Cruises

Viking Rolls Out New Offerings for European River Cruises

By Newsdesk Jun 8, 2026 12:30pm

On June 5, 2026, Viking announced a range of new European river voyage experiences that are now open for booking. Highlights 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 favorite 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.”

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 include:

Zeppelin Flight Over the Ruhr Valley – Board a Zeppelin airship to view the Ruhr Valley from a new perspective. Drive to Essen/Mülheim Airport, where your Zeppelin awaits. First conceived in 1893 by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, these airships became a popular mode of travel during the early 20th-century. Take in stunning views as the Zeppelin gently ascends to just over 1,000 feet. Glide through the air over forests and Lake Baldeney. Soar above the Ruhr Valley, once Germany’s economic powerhouse, and see the Zeche Zollverein—a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Eiffel Tower of the Ruhr”—before returning to the airport. (Available on select Rhine River itineraries.)
Zeppelin Flight Over Cologne – Take flight on a Zeppelin airship and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Cologne’s monuments. Drive to the Bonn-Hangelar Airfield, where your Zeppelin awaits. As you settle into your seat, the airship will slowly ascend to its cruising altitude of 1,000 feet. Glide through the sky above the Rhineland. Soar over Cologne, seeing its Trade Fair complex and the Lanxess arena. Follow the arches of the Hohenzollern Bridge to the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO-listed site and an example of Gothic architecture. On your return, you will spot Cologne’s modern landmarks, including the Musical Dome and the Mediapark, before descending. (Available on select Rhine River itineraries.)
Dinner at Nikolaihof Winery – Visit Austria’s Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned region to explore Nikolaihof Winery, one of the oldest wineries in Austria. Learn how it was one of the first in Europe to implement a biodynamic process and visit its cellar. Finally, sit down for a dinner of seasonal dishes made from locally sourced game and produce. (Available on select Danube River itineraries.)

Longship Vili over Danube River

Longship Vili over Danube River (Viking)
Dürnstein on Foot & Local Dinner – Explore Dürnstein, a town that dates to the 12th century, on a guided walking tour through its streets to learn about its history, including the castle’s 13th-century construction and connection to Richard the Lionheart, followed by a dinner at Alte Klosterkeller, a former monastery cellar, to enjoy regional dishes paired with local wine. (Available on select Danube River itineraries.)
Sights & Flavors of Belgrade – Take in the sights of Belgrade as you visit a local market and join a cooking class to prepare your own lunch. Set off with your guide on a drive through the city to see some of its iconic sights. Visit the Kalenić Market, Belgrade’s largest open-air market, where you can purchase ingredients for your upcoming cooking class where you will prepare traditional Serbian dishes. (Available on select Danube River itineraries.)
Red Stone Castle & Wine Tasting – Discover the heart of 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. Explore its interiors and cellar complex before visiting a local winery to sample the region’s specialty white wines. (Available on select Danube River itineraries.)
Sights and Tastes of Rouen – Explore Rouen during the Christmas season and discover some of its landmarks and taste the local fare. Begin at the Rouen Cathedral, a structure that has evolved over 800 years and features a blend of early Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. Learn the history of the area in the Old Market Square, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Pause at various boulangeries and patisseries to sample local treats and take in the atmosphere of Rouen’s café culture. (Available on the Christmastime in Paris & Normandy itinerary.)
Flavors of Berlin – Experience Berlin during the Christmas season, sampling the flavors of Germany’s capital city. With your guide, visit some of the city’s culinary institutions. At Lindner, the city’s renowned fine foods shop celebrated for its house-made butter, you will enjoy a taste of Berliner Boulette—a flat meatball flavored with onions—along with other delicacies. Admire Berlin’s colorful street art en route to EAT Berlin. Local cheeses, mustards, pestos (sauces) and more are sold here. At the popular Curry 61, order currywurst. No food tour of Berlin would be complete without a taste of traditional coffee and cake from one of the city’s many cafés. (Available on the Christmas Along the Elbe itinerary.)

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:

Small Group Experience: The Palace of Versailles – Discover Versailles during a more intimate guided visit to the famed palace and gardens, learning about the history, art and legacy of French royalty.
Small Group Experience: Schönbrunn Palace – Explore Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace in a small group setting and uncover the history of the Habsburg dynasty while admiring the palace’s rooms and landscaped grounds.
Small Group Experience: Český Krumlov on Foot – Step into the Bohemia of old during a small group guided stroll through the Czech Republic’s fairy-tale town.
Small Group Experience: Medieval Village of Colmar – Stroll through the Alsatian village of Colmar alongside a small group as you explore its cobblestone streets, half-timbered homes and canals steeped in medieval history.
Small Group Experience: Picturesque Bratislava – Experience the highlights of Slovakia’s capital during a small group exploration of Bratislava’s historic old town, baroque architecture and local culture.

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:

New in 2026 St. Moritz, Lombardy & Alpine Train – Board the Bernina Express for a rail journey along a UNESCO World Heritage Site route through the Alps and Northern Italy. Explore the old town of Chur and admire views from atop an alpine mountain in St. Moritz. Experience Milan, the cultural center of Northern Italy.
NEW in 2026 Croatia & Slovenia – Experience the vibrant cultures of Slovenia and Croatia. In Ljubljana, explore the city and visit Lake Bled and Radovljica. Walk the streets of Zagreb’s medieval old town and visit the Festetics Palace in Keszthely.
NEW in 2026 Best of Belgium – Experience the history, architecture and culture of Belgium during visits to three of its most captivating cities. Immerse yourself in the UNESCO-listed charms of Brussels and medieval Bruges, and explore Antwerp, Europe's diamond capital.
NEW in 2026 Best of Holland – Discover Holland’s cultural heritage, beauty and sights. Explore Delft’s Royal Dutch Delftware Manufactory and Gouda’s sites, and partake in a stroopwafel workshop. See The Hague’s landmarks, and the masterpieces on display at the Mauritshuis Museum and Rijksmuseum.
NEW in 2027 Turin & Barolo – Discover Turin, Italy’s first capital, renowned for its Baroque architecture, 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.
NEW in 2027 Seville & Cordoba – Uncover southern Spain, where Moorish and Roman legacies create a rich cultural tapestry. Discover Seville’s architecture at its cathedral. Visit the royal Alcázar palace and Córdoba’s Mosque-Cathedral, two of the region’s impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Oberammergau Passion Play 2030

Additionally, Viking will return to Bavaria in 2030 with its Oberammergau Passion Play 2030 and is now accepting sign-ups for guests interested in learning more once departures are officially open for booking.

Booking

From now through June 30, 2026, Viking’s Summer Sale offers North American travelers reduced fares and up to free international airfare on select all-inclusive river, ocean and expedition itineraries—and a $25 deposit for all itineraries.