Simply one of the best ways to travel the world is through the comfort and convenience of river cruising. A river cruise gives you the option of visiting a greater variety of destinations than an ocean liner would; you'll visit both big, cosmopolitan city centers and also quaint little villages, so you'll be able to immerse yourself in every aspect of the country you're sailign through. Since so many of the world's most historic cities were built along major waterways, the are very easily accessible by river; Paris, Vienna, Budapest, and many more are fine examples. Many of these places are not accessible to cruisers who are travelling on an ocean liner, and the smaller ship size with river cruising makes the experience that much more personal. A benefit of the river cruise is that you'll visit several places, and only have to unpack once - no hassle with hotels or buses, you've got a stateroom or suite on the boat where you'll be able to sleep in style and luxury for the duration of your vacation! River cruise ships also offer a breathtaking view from just about everywhere on the ship; since you'll be travelling along the river, there's always a new view outside your window! On a river cruise you can experience the art, culture and history of several regions at once - travel within Russia, Asia and Europe, and even in between! Guests can participate in guided walks, in-depth tours and all sorts of excursions; or you'll have the opportunity to go sightseeing on your own. Since river cruise ships are flat-bottomed boats, there is never any neeed to worry about seasickness, as you'll be able to relax during your smooth and safe ride.
Why to Go on a Viking River Cruise
As the world's largest fleet of deluxe and luxury river cruise vessels, Viking River Cruises has an extensive background in European river cruising; they were also the first company to offer river voyages in Russia, and the Viking team in China has decades of experience in the travel industry. Since Viking ships are Scandinavian in design, guests will enjoy open spaces with all the amenities a fine hotel would provide, not to mention panoramic views throughout the ship. Each stateroom has a view of the river and its surroundings, and some have a balcony; staterooms also feature hotel-style beds, as well as satellite television. European chefs have created sumptuous menus that combine regional specialties with American cuisine that will delight your tastebuds at breakfast, lunch and dinner. You'll dine in an elegant atmosphere, yet still enjoy a casual meal. Viking River Cruises maintains the highest standards in service; between your shipboard exdperience and your experience on shore at each stop, Viking River Cruises provides a consistently excellent service to its guests.
Every detail of your experience will be fun and interesting; the Program Diectors (as well as all Viking staff) are dedicated to ensuring that your trip will be unforgettable. Each itinerary is meticulously prepared by Program Directors, who will provide background, regional perspective, and more. Guests will be able to attend lectures, workshops and cultural demonstrations to supplement on-shore activities. Since Viking River Cruises includes a large range of destinations on each trip, guests will also have the opportunity to encounter and explore more cultures, traditions, cuisines, wines and music than any other river cruise! This wide variety of destinations means that you can experience both the large cities (such as St. Petersburg, Kiev, Paris, Budapest, Shanghai and Cairo) while also seeing the culture that lives on in the small towns and hamlets along the way. Another perk guests can enjoy is the birthday and anniversary policy; you can either have a cake served in the restaurant, or a bottle of champagne placed in your stateroom for you to celebrate your special day!
Viking River Cruises: Luxury Vessels
Viking River Cruises is proud to offer a wide variety of destinations for their guests. Travel anywhere in Europe, Egypt, China and SouthEast Asia, and Russia and the Ukraine; you'll explore both modern cities and historic towns, and you'll enjoy breathtaking views and scenic greenery along the riverbanks as you glide between each destination.
Should you choose a river cruise along the Rhine, you'll have the opportunity to sail along one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe; the Rhine is flanked by castles, fortresses, vineyards and quaint towns as it winds its way from Switzerland into Germany.
The Danube River is the longest river in Europe, beginning in Germany and winding its way through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and the Ukraine before it meets the Black Sea. The Volga River in Russia is very important to Russian trade, and its water is also used for irrigation; guests who sail the Volga will be able to visit Yaroslavi, the Golden Ring city, as well as medieval towns like Uglich.
The best way to experience the Yangtze River is with a river cruise; travel the heart of China along this 3,915-mile river that flows from the Tibetan plateau through to Shanghai and finally the East China Sea.
The Nile River was the birthplace of Egyptian civilization, and nearly all citizens of Egypt live near it now; a Nile cruise will visit places such as Cairo, Luxor, Abu Simbel and Aswan - and you'll be able to visit the famed pyramids, too!
The might Mekong River is a natural border between several of the countries of Southeast Asia, spanning 2,703 miles from the Tibetan plateau through China into Indochina and finally to the South China Sea.
The Seine River, originating in France, runs through the beautiful French countryside through Paris into the North Sea; visitors to the Seine region can visit Giverny (the home of Monet), Rouen (where Joan of Arc was tried and executed), and even the beaches of Normandy!
The Rhone River, flowing from Switzerland through France to the Mediterranean, was once an important part of the Roman Empire, so all along its shores guests can visit the ruins of Roman roads, baths, arches, arenas and theaters, and aqueducts; cruises here often stop in Lyon, Vienne, Arles, Avignon and many more places.
The Saone River begins in the Vosges Mountains of eastern France, and spans 300 miles to meet the Rhone; cruisers along the Saone will have a first-hand experience of the Burgundy region of France!
The Elbe River boasts beautiful landscapes, and spectacular views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains wiht its dramatic rock formations; visitors to this region will appreciate its wildlife, as well as the stops in Dresden, Torgau, Wittenberg, Meissen, Dessau and Magdeburg.
The Svir River is the ideal way to pass between Lake Onega and Lake Ladoga, the two largest lakes in Europe, and it is also the link between the Volga and the Baltic Sea; guests who travel along the Svir will appreciate the beautiful pine forests that line this beautiful waterway.
The Dnieper River makes its way through Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, showcasing a gorgeous landscape of forest groves, ancient villages, wide lakes and rolling hills.
The flowing Moselle River wanders through France, Luxemborg and Germany; with its castles, gorgeous views and winding bends, the remarkable scenery that lines this wonderful waterway is guaranteed to take your breath away.
The Main River flows through Germany, featuringmany famous German river destinations like Bamberg and Wurzburg.
Another unique way to travel through Holland and Belgium is through the extensive series of dams, dikes, canals and natural waterways that criscross these beautiful countries.
Multi-cultural Experience on Viking River Cruises
Every detail of your experience will be fun and interesting; the Program Directors (as well as all Viking staff) are dedicated to ensuring that your trip will be unforgettable. Each itinerary is meticulously prepared by Program Directors, who will provide background, regional perspective, and more. Guests will be able to attend lectures, workshops and cultural demonstrations to supplement on-shore activities. Since Viking River Cruises includes a large range of destinations on each trip, guests will also have the opportunity to encounter and explore more cultures, traditions, cuisines, wines and music than any other river cruise! This wide variety of destinations means that you can experience both the large cities (such as St. Petersburg, Kiev, Paris, Budapest, Shanghai and Cairo) while also seeing the culture that thrives in the small towns and hamlets along the way. Another perk guests can enjoy is the birthday and anniversary policy; you can either have a cake served in the restaurant, or a bottle of champagne placed in your stateroom for you to celebrate your special day!
Ships in fleet
MS Vienna
RV Indochina
Viking Akun
Viking Astrild
Viking Bestla
Viking Beyla
Viking Delling
Viking Duoro
Viking Emerald
Viking Europe
Viking Fontane
Viking Forseti
Viking Freya
Viking Helgi
Viking Helvetia
Viking Hemming
Viking Idi
Viking Ingvar
Viking Kirov
Viking Kvasir
Viking Legend
Viking Lomonosov
Viking Longship Aegir
Viking Longship Alruna
Viking Longship Alsvin
Viking Longship Atla
Viking Longship Baldur
Viking Longship Bestla
Viking Longship Bragi
Viking Longship Buri
Viking Longship Delling
Viking Longship Egil
Viking Longship Eir
Viking Longship Eistla
Viking Longship Embla
Viking Longship Forseti
Viking Longship Freya
Viking Longship Gefjon
Viking Longship Gullveig
Viking Longship Heimdal
Viking Longship Hermod
Viking Longship Hlin
Viking Longship Idi
Viking Longship Idun
Viking Longship Ingvi
Viking Longship Jarl
Viking Longship Kadlin
Viking Longship Kara
Viking Longship Kvasir
Viking Longship Lif
Viking Longship Lofn
Viking Longship Magni
Viking Longship Mani
Viking Longship Mimir
Viking Longship Modi
Viking Longship Njord
Viking Longship Odin
Viking Longship Rinda
Viking Longship Rolf
Viking Longship Skadi
Viking Longship Skirnir
Viking Longship Tialfi
Viking Longship Tor
Viking Longship Var
Viking Longship Ve
Viking Longship Vidar
Viking Longship Vilhjalm
Viking Longship Vili
Viking Mandalay
Viking Mani
Viking Mekong
Viking Neptune
Viking Odin
Viking Orient
Viking Osfrid
Viking Pakhomov
Viking Peterhof
Viking Prestige
Viking Pride
Viking Primadonna
Viking Rurik
Viking Schumann
Viking Sineus
Viking Sky
Viking Spirit
Viking Sun
Viking Torgil
Viking Truvor