Highclere Behind the Scenes: Gwyn, “The Butterfly Lady”

Join Karine to meet one of the longest serving residents on the Highclere Castle estate. And join them on a journey of joy and firsts, taking delight in the smaller things in life.

Viking’s 25th Anniversary

Chairman Torstein Hagen marks Viking’s 25th anniversary and reflects on key milestones since the company was founded on August 5, 1997.

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Named #1 for Both Rivers & Oceans

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen thanks our extended Viking family of guests and colleagues, following the July 12, 2022 announcement that Viking has been voted the world’s #1 for both rivers and oceans by Travel + Leisure as well as Condé Nast Traveler. Where do we go next? Onwards.

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Onwards

Viking has been voted the world’s #1 for both rivers and oceans by Travel + Leisure as well as Condé Nast Traveler. Our newest national television commercial, “Onwards,” celebrates these prestigious awards.

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Viking Mississippi Float Out

February 2022. The 386-guest Viking Mississippi® was “floated out” in Louisiana, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Set to debut in summer 2022, the Viking Mississippi will sail Viking’s highly anticipated voyages on the Lower and Upper Mississippi River, between New Orleans and St. Paul.

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Be Curious

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen shares three things his family encouraged while growing up in Norway-kindness, honesty, and hard work. And the fourth that he has come to add over time: be curious.

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Viking Longships Naming Ceremony 2022

During the naming ceremony in Paris, France, Viking welcomed eight new Europe River ships to its award-winning fleet, including 4 purpose-built Viking Longships for the Seine River.

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Welcome Back to the World

We invite you to reawaken your spirit of discovery and celebrate our return to sailing. Join us in exploring the world in comfort…once again.

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Viking: Celebrating Exploration and Growth

First, Viking invented modern river cruising. Then, we reinvented ocean cruising. Now, we are perfecting expedition cruising with journeys to the ends of the earth and closer to home.

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Chairman Torstein Hagen’s Presentation

On January 15, 2020, Chairman Torstein Hagen provided an update on our river and ocean cruise business before officially unveiling the details of Viking Expeditions and our new journeys to the ends of the earth and closer to home.

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Viking 360° Ship Tours

Explore the Scandinavian designed spaces of our award-winning ocean and river ships with our engaging 360° ship tours, which allow you to step into the heart of our vessels virtually from the comfort of home.

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Viking Longships Naming Ceremony 2019

During a festive naming ceremony in Basel, Switzerland, Viking welcomed seven new Europe river ships to its award-winning fleet, including six innovative Viking Longships. Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen is pictured with the ships’ honorary godmothers at the Picasso exhibition at Basel’s Foundation Beyeler museum.

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Top 10 Reasons to Reserve a Viking Longship Suite

Our elegant, award-winning Viking Longships are recognized for their innovative design allowing for river cruising’s first-ever true (two-room) suites. Complete with a full-size veranda, these Viking Suites offer more space and comfort, early check-in, a welcome bottle of champagne and more. Learn more about what the Viking Suite Collection has to offer.

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Are You a First-Time River Cruiser?

There is no more enriching and convenient way to travel than on a Viking river cruise. If you are new to river cruising and would like to know what you can expect, watch this video.

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Viking Longships Tour

With their innovative patented design, al fresco Aquavit Terrace® and understated elegance, Viking Longships provide the most rewarding way to explore Europe. Find out more on this short tour.

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Exploring in Comfort

See what sets Viking apart: daily cultural immersion, opportunities for leisure and relaxation, and events that engage your mind and enliven your spirit.

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Setting a New Standard

Learn about the past and future of Viking and the innovations behind our Viking Longships. Then come explore the great rivers of the world in unprecedented comfort.

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The World of Viking

Immerse yourself in intriguing cultures and awaken your senses. Discover new horizons as you spend more time in port, giving you more opportunities to explore. This is the World of Viking.

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The Viking Experience

Journey through the world’s most exciting destinations with The World’s Leading River Cruise Line.

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Viking Onboard Experience

Tour our stylish ships, designed with understated elegance and comfort in mind. Spacious staterooms, indoor and outdoor dining venues and panoramic views enrich your travel experience.

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Viking Longships: Explorer Suite

The exceptional Explorer Suites on board Viking Longships feature separate sleeping and sitting rooms, a wraparound veranda with 270° views, a French balcony and hotel-style amenities.

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Longship Staterooms

The streamlined Scandinavian design and generous amenities of the staterooms on board Viking Longships create a lovely place to call home while exploring the waterways of Europe. Find out why.

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Viking Mississippi

Inspired by our award-winning river and ocean ships, this new state-of-the-art vessel will feature clean, Scandinavian design and public spaces that are familiar to our guests but have been reimagined for Mississippi River voyages.

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Viking Longships: Innovative Elegance

Our innovative Viking Longships offer full-size verandas and the largest suites on Europe’s rivers. Dine in the restaurant or al fresco on our Aquavit Terrace®, all with panoramic views.

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Time

Viking is proud to showcase our newest national television commercial, “Time,” featuring Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen.

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Advice

Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen as he shares his insights on travel and the benefits of engaging with new cultures.

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The Viking Way

Go beyond the expected and experience The Viking Way. Engage in Local Life, learn about the Working World and enjoy Privileged Access to people and places otherwise difficult to visit.

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Alma Deutscher Performs in Vienna

Once the home of Strauss and Mozart, Vienna is renowned as the music capital of Europe. Now, guests who join us in this elegant city have the chance to enjoy an exclusive performance featuring Alma Deutscher, a young musical prodigy who will conduct classic pieces from great composers—including a few, destined-to-become-classics, of her own. View sailing dates for Viking river cruises during which you may attend Alma Deutscher’s performances in Vienna by visiting almadeutscher.com/viking-dates.

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Discover the British Collections of Ancient Egypt

Enhance your Pharaohs & Pyramids voyage with our British Collections of Ancient Egypt extension, offering Privileged Access to rare Egyptian artifacts and exhibits at the British Museum, Highclere Castle and more.

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Explore Chavenage House, the home from the PBS series “Poldark”

The friendly, very personable, longtime owners of Chavenage House, welcome you into this quintessential English estate, tucked away in the picturesque Cotswolds.

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Tutankhamen and Highclere Castle

Uncover the fascinating history behind the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb by archaeologist Howard Carter and George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, and get an exclusive look at Highclere Castle’s collection of Egyptian relics.

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Explore Britain’s Great Homes, Gardens and Gin

Step inside the iconic British estates well known to PBS viewers, including Highclere Castle, the “real Downton Abbey”; Wolf Hall’s Broughton Castle; and Chavenage House, better known as Trenwith in Poldark. Beyond these impressive homes, learn the story behind the legendary Bombay Sapphire gin at its historic distillery.

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Churchill’s Britain

Discover the remarkable life and times of revered British statesman Sir Winston Churchill. During this 5-night London extension with Viking, gain Privileged Access to Cabinet War Rooms; visit Churchill’s private Chartwell estate and his birthplace at Blenheim Palace; learn how the British broke the Nazis’ secret code at Bletchley Park and much more.

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Romantic Middle Rhine

Experience the majestic stretch of the Rhine River known affectionately as the “Romantic Middle Rhine.” Winding past quaint villages and medieval castles, this idyllic waterway offers a window into the past and unmatched vistas.

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Gothic Cathedrals

Marvel at the ingenuity and ethereal quality of Gothic architecture, a style inspired by a period when religion governed life and epitomized by Europe’s soaring cathedrals from the 12th to 16th centuries.

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The Impressionists

Learn the story of how impressionist paintings by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Degas forever changed the face of the art world and became a symbol of modern French life. Follow these iconic artists’ footsteps on a France river cruise with Viking.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Gwyn, “The Butterfly Lady”

Join Karine to meet one of the longest serving residents on the Highclere Castle estate. And join them on a journey of joy and firsts, taking delight in the smaller things in life.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Pat the Painter

Meet Pat Withers, one of the castle’s favorite, most colorful characters, who came to Highclere as a teenager and never left. As the longest serving staff member at Highclere, she’s worked for three generations of the Carnarvon family.

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At Home at Highclere

Join Karine as she speaks with the Countess of Carnarvon about her new book, At Home at Highclere. Learn about what it is like to live in this stately castle, and its history, delicious food and dedicated staff.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Mike the Beekeeper

Join Karine and Finse as they explore the world of bees with Mike Withers, a thirty-year member of the Highclere staff, whose passion for these hard-working, misunderstood insects spans 60 years.

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Karine Welcomes You to Her Russia

Karine has spent much of her adult life in Russia and remains captivated and entertained by the country and its culture. Come along as she shares her deep love and fascination for this charming country and its people.

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Hermitage Access

Experience St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, the unrivaled art collection of Catherine the Great, as you never imagined: with personalized, after-hours tours by expert curators.

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Eyewitness to History

Karine talks with Vladlen Kuzin, former head of propaganda and director of the Leningrad Documentary Studio, about the part he has played in documenting the culture and history of the former Soviet Union.

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Kommunalka Home Visit

Come inside for a private tour of a typical Soviet Russian home, a kommunalka, a communal apartment like those shared by many Russian families for generations in the post-revolutionary years of the 20th century.

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Moscow by Night

Moscow by night is a dazzling spectacle of illumination. Join Karine on a short tour of the city’s light show, proving this is one of those cities that never sleeps.

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Russian Food: Starters

Here are some specialties Russians might enjoy as a starter to their main meal. From pickled mushrooms to the Salad Olivier, a traditional New Year’s dish, try some for yourself!

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Russian Food: Soups

No Russian meal is complete without homemade soup, a central element of culinary culture. Karine samples two types of borscht, the nationally renowned beet soup, and other tasty dishes.

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Russian Food: Sweets

Russian meals are often topped off with something sweet. Sample some favorite desserts with Karine, from kisel, a red berry soup, to oladi, a thick pancake served with cream and jam.

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Flavors of the Mekong

History, culture and friends—all rolled into one delicious and creative feast. Explore the floating markets along the Mekong Delta and master the culinary art of rolling your very own Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Karine.

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Introducing Viking Mississippi

Welcome to four destination-focused, culturally enriching journeys along the Mississippi River—designed for curious, experienced travelers seeking an in-depth look at the history and heritage of America’s heartland and the soul of the South.

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Sailing through the heart of cities and landscapes with Viking River Cruises, you'll see things differently.

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Sailing through the heart of cities and landscapes with Viking River Cruises, you'll see things differently.

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A Year in Books

Give the gift of knowledge with a special book subscription service from iconic London bookseller Heywood Hill, curator of Viking ships’ onboard libraries.

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America’s Great River

This 15-day cruise from New Orleans to St. Paul (or the reverse) spans the length of the Mississippi River—from the storied Southern Delta to the farmlands of the North—as history unfolds in Vicksburg civil war battlefields, grand riverside estates, and settlement towns of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Along the way, unearth the roots of American music, discover period architecture and enjoy delicious regional cuisine.

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America’s Heartland

This 8-day cruise from St. Louis to St. Paul (or the reverse) visits pristine farms, rolling terrain and steep riverside bluffs along the Upper Mississippi. On one rewarding journey, you will hear stories of westward settlers and learn about Lewis & Clark, Mark Twain and Norwegian immigrants. Experience the diverse cultural treasures that have shaped the river’s banks—from polka, ragtime and folk to Wisconsin cheese and hearty stews.

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Austria’s Göttweig Abbey

Journey to a working baroque abbey where Benedictine monks have worked and worshipped for more than 900 years on a hilltop overlooking the Wachau Valley, following The Rule of St. Benedict.

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Austria’s Hotel Sacher and Torte

Join Karine (and her beloved dog Finse) and step into the spirit of old Europe at Vienna’s iconic Hotel Sacher to learn the story behind the Sachertorte, its legendary handmade cake.

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Bacalhau: Portuguese or Norwegian?

Watch as chef Rui Paula shows Karine his unique nouvelle cuisine twist on bacalhau, the beloved Portuguese national dish that is based on cod, one of Norway’s national fish.

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Beijing Hutongs

To experience an authentic slice of real Chinese life, step into the hidden corners of the hutong alleyways, an ancient maze of traditional courtyard houses linked by narrow corridors.

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Blaye Citadel

Step inside the historic Blaye Citadel with Karine. Louis XIV built this mighty fortress in the 17th century on the banks of the Gironde River to protect Bordeaux from the British.

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Blenheim Palace

Explore the ornate halls of Britain’s Blenheim Palace with Karine. This grand English estate, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, has close ties to the American Vanderbilts and is the seat of the Duke of Marlborough.

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Bordeaux’s Clairet & Rosé Wines

Introduce yourself to some hidden gems of Bordeaux’s world-renowned viniculture. You will learn subtle differences in wine profiles and why the French treasure their bounty each summer.

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Bordeaux’s Prestigious Wines

Venture into the fascinating world of Bordeaux winemaking with Karine. Meet a renowned Master of Wine and learn about regional favorites from local experts.

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Bordeaux’s Sublime Wines

Join Karine as she delves into the essence of Bordeaux’s most popular red and white wines with a local expert, learning some secrets of summoning a wine’s character along the way.

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Camus Cognac: A Bordeaux Favorite

Go behind this famous brand to meet the head of the house of Camus. Hear the story of its logo and learn the family philosophy that has guided the company for five generations.

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Canals of St. Petersburg

Join Karine and discover why majestic St. Petersburg is known as the “Venice of the North” during a tour of the city’s vast network of canals and bridges.

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Celebrating 24 Years of Exploration

In 1997, we began with four river ships in Russia. Today, as our fleet of river, ocean and expedition ships expands across the globe, we remain committed to exploring the world in comfort.

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Châteaux, Rivers & Wine

This 8-day cruise from Bordeaux to Bordeaux (roundtrip) sails the Gironde, Dordogne and Garonne Rivers to a land of castles and vineyards, where you will have opportunities to sample fine wines, cognac and truffles.

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Chinese Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Mandarin words and phrases with Jessica, your Viking tutor. Nĭ hăo!

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Chinese Medicine

For millennia, the Chinese have balanced their energy with tai chi, acupuncture, herbal medicine and more. Join Karine and learn more about their approach to healthy living.

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Chinese Porcelain

Join Karine as she learns about the history of Chinese porcelain, an art form created during the Han Dynasty and shaped by artisans from the Song, Ming and other dynasties.

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Chinese Superstitions

Why do many Chinese office buildings lack a fourth floor? What color attracts prosperity? Join Karine and learn about some of China’s time-honored beliefs.

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Christening Highlights 2014

Learn how Viking earned the Guinness World Records title for “Most Ships Inaugurated in One Day by One Company,” an event that unfolded in Amsterdam, Rostock and Avignon.

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Christmas Along the Elbe

This 10-day itinerary from Prague to Berlin (or the reverse) introduces the festive, time-honored holiday traditions of Christmas markets—all while showcasing the cultural heritage and history born along the Elbe.

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Christmas Markets

Witness the beauty, romance and spirit of the holidays come alive at Europe’s colorful Christmas markets when you join Viking on a festive river cruise during November or December.

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Cities of Light

This 12-day journey from Paris to Prague (or the reverse) celebrates Europe’s most luminous ports along Europe’s most iconic rivers: the winding Moselle; the Rhine, lined with castles and fortresses; and the meandering Main.

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Cooking with Karine: A German Treat

Join Karine for a private cooking lesson with pastry chef Joanna Hajn, who teaches her student how to make a German holiday favorite: a tasty gingerbread house.

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Cooking with Karine: Bratwurst

Taste a variety of German delicacies with Karine in Nuremberg’s medieval district, and learn some of the best side dishes to go with them, perhaps paired with a local brew.

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Cooking with Karine: Bread

Dona Manuela’s family has been making its famous Portuguese bread for centuries. Join Karine as Dona Manuela teaches her how to prepare this beloved delicacy celebrated the world over.

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Cooking with Karine: Gingerbread

Join Karine as she learns the art of making gingerbread at Passau’s Café Simon, established more than 100 years ago. Sample some on our late fall cruises along Europe’s great rivers.

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Cooking with Karine: Goulash

Explore Budapest’s Great Market Hall and learn how to make goulash, Hungary’s rich, hearty dish seasoned with paprika and packed with flavor.

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Cooking with Karine: In the Galley

Ever wonder what goes on in your river ship’s galley? Take a look inside the kitchen at the peak of mealtime as Karine dons an apron and joins the ranks of our talented crew.

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Cooking with Karine: Noodles

Watch as onboard Viking Chef Fong gives Karine a hands-on lesson that reveals some traditional culinary secrets that go into preparing the world’s finest noodles.

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Cooking with Karine: Prague Duck

Watch as Kampa Park’s executive chef Marek Raditsch prepares this regional dish. In Prague, you might visit this world-famous restaurant, next to Charles Bridge on the Vltava River.

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Cooking with Karine: Steak Bordelaise

Join Karine as she learns the secrets of preparing Steak Bordelaise, Bordeaux’s celebrated and classic dish, with local gourmand, chef Georges Gotrand.

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Croatian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Croatian words and phrases with Ivana, your Viking tutor. Živjeli!

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Danube Waltz

This 8-day itinerary from Passau to Budapest (or the reverse) takes you through Europe’s most enchanting countries along the storied Danube River, stopping to explore cultural capitals and fairy-tale villages along the way.

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D-Day at Normandy

Meet Robert Allen, a World War II veteran who bravely came ashore at Normandy . . . then returned with Viking, sharing some of his memories with us.

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Dishing with Julia Child

Starting in 1963, Julia Child and The French Chef series taught a nation how to cook well, eat well and drink well. Now, today’s chefs share insightful, funny and personal comments in appreciation of the first lady of cooking. Viking is proud to be a supporter of PBS and its delightful new program, Dishing with Julia Child. Bon appétit!

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Dutch Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Dutch words and phrases with Johan, your Viking tutor. Proost!

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Elegant Elbe

This 10-day cruisetour from Berlin to Prague (or the reverse) highlights the wonders of East Germany, Saxon Switzerland and the Czech Republic along the Elbe, one of Europe’s loveliest, most unspoiled rivers.

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European Sojourn

This 23-day journey from Amsterdam to Bucharest (or the reverse) combines the Grand European Tour cruise with the Passage to Eastern Europe itinerary for an unparalleled voyage visiting eight fascinating countries.

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Explore Europe with Viking

Sail Europe’s picturesque waterways in elegant comfort with Viking. Ranging from 7 to 23 days, our itineraries offer a wealth of unforgettable journeys across the continent.

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Explore: Amsterdam

Discover Amsterdam’s scenic canals, charming flower markets and enriching Museum Quarter, where you can admire van Gogh’s artwork and masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age.

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Explore: Berlin

Experience a vibrant city that is always reinventing itself. See iconic Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall and the Reichstag, an architectural masterpiece. Stroll around Museum Island or go shopping in the Mitte District.

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Explore: Budapest

Explore the beauty of Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube,” with Karine highlighting the city’s top attractions: Fisherman’s Bastion, Great Market Hall, Heroes’ Square and more.

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Explore: Paris

Discover the magical “City of Light.” Visit the Shakespeare & Co. bookstore, a literary haven on Paris’s Left Bank; stroll the Champs-Élysées; and admire the priceless works of the Louvre. Be sure to stop for a cup of coffee in the St. Germain district.

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Videos

Videos

Highclere Behind the Scenes: Gwyn, “The Butterfly Lady”

Related Itineraries

Cities of Light

Paris to the Swiss Alps

Grand European Tour

Rhine Getaway

Paris & the Heart of Normandy

Viking’s 25th Anniversary

Named #1 for Both Rivers & Oceans

Onwards

Viking Mississippi Float Out

Be Curious

Viking Longships Naming Ceremony 2022

Welcome Back to the World

Viking: Celebrating Exploration and Growth

Chairman Torstein Hagen’s Presentation

Viking 360° Ship Tours

Viking Longships Naming Ceremony 2019

Top 10 Reasons to Reserve a Viking Longship Suite

Are You a First-Time River Cruiser?

Viking Longships Tour

Exploring in Comfort

Setting a New Standard

The World of Viking

The Viking Experience

Viking Onboard Experience

Viking Longships: Explorer Suite

Longship Staterooms

Viking Mississippi

Viking Longships: Innovative Elegance

Time

Advice

The Viking Way

Alma Deutscher Performs in Vienna

Discover the British Collections of Ancient Egypt

Explore Chavenage House, the home from the PBS series “Poldark”

Tutankhamen and Highclere Castle

Explore Britain’s Great Homes, Gardens and Gin

Churchill’s Britain

Romantic Middle Rhine

Gothic Cathedrals

The Impressionists

Highclere Behind the Scenes: Gwyn, “The Butterfly Lady”

Highclere Behind the Scenes: Pat the Painter

At Home at Highclere

Highclere Behind the Scenes: Mike the Beekeeper

Karine Welcomes You to Her Russia

Hermitage Access

Eyewitness to History

Kommunalka Home Visit

Moscow by Night

Russian Food: Starters

Russian Food: Soups

Russian Food: Sweets

Flavors of the Mekong

Introducing Viking Mississippi

30-second TV ad

60-second TV ad

A Year in Books

America’s Great River

America’s Heartland

Austria’s Göttweig Abbey

Austria’s Hotel Sacher and Torte

Bacalhau: Portuguese or Norwegian?

Beijing Hutongs

Blaye Citadel

Blenheim Palace

Bordeaux’s Clairet & Rosé Wines

Bordeaux’s Prestigious Wines

Bordeaux’s Sublime Wines

Camus Cognac: A Bordeaux Favorite

Canals of St. Petersburg

Celebrating 24 Years of Exploration

Châteaux, Rivers & Wine

Chinese Language Lesson

Chinese Medicine

Chinese Porcelain

Chinese Superstitions