Viking has unveiled a range of new European river voyage experiences for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, introducing exclusive shore excursions, small-group experiences and expanded land extensions designed to offer deeper cultural immersion across Europe.
Among the most distinctive additions are new Zeppelin airship excursions on select Rhine itineraries, allowing guests to experience Germany from a unique aerial perspective.
Travellers will be able to soar above Cologne’s iconic cathedral, the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Rhineland, as well as the Ruhr Valley’s forests, lakes and the UNESCO-listed Zollverein industrial complex.
The cruise line has also expanded its culinary and cultural experiences across its Rhine, Danube, Seine and Elbe itineraries. New excursions include a dinner and wine experience at Austria’s historic Nikolaihof Winery in the Wachau Valley, guided explorations of Dürnstein paired with local cuisine, market visits and cooking classes in Belgrade, wine tastings in Slovakia’s Little Carpathians region, and festive food-focused tours in Rouen and Berlin during the Christmas season.
Commenting on the launch, Torstein Hagen, Executive Chairman of Viking, said, “Europe remains a favourite destination for our guests, particularly those experiencing a river voyage for the first time. 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 through local food, culture and traditions, or even from the air in a Zeppelin.”
Recognising growing demand for more personalised travel, Viking will also introduce new Small Group Experiences from 2026. These include guided visits to renowned attractions such as the Palace of Versailles in France, Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, the medieval town of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, Colmar in France and Bratislava in Slovakia, providing guests with a more intimate way to explore local history and culture.
Beyond the cruise itself, Viking has expanded its portfolio of pre- and post-cruise land extensions. New programmes launching in 2026 include St. Moritz, Lombardy & Alpine Train, featuring a journey aboard the Bernina Express through the Alps and Northern Italy; Croatia & Slovenia; Best of Belgium; and Best of Holland. Additional extensions debuting in 2027 include Turin & Barolo in Italy and Seville & Córdoba in Spain, offering guests opportunities to further explore Europe’s cultural and culinary heritage.
The company also confirmed the return of its Oberammergau Passion Play itineraries in Bavaria for 2030 and has begun accepting registrations of interest ahead of bookings opening.
According to Viking, the expanded programme reflects growing demand for immersive travel experiences that combine culture, gastronomy, history and authentic local engagement, while enabling guests to explore destinations in greater depth before, during and after their river voyage.
