Viking’s Exciting New River Cruise Shore Excursions and Land Tours

Viking Lif cruises on the Main River in Aschaffenburg, Germany. Viking has unveiled an impressive slate of new shore excursions for travelers to enjoy on their voyages in Europe. (Photos courtesy of Viking)

Viking has unveiled a range of new European river cruise shore excursion experiences that will appeal top travelers looking for more excitement. 

Highlights include scenic Zeppelin airship excursions in Germany, offering cruisers on select Rhine River itineraries aerial views of Cologne and the Ruhr Valley, along with new culinary and cultural shore excursions, small group shore excursions and expanded options for land extensions across Europe

New Viking European River Cruise Excursions

Beginning in the 2026 season, Viking has added to its extensive shore excursion offerings with a collection of experiences for its Rhine, Danube, Seine and Elbe river itineraries. Highlights of the new excursions include:

Zeppelin Flight Over the Ruhr Valley

On this outing, you’ll board a Zeppelin airship to gain a soaring view over the picturesque Ruhr Valley. Cruisers are transported to Essen/Mülheim Airport, where the Zeppelin awaits. 

First conceived in 1893 by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, these remarkable airships became a popular mode of travel during the early 20th century. Take in stunning views as the Zeppelin gently ascends to 1,000 feet. Glide through the air over lush forests and Lake Baldeney and then above the Ruhr Valley, once Germany’s economic powerhouse. You’ll see the Zeche Zollverein — a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Eiffel Tower of the Ruhr” — before returning to the airport. (This tour is available on select Rhine River itineraries.)

Zeppelin Flight Over Cologne

On this Zeppelin excursion, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of Cologne’s striking monuments. Drive to the Bonn-Hangelar Airfield, where your Zeppelin awaits. 

During this trip, you’ll glide through the sky above the Rhineland, watching as the landscape unfolds beneath you. Soar over Cologne, seeing its Trade Fair complex and the Lanxess arena. Follow the arches of the Hohenzollern Bridge to the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO-listed site and an impressive example of Gothic architecture. On your return, you will spot Cologne’s modern landmarks, including the Musical Dome and the Mediapark, before descending. (This is offered on select Rhine River cruises.)

Dinner at Nikolaihof Winery

Visit Austria’s Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned region to explore Nikolaihof Winery, one of the oldest wineries in Austria. You’ll learn how it was one of the first in Europe to implement a biodynamic process and visit its cellar, where you can see its oak wine barrels and sample some of its wine. Finally, sit down for a dinner of seasonal dishes made from locally sourced game and produce, some of it grown right on the winery’s grounds. (Available on select Danube River itineraries.)

Dürnstein on Foot & Local Dinner

Explore Dürnstein, a town that dates to the 12th century, on a guided walking tour through its historic streets to learn about the rich history including its connection to Richard the Lionheart, followed by a dinner at Alte Klosterkeller, a former monastery cellar, to enjoy regional dishes paired with wine. (Available on select Danube River itineraries.

Sights & Flavors of Belgrade

Take in the sights of Belgrade as you visit a market and join a cooking class to prepare your own lunch. Set off with your guide on a drive through the city to see some of its most iconic sights. Visit the Kalenić Market, Belgrade’s largest open-air market, where you can stroll among the stalls and purchase ingredients for your cooking class during which you will prepare and enjoy traditional Serbian dishes. (Available on select Danube River itineraries.)

Red Stone Castle & Wine Tasting

Cruisers visit the heart of Slovakian wine country, going to the picturesque Little Carpathians and the well‑preserved Red Stone Castle, a former 16th‑century fortress transformed into an aristocratic residence. Explore its grand interiors and cellar complex before visiting a winery to sample the region’s specialty white wines. (Available on select Danube River itineraries.)

Sights and Tastes of Rouen

This outing takes you to Rouen during the Christmas season to experience some of its iconic landmarks and taste the traditional fare. Begin at the Rouen Cathedral, a structure that has evolved over 800 years and features a blend of early Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. Learn the history of the area in the Old Market Square, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Pause at various boulangeries and patisseries to sample the treats and take in the atmosphere of Rouen’s café culture. (Available on the Christmastime in Paris & Normandy itinerary.)

Flavors of Berlin

Experience Berlin during the Christmas season, sampling the flavors of Germany’s capital city. With your guide, visit some of the city’s culinary institutions. At Lindner, a renowned fine foods shop celebrated for its house-made butter, you will enjoy a taste of Berliner Boulette—a flat meatball flavored with onions—along with other delicacies. Admire Berlin’s colorful street art en route to EAT Berlin, located amid a network of picturesque art nouveau courtyards. Cheeses, mustards, pestos (sauces) and more are sold here, with lots of items to sample. At the popular Curry 61, order currywurst, a city favorite. No food tour of Berlin would be complete without a taste of traditional coffee and cake from one of the city’s many cafés. (Available on the Christmas Along the Elbe itinerary.)

New Small Group Experiences

A Viking longship cruises past Reichenstein Castle in the Rhine Valley. Viking river cruises are filled with scenes like these with journeys available on the Rhine, Danube and other picturesque waterways throughout Europe.

Viking also has new small-group excursions available on select river itineraries in Europe. These outings offer travelers more intimate and immersive ways to enjoy iconic landmarks and culture. These include:

Small Group Experience: The Palace of Versailles

Experience the opulence and grandeur of Versailles during an exclusive guided visit to the palace and gardens, learning about the history, art and legacy of French royalty.

Small Group Experience: Schönbrunn Palace

You’ll see Vienna’s magnificent Schönbrunn Palace without the typical crowds and uncover the history of the Habsburg dynasty while admiring the palace’s lavish rooms and landscaped grounds.

Small Group Experience: Český Krumlov on Foot

Step into the Bohemia of old during a guided stroll through Czechia’s charming fairy-tale town.

Small Group Experience: Medieval Village of Colmar

Stroll through the charming Alsatian village of Colmar alongside a small group as you wander its cobblestone streets to see the half-timbered homes and picturesque canals steeped in medieval history.

Small Group Experience: Picturesque Bratislava

Experience the highlights of Slovakia’s capital during a small group tour of Bratislava’s historic old town, baroque architecture and culture.

New Pre- and Post-Cruise Land Extensions

Viking also announced new fully guided land extensions. These can be added before or after your cruise to extend vacations in Italy, France, Croatia, Slovenia, Belgium and the Netherlands. Highlights of the new land extensions include:

St. Moritz, Lombardy & Alpine Train

Board the Bernina Express for a stunning rail journey along a UNESCO World Heritage Site route through the majestic Alps and Northern Italy. Visit the old town of Chur and admire striking views from atop an alpine mountain in St. Moritz. Experience Milan, the cultural center of Northern Italy.

Croatia & Slovenia

Experience the vibrant cultures of Slovenia and Croatia. In the Slovenian capital Ljubljana, explore the city and visit scenic Lake Bled and charming Radovljica. In Croatia, walk the streets of Zagreb’s medieval old town, and visit the stately Festetics Palace in Keszthely on a journey that blends history and picturesque landscapes.

Best of Belgium

Experience the rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant culture of Belgium during visits to three of its most captivating cities. Immerse yourself in the picturesque UNESCO-listed charms of Brussels and medieval Bruges, and explore bustling Antwerp, Europe's renowned diamond capital.

Best of Holland

Travelers can enjoy Holland’s rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty and iconic sights. Visit Delft’s Royal Dutch Delftware Manufactory and Gouda’s historic sites, and partake in a stroopwafel workshop. See The Hague’s landmarks and admire the masterpieces on display at the Mauritshuis Museum and Rijksmuseum.

Turin & Barolo

You’ll visit Turin, Italy’s first capital, renowned for its elegant Baroque architecture, vibrant piazzas and Piedmont wines. You’ll also get to see Alba, the gateway to the Langhe Wine Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore Chambéry, the historic seat of the Dukes of Savoy.

Seville & Cordoba

Uncover the spirit of southern Spain, where Moorish and Roman legacies create a rich cultural tapestry. Visit Seville’s architecture at its stately cathedral. Experience the royal Alcázar palace and Córdoba’s Mosque-Cathedral, two of the region’s impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites.