Offer valid on bookings made from Dec 1-10, 2023 for reduced international airfare, $25pp deposit. Airfare is priced at $299 per person and included in total promotional rate. Prices are in US dollars and for US residents only, double occupancy (solo travelers higher) in lowest room category, for select July & August 2024 sailing dates. OBC is $100pp and not refundable for cash. Air does not have to be purchased to get cruise/tour offer. All fares reflect cruise taxes, port taxes and fees. Additional restrictions may apply. Airfares vary on other itineraries, gateways and departures. Air offers not valid on Alaska, Hawaii, San Juan, or from outside the US.
A river cruise is about more than the destination – it’s the journey. We invite you to take one of our European river cruises or Asia river cruises and see the world in luxury and comfort.
Sailing Europe’s storied rivers, the award-winning Viking Longships offer a variety of stateroom categories and true (two-room) suites with full-size verandas. Onboard amenities include a restaurant, bar and lounge, library and expansive sun deck. The ships feature al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, an elegant Scandinavian design and “green” features, such as solar panels, an onboard organic herb garden and energy-efficient hybrid engines for a remarkably smooth ride.
River cruising is a relaxing, immersive and thoroughly enjoyable form of travel where you can enjoy ever-changing scenery along the banks of waterways such as the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Volga and Yangtze. Unpack just once on an award-winning, state-of-the-art 190-guest Longship and journey into the very heart of iconic cities and charming towns.
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Nothing Compares to a River Cruise
River cruising is a relaxing, immersive and thoroughly enjoyable form of travel where you can enjoy ever-changing scenery along the banks of waterways such as the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Volga and Yangtze. Unpack just once and journey into the very heart of iconic cities and charming towns.
Explore the world’s great cities
The most cosmopolitan cities developed along the rivers, the world’s first trade routes. From iconic “must-sees” like Paris, Amsterdam and Budapest to quaint villages and towns waiting to be discovered, a river provides you easy access to savor the delights of both. Cities like Berlin, Lisbon, Prague, Vienna, Moscow, Cairo and Beijing are just a few that are accessible on a river cruise. In addition to the rivers listed above, cruises along lesser-known rivers like the Mekong in Southeast Asia and the Main in Germany are options.
River cruises are brimming with onboard amenities. Stateroom are most often river-facing, and come equipped with hotel-style beds, private bathrooms, individual climate control, refrigerators, safes and TVs. Higher stateroom categories may have French balconies, verandas, and separate sleeping and sitting quarters. Rooms range from 150 to 600 square feet. Guests receive excellent and personalized service from on board staff. Additionally, ships include restaurants, lounges and bars, as well as free Wi-Fi. Some ships even come equipped with libraries, boutiques, pools and/or sun decks.
Guests are given a choice of dining options, including where and what to eat. Breakfasts can either be enjoyed al fresco or at the morning buffet, while lunches and dinners can be eaten while viewing passing sights or with friends in a common eating area. Open seating is offered, allowing guests to meet new people or enjoy the presence of the same people each day. Cruises offer regional cuisine and use locally sourced ingredients to help with their authenticity. Also common are wine pairings, selected from local tastes to help guests get a closer understanding of a region’s culture.
River cruisers spend more time in the cities, towns and ports along the way. Included shore excursions consist of guided tours that help guests become well-acquainted with the culture, art and history of their destinations. In addition to guided tours, guests can roam freely around local stops or arrange optional shore excursions. There’s always ample opportunity to find something to do in every port, whether it’s visiting an ancient castle, attending a classical concert or enjoying a famous museum.
While river cruises can be enjoyed by people of all ages, they generally appeal to people more advanced in age — baby boomers, in particular. Many river cruise lines allow children aboard their ships, although they may have age restrictions in place and usually there isn’t much for kids to do. The makeup of a liner can include people of a wide range of nationalities, but more often than not, guests come from English-speaking countries.
Whether you choose to travel in the on-season or the off-season, you’ll be able to gain a deep cultural experience in each of your destinations. In the spring and summer, you may witness local outdoor events and lively activities that only occur during the warmer months of the year. Cooler weather in the fall may mean you’ll run into fewer people in the streets of cities and ports you visit, which will allow you to take your time and get a closer look at sites that interest you without feeling rushed or crowded. And in the winter season, you’ll be delighted by festive Christmas markets and enchanted by the holiday traditions and celebrations of the locals.
Given that weather will be variable depending on where your river cruise takes you, bringing along both warm and light clothes is wise. Even during warm months, there is wind on the rivers, so it’s best to plan for layers even if the weather is hot. Additionally, you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking, so bring along comfortable shoes. Lastly, pack some dressier clothes in case you attend a formal event while visiting one of your cruise destinations.
Although river cruises and ocean cruises share a number of similarities, there are also various—and considerable—differences between the two. For one, ocean liners are bigger and offer more stateroom accommodations on average. Appropriately, they’re able to host significantly more guests. The smaller scale of river ships means fewer guests, but more opportunities to get to know fellow travelers, which often lead to lifelong friendships.
In contrast to ocean cruises that may include multiple sea days, you will rarely experience a full day of sailing on a river cruise. Typically, guests will awake each morning to find themselves in a new port. With river cruising, you can also enjoy an ever-changing mural of breathtaking scenery from your ship, so the journey itself becomes part of your discovery.
For those without sea legs, river cruises have the advantage of smooth trekking, shallow waters and the gift of land that’s always in sight. Lastly, most river cruises offer inclusive value, meaning your Wi-Fi, water, alcohol and included excursions are covered in the price. However, ocean cruises tend to offer more upscale amenities, like fitness centers, multiple dining options and a variety of live entertainment.
River cruises are great for everyone, especially those desiring a more relaxed and intimate form of travel. Individuals who’ve never stepped foot on a ship before will enjoy the relative ease of a river-bound trip with little chance of seasickness. Furthermore, with a focus on cultural exploration of locations, river cruises are perfect for those with a curiosity about art and history, or a general interest in travel. Every river is unique and each tells a different story—not only of the countries through which it flows, but also of its locks, canals, scenery and bridges.
Sold and serviced by Berwick Travel | Not responsible for errors or omissions. Pricing may vary based on travel date.
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1: Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is aptly called “Paris of the East” for its beautiful evening illumination and reflected lights in the Danube’s waters.
2: Budapest, Hungary
Riverside beauty, a vibrant cultural scene and elegant Art Nouveau architecture converge in Budapest.
3: Vienna, Austria
Strauss and Mozart composed many fine pieces in Vienna, Europe’s center of classical music.
4: Vienna, Austria
The capital city of Austria, Vienna is filled with green parks, upscale stores, theaters and gracious boulevards.
5: Krems, Austria
One of the crown jewels of the Wachau Valley is the splendid Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig, a working monastery for more than 900 years.
6: Passau, Germany
Set at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers, enchanting Passau is home to elegant colored buildings and graceful arcades.
7: Regensburg, Germany
Explore the scenic town of Regensburg, considered one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities.
8: Regensburg, Germany
Having escaped major damage during World War II, the picturesque town of Regensburg is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities and the oldest city along the Danube.
Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Itinerary sails in both directions; stops are the same for Regensburg to Budapest but in reverse order.
1: Passau, Germany
Set at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers, enchanting Passau is home to elegant colored buildings and graceful arcades.
2: Passau, Germany
Founded by the Celts more than 2,000 years ago, Passau is one of Bavaria’s oldest cities.
3: Linz, Austria
Originally known as Lentia in its days as a 1st-century Roman castle-settlement, Linz is today’s provincial capital of Upper Austria.
4: Krems, Austria
The crown jewel of the Wachau Valley is the splendid Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig, a working monastery for more than 900 years.
5: Vienna, Austria
The capital city of Austria, Vienna is filled with green parks, upscale stores, theaters and gracious boulevards.
6: Bratislava, Slovakia
The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is filled with lovingly restored baroque city palaces and dominated by an enormous castle 300 feet above the Danube.
7: Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is aptly called “Paris of the East” for its beautiful evening illumination and reflected lights in the Danube’s waters.
8: Budapest, Hungary
Riverside beauty, a vibrant cultural scene and elegant Art Nouveau architecture converge in Budapest.
Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Itinerary sails in both directions; stops are the same for Budapest to Passau but in reverse order.
1: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Capital of The Netherlands, Amsterdam is renowned for its museums, colorful gardens, abundance of bicycles and endless lattice of canals.
2: Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
The South Holland village community of Kinderdijk includes a set of 19 windmills and other ingenious technologies built in the 18th century to control flooding.
3: Cologne, Germany
An intriguing mix of old and new, Cologne reveals its Roman heritage in the city layout and ancient ruins that lie scattered through the town.
4: Koblenz & Rüdesheim, Germany
On a breathtaking stretch of the Rhine that leads from medieval Koblenz to Braubach to Rüdesheim, the 13th-century Marksburg Castle towers over the river.
5: Speyer, Germany
Speyer’s charming, shop-lined main street is overlooked by the impressive clock tower of its Altpörtel, the Old Town Gate.
6: Strasbourg, France
Thanks to its location at the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg boasts a convivial mix of cultural influences.
7: Breisach, Germany
Breisach is located in one of the warmest parts of Germany, next to Alsace, which is famous for its wine-growing.
8: Basel, Switzerland
Located along the Rhine River, Basel sits at the point where French, German and Swiss borders meet, marking the gateway to the Swiss Rhineland.
Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Itinerary sails in both directions; stops are the same for Basel to Amsterdam but in reverse order.
1: Avignon, France
Sheltered by medieval walls, Avignon’s maze of narrow streets is filled with churches, museums and palaces tracing the history of this ancient, vibrant city.
2: Arles, France
The site of impressive Roman ruins, Arles inspires artists with its vibrant colors and striking quality of light.
3: Avignon, France
Avignon’s grandest edifice is the Palace of the Popes, the papal seat for 70 years in the 14th century.
4: Viviers, France
Set in a mountainous province, Viviers was founded in the 5th century.
5: Tournon, France
Tournon lies secluded between the Rhône River and granite slopes of the Hermitage.
6: Lyon, France
After Paris, Lyon is France’s most significant cultural and culinary center.
7: Lyon, France
There’s nothing like losing yourself among the cobblestone streets and riverside promenade of Old Lyon.
8: Lyon, France
France’s third largest city, Lyon straddles the Rhône and Saône Rivers.
Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Itinerary sails in both directions; stops are the same for Lyon to Avignon but in reverse order.
1: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Capital of The Netherlands, Amsterdam is renowned for its museums, colorful gardens, abundance of bicycles and endless lattice of canals.
2: Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
The South Holland village community of Kinderdijk includes a set of 19 windmills and other ingenious technologies built in the 18th century to control flooding.
3: Cologne, Germany
An intriguing mix of old and new, Cologne reveals its Roman heritage in the city layout and ancient ruins that lie scattered through the town.
4: Koblenz, Germany
On a breathtaking stretch of the Rhine that leads from medieval Koblenz to Braubach to Rüdesheim, the 13th-century Marksburg Castle towers over the river.
5: Miltenberg, Germany
Lively and romantic, the medieval town of Miltenberg on the Main River lies amid one of Germany’s fine wine–producing regions.
6: Würzburg, Germany
Würzburg is home to the Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7: Bamberg, Germany
Founded in 902, Bamberg remains a medieval-looking city known for its symphony orchestra and specialty, “smoke” beer.
8: Nuremberg, Germany
One of Germany’s most renowned and intriguing cities, Nuremberg is surrounded by 13th-century walls that have many fully intact gates and watchtowers.
9: Regensburg, Germany
Having escaped major damage during World War II, the picturesque town of Regensburg is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities and the oldest city along the Danube.
10: Passau, Germany
Set at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers, enchanting Passau is home to elegant colored buildings and graceful arcades.
11: Melk, Austria
The charming city of Melk is set amidst an important wine-growing region.
12: Vienna, Austria
The capital city of Austria, Vienna is filled with green parks, upscale stores, theaters and gracious boulevards.
13: Vienna, Austria
Strauss and Mozart composed many fine pieces in Vienna, Europe’s center of classical music.
14: Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is aptly called “Paris of the East” for its beautiful evening illumination and reflected lights in the Danube’s waters.
15: Budapest, Hungary
Riverside beauty, a vibrant cultural scene and elegant Art Nouveau architecture converge in Budapest.
Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Itinerary sails in both directions; stops are the same for Budapest to Amsterdam but in reverse order.
1: Paris, France (hotel)
Paris’s cultural and historic significance is evident in its many noted landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Arc de Triomphe.
2: Paris, France (hotel)
The “City of Light,” timeless Paris has inspired artists and writers for centuries.
3: Reims, France & Trier, Germany
Center of the Champagne region, Reims offers diverse historic sites, notably Gallo-Roman ruins, medieval monuments and Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4: Trier & Bernkastel, Germany
A picturesque town surrounded by forests and vineyards, Trier is the birthplace of Karl Marx and a vibrant university town.
5: Cochem, Germany
Perched on a hilltop above the city and the Moselle River, the 1,000-year-old Reichsburg Castle is Cochem’s signature landmark.
6: Koblenz, Germany
On a breathtaking stretch of the Rhine that leads from medieval Koblenz to Braubach to Rüdesheim, the 13th-century Marksburg Castle towers over the river.
7: Mainz, Germany
Located in the heart of wine country along the Rhine, Mainz is home to one of Germany’s most dramatic cathedrals, St. Stephen’s.
8: Speyer, Germany
Speyer’s charming, shop-lined main street is overlooked by the impressive clock tower of its Altpörtel, the Old Town Gate.
9: Strasbourg, France
Thanks to its location at the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg boasts a convivial mix of cultural influences.
10: Basel & Zürich, Switzerland (hotel)
Located along the Rhine River, Basel sits at the point where French, German and Swiss borders meet, marking the gateway to the Swiss Rhineland.
11: Zürich, Switzerland (hotel)
Regarded as one of Europe’s most livable places, Zürich’s natural beauty ranges from soaring alpine peaks to its lake’s shimmering waters.
12: Zürich, Switzerland
Switzerland’s largest city and financial heart, Zürich is home to a lively and impressive arts culture.
Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Itinerary sails in both directions; stops are the same for Zurich to Paris but in reverse order.
Download our free River Cruise Guide Magazine!
By downloading this ebook, you consent to the collection and use of your email address by us for future promotional emails that deal with promotions and specials we are offering. Any promotional e-mails we send will have an “Unsubscribe” option.
Wait, don't go just yet!
Download our free River Cruise Guide Magazine!
By downloading this ebook, you consent to the collection and use of your email address by us for future promotional emails that deal with promotions and specials we are offering. Any promotional e-mails we send will have an “Unsubscribe” option.