 with its Oberammergau Passion Play 2030<\/i><\/a> and is now accepting sign-ups for guests interested in learning more once departures are officially open for booking. Viking has been privileged to host guests for this cherished event since 2010 and is the #1 North American partner of the Passion Play organizers. This long-standing relationship allows Viking to plan years ahead and to integrate the Passion Play seamlessly into thoughtfully designed itineraries.<\/p>
\nBooking Details<\/b><\/p>
\nFrom now through June 30, 2026, Viking\u2019s Summer Sale offers North American travelers reduced fares and up to free international airfare on select all-inclusive river, ocean and expedition itineraries\u2014and a $25 deposit for all itineraries. Call Viking toll-free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel advisor for details.<\/p>
\nAbout Viking\n
- \nNEW in 2026<\/i> Croatia & Slovenia<\/i><\/a><\/b> \u2013 Experience the vibrant cultures of Slovenia and Croatia. In Ljubljana, explore the city and visit scenic Lake Bled and charming Radovljica. Walk the streets of Zagreb\u2019s medieval old town and visit the stately Festetics Palace in Keszthely on a journey that blends history and picturesque landscapes.<\/li>\n
- \nSmall Group Experience: Sch\u00f6nbrunn Palace <\/i><\/b><\/a>\u2013 Explore Vienna\u2019s magnificent Sch\u00f6nbrunn Palace in a small group setting and uncover the history of the Habsburg dynasty while admiring the palace\u2019s lavish rooms and landscaped grounds.<\/li>\n
- \nZeppelin Flight Over Cologne<\/i><\/b><\/a> \u2013 Take flight on a Zeppelin airship and enjoy a bird\u2019s-eye view of Cologne\u2019s striking monuments. Drive to the Bonn-Hangelar Airfield, where your Zeppelin awaits. As you settle into your seat, the airship will slowly ascend to its cruising altitude of 1,000 feet. Glide through the sky above the Rhineland, watching as the landscape unfolds beneath you. Soar over Cologne, seeing its Trade Fair complex and the Lanxess arena. Follow the arches of the Hohenzollern Bridge to the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO-listed site and an impressive example of Gothic architecture. On your return, you will spot Cologne\u2019s modern landmarks, including the Musical Dome and the Mediapark, before descending. (Available on select Rhine River itineraries.)<\/li>\n