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EXPLORING THE WORLD IN COMFORT

Exploring the World in Comfort

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Page 1: Exploring the World in Comfort

E x p l o r i n g t h E w o r l d i n c o m f o r t

Page 2: Exploring the World in Comfort

T O R S T E I N H A G E N , C H A I R M A N V I K I N G R I V E R C R U I S E S . C O M | 1

foreword by dougl as ward

After more than four and a half decades in the cruise industry, I’m confident of one thing: a great cruise is found in

the details. Prior to Viking, river cruising was little known to travelers. The phrase conjured up images of a steamboat

on the Mississippi à la Mark Twain, or helping to paddle a canal barge through England or France. Sure, there were a few

companies cruising down the great rivers of Europe, but it was with Viking that the current industry was really created.

Why? Because during his tenure at Royal Viking Line, Torstein Hagen found a mentor and ally in cruising legend Warren

Titus who knew the importance of putting the customer first.

Today, Mr. Hagen and Viking River Cruises now own and operate the largest fleet of river vessels in the world —

and Viking continues to lead the industry by remaining focused on the details. For example:

� Combining maximized stateroom space with the up-close experience of the river

� “Green” ships with fuel-efficient hybrid engines

� Enriching itineraries featuring visits to cultural and historical landmarks, onboard demonstrations

and lectures, language lessons, and expert local guides in each destination

These details add up to a travel experience focused on the customer and uniquely Viking. As Viking enters this new

chapter in its storied history, I invite you to pay attention to the details that Torstein Hagen and his team of experienced

professionals are providing for their guests. This is your glimpse of a river cruise company doing what it does best;

it is where the industry is headed.

Douglas Ward is known as the guru of the cruise industry. He is the author of the respected Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships.

He penned the first edition of the book in 1985 and has not stopped since. He serves as President of the Maritime Evaluations Group, an independent

international agency that evaluates and rates cruise ships and river ships worldwide.

Page 3: Exploring the World in Comfort

2 | V I K I N G R I V E R C R U I S E S

THE HEART OF THE MATTER

exploring the world in comfort.

O U R M OT T O R I N G S A S T R U E T O D AY A S I T D I D B A C K W H E N T H E C O M PA N Y S TA R T E D .

Intimate vessels with all the amenities of a fine hotel — a room with a view, fabulous food and outstanding service —

provide the ideal opportunity to unpack once and comfortably be transported each day to and from your

exciting destinations. And since civilizations were built around rivers, those destinations will always be the heart

and soul of the regions you’re visiting, whether they be quaint towns or cosmopolitan cities

with rich histories to explore. In other words, over time we’ve fine-tuned the art of exploring the world in

U N D E R S TAT E D E L E G A N C E .

V I K I N G F R E Y A O N T H E R H I N E

Page 4: Exploring the World in Comfort

V I K I N G R I V E R C R U I S E S . C O M | 5

BUILDING ON OUR HISTORY

in 2001 v ik ing r iver cruises re invented the european r iver cruise vessel

A N D I N N O VAT I O N B E C A M E O N E O F O U R T R A D E M A R K S .

The goal was to take everything we knew about river cruising and put it into a new class of cruise vessel,

delivering the best experience for our Viking traveler. Four ships launched in 2001 featuring

the first promenade deck to wrap around the vessel. This design allows our guests the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors

throughout their journey, even during transit under low bridges when the Sun Deck is unavailable.

And our goal remains true even more than a decade later because the launch of the Viking Longships marked the next step in our

M O R E I N V E N T I V E A N D I N N O VAT I V E F U T U R E .

Page 5: Exploring the World in Comfort

6 | V I K I N G R I V E R C R U I S E S

SETTING A NEW STANDARD

in 2012 , we debuted the v ik ing longships —

V E S S E L S E X P E R T LY C R A F T E D W I T H Y O U I N M I N D T O S A I L E U R O P E ’S WAT E R WAY S .

Designed by legendary naval architects Yran & Storbraaten, the team behind

The Yachts of Seabourn, in conjunction with the internationally acclaimed architectural design firm, Rottet Studio,

these new vessels showcase state-of-the-art engineering, design and luxury.

� Aquavit Terrace with a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area at the bow of the ship

� Two Explorer Suites featuring a private wraparound veranda with spectacular 270° views

� All suites feature two rooms with a veranda off the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom

� More full-size verandas and full-size rooms than on any other ship in Europe

� Solar panels and an organic herb garden

� Energy-efficient hybrid engines that reduce vibrations for a remarkably smooth ride

Since their launch, the Viking Longships have received international media recognition and have been awarded for their

D E S I G N , I N N O VAT I O N A N D I M PA C T O N T H E R I V E R C R U I S E I N D U S T R Y A S A W H O L E .

S P A C I O U S T W O - R O O M E X P L O R E R S U I T E S

Page 6: Exploring the World in Comfort

Setting a new Standard...

a fleet of award-winning viking longShipS

Page 7: Exploring the World in Comfort

10 | V I K I N G R I V E R C R U I S E S

DESIGNING INNOVATION

a well -des igned ship i s both

an architectural accompl i shment A N D A W O R K O F A R T .

And a river vessel is a unique challenge, with bridges and locks limiting ship size. So, in order to make substantial changes

to the structure and layout, endless amounts of practical creativity are required. Designing an innovative

ship like this calls for expertise, insight and the ability to forget what you think you know about river cruising and

D R E A M A L I T T L E .

“ we are tak ing a quantum leap forward.”

T O R S T E I N H A G E N , C H A I R M A N

Page 8: Exploring the World in Comfort

Veranda

Veranda Veranda

To provide our guests with more choice of stateroom

and an enhanced experience we…

� Shifted the corridor asymmetrically one meter to the side

� Used the extra space on one side provided by the shift to include

a full-size veranda — while maintaining stateroom size

� Rotated the orientation of the rooms on the now shorter side

of the shift and combined them into one true suite, complete with

2 full-size rooms, a full-size veranda and a French balcony

In order to fit through locks, a European river cruise vessel

can only be 11.4 meters wide

Industry standard has a corridor running symmetrically through the

middle of the ship, with rooms of equal size on each side

...the new Viking design gives you 2 full-size staterooms

and 1 true suite, all 3 with full-size verandas

Instead of 4 standard-sized staterooms...

Corridor configuration registered design patent pending,

numbers 1832106-0001 to 1832106-0011.

V I K I N G R I V E R C R U I S E S . C O M | 13

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

a d i st inct ive feature of a v ik ing longship i s i ts true su ites

and staterooms with full verandas ,

E A C H S PA C I O U S A N D C O M F O R TA B L E W I T H O U T C O M P R O M I S I N G S TAT E R O O M S I Z E .

This was accomplished by implementing a unique, patent-pending idea: we moved the corridor one meter,

shifting it from the middle of the ship to one side. By doing so, we created extra space on

one side of the ship to accommodate Veranda Staterooms, each with a full veranda. Across the corridor, we reoriented

the rooms in order to provide Veranda Suites, a two-room suite featuring a full veranda

off the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom. This lateral shift in thinking and design

allows Viking to be the first and only river cruise company with

F U L L - S I Z E V E R A N D A S A N D F U L L - S I Z E R O O M S .

“ we will be the only r iver cruise l ine in europe with

real balconies and real su ites . when we at v ik ing say ‘su ites,’ we mean

two full rooms , not just one l arge room.” T O R S T E I N H A G E N , C H A I R M A N

Page 9: Exploring the World in Comfort

14 | V I K I N G R I V E R C R U I S E S

AQUAVIT TERRACE

we have re invented the lounge , W H I C H I S O F T E N A G U E S T F AV O R I T E O N A N Y S H I P .

It’s where friendships are formed, lectures take place, and relaxing during scenic cruising is a daily occurrence.

Now, with Viking’s advanced design, a portion of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge can be rolled aside to create

a unique area that combines the comfort of the indoors with the fresh air and exhilaration of the outdoors.

Here you can cruise through the early morning light as you sip a frothy cappuccino and watch as the mist rolls off the river.

Unwind in the late afternoon with a pint of beer or glass of wine, chatting with friends and enjoying a delicious light bite.

Or step out from the lounge to the Aquavit Terrace to enjoy the views while sampling its namesake, Aquavit.

This Scandinavian distilled beverage gets its name from aqua vitae, Latin for

“ W AT E R O F L I F E .”

A Q U A V I T T E R R A C E

Page 10: Exploring the World in Comfort

Two-room suiTes wiTh A privATe full-size

verAndA And A french bAlcony

Page 11: Exploring the World in Comfort

18 | V I K I N G R I V E R C R U I S E S

think of your v ik ing stateroom as your P R I VAT E S A N C T U A R Y O N T H E R I V E R .

� 2 Explorer Suites — located at the aft of the ship, featuring two large rooms and a private wraparound veranda with 270° views

� 7 Veranda Suites — located on the Upper Deck, featuring two large rooms, a full-size veranda and a French balcony

� 39 Veranda Staterooms — a full-size room with a full-size veranda

� 22 French Balcony Staterooms — featuring floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, known as French balconies

� 25 Deluxe Staterooms — a water level room with half-height window

Whichever stateroom you choose, one thing is certain: your hotel-style bed topped with European linens and duvets

provides the perfect place to turn in after a full day of exploring Europe’s great towns and cities.

Preparing for the next day — the next destination — is a pleasure, in a bathroom that features heated floors and mirrors,

premium bath products and plenty of storage. Comfortable and spacious, with special little touches

like Sony flat-screen televisions, bottled water provided daily and a doorway to the fresh air outside, our staterooms truly are

Y O U R H O M E AWAY F R O M H O M E .

“ we wanted to g ive our guests a choice — something for every t ype of passenger,

every pocketbook — so they can create the ir cruise of a l i fet ime .”

T O R S T E I N H A G E N , C H A I R M A N

V E R A N D A S T A T E R O O M

Page 12: Exploring the World in Comfort

S P A C I O U S T W O - R O O M E X P L O R E R S U I T E S V I K I N G R I V E R C R U I S E S . C O M | 21

VIKING SUITES

a v ik ing su ite i s a true su ite : T W O F U L L - S I Z E R O O M S O F A B S O L U T E L U X U R Y .

Our two Explorer Suites are situated at the aft of the ship, each with a private wraparound veranda

offering spectacular 270° views unlike any other available from the comfort

of a stateroom. Combined with a living room and a large bedroom that features a French balcony,

the Explorer Suites provide the most lavish stay you can have

O N A N Y E U R O P E A N R I V E R S H I P .

Page 13: Exploring the World in Comfort

22 | V I K I N G R I V E R C R U I S E S

THE ART OF DINING

great food and wine go hand in hand with new pl aces and

wonderful fr iends . E X P E R I E N C I N G F O O D , TA S T I N G T H E F L AV O R S O F T H E R E G I O N ,

I S A N I N T E G R A L PA R T O F T R AV E L .

In tasting local delicacies, you have a place’s history, present and future, all right there.

And because we experience cultures with all of our senses, a Viking meal — whether it be contemporary cuisine

or traditional regional specialties — will always feature fresh local produce that is elegantly prepared.

Wine is an integral part of rounding out an exceptional dining experience, which is why

Viking partnered with a fifth-generation vineyard in Austria’s Wachau Valley to produce several exclusive varieties.

We are the only cruise line with our own winemaker and our culinary team

happily makes frequent visits to the winery to talk with the vintner, taste the wines and make sure

E V E R Y T H I N G I S P E R F E C T .

Page 14: Exploring the World in Comfort

F R A N C I S C A N C H U R C H O F P E S T , B U D A P E S T V I K I N G R I V E R C R U I S E S . C O M | 25

THE VIKING EXPERIENCE

discover the unparalleled pleasures of see ing europe by r iver

W I T H E N R I C H M E N T O N LY V I K I N G C A N O F F E R .

Imagine gliding along the tranquil rivers of romantic Europe, docking right in center of ancient towns

and stepping ashore to stroll to museums, shop in open air markets, attend music and dance performances and linger in cafés.

You'll also enjoy special privileged access to palaces and castles, behind-the-scenes tours of museums

and even be invited into the homes of locals. Then, at day’s end, returning to your ship to relax with a glass of local wine

out on deck and savor an exquisite dinner. With Viking, you will enjoy a personalized experience

of the very best cultural offerings, both on board and ashore, from the luxuriously comfortable perspective

of our new state-of-the-art Viking Longships.

I T ’S A L L A B O U T T H E M O S T R E L A X I N G , AU T H E N T I C WAY T O G E T T O T H E H E A R T O F E U R O P E .

Page 15: Exploring the World in Comfort

26 | V I K I N G R I V E R C R U I S E S

EXCELLENT SERVICE: A VIKING STANDARD

when you have the best people you also have the best serv ice —

A N D V I K I N G H A S B OT H .

Our experienced team of professionals — from our executive team to our Program Directors, our Travel Specialists

to the smiling faces of our dining staff, and our Customer Service representatives to the many wonderful chefs who have been with us

for years — are the very best in the business. Striving to delight every guest, we proudly stand behind our product

and our people with our Viking Service Guarantee. Viking is the most celebrated river cruise line, winning more consumer and

industry awards than any other river cruise line. We also lead the industry in customer satisfaction ratings,

with 99% of our guests commenting that we have met or exceeded their expectations — oftentimes telling us that by the end

of their journey, their Viking staff has come to feel like friends, even family. The overall result is

T H E V E R Y B E S T T R AV E L E X P E R I E N C E .

Page 16: Exploring the World in Comfort

AquavitTerraceAquavitTerrace

VIKING

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Middle deckMain deck

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Explorer Suite (ES)

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Water-level staterooms have smaller windows

Suite with a veranda & French balconyFrench balcony

Explorer Suite Stateroom with a veranda

French balcony

Stateroom with a veranda

Sun deck

Herb Garden

Solar Panels

Walking Track

Walking Track

A LINEAGE OF SEAFARING STEEPED IN LEGEND,

HEROISM AND MYTHOLOGY

we at v ik ing are proud of our her itage . and so when it came t ime to name each

vessel in our fleet of v ik ing longships , W E LO O K E D N O F U R T H E R T H A N T H E G O D S O F N O R S E M Y T H O LO G Y .

Few cultures can boast the same seafaring heritage as Scandinavia. For centuries, the Vikings were synonymous with powerful ships,

bold explorers and ocean adventure. Today, Viking River Cruises is synonymous with the best experience in river cruising.

And our Viking Longships represent a leap forward in innovation and comfort, with a longstanding tribute to the rich legacy invoked by our name.

We think of the ships as the Norseman of today. And so they were named for pillars of Norse mythology —

Odin, ruler of Asgard, home of the gods; Njord, god of wind, the sea, good fortune and prosperity; Idun, goddess of rejuvenation;

and Freya, daughter of Njord, goddess of love. Plus, Aegir, representing the power of ocean; Embla, the first human woman;

and Tor, god of thunder and strength. These are but a few in a fleet of Viking Longships sailing in the present and into the future.

Explorer Suite – 445 sq. ft

Veranda Suite – 275 sq. ft

Veranda Stateroom – 205 sq. ft

French Balcony Stateroom – 135 sq. ft

Standard Stateroom – 150 sq. ft

� Explorer Suites and Veranda Suites both

have separate sleeping & sitting quarters,

a full balcony and a French balcony,

2 flat-panel TVs with an infotainment system

and movies on demand

� All Upper & Middle deck staterooms have

either a full balcony or French balcony

(sliding glass doors)

� Observation lounge & bar with panoramic

windows that lead to an open air

Aquavit Terrace

� Restaurant with panoramic views

� Sun deck with bar & shaded sitting area

� Ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing

less vibration for a smoother ride

AquavitTerraceAquavitTerrace

VIKING

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236234

208206

202200

222

204

233231229227225

217219221

215213211

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209207

203201

223

205

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125123

113111109107105103101

122

118116114112110108106

102100

120

104

333331329327325

317319321

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337335

339

341

309307

303301

323

305

332330

328

324

316

312

336334

338

340

308

304

320

Kitchen

Bar

Herb Garden,Solar Panels

Shop

Restaurant Aquavit TerraceObservation lounge

Sun deckShop, ReceptionUpper deck Bridge

Middle deckMain deck

Library,Internet

Observation loungeObservation lounge

RestaurantRestaurant

ReceptionReception

LibraryLibrary Elevator

Buf

fet

Buf

fet

Grills

Main deck

Middle deck

Upper deck

InternetInternet

French Balcony (D)Standard (E) Standard (F)Veranda (B)

Veranda Suite (AA) Veranda (A)French Balcony (C)

Explorer Suite (ES)

Elevator

Water-level staterooms have smaller windows

Suite with a veranda & French balconyFrench balcony

Explorer Suite Stateroom with a veranda

French balcony

Stateroom with a veranda

Sun deck

Herb Garden

Solar Panels

Walking Track

Walking Track

AquavitTerraceAquavitTerrace

VIKING

232230228226224

216214212210

236234

208206

202200

222

204

233231229227225

217219221

215213211

237235

209207

203201

223

205

121119117115

125123

113111109107105103101

122

118116114112110108106

102100

120

104

333331329327325

317319321

315313311

337335

339

341

309307

303301

323

305

332330

328

324

316

312

336334

338

340

308

304

320

Kitchen

Bar

Herb Garden,Solar Panels

Shop

Restaurant Aquavit TerraceObservation lounge

Sun deckShop, ReceptionUpper deck Bridge

Middle deckMain deck

Library,Internet

Observation loungeObservation lounge

RestaurantRestaurant

ReceptionReception

LibraryLibrary Elevator

Buf

fet

Buf

fet

Grills

Main deck

Middle deck

Upper deck

InternetInternet

French Balcony (D)Standard (E) Standard (F)Veranda (B)

Veranda Suite (AA) Veranda (A)French Balcony (C)

Explorer Suite (ES)

Elevator

Water-level staterooms have smaller windows

Suite with a veranda & French balconyFrench balcony

Explorer Suite Stateroom with a veranda

French balcony

Stateroom with a veranda

Sun deck

Herb Garden

Solar Panels

Walking Track

Walking Track

AquavitTerraceAquavitTerrace

VIKING

232230228226224

216214212210

236234

208206

202200

222

204

233231229227225

217219221

215213211

237235

209207

203201

223

205

121119117115

125123

113111109107105103101

122

118116114112110108106

102100

120

104

333331329327325

317319321

315313311

337335

339

341

309307

303301

323

305

332330

328

324

316

312

336334

338

340

308

304

320

Kitchen

Bar

Herb Garden,Solar Panels

Shop

Restaurant Aquavit TerraceObservation lounge

Sun deckShop, ReceptionUpper deck Bridge

Middle deckMain deck

Library,Internet

Observation loungeObservation lounge

RestaurantRestaurant

ReceptionReception

LibraryLibrary Elevator

Buf

fet

Buf

fet

Grills

Main deck

Middle deck

Upper deck

InternetInternet

French Balcony (D)Standard (E) Standard (F)Veranda (B)

Veranda Suite (AA) Veranda (A)French Balcony (C)

Explorer Suite (ES)

Elevator

Water-level staterooms have smaller windows

Suite with a veranda & French balconyFrench balcony

Explorer Suite Stateroom with a veranda

French balcony

Stateroom with a veranda

Sun deck

Herb Garden

Solar Panels

Walking Track

Walking Track

AquavitTerraceAquavitTerrace

VIKING

232230228226224

216214212210

236234

208206

202200

222

204

233231229227225

217219221

215213211

237235

209207

203201

223

205

121119117115

125123

113111109107105103101

122

118116114112110108106

102100

120

104

333331329327325

317319321

315313311

337335

339

341

309307

303301

323

305

332330

328

324

316

312

336334

338

340

308

304

320

Kitchen

Bar

Herb Garden,Solar Panels

Shop

Restaurant Aquavit TerraceObservation lounge

Sun deckShop, ReceptionUpper deck Bridge

Middle deckMain deck

Library,Internet

Observation loungeObservation lounge

RestaurantRestaurant

ReceptionReception

LibraryLibrary Elevator

Buf

fet

Buf

fet

Grills

Main deck

Middle deck

Upper deck

InternetInternet

French Balcony (D)Standard (E) Standard (F)Veranda (B)

Veranda Suite (AA) Veranda (A)French Balcony (C)

Explorer Suite (ES)

Elevator

Water-level staterooms have smaller windows

Suite with a veranda & French balconyFrench balcony

Explorer Suite Stateroom with a veranda

French balcony

Stateroom with a veranda

Sun deck

Herb Garden

Solar Panels

Walking Track

Walking Track

Page 17: Exploring the World in Comfort

B u d a p e s t

DESTINATIONS THAT DELIGHT

Page 18: Exploring the World in Comfort

32 | V I K I N G R I V E R C R U I S E S

SO UNPACK ONCE AND JOIN US ABOARD A VIKING LONGSHIP,

SAILING EUROPE'S LEGENDARY WATERWAYS

grand european tour – A M S T E R D A M T O B U D A P E S T , 15 D AY S

rhine getaway – A M S T E R D A M T O B A S E L , 8 D AY S

romantic danube – B U D A P E S T T O N U R E M B E R G , 8 D AY S

danube waltz – B U D A P E S T T O PA S S AU , 8 D AY S

passage to eastern europe – B U D A P E S T T O B U C H A R E S T , 11 D AY S

european sojourn – A M S T E R D A M T O B U C H A R E S T , 23 D AY S

tul ips & windmills – A M S T E R D A M – A N T W E R P – A M S T E R D A M , 10 D AY S

portra its of southern france – C H A LO N - S U R - S A Ô N E T O AV I G N O N , 8 D AY S

châteaux , r ivers & wine – B O R D E AU X – S A I N T - É M I L I O N – B O R D E AU X , 8 D AY S

Belgrade Bucharest

Veliko Tarnovo

ConstantaRusseBelogradchik

TRANSYLVANIA

ROMANIA

SERBIA

BULGARIA

DANUBE

Prague

GERMANY

CZECH REPUBLIC

ELBE

Melnik

BerlinPotsdamMagdeburg

N

Nuremberg Trier

Paris

MAIN-DANUBECANALMAIN

RHINE

MOSELLE

FRANCE

AUSTRIA

SLOVAKIA

HUNGARY

Passau

Salzburg Munich

DANUBE

Bratislava Vienna

Budapest

Odessa

Kiev

Istanbul

TURKEY

UKRAINE

DNIEPER

Amsterdam

NETHERLANDSNORTHSEA

BLACKSEA

Rothenburg

Koblenz

Mainz

Omaha BeachGold Beach

Antwerp

SEINE

GivernyRouen

SAÔNE

RHÔNE

RHÔNE

DORDOGNEGARONNE

GIRONDE

LOIRE

Beaune

Lyon

Marseille

Chalon-sur-Saône

Avignon

Tournon

Arles

Cologne

SWITZERLAND

RHINEStrasbourg

Lucerne Basel

Bordeaux

Kelheim

Arnhem

Würzburg

Brugge

Brussels

BELGIUM

LUXEMBOURG

Gouda

Hoorn

Cruise embarkation & disembarkation

Select cruise & tour destinations

KEY

CROATIA Osijek

Saint-Emilion

Page 19: Exploring the World in Comfort

K A T Z C A S T L E , A L O N G T H E R H I N E V I K I N G R I V E R C R U I S E S . C O M | 35

GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR

a mster da m to buda pe st � 15 D A Y S / 13 G U I D E D T O U R S / 5 C O U N T R I E S

Imagine 15 magical days along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. From Holland’s windmill-studded tulip fields to Germany’s fairytale

castles, from the engineering marvel of the Main-Danube Canal to the picturesque vineyards of Austria’s Wachau Valley,

this epic voyage presents the highlights of Holland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Savor a decadent Sachertorte in a Viennese café

and panoramic views of imperial Budapest — and along the way, discover the legend of the Lorelei, the ancient art of glassblowing,

the music of Mozart and more. Guests who choose this voyage soon see why it is our most popular itinerary.

RHINE GETAWAY

a mster da m to ba sel � 8 D A Y S / 6 G U I D E D T O U R S / 4 C O U N T R I E S

Visit all the highlights of the legendary Rhine in just 8 days. In Germany, see the many charming castles commanding the riverbanks

as you sail by, and tour both Marksburg Castle and the ruins of Heidelberg Castle. Admire Cologne,

the jewel of the Rhine, with its awe-inspiring Dom, and experience the lush landscape of the Black Forest region.

Also, explore Holland’s famous windmills and waterworks, encounter multicultural Strasbourg in France,

and take part in the inviting nightlife in Rüdesheim’s Drosselgasse. On this itinerary you see a lot — without spending a lot of time.

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ROMANTIC DANUBE

buda pe st to n ur emberg � 8 D A Y S / 6 G U I D E D T O U R S / 3 C O U N T R I E S

During this 8-day journey, encounter the grand cities and quaint villages along the celebrated Danube River. Explore both sides

of Hungary’s capital — traditional “Buda” and more cosmopolitan “Pest” — and from Fishermen’s Bastion, see how the river divides this

fascinating city. Experience Vienna’s imperial architecture and gracious culture, and tour riverside towns in Austria’s Wachau Valley.

And in Germany, explore a baroque cathedral and stroll cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. Savor the tastes of authentic dishes,

learn about local legends, and understand why Strauss immortalized the “Blue Danube” in his famous melody.

DANUBE WALTZ

pa ss au to buda pe st � 8 D A Y S / 6 G U I D E D T O U R S / 4 C O U N T R I E S

This 8-day itinerary takes you through four of Europe’s most enchanting countries — Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia —

along the storied Danube River. Explore Budapest’s imperial and Art Nouveau delights, and take a comprehensive tour

of beautiful Bratislava’s baroque and Gothic buildings and fountains. In Austria, discover why Vienna is “the waltz capital,” sail through

the spectacular Wachau Valley, and explore the cobblestone streets and charming town squares of Dürnstein.

And in Germany, admire Passau’s ancient fortress and Italianate architecture. Includes a tour of the 900-year-old baroque

Benedictine abbey at Melk and a full-day excursion to the scenic city of Salzburg.

W A C H A U V A L L E Y A L O N G T H E D A N U B E

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B U C H A R E S T V I K I N G R I V E R C R U I S E S . C O M | 39

PASSAGE TO EASTERN EUROPE

buda pe st to buch a r e st � 11 D A Y S / 7 G U I D E D T O U R S / 5 C O U N T R I E S

Let us take you to the cities, towns and natural wonders of Eastern Europe, where so many fairy tales began.

Experience two nights in bustling Budapest, cosmopolitan capital of Hungary; sail past dramatic natural wonders like the soaring

white cliffs of the Iron Gate region; visit the Serbian capital of Belgrade and the Croatian town of Osijek;

discover historical treasures of Bulgaria; and admire the graceful charms of the Romanian capital of Bucharest

where you will enjoy one overnight stay. This itinerary is, quite simply, a revelation.

TULIPS & WINDMILLS

a mster da m – a n t w er p – a mster da m � 10 D A Y S / 8 G U I D E D T O U R S

Holland’s floral splendor only happens in the springtime. Come see the rainbow of colors, and visit some of Belgium’s

most beautifully preserved medieval cities for the ultimate 10-day spring vacation in the Low Countries. Explore Amsterdam’s cosmopolitan

atmosphere and world-famous museums. Experience Belgium’s Golden Age in historic Antwerp and the lovely patrician cities of

Ghent and Brugge. Learn more about Holland’s age-old battle against the sea with tours of ingenious windmills and the massive Delta Works project.

Plus, enjoy savory Dutch cheeses, delectable Belgian chocolates and Belgium’s exquisite, intricate lace on this delightful vacation.

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PORTRAITS OF SOUTHERN FRANCE

ch a lon to av ignon � 8 D A Y S / 6 G U I D E D T O U R S

Sail along France’s scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers past some of the most beautiful vistas the French countryside has to offer.

During your 8-day journey, explore the famed region of Burgundy and the lavender fields of Provence. Visit Gallo-Roman ruins

in both Vienne and Arles; walk the cobbled streets of Arles to see how it inspired Vincent van Gogh.

And visit the historic Papal Palace in Avignon,“City of the Popes.” Learn about the region’s time-honored winemaking traditions,

sample Burgundy varietals and try the world-famous regional cuisine in Lyon. C’est magnifique!

CHÂTEAUX, RIVERS & WINE

bor de au x – s a in t-émil ion – bor de au x � 8 D A Y S / 6 G U I D E D T O U R S

Caressed by Atlantic breezes, the vineyards that cover the rolling hills along the rivers of Aquitaine have for centuries

produced France’s most remarkable wines: Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Sauternes, Médoc and Margaux

are but a handful of the appellations that make Bordeaux wines world-famous. At the region’s heart, the city of Bordeaux

stretches along the river bank, inviting visitors to savor its grand architecture, tempting cafés and superb museums.

Celebrate joie de vivre in this land of wine and oysters, truffles and cognac, as you cruise the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers.

A V I G N O N , F R A N C E

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