Viking Cruises has unveiled the commencement of reservations for its 2026 European River Expeditions.
With numerous voyages in 2024 already booked and a thriving demand evident in the successful bookings for season 2025, the fervor among North American adventurers has prompted the early opening of reservations for all 2026 departures along Viking's iconic routes across the European inland waterways.
As the unparalleled leader in river travel, boasting a fleet of 80 river ships and commanding over 50% of the market share for North American travelers, Viking continues to set the industry standard. The company's renowned itineraries in Europe include:
- Danube Waltz (8 days; Budapest to Passau): Immerse yourself in the therapeutic ambiance of a Budapest thermal bath, master the art of waltzing at a Viennese dance school, and relish in the culinary delights of Vienna and Budapest. Traverse the enchanting Wachau Valley and explore hidden gems like Bratislava and Passau, culminating in an exclusive visit to Gottweig Abbey.
- Rhine Getaway (8 days; Amsterdam to Basel): Uncover the treasures of the Middle Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, and medieval towns. Indulge in the region's famed white wines, and savor the diverse culinary traditions of Alsace. This journey, with stops in Amsterdam, Cologne, and Basel, unveils a tapestry of beauty and culture.
- Paris & the Heart of Normandy (8 days; Paris roundtrip): Dock in the heart of Paris for breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and a Statue of Liberty replica. Delve into history at the Normandy beaches, admire Rouen's Gothic architecture, and explore Giverny, the inspiration behind many of Claude Monet's masterpieces. This voyage celebrates the essence of France in its urban and pastoral splendor.
- Lyon & Provence (8 days; Lyon to Avignon): Channel your inner van Gogh in an Arles painting class, uncover Roman Provence at Les Arenes d'Arles and the Pont du Gard, and explore the grand Palace of the Popes in Avignon. Excite your palate in Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, while savoring local wines, truffle hunting, and witnessing the art-inspired beauty of Cezanne and Chagall along the Rhone.
- Portugal's River of Gold (10 days; Lisbon to Porto): Immerse yourself in the renaissance of Lisbon, explore the historic university towns of Coimbra and Salamanca, and wander through the port warehouses of Porto. Experience traditional cuisine, wine, and fado singing while cruising the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO Site and the world's oldest demarcated wine region.
In response to escalating demand, Viking has revealed plans to add 10 new Longships to the river fleet by the close of 2026. Currently in construction, eight of these vessels will navigate Viking's routes on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, while two more will join the fleet on the Seine River. To meet the heightened demand, five of the new vessels are set for delivery in 2025, with the remaining five to follow in 2026.