Viking is pioneering a new year-round offering for those who want to explore Europe’s rivers at a time of year when the tourist crowds have left.
With the announcement of the “Treasures of the Rhine” voyage, Viking embarks on a journey into uncharted waters, becoming the first year-round cruise on Europe’s most famous rivers.
The first winter cruise on the Rhine River takes in Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands and departs for the first time in December.
Advantages of a Rhine Cruise
The new “Treasures of the Rhine” tour, which will start in December 2023, aims to offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience European culture and beautiful winter sights during the winter months of the year.
As the first cruise line to offer year-round cruises on European rivers, Viking hopes to offer guests the opportunity to find a place, away from the usual crowds.
Ten-day tours depart from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Basel, Switzerland, and vice versa. The trip from Basel started in Breisach, Germany, a beautiful town on the banks of the Rhine, before reaching Strasbourg, France.
Continuing along the Rhine, the tour continues to Heidelberg and Mainz, which are known for their historical significance. The tour ends in Cologne, a city famous for its Gothic cathedral. In the Netherlands, tourists visit Arnhem before finishing their trip in the capital of the Netherlands in Amsterdam.
The Viking Longship itself holds up to 190 guests in 95 staterooms. The ships are equipped with modern facilities, including a restaurant, bar and lounge, library, and sunbathing area.
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The ships also boast green features such as solar panels, an on-board herb garden, and energy-efficient hybrid engines. In addition, guests can enjoy al fresco dining on the changing Aquavit Terrace.
The attraction of Rhine River Cruises
The Rhine River has become a popular destination for river rafters. This European waterway passes through breathtaking landscapes, bustling cities, and historic sites, making it an excellent choice for those who want to learn about European culture in the winter.
The Middle Rhine is often praised for its impressive landscape of hilltop castles, quaint towns, and vineyards, and is a popular tourist destination. It’s no surprise that Viking plans to launch cruises after most tourists leave, and visitors can explore the area during quieter times of the year.
With the new “Treasures of the Rhine” cruise, Viking is doing just that, says Torstein Hagen, Viking’s Chairman: “The Middle Rhine is one of our favorite places – with ever-changing views of castles on top of mountains, historic towns, and vineyards along the valleys, and a region that will always be famous for its river,”
“Many of our guests have traveled on the Rhine at some point, so we are happy to offer a new route for those who may be interested in experiencing Europe during the quieter time of year.”
Most cruise lines in Europe go through a regular winter season. Since demand for river cruises in Europe is usually at its lowest during the winter, cruises often use this time to renovate, renovate, and prepare for the upcoming season.
The inaugural “Treasures of the Rhine” cruise will run from December 2023, to early March 2024. With fares starting at $1,999 per person, the cruise is also selling its 25th Anniversary to US and Canadian residents through May. 31, 2023. This includes free airfare and special discounts on all cruises from 2023-2025.
In addition to the Rhine River in Western Europe, Viking is also busy expanding its operations in other areas. such as cruises on the Nile in Egypt.
