Viking Cruises focuses on culturally immersive voyages. With a fleet of more than 900 vessels, it offers voyages on all seven continents. The destination-focused itineraries ensure that every port has a shore excursion for curious travelers.
With a wide array of onshore enrichment programs, travelers can visit their favorite places. Additionally, onboard programs ensure that you get valuable insights about the destination through music, dance, and guest lectures.
This blog highlights exciting Viking Cruises excursions. Learn about the premium excursions and insightful tips that will help you prepare for your next fulfilling journey.
30-Second Summary
Viking Cruises is renowned for voyages that provide opportunities to understand the culture of the destination. With its state-of-the-art fleet and vast excursion itinerary, you can select your favorite shore activity easily.
In this guide, you will learn about some popular Viking Cruises excursions. Read on to discover how to book your excursion, onboard amenities, and much more.
Why Choose Viking Cruises for Shore Excursions?
Many cruises prefer Viking as it offers convenience. This cruise is particularly ideal for travelers who want to gain a deep connection with the destination they visit.
Cultural Enrichment
The working world excursions allow you to glimpse into the lives of locals. Travelers get privileged access to various places, such as museums, before and after open hours. Viking shore excursions are excellent for enhancing your understanding of the culture and history of a region.
Inclusive Value
Viking Cruises excursions are included in all-inclusive fares. These fares include one shore excursion at every port, promising convenience. Moreover, you do not need to worry about planning your itinerary. Viking Cruises lets the guests relax with their pre-planned itineraries for every destination.
Expertise
You can explore the destination properly with expert guides. They provide information about the history, culture, and hidden gems of regions. This cruise line is popular for offering high-quality shore excursions. From short walking tours to more immersive tours, passengers can visit all tourist hotspots.
Premium Excursions Worth Booking
Viking Cruises offers optional and premium excursions for travelers seeking a deeper connection with their destinations. These excursions allow you to explore the places that are not included in the standard itinerary.
These premium excursions include privileged behind-the-scenes access, activities with expert guides, and small group explorations. You can attend a private Mozart and Strauss concert, cook with a local in Tuscany, get an exclusive tour of Delta Blues, and much more.
Different Viking Excursion Types
All Viking included tours are curated to cater to a diverse range of travelers. No matter what type of excursions you are seeking, this cruise line has something for everyone.
Cultural Tours: Passengers can enjoy enriching Viking cultural experiences at various ports. These excursions are ideal for people who want to gain insights about a location’s heritage and traditions.
Adventurous Activities: For adrenaline lovers, these activities offer heart-pounding experiences. You can partake in kayaking and snorkeling in crystal clear waters, cycling to see charming sights, hiking along rugged terrain, and other outdoor activities.
Culinary Experiences: These excursions are particularly ideal for people who like to indulge in local cuisines. From dining in an authentic restaurant to participating in cooking classes, you can fulfill your Epicurean dreams during culinary tours.
Top Viking Shore Excursions by Destination
Viking Cruises offers a diverse range of destinations, providing an engaging onshore experience for passengers. This section highlights regions where you can enjoy excursions while sailing with this cruise line.
- Europe
The famous Viking Cruises European excursions are:
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Explore the historic waterways on a leisurely boat ride in Amsterdam. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site “Canal Ring.” If you are interested in history, take a guided tour of the museums and galleries. See the historic city center and shop at the flower markets.
Berlin, Germany
The excursions include a visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial, where you learn about the history of this city’s past. Additionally, historical tours take you to Cold War sites. You can explore the modern architecture, cultural attractions, and neighborhoods.
London, England
In London, travelers get a chance to sail along the River Thames. Dive deep into the culture of the traditional English countryside. Visit some famous landmarks, including the British Museum, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey.
Paris, France
If you are an art lover, you can visit the Louvre Museum to see artistic masterpieces. Cruise on the Seine River and soak in the views of Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Additionally, enjoy the day trips to the Palace of Versailles and its stunning gardens.
Lisbon, Portugal
Visit Jerónimos Monastery, which is popular for its Manueline architecture and the resting place of Vasco da Gama. Learn about this region’s history by strolling through the neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto.
- Scandinavia
Explore the authentic Scandinavian beauty through the following excursions.
Bergen, Norway
For history buffs, explore the Bryggen Wharf District. Cruise along the magnificent fjords and immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes. Take guided hikes and savor the traditional Norwegian cuisine by visiting local markets.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Marvel at the vivid colors of houses in the Nyhavn harbor district. If you want to experience the Danish culture, you can visit royal palaces and Danish design museums. Take a cycling tour and explore the city’s vibrant bustle.
Stockholm, Sweden
Transport yourself back to medieval times while strolling through the streets of Gamla Stan (Old Town). Take a look at the famous 17th century warship at the Vasa Museum. You can even explore the nearby islands by taking archipelago boat tours.
Tromsø, Norway
Marvel at Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral, which has a stunning glass facade. Experience the indigenous culture at a Sami celebration. Passengers can see the breathtaking northern lights during seasonal excursions.
Faroe Islands
For adventure lovers, cliff hiking is an ideal excursion. Watch the beautiful plumage of soaring birds. Watch the demonstration of the age-old tradition of fish smoking. Visit a Faroese village and explore sheep farming practices and wool production.
Mediterranean
The best Mediterranean shore excursions by Viking Cruises are:
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
These excursions include guided tours to historical landmarks, such as the Colosseum and Pantheon. To learn about religious history, visit Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Go on walks to the Palatine Hill archipelago.
Venice, Italy
Watch the demonstration of lace and glass making at Murano and Burano islands. Get a chance to see the intricate architecture of St. Mark’s Square and Basilica. Take a romantic gondola ride on the winding canals of Venice.
Athens, Greece
A guided tour shows you the Parthenon archaeological site, where you can see the artifact exhibitions. Explore the ancient Greek artifacts in the Acropolis Museum. Travel to the local markets and dine in a Greek taverna.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Fans of the series “Game of Thrones” can visit the filming locations in this region. See the magnificently preserved walled city of Dubrovnik with an expert guide. Enjoy the panoramic views through city walls walking tours.
Greek Islands
Explore the beauty of the Greek Isles with island hopping. Recharge yourself during the beach breaks. Various islands have archaeological sites that are worth visiting. Moreover, you can travel to villages and go on wine tasting tours.
Mississippi River Cruises
Explore the beauty of the Mississippi River and its surrounding regions with Viking River Cruise tours.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans excursions are superb for food lovers as they visit the Festive French Quarter and enjoy Creole cuisine. Learn about Jazz history as you explore more about music. Visit the Garden District, renowned for its mansions and architecture.
Memphis, Tennessee
Find the hidden gems and enjoy the flavorful barbecue of Memphis. For music lovers, a guided tour of Graceland allows you to take a look at Elvis Presley’s home. Discover the Beale Street nightlife and musical heritage at Sun Studio and Stax Museum.
St. Louis, Missouri
Ascend to the top of the Gateway Arch, the tallest mountain in the US, on a tram ride. Get insights into the city’s roots as a trade hub by visiting historic riverfront districts. Visit the beautiful Missouri Botanical Garden and Forest Park on this scenic and relaxing excursion.
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Travelers can learn about the Civil War history at Vicksburg National Military Park. Explore various artifacts at the Mississippi River Museum. See the grandeur and elegance of Antebellum mansions built in neoclassical, Greek, and Georgian styles.
Hannibal, Missouri
This excursion is fantastic for all literary enthusiasts. You can visit Mark Twain’s boyhood home, a symbol of America’s literary history. Enjoy excursions based on Mark Twain’s famous characters. Explore the rich history through downtown walking tours.
Great Lakes and Expedition Voyages
Here are some exciting expeditions by Viking Cruises.
Toronto, Ontario
In this region, passengers can tour the CN Tower and the harborfront districts. See the breathtaking architecture of the Casa Loma Castle and its lush and extensive gardens. Shop for fresh produce at St. Lawrence markets.
Niagara Falls, Ontario/New York
Visit the gushing Niagara Falls and soak in its stunning views. The behind-the-falls spot provides the perfect photo card scenery. You can observe this waterfall on the Maid of the Mist tour. Adults can also enjoy wine tours in the Niagara region.
Georgian Bay, Ontario
Georgian Bay is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Passengers can participate in kayaking and see the beauty that surrounds this Bay. You can discover the granite islands while hiking in the region. Encounter various wildlife, including otters, beavers, and migratory birds.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Visit the famous Harley-Davidson Museum, which celebrates one of the most successful businesses in Milwaukee. You explore masterpieces in the Milwaukee Art Museum. Adult passengers can participate in brewery visits and wine tastings.
Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan
Find tranquillity when you explore the scenic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This pristine environment has various forests that provide the perfect hiking opportunity. Climb a sand dune and explore the relaxing Lake Michigan Beach.
Onboard Experiences to Complement Shore Enrichment
To provide passengers with a fulfilling voyage, Viking Cruises has onboard services to complement shore activities. Passengers can enjoy the following onboard amenities:
Guest Lecturers
Viking Cruises organizes lectures that shed light on a destination’s music, culture, architecture, geopolitics, and natural wonders. These lecturers are authors, archaeologists, former diplomats, and news correspondents.
Resident Historians
The faculty of resident historians delivers exceptional historical lectures. The roundtable discussions allow passengers to have a more intimate group setting. You also get one-on-one time with guest historians during daily “office hours.”
Destination Performances
Each itinerary includes a performance that represents the culture of the destination. Some performances are traditional Greek dance, Italian opera, Portuguese Fado, and other iconic cultural practices.
Cooking School
Our onboard cooking school has world-class chefs. You get hands-on experience of how to cook destination-specific cuisines. Passengers handpick fresh ingredients from local markets on port days, which become a part of the delicious cuisine onboard.
Informative Presentations
You can get informative presentations for the destination you will visit the next day. These multimedia presentations cover the history, culture, and iconic landmarks. Passengers feel ready for a new day and look forward to their time onshore.
TED Talks
Viking Cruises partnered with TED to spread valuable information. The TED talks focus on geography, science, the arts, history, and other topics. These short yet powerful talks spark curious minds who want to learn.
Resident Musicians
You will find our resident musicians throughout the ship. The guitarist, cellist, pianist, and violinist play calming classical music. This soul-soothing music adds more enrichment to your travel experience.
Libraries
The onboard libraries have all the books to cater to the unique and inquisitive tastes of our passengers. Whether you want to read about art or the destination you are visiting, each handpicked book enhances your onboard experience.
Adult Focused Voyages
This cruise line primarily caters to passengers who are 18 years or older. It is not considered kid-friendly and lacks facilities suitable for children. The activities in the itinerary are for relaxation and cultural exploration for adults.
Excursion Preparation Tips for Viking Cruises Excursions
Want to make your Viking voyage worth it? Let’s see some helpful tips for a smooth journey.
Booking Process
- To book your excursion, log in to your My Viking Journey account.
- Browse the excursions and add them to your wishlist.
- Start booking once the booking window opens.
- Opening of the booking window depends on your stateroom category.
- Once you have booked, review your itinerary to make sure you have all your favorite excursions.
Packing Tips
- Make comfort your priority when packing your luggage for excursions.
- Make sure to pack comfortable clothes, such as jeans, shorts, and long and short-sleeved shirts.
- For indoors and cooler temperatures, pack jackets, sweaters, and cardigans.
- If you are planning to walk a lot during your excursions, pack comfortable sneakers and sandals.
- Have all your travel documents and medications in your carry-on bag.
- Pack your sunscreen, sunhat, and toiletries.
Final Takeaway
Voyaging with Viking Cruises is great, particularly for people who want a deep cultural exploration of different ports. Each destination has pre-planned excursions that provide guests with an enriching shore experience.
This blog highlights the top Viking Cruises excursions that are designed to provide a deeper understanding of various destinations. With booking and packing tips, get ready to check off all ports from your travel bucket list.
FAQs
Are Excursions included on Viking Cruises?
Yes, one complimentary excursion at every port is included in the base fare. However, if you want to experience premium excursions, they are available at an additional fee.
How can I book Shore Excursions with Viking Cruises?
For online booking, you can log in to My Viking Journey. If you want to book onboard, you can get assistance from the shore excursion team.
Do Viking Cruises offer evening and nighttime excursions?
Yes, some river cruises operated by Viking offer nighttime walking tours and musical performances. However, these may vary depending on the itinerary.
