Russian Superstitions

Why do Russians avoid shaking hands over a doorway’s threshold? Or sit on their luggage before departing on a journey? See some of the unusual ways good fortune is ensured in Russia.

Russia

Russian Superstitions

Why do Russians avoid shaking hands over a doorway’s threshold? Or sit on their luggage before departing on a journey? See some of the unusual ways good fortune is ensured in Russia.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

A Russian Hero

Meet Mikhail Bobrov, the “Most Honored Citizen of St. Petersburg.” The legendary Russian adventurer stopped Nazi warplanes and saved countless lives during the siege of Leningrad by putting his own life on the line.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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!

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

Hermitage Cats

Since 1747, a stealthy army of cats has protected the treasures of St. Petersburg’s famed Hermitage Museum from rodents. Karine heads into the museum’s basement to seek them out.

NOW PLAYING

Uglich Home Visit

Come with Karine to the Golden Ring city of Uglich along the Volga River. Here, you will step inside the home of babushka Nadya, who raises a glass to good health, prosperity and love.

NOW PLAYING

Red Flag Factory

Visit a former Soviet icon soon to be reborn as a business, arts and cultural center. See fascinating footage of this architectural gem’s past as a factory where uniforms were made.

NOW PLAYING

The Russian Banya

Visit a peaceful lakeside banya in the Russian countryside. This sauna-like retreat keeps the body healthy with its mix of hot and cold temperatures and all-natural skin treatments.

NOW PLAYING

The Russian Ballet

Ballet is virtually synonymous with Russia. This inspiring art form began as entertainment for the royal court in the mid-1700s. Learn why it remains so celebrated around the world.

NOW PLAYING

The Russian Dacha

Thanks to the Soviet days’ emphasis on getting back to the land, most Russian city dwellers also have a country house, or dacha. Join Karine as she visits one for an insider’s look.

NOW PLAYING

Russian Market Tour

Share in Karine’s sensory experiences at a traditional Russian farmers’ market, where vibrant fruits and vegetables, baked goods and artisanal honey please the eye, and the palate.

NOW PLAYING

Travel to Russia with Viking

With Viking, you will visit Russia’s great cities; sail the Volga, Svir and Neva Rivers and through Lake Onega and Lake Ladoga; and explore charming Golden Ring cities.

NOW PLAYING

Russian Sirniki

Join your host Karine for a private cooking lesson with Chef Josef Fleissner and learn how to make Sirniki, a traditional and much-loved Russian dessert.

NOW PLAYING

River Cruising: Russia & Ukraine

Moscow. St. Petersburg. Kiev. Odessa. Learn what it is really like to journey through Russia or Ukraine with Viking.

NOW PLAYING

Russian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Russian words and phrases with Paulina, your Viking tutor. Spasibo!

NOW PLAYING

Europe

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

Koblenz Jewish Cemetery

Join Karine for the moving story of the Koblenz Jewish Cemetery, a sanctuary of reflection and a window into the history of a community and culture that were once nearly lost.

NOW PLAYING

Schloss Mespelbrunn

Tucked away in the midst of a verdant forest is the exquisite Schloss Mespelbrunn. Take a peek inside as Gräfin (Countess) Hedwig Margarete shares her home, and learn more about the castle’s legendary past.

NOW PLAYING

Iconic Marksburg Castle

Painstakingly chiseled into the slate bedrock of a mountain peak, Marksburg has long stood as one of Germany’s most formidable castles. Step back into the Middle Ages with Karine as she explores the heart of this legendary stronghold.

NOW PLAYING

Modern Aristocracy

The Löwenstein family is one of Germany’s cultural treasures. Step behind the scenes to meet Fürst (Prince) Alois-Konstantin and his daughter-in-law Princess Stephanie as they share family history and the secret behind the renowned Fürst Löwenstein wines.

NOW PLAYING

The Viking Experience

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

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

Gothic Cologne Cathedral

Explore the history of this ornate architectural masterpiece. Towering over the Rhine, the majestic Cologne cathedral has been a beacon for pilgrims from around the world for centuries.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

Learn the Iconic Viennese Waltz

Learn the iconic Viennese waltz at Vienna’s oldest and most famous dance school, Tanzschule Elmayer. Watch Professor Elmayer teach Karine the basic steps in just a few minutes.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

The Normandy Beaches

There are few more pivotal moments in history than the D-Day landings that ushered in the end of World War II. Visit the sacred beaches with Karine and recall the day’s monumental sacrifices.

NOW PLAYING

The Holidays on Danube Waltz

Celebrate the holidays in Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Enjoy splendid art, architecture, history and the festive Christmas market tradition in Europe’s most beloved cities.

NOW PLAYING

The Holidays on Paris & the Heart of Normandy

Unwrap the romance of France at Christmastime. Experience the elegance of Paris and explore the tranquil countryside, picturesque Les Andelys, medieval Rouen and the D-Day sites of Normandy.

NOW PLAYING

The Holidays on Rhine Getaway

Explore the timeless wonders of Amsterdam, Cologne, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, the Black Forest and Basel. From The Netherlands to Switzerland, this is an unforgettable holiday season experience.

NOW PLAYING

The Holidays on Romantic Danube

Discover the Danube’s delights in Hungary, Austria and Germany. From historic Budapest and stunning Vienna to medieval Regensburg, experience the holiday season like never before.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

Sauternes: The Sweet Alternative

Enjoy a glimpse into the intriguing wine of Sauternes. Karine journeys to Bordeaux to take a closer look at this sweet alternative with one of Sauternes’s local experts.

NOW PLAYING

The Fundamentals of Wine

Join world-renowned Master of Wine Susie Barrie and Karine to learn about the fundamentals of enjoying fine wine, from opening and pouring to decanting and storing.

NOW PLAYING

The Wine Regions of Bordeaux

Bordeaux, France’s celebrated vineyard-laden province, is home to some of the world’s most prized wines. Learn about its different regions and appellations with Karine.

NOW PLAYING

Portuguese Crème Brûlée

Go behind the scenes with Karine to see how easy it is to make this local variation of everyone’s favorite dessert. You may want to take notes during this hands-on demonstration!

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

Explorer Leif Eriksson

Join Viking as we chronicle the story of Leif Eriksson, the Norse navigator who set out to explore the seas west of Greenland and discovered America, 500 years before Columbus.

NOW PLAYING

Vienna Coffeehouses

Relax and enjoy a cup of Viennese coffee with an exquisite pastry at Café Demel, one of Vienna’s oldest coffeehouses. Established in 1786, it has satisfied the cravings of Austrians for more than 220 years.

NOW PLAYING

Truffle Hunting

Join Karine in Bordeaux, France as she learns how dogs are trained to sniff out and unearth a treasured French delicacy, the rare and delicious truffle.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

Farmers’ Market in Libourne, France

Walk through Libourne’s bustling market with Karine and Chef Magalie of Viking as they shop for fresh fruits and vegetables to be served in the ship’s dining room.

NOW PLAYING

Finse Comes Home to Highclere

This is a reunion unlike any other as Karine’s golden Labrador Finse returns home to Highclere Castle, the "real Downton Abbey,” and gets reacquainted with her brothers and sisters.

NOW PLAYING

Fado, Music of Portugal

Learn about the dramatic songs of fado, born along Portugal’s waterfront. This music of passion often depicted the longing of women waiting for their men to return from sea.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

History of Port Wines

Take a journey with Karine as she explores Portugal’s history of wine and gains insight into its production and the various types of port, with a local expert on hand.

NOW PLAYING

Portugal’s Wine Country

In 1756, Portugal’s Douro River Valley became the world’s first protected wine-producing region, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn more about the region’s famous port wine.

NOW PLAYING

Prague Microbrewery

In 1466, just off Prague’s Old Town Square, a tiny microbrewery first opened its doors. Today, on the same spot, Ladislav Vesely continues the tradition of making the finest Czech beer.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

Highclere Castle

Join Karine at the “real Downton Abbey,” the historic and renowned Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England, home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.

NOW PLAYING

Visit Oxford & Highclere Castle

Travel with Viking to the hallowed halls of the University of Oxford, historic Highclere Castle, the “real Downton Abbey,” grand Blenheim Palace and the fabled villages of the Cotswolds.

NOW PLAYING

Visit the University of Oxford

Join Karine as she goes behind the scenes at the University of Oxford, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious educational institutions and alma mater to kings and presidents.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

The Berlin Airlift

Go behind the scenes at Tempelhof Airport, long closed to visitors, and learn about the famed “Raisin Bombers” and their role during the historic Berlin Airlift, the largest in history.

NOW PLAYING

Vienna Boys’ Choir

Go behind the scenes with the world-renowned Vienna Boys’ Choir. Join Karine as she meets some of these talented youngsters and sits in as they prepare for an evening performance.

NOW PLAYING

Prague Synagogue

When in Prague, be sure to visit the Old New Synagogue in Josefov, the Jewish Quarter. This is the oldest synagogue in Europe, where generations have been worshipping since 1270.

NOW PLAYING

Master Chef & Author Toni Mörwald

Watch the world-famous master chef and author Toni Mörwald and Karine prepare the traditional wiener schnitzel dish. In Austria, you might visit Chef Mörwald’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Bon appétit!

NOW PLAYING

Our Viking Vintner

Head into the cellars of Erhard Mörwald, the fifth-generation Wachau Valley vintner who produces the distinctive private-label wines that are served on board our river ships.

NOW PLAYING

Jewish Museum

Designed by New York architect Daniel Libeskind, Berlin’s compelling Jewish Museum provides an unforgettable journey through Jewish culture and a rich chronicle of memory and hope.

NOW PLAYING

Nuremberg Trials

Learn about the war crimes tribunals that took place in Nuremberg’s Palace of Justice as the entire world watched with rapt attention, and consider seeing Courtroom 600 for yourself.

NOW PLAYING

Viking Baker

Come inside the 300-year-old Schmidl Bakery in Dürnstein on the Danube River, where Karine meets the owner and sees how the fine breads served on board Viking ships are made.

NOW PLAYING

Shakespeare & Co.

Peruse this literary haven in Paris, a favorite of book lovers and renowned authors since 1919. Browse its stacks and learn about the “tumbleweeds” who work and reside here.

NOW PLAYING

Lipizzaner Stallions

Go behind the scenes at Vienna’s Spanish Riding School to meet the “dancing horses,” the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions. Seeing these magnificent white horses perform is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

Explore: Prague

Prague, the “City of a Thousand Spires,” offers endless discoveries. See some of Karine’s top recommendations, including Lobkowicz Palace, the Old New Synagogue, the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge and more.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

Explore: Budapest

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

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

Lobkowicz Palace

Preview our Privileged Access tour as Karine visits the residence of this noble Czech family. See the original score of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, attend a private concert and more.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

Viking Executive Chefs

Come into the galleys of our European river ships for an unforgettable visit with two Viking Executive Chefs, and glimpse some of the passion that goes into every dish they serve.

NOW PLAYING

France, Painter’s Muse

See for yourself how France has inspired famous artists like van Gogh, Monet and so many more.

NOW PLAYING

Monet’s Gardens

Join Karine at Giverny as she visits the Japanese bridge, gardens and water lilies that inspired one of history’s great painters, founder of impressionism Claude Monet.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING

Glühwein (Mulled Wine)

In November and December, public houses in nearly every European town offer mulled wine as a delicious antidote to the season’s chill. Let Karine show you how to prepare your own with our special and simple recipe.

NOW PLAYING

Shopping in Berlin

Today’s Berlin is a veritable treasure trove of gift ideas for the holidays. Join Karine as she shares some of her favorite things in the cosmopolitan German capital.

NOW PLAYING

Shopping in Budapest

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Join Karine at her favorite shop in Budapest, Hungary: the venerable Café Gerbeaud, purveyors of fine chocolates.

NOW PLAYING

Shopping in Passau

Passau is one of Germany’s most charming cities. Karine shows you that the city’s gift ideas hold equal charm when she takes you to her favorite shopping spot.

NOW PLAYING

Shopping in Vienna

Christmastime or anytime, Karine knows one gift that visitors to Vienna cannot return home without. You can even purchase this little cake in the very hotel where it was invented.

NOW PLAYING

Thanksgiving in Europe

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Viking on November sailings. There is no better way to complement your succulent turkey dinner than with a stroll through one of Europe’s cultural capitals.

NOW PLAYING

Wreath-Making Workshop

Join Karine in Passau, Germany, as she has a good laugh making traditional and modern German Advent wreaths with a local wreath maker.

NOW PLAYING

Gifts Along the Danube

The Danube’s banks overflow with shopping opportunities. Join Karine at her favorite spots in Passau, Vienna and Budapest as she shares perfect gift ideas for yourself or your loved ones.

NOW PLAYING

Explorer Roald Amundsen

On December 14, 1911, Norwegian Roald Amundsen became the first person to reach the South Pole and secured his place in history as one of the great explorers.

NOW PLAYING

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.

NOW PLAYING