VIKING RIVER CRUISES 2019 1 2 Exploration meets relaxation Exciting, surprising and enlightening, a Viking river journey is like no other. As rich in natural beauty as it is in fascinating culture, it gives you a unique view of each country’s destinations and takes you straight to their heart. Days are filled with exploration, new discoveries are made, along with new friends. Nights reveal cities illuminated by twinkling lights and usher in relaxed entertainment over drinks and conversation. It’s a journey of new experiences and familiar comforts. Of seeing and doing. Of celebrating moments and creating memories. And it starts right here. 3 Th e new way to travel is thousands of years old For centuries, rivers have been the life force of the countries through which they flow. Cities have grown along their banks, towns have prospered and people have travelled their waters, connecting to each other and the wider world. And when you travel by river, you see the world in a completely new and unique way. Gliding through timeless landscapes into the heart of each destination, you can step ashore and immediately start exploring. A river cruise is like lots of city breaks rolled into one. Imagine. One evening you’re dining under the twinkling lights of Budapest’s Chain Bridge, the next, you’re listening to a concert of classical music in Vienna. Is there a more rewarding way to travel? 4 It’s all in the detail Winner Inspiring destinations. Exciting excursions. Quality, service, innovation and value are all hallmarks Stunning ships. Fabulous food. Warm service. of a Viking journey. Our decades of experience gives Remarkable value. Your Viking journey is defined us an unrivalled level of expertise, and our awards are by all these things and something else, too. testament to our commitment to provide the very Personal attention to every detail. best experience. As an independent company, we are able to We are consistently voted Best River Cruise Line by all create journeys where you can immerse yourself the major players, including the British Travel Awards, in each destination, and where every detail is Times Travel Awards and Cruise Critic Awards. given the attention it deserves. Looking after you We have also received Good Housekeeping Reader with such care is the reason why we have become Recommended 2018 endorsement for our food and the world’s favourite river cruise line, and why our dining experience. guests return to cruise with us, time and again. Viking River Cruises Viking River Cruises Viking River Cruises Best River Cruise Line for Enrichment Best River Cruise Line for First Timers Best River Cruise Line Itineraries 5 Enjoy it all, it’s all included On every Viking journey, you can look forward to the highest standard of quality at the best possible price. Included in the cost are all the things you want and need. From complimentary shipwide Wi-Fi and shore excursions to wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board, there are a host of ‘extras’ that Return fl ights from London Meet and greet won’t cost you a penny more. and up to 14 regional airports* We call it Viking value, you’ll We want you to travel in comfort, right When you arrive at your destination, call it brilliant. from the start of your journey, and that you’ll be met by a smiling Viking means scheduled flights with quality representative who’ll take you to your airlines, from an airport close to home. ship or hotel. And when it’s time to Just call us to check if we can offer your return home, we’ll take you to the local airport on your chosen cruise. All airport in good time for your flight. airport taxes are also included. If you book a pre- or post-cruise city break, your ship/hotel/airport transfers are also included. *Portugal’s River of Gold is only available to fly from London, Birmingham, Edinburgh or Manchester. Magnificent Mekong is only available to fly from London, Birmingham, Glasgow or Manchester. 6 River-view Expert guided All on board stateroom excursions meals Your private sanctuary offers a super- Get to know more about the places you Feast on a breakfast of your choice, a comfortable king-sized bed that can be visit with a free excursion almost every delicious lunch and a four or five-course configured into twin beds, quality bed day. As well as visits to UNESCO World dinner in the restaurant, or a selected linens, flat-screen TV with movies on Heritage Sites, you can look forward to menu on the alfresco Aquavit Terrace® demand, hairdryer, safe, and spacious exclusive and insightful experiences, on the Viking Longships. On every ensuite bathroom with a walk-in including home-hosted visits and Viking journey, enjoy fabulous fresh shower, premium bath products and on cultural performances. Viking brings food, with regional specialities and the Viking Longships, heated flooring. every journey to life in the most traditional favourites, as well as Twice-daily housekeeping ensures your engaging and illuminating ways. lighter and vegetarian options. room is a welcoming retreat at all times. Quality wine, beer and No Corkage Concierge soft drinks service What could be nicer than a lovely glass One of the loveliest things about Car hire in Avignon? Theatre tickets in of wine with your meal? How about exploring new places is enjoying the Vienna? Restaurant reservation in Paris? another? On board every ship, you can local wines. Feel free to pick up a bottle Our on board concierge will help you look forward to perfectly chilled beers, on your travels, and bring it on board to make the most of your time ashore. soft drinks, and lovely wines with your enjoy with your meal. We will happily Whether it’s a specific booking or simply lunch and dinner, often selected from serve it for you, and not charge corkage. directions to the best shops, they know the region through which you are exactly where to go. travelling. 7 Enjoy it all, it’s all included Tea, coff ee and snacks, Fresh Daytime any time on board bottled water discoveries Help yourself to a hot drink and Delivered daily to your stateroom, From cooking classes, fascinating talks delicious pastry or homemade cookie. and when you go ashore to explore. and demonstrations to tempting Always delicious, always available. It’s another one of those little things tastings and a thoughtful library of And always tempting. that mean a lot. books, our on board enrichment adds insight, depth and pleasure to your trip. Evening Complimentary Wi-Fi Central superior, or fi rst-class entertainment on board hotel accommodation Evenings on board are the perfect time Stay online on board and stay in touch If your cruise includes land stays you to relax with newfound friends in the with friends and family throughout your can rest assured that your hotel will lounge, enjoying the harmonies of the journey.** Upload photos and research meet our high standards, and be in a resident pianist, and local cultural the places you’re visiting. You also have great location that makes it easy to step performances. free use of the laptops in the library. out and explore. ** Applies to use only on board the ship, restrictions apply. 8 Viking docking Complimentary stations Business Class upgrade Viking owns many of the docking Book an Explorer Suite on any of stations on Europe’s rivers, so you are our European cruises and receive a moored in the best possible place to complimentary flight upgrade (subject step off the ship and start exploring. to availability). It’s just one more reward for choosing an Explorer Suite. As members of ABTA, Viking is a fully bonded and licensed tour operator. All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking Explorer Society conditions for further information membership or for more information about Once you have returned from your first financial protection and the Viking cruise, you’ll become an Explorer ATOL Certificate go to: Society member in our free loyalty club. www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate You’ll be treated to a £100 per person saving on your next cruise (river or ocean), and a variety of exclusive offers, as well as invitations to special events. 9 Th e extraordinary everyday How many ‘wows’ can you say in one day? The ‘wow’ at the golden sight of a Russian cathedral. Or the silhouette of the city on the horizon. The ‘wow’ of a dazzling dance performance, or mesmerising music played just for you. The thrill of indulging in an exciting new dish. The delight of tasting a sublime new wine. Every Viking journey is a series of ‘wows’, as every day brings more extraordinary experiences. 10 Th e guide by your side Our shore excursions are created to show you Whether you’re wandering through a UNESCO- not just the destination, but its people and their listed castle on the Rhine or a traditional culture. With expert guides who are both brewhouse in Cologne, picking grapes in a entertaining and illuminating, you’ll enjoy vineyard in Bordeaux or chatting with a family in insightful experiences and authentic encounters their home in a rural Russian town, you can see, that add immeasurable pleasure to your journey. hear, taste and touch the world, in all its glory.