• 4 min de lectura
• 4 min de lectura
New European river voyage experiences including scenic airship excursions in Germany for select Rhine River itineraries.
June 5, 2026
Viking announced a range of new European river voyage experiences, including scenic Zeppelin airship excursions in Germany, providing passengers on select Rhine River itineraries with aerial views of Cologne and the Ruhr Valley, alongside new culinary and cultural shore excursions, small group experiences and expanded land extension options across Europe.
The experiences are open for booking.
"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."
Beginning in the 2026 season, Viking has expanded its shore excursion offerings with new experiences for Rhine, Danube, Seine and Elbe river itineraries.
The 'Zeppelin Flight Over the Ruhr Valley' takes passengers to Essen/Mülheim Airport where they board airships first conceived in 1893 by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. The experience includes views from over 1,000 feet of lush forests, Lake Baldeney and the Zeche Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the "Eiffel Tower of the Ruhr."
The 'Zeppelin Flight Over Cologne' departs from Bonn-Hangelar Airfield, ascending to 1,000 feet cruising altitude. Passengers view Cologne's Trade Fair complex, Lanxess arena, Hohenzollern Bridge and the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral, plus modern landmarks including the Musical Dome and Mediapark.
New dining-focused excursions include 'Dinner at Nikolaihof Winery' in Austria's Wachau Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring one of Austria's oldest wineries and its biodynamic process, concluding with seasonal dishes from locally sourced ingredients.
The 'Dürnstein on Foot & Local Dinner' combines a guided walking tour through the 12th-century town's historic streets with dinner at Alte Klosterkeller, a former monastery cellar serving regional dishes with local wine.
'Sights & Flavours of Belgrade' includes visits to Kalenić Market, Belgrade's largest open-air market, followed by a cooking class preparing traditional Serbian dishes.
'Red Stone Castle & Wine Tasting' explores Slovakian wine country with visits to the preserved 16th-century fortress and local winery tastings of specialty white wines.
Seasonal offerings include 'Sights and Tastes of Rouen' during Christmas season, featuring Rouen Cathedral and local boulangeries, available on the 'Christmastime in Paris & Normandy' itinerary. 'Flavours of Berlin', available on the 'Christmas Along the Elbe' itinerary, includes visits to Lindner fine foods shop, EAT Berlin and Curry 61 for currywurst.
New Small Group Experiences launching this year offer more intimate access to iconic landmarks. These include 'Small Group Experience: The Palace of Versailles' and 'Small Group Experience: Schönbrunn Palace' guided visits, 'Small Group Experience: Český Krumlov on Foot' and 'Small Group Experience: Medieval Village of Colmar' walking tours, and 'Small Group Experience: Picturesque Bratislava' exploration of the historic old town.
New fully guided land extensions beginning in 2026 and 2027 can be added before or after river voyages, offering deeper immersion in Italy, France, Croatia, Slovenia, Belgium and the Netherlands.
The 2026 'St. Moritz, Lombardy & Alpine Train' extension features the Bernina Express UNESCO World Heritage Site route through the Alps and Northern Italy, including Chur's old town, St. Moritz alpine views and Milan exploration.
'Croatia & Slovenia' combines Ljubljana city exploration, Lake Bled visits and Zagreb's medieval old town with the Festetics Palace in Keszthely.
'Best of Belgium' covers Brussels' UNESCO-listed attractions, medieval Bruges and Antwerp's diamond district across three cities.
'Best of Holland' includes Delft's Royal Dutch Delftware Manufactory, Gouda's historic sites with stroopwafel workshop, The Hague landmarks and visits to Mauritshuis Museum and Rijksmuseum.
The 2027 'Turin & Barolo' extension explores Italy's first capital, Alba gateway to the Langhe Wine Region UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Chambéry, historic seat of the Dukes of Savoy.
'Seville & Cordoba' uncovers southern Spain's Moorish and Roman heritage, including Seville's cathedral, royal Alcázar palace and Córdoba's Mosque-Cathedral UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Viking will return to Bavaria in 2030 with its 'Oberammergau Passion Play 2030' programme and is accepting sign-ups for guests interested in learning more once departures officially open for booking. Viking has hosted guests for this event since 2010, allowing the company to plan years ahead and integrate the Passion Play into designed itineraries.
Fuente: sea-trade cruise
