Viking’s Privileged Access Experiences

Posted on 09/26/2025
Viking

There is simply no better way to experience the wonders of the world than from the comfort of one of Viking’s® elegant, small ships. Whether you choose a river, ocean or expedition journey, their culturally enriching voyages offer a singular Viking experience, designed to immerse you in captivating destinations across all seven continents.

Viking’s destination-focused itineraries are designed to help you explore and engage with your destination through its food, culture and customs. Sail with like-minded travelers on The Thinking Person’s Travel Experience, a culturally rich, immersive experience with onboard and onshore experiences that bring culture and history to life. Plus, the Viking Inclusive Value covers just about everything—port charges, Wi-Fi, all onboard meals, lectures, onboard activities, a complimentary shore excursion in every port of call and so much more—so all you have to do is relax and enjoy a great journey. 

In addition to being known for all that they do, Viking stands apart for all that they do not do:
• No children under 18
• No casinos
• No nickel and diming
• No charge for Wi-Fi*
• No charge for beer & wine at lunch & dinner
• No umbrella drinks
• No photography sales
• No art auctions
• No inside staterooms
• No smoking
• No waiting in lines
• No formal nights, butlers or white gloves

Designed for curious travelers, no matter where you choose to explore with Viking on all seven continents, endless discoveries await. Here are ten top Viking experiences you can engage yourself in worldwide.

1. Sail the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine
Dotted with medieval castles, ancient towns and verdant vineyards dating back to the Romans, the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine is best viewed from the comfort of your Viking Longship. This 40-mile stretch of the Rhine River is home to more than 28 castles, each seemingly more picturesque than the last. Enjoy this experience on a Viking Rhine Getaway itinerary.

2. Uncover the ancient secrets of Egypt
Embark on a Nile River journey on board one of our elegant ships, designed specifically to navigate this legendary waterway. Our expert Egyptologists will guide your visits to historic sites, including the imposing Temple of Karnak and the captivating Giza Plateau, home to the Great Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Enjoy this experience on Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary. 

3. Discover the Mediterranean’s “Quiet Season”
While we sail the Mediterranean year-round, the “quiet season”—from fall to spring—has a special charm. From October to March, you can enjoy exceptional value, mild weather and fewer crowds as you explore Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, the UNESCO-listed Acropolis Hill in Greece and pizza-making traditions in Italy. Find yourself exploring this region on the Iconic Western Mediterranean itinerary with Viking.

4. Embark on a voyage along the "Mighty Mississippi"
Traverse “America’s Heartland” and beyond on our innovative, state-of-the-art ship—a truly modern vessel sailing the Mississippi River. Join us to explore author Mark Twain’s childhood home in Hannibal, pay tribute to fallen soldiers at the Vicksburg National Military Park and tap your toes to soulful New Orleans jazz while sampling a bowl of rich Creole gumbo.

5. See breathtaking natural beauty in Antarctica
Explore the “White Continent” in Viking comfort on board one of our expedition vessels, outfitted with kayaks, Zodiacs, Special Operations Boats and submarines that allow you up-close access to remarkable natural wonders. Along the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, you will have opportunities to observe towering glaciers, snow-covered landscapes and agile penguins.

6. Travel above the Arctic Circle in Norway
Visit historic cities and fishing towns and sail through stunning fjords, where emerald-toned water and deep-green forests merge. Several of our most popular Norwegian voyages take you north of the Arctic Circle. There, you can experience the midnight sun shining 24 hours a day on a summer voyage. In the winter, search for the elusive aurora borealis in the dark night sky.

7. Visit Highclere Castle on an extension
Through our longstanding relationship with the Carnarvon family, Viking guests can enjoy Privileged Access® to this Victorian Gothic-style estate in England. Through our Highclere Castle Collection of pre and post land extensions, you can visit this iconic castle, which is the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and the filming location of Downton Abbey.

8. Get closer with convenient docking locations
With priority access at more than 100 of the world’s most coveted docking locations, our river vessels bring you closer to iconic sites. Walk a short distance from your ship to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, see Budapest’s Parliament lights dance across the waters of the “Blue Danube” from your ship’s location near the Chain Bridge and dock near Egypt’s ancient Temple of Karnak on the Nile.

9. Delve into culinary and wine-making traditions
We believe one of the best ways to experience a region’s culture is through its food. From the ancient practice of producing olive oil in Crete and a jambalaya cooking demonstration in Louisiana to a port tasting in Portugal’s Douro Valley, our shore excursions provide an array of unique opportunities to discover culinary and wine-making traditions worldwide.

10. Sail all five Great Lakes
A scenic region best explored by water, North America’s Great Lakes are a trove of natural wonders and cultural treasures. From quaint, car-free Mackinac Island and world-famous Niagara Falls to Georgian Bay’s picturesque granite islands and culture-rich cities like Toronto and Chicago, our Great Lakes voyages offer an ideal way to make discoveries closer to home.

Wherever you choose to go across all seven continents, the Viking experience is singular, destination -focused, culturally enriching journey that will take you there in comfort. Endless discoveries await.
 

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