Viking has unveiled a suite of new experiences for its European river cruise program, including scenic Zeppelin flights over Germany, immersive culinary excursions and expanded land extensions designed to deepen destination exploration.
The new offerings are now open for booking and will be available across selected Rhine, Danube, Seine and Elbe itineraries from the 2026 season.
Zeppelin flights headline new shore excursions
Among the most distinctive additions are scenic Zeppelin airship flights over Cologne and the Ruhr Valley, offering guests a unique aerial perspective of some of Germany’s most iconic landscapes and landmarks.
Available on selected Rhine River itineraries, the excursions allow travellers to soar above Cologne Cathedral, the Hohenzollern Bridge and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Zeche Zollverein, while gaining a fresh appreciation of the region’s history and geography.
Viking Executive Chairman Torstein Hagen said Europe continues to be one of the cruise line’s most popular destinations.
“Europe remains a favourite destination for our guests – particularly those interested in experiencing a river voyage for the first time,” Hagen said.
“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 culinary and cultural experiences
Viking has also expanded its portfolio of destination-focused shore excursions with a range of food, wine and cultural experiences.
Highlights include a dinner and wine tasting at Austria’s historic Nikolaihof Winery in the Wachau Valley, a guided walking tour and regional dinner in Dürnstein, and a market visit and Serbian cooking class in Belgrade.
Seasonal experiences have also been added, including festive food tours in Rouen and Berlin, allowing guests to sample local specialities while exploring Christmas traditions and historic landmarks.
More intimate exploration through small-group tours
The cruise line is introducing new Small Group Experiences across selected European river itineraries, providing guests with more personalised and immersive touring opportunities.
New options include guided visits to the Palace of Versailles, Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, the medieval streets of Český Krumlov, the canals and half-timbered houses of Colmar, and the historic old town of Bratislava.
New land extensions across Europe
Viking has further expanded its pre- and post-cruise land program, introducing several new guided extensions for 2026 and 2027.
New itineraries include:
- St. Moritz, Lombardy & Alpine Train
- Croatia & Slovenia
- Best of Belgium
- Best of Holland
- Turin & Barolo
- Seville & Cordoba
The extensions are designed to give travellers additional opportunities to explore Europe’s culture, cuisine and heritage before or after their river cruise.
Passion Play returns in 2030
Looking further ahead, Viking has confirmed the return of its Oberammergau Passion Play itineraries in 2030, with expressions of interest now open.
The once-a-decade event has been a feature of Viking’s European programs since 2010, offering guests the opportunity to combine the world-famous performance with a broader cruise and land journey through Europe.
