Viking River Cruises: Best European Itineraries, What's Included & Why a Travel Expert Recommends Them
- Kristin Hughes
- Jun 24
- 6 min read
Why I Became a Certified Viking Expert
Over the years, I've fallen in love with travel that tells a story.
Sure, I still love a beautiful beach and a great all-inclusive resort — but some of my most memorable experiences have come from wandering the streets of Rome, watching the sunset in Cinque Terre, listening to impromptu opera in Amalfi, or simply sitting in a café and soaking in the culture around me.
That's why I recently completed my Viking certification and became a certified Viking Expert.
Viking's philosophy — creating experiences for the "thinking person" — resonated with me immediately. Their guests are often described as passionately curious, and I love that. These aren't trips built around casinos, water slides, or Broadway shows.
They're about history. Art. Food. Architecture. Music. Stories.
And perhaps my favorite part: traveling without the stress.
Why Viking River Cruising Is the Easiest Way to See Europe
One of the biggest concerns I hear from clients considering a European trip is: "It just seems overwhelming."
Multiple flights. Hotel check-ins. Packing and unpacking. Train schedules. Transfers. Language barriers.
Viking River Cruising solves nearly all of those challenges.
Here's how:
You unpack once. Your floating boutique hotel travels with you, and you wake up somewhere new almost every morning.
You're docked in the heart of cities and villages — not miles away from them.
Most excursions are included in your fare, so logistics are handled.
The ships are intimate and peaceful, designed to immerse you in the destination rather than distract from it.
Unlike large ocean cruise ships that carry thousands of passengers, Viking river ships accommodate around 190 guests — creating an atmosphere that feels personal, quiet, and unhurried.
I especially recommend this style of travel for couples and travelers over 55 who want to experience Europe without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Who Is Viking Best For?
Viking attracts travelers who are passionately curious — people who want to experience a destination deeply rather than just check it off a list.
It's a great fit if you love:
Art and architecture
History and culture
Wine and local cuisine
Music and performance
Exploring cities on foot at your own pace
Viking is ideal for couples, solo travelers, and retirees who prefer meaningful moments over busy itineraries. There are no formal nights, no casinos, and no kids — just culture, connection, and beautiful scenery.
The 3 Best Viking River Cruise Itineraries for Europe
1. Rhine Getaway — 8 Days | Amsterdam to Basel
If you're new to river cruising, this is where I'd start.
The Rhine Getaway takes you through four countries — the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland — in just eight days. You'll see windmills in Holland, storybook castles along the Rhine, Strasbourg's charming old town, the Black Forest, and Swiss mountain scenery.
It's one of Viking's most popular European itineraries for a reason: it combines iconic sights with relaxed pacing, and it's perfectly designed for first-time river cruisers.
2. Danube Waltz — 8 Days | Budapest to Passau
This itinerary feels like stepping into a history book.
Sailing through Hungary, Austria, and Germany, the Danube Waltz takes you from the illuminated skyline of Budapest at night to Vienna's legendary coffee houses and classical music scene — with charming Austrian villages, breathtaking abbeys, and the stunning Wachau Valley along the way.
If you love history, classical architecture, and European culture, this is hard to beat.
A beautiful copper topped castle in Budapest
3. Lyon & Provence — 8 Days | Avignon to Lyon
For food and wine lovers, this might be my dream itinerary.
Sailing through southern France, you'll explore Lyon, Avignon, Arles, and the lavender fields of Provence. Expect wine tastings, French markets, Van Gogh history, incredible local cuisine, and a pace that feels romantic and utterly relaxed.
This itinerary is distinctly, beautifully French — and it shows.
Why 8 Days Is the Perfect Length for a First River Cruise
You don't have to commit to weeks abroad to experience Europe meaningfully.
Eight days is long enough to truly immerse yourself in the culture, but short enough to feel completely manageable - especially for first-time visitors. Many travelers choose to add a few nights before or after their cruise to explore departure or arrival cities like Amsterdam, Budapest, or Basel independently.
It's a great way to ease into European travel without feeling overwhelmed.
What's Included on a Viking River Cruise?
One of the most common questions I get is: "What's actually included in the price?" Here's a clear breakdown.
Included in every Viking River Cruise fare:
All onboard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Specialty coffees and bottled water throughout the day
One complimentary shore excursion in every port
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Port charges and taxes
Onboard enrichment lectures and cultural programming
Not included (but available to add):
Gratuities (can be prepaid or added at the end of the cruise)
The Silver Spirits Beverage Package (premium wines, cocktails, spirits, and specialty beverages outside of meal times — guests who enjoy a few drinks throughout the day often find it worthwhile)
Optional specialty excursions beyond the included port tour
Flights and pre/post-cruise hotels (though I can help you arrange all of this — see below)
Frequently Asked Questions About Viking River Cruises
How many guests are on a Viking River ship?
Most Viking River ships accommodate around 190 guests. The smaller size creates a more intimate atmosphere compared to large ocean ships, making it easier to meet fellow travelers and enjoy a quieter, more personal experience.
Are Viking River Cruises adults only?
Yes. Viking caters exclusively to adults — guests must be 18 or older. You won't find water slides, casinos, or kids' clubs. The focus is on culture, enrichment, and destination immersion.
Are excursions included on Viking River Cruises?
Yes — one complimentary shore excursion is included at every port. These typically include guided city tours and cultural experiences. Optional specialty excursions are also available for guests who want a more personalized experience.
Are drinks included on Viking River Cruises?
Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included with onboard lunch and dinner. Specialty coffees and bottled water are available throughout the day. For beverages outside of mealtimes, the optional Silver Spirits Beverage Package covers cocktails, premium wines, spirits, and more.
Is Wi-Fi included on Viking River Cruises?
Yes — complimentary Wi-Fi is included throughout the ship.
Are gratuities included?
Gratuities are not automatically included in the fare. Guests can prepay them before the cruise or add them at the end of the voyage.
Do I have to unpack every time we visit a new city?
No — and this is one of the best things about river cruising. You unpack once, settle into your stateroom, and your floating hotel travels with you. Each morning, you wake up somewhere new without the hassle of changing hotels, managing luggage, or navigating train stations.
Is Viking a good choice for first-time visitors to Europe?
Absolutely. River cruising is one of the most stress-free ways to experience Europe for the first time. Viking handles the logistics — transportation, accommodation, excursions, meals — so you can simply show up and enjoy.
What should I wear on a Viking River Cruise?
Viking has a refreshingly relaxed dress code. Comfortable walking clothes are ideal during the day for excursions, and evenings are smart casual. There are no formal nights.
Is Viking River Cruising worth the cost?
For the value it delivers — included excursions, all meals, drinks with dining, Wi-Fi, cultural programming, and the convenience of one-unpack travel — most guests find Viking River Cruises excellent value compared to cobbling together a European trip independently.
A Better Way to See Europe
As we get older, our travel priorities often shift.
We want less stress. Less rushing. Less checking boxes. And more moments we'll carry with us forever.
River cruising isn't about seeing as much as possible — it's about experiencing places deeply. It's sipping wine as Austria drifts past your window. Walking through centuries-old villages. Listening to church bells ring across the water. Watching castles appear around a bend in the river.
It's letting Europe come to you.
Work With a Certified Viking Expert
As a certified Viking Expert, I help clients plan European river cruise experiences from start to finish — not just the cruise itself, but everything around it.
I can help with:
Flights to and from Europe
Pre and post-cruise hotel stays
Airport and port transfers
Travel insurance
Choosing the right itinerary and stateroom
Custom extensions and add-on experiences
My goal is to make your trip feel effortless — from the moment you start planning to the moment you arrive home.
Ready to start planning?
Or ⭐get in touch with me directly — I'd love to help you find the itinerary that's right for you.
Kristin & Will
