Three hundred years ago, the “Grand Tour” was considered an educational rite of passage for young Englishmen of means. Lasting from several months to several years, the wealthy gentry explored the European continent in search of art and culture as they mingled with fashionably polite society. Today, the same privileges are afforded to any curious traveler on Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour – without the rigors of 18th-century travel or the need for a nobleman’s unlimited funds!

Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour is a magical 15-day river cruise aboard a Viking Longship from Amsterdam to Budapest (or reverse) along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. The itinerary traverses five countries: Holland, German, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary from March to November. Carefully crafted itineraries feature must-see highlights and UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a wealth of guided tours. Guests gain an in-depth understanding of the art, architecture, history, and people of the places they visit. Viking also presents a Culture Curriculum of informative lectures, interesting demonstrations and entertaining performances on board. With this blend of first-hand experience and observation, travelers go beyond just seeing great cities; they uncover the real character and way of life of the local culture, making the travel experience more meaningful.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Viking’s Grand European Tour

• Tour of the 19 iconic windmills of Kinderdijk, Netherlands – The mill network originated in the Middle Ages to drain the land for agriculture. The man-made landscape was created by hydraulic technology, showing resourcefulness and perseverance over nearly a thousand years.
• Tour of the Cologne Cathedral, Germany – Started in 1248, this masterpiece of Gothic architecture took over 700 years to complete, but successive artists remained true to the original plans. It is the largest cathedral in northern Europe and has the largest façade in the world.
• Scenic cruising along Middle Rhine – The 40-mile picturesque stretch of 60 historic towns and 40 hilltop castles (most in ruins) between Rudesheim and Koblenz, Germany was an inspiration for many writers, artists, and composers. The area’s vineyards produce the popular Riesling wine.

• Wurzburg Bishop’s Residence – Extensive gardens surround this luxuriously decorated Baroque palace. It’s one of the largest palaces in Germany with over 300 rooms.[youtube bfPlAtGnyLQ]
• Tour of Bamberg, Germany – This very well preserved medieval town has many authentic buildings, including the 11th-century cathedral.
• Tour of Regensburg, Germany – A trading center since the 9th century, the historic architecture includes Gothic St. Peter’s Church, Old Town Hall and the 12th century Old Stone Bridge.

• Tour of Melk Abbey, Austria – Melk has been an important spiritual and cultural center in Austria for over 1000 years. Founded in the 11th century, the abbey served as a monastic school and library. It was also a scriptorium, a major site for the production of manuscripts, of which they maintain an extensive collection.
• Scenic cruising of Wachau Valley, Austria – A feast for the eyes, this section of the Danube Valley is a lovely landscape of monasteries and castles, hillside vineyards and riverside villages with their ubiquitous steeply pitched roofs.
• Tour of Vienna, Austria – The capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was also the leading European music center. The historic center beautiful Baroque castles and gardens and impressive buildings, monuments and parks lining the Ringstrasse.
• Tour of Budapest, Hungary – Originally two cities, Buda on the right bank and Pest on the left bank of the Danube, linked by multiple bridges, most notably the Chain Bridge. Buda offers incredible views of Pest from the medieval castle high atop the bluff overlooking the river. Pest has incredible architecture, including the neo-gothic Parliament, Hero’s Square and the National Opera house.

 

Culture Curriculum on Viking’s Grand European Tour

The Culture Curriculum aboard Viking River Cruises is an entertaining and educational selection of presentations that demonstrate the local culture in an experiential way. Viking’s Grand European Tour itinerary includes:

• Cheese and Jenever tasting, Kinderdijk, Netherlands
• Coffee demonstration, Koblenz, Germany
• Glass-blowing demonstration and German language lesson, Miltenberg, Germany
• Locks and canals lecture, Bamberg, Germany
• Musical show: “From the Danube to the Adriatic Sea,” Nuremberg, Germany
• Bavarian Folkloric show, Regensburg, Germany
• Presentation on the life and works of Monet, Krems, Austria
• Gypsy Folkloric show, Budapest, Hungary

Viking’s Grand European Tour will not disappoint anyone who enjoys enriching and enlightening cultural experiences! For more information about Viking Cruises or visiting any UNESCO World Heritage Sites, please contact Covington Travel’s knowledgeable travel advisors.

Covington Travel is pleased to recognize Viking River Cruises as a valued partner and sponsor of this blog post.