Viking has announced a range of new European river voyage experiences that include scenic Zeppelin airship excursions in Germany, offering guests on select Rhine River itineraries aerial views of Cologne and the Ruhr Valley, along with new culinary and cultural shore excursions, small group shore excursions and expanded options for land extensions across Europe.
“Europe remains a favourite destination for our guests—particularly those interested in experiencing a river voyage for the first time,” said Torstein Hagen, Executive Chairman of Viking. “As 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—through local food, culture and traditions, or even from the air in a Zeppelin.”
First conceived in 1893 by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, these remarkable airships became a popular mode of travel during the early 20th-century.
New Shore Excursions
Beginning 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 available on select Danube River itineraries include:
- Zeppelin flights over the Ruhr Valley and Cologne. Take in stunning views as the Zeppelin gently ascends to just over 1,000 feet.
- Austria’s Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned region to explore Nikolaihof Winery, one of the oldest wineries in Austria.
- Belgrade where you visit a local market and join a cooking class where you will prepare and enjoy traditional Serbian dishes.
- Slovakian wine country with a visit to the picturesque Little Carpathians and the well‑preserved Red Stone Castle, a former 16th‑century fortress transformed into an aristocratic residence.
New Small Group Experiences
Beginning 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 The Palace of Versailles, Vienna’s magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, Czech Republic’s fairy-tale town of Bohemia, the charming Alsatian village of Colmar and Slovakia’s capital of Bratislava.
New Pre and Post Land Extensions
Viking 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:
- 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 and Milan.
- 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 and visit the stately Festetics Palace in Keszthely.
- The rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant culture of Belgium during visits to three of its most captivating cities – Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp.
- Turin, Italy’s 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 Chambéry, the historic seat of the Dukes of Savoy.
- Southern Spain to discover Moorish and Roman legacies create a rich cultural tapestry. Discover Seville’s stately cathedral. Visit Alcázar palace and Córdoba’s Mosque-Cathedral, two of the region’s impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
