Viking announced it has partnered with Focus Features, Universal Pictures and Carnival Films for the release of the new full-length film “Downton Abbey,” based on the Emmy Award-winning series.
For years Viking has offered a variety of ways for its guests to experience life at Highclere Castle, the filming location of “Downton Abbey;” in celebration of the premiere, the cruise line unveiled a new pre-/post-cruise extension, Great Homes, Gardens & Gin, which gives guests an exclusive look at several country estates that have served as the settings of PBS and Masterpiece productions. Starting in 2021, the five-day extension will be available on Viking’s Rhine Getaway river cruise itinerary and British Isles Explorer ocean cruise.
The program includes Viking’s Privileged Access tour of Highclere Castle, as well as a visit to Broughton Castle, home to the influential Fiennes family, whose members include British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and actors Ralph Fiennes and Joseph Fiennes. The castle also served as a setting for the award-winning Masterpiece series Wolf Hall. As part of the extension, guests will visit Chavenage House in the Cotswolds, best known for its appearance in the Masterpiece series Poldar, and stroll the gardens of Highgrove House, the private home of Charles, The Prince of Wales. While visiting Highclere Castle, guests will have an opportunity to taste the recently launched Highclere Castle Gin, a super-premium London Dry Gin inspired by botanicals from the castle’s gardens. The extension also includes a visit to the nearby Bombay Sapphire Distillery to learn the history and production of gin.
In addition to the new Great Homes, Gardens & Gin cruise extension, Viking also offers Oxford & Highclere Castle. This Privileged Access extension provides guests with an exclusive three-day experience in the rolling hills of England’s countryside with a champagne welcome and a tour of the castle and estate.
Good to know: From now through September 30, 2019, U.S. residents can take advantage of special savings on cruise fares, and up to free air on select 2019, 2020 and 2021 ocean and river itineraries.
Viking is also offering U.S. residents a chance to win a trip to Highclere Castle, with the grand prize including roundtrip international Business Class air for two, an eight-day Paris & the Heart of Normandy river cruise and the three-night land extension program visiting Oxford and Highclere Castle. Enter by October 31, 2019.
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