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See the rivers of the world

Viking ship on the river in Hungary.
Budapest, Hungary. Image: Viking

From the Mississippi and Mekong, to the Danube, Rhine and Douro, the great rivers of the world meander through regions of rich culture, fascinating history and culinary delights.

There’s no better way to explore these magnificent waterways than aboard a purpose-built river ship. Kick back on the sun deck with a drink in hand, while the scenery refreshes at every bend.

Venture ashore to experience local culture, sample traditional foods and visit iconic attractions. Whatever your interests, Viking has a river voyage for you. 

Amazing architecture

The towers of Angkor Wat, the sprawling 12th-century capital of the Khmer empire, rise majestically from the jungle, having survived the forces of nature and South-East Asian conflicts.

Wander through this architectural marvel on a Magnificent Mekong voyage.

A person walking through Ta Prohm Temple in Cambodia.
Ta Prohm temple, Cambodia. Image: Getty

A stroll through nearby Ta Prohm temple is an other-worldly experience. Mosses and lichens have stained the stone walls green, while massive python-like tree roots seem intent on devouring the entire structure. No wonder it was used as a location for the Hollywood blockbuster Tomb Raider.

Viking’s Grand European Tour from Amsterdam to Budapest visits some of the most remarkable structures in the world, including Germany’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral. From the Rhine River, it’s easy to spot the imposing twin spires of this Gothic masterpiece, which took 600 years to complete.

The gloriously scenic Middle Rhine is dotted with riverside hilltop castles, like medieval Marksburg Castle and the boldly fortified Burg Eltz.

Cruising past Marksburg Castle on the Rhine River
Marksburg Castle on the Rhine River. Image: Viking

In a part of the world where UNESCO sites are commonplace, the entire Old Town of Regensburg on the Danube River is World Heritage-listed. Having escaped damage from Europe’s turbulent history, Regensburg is a remarkably well-preserved example of a medieval trading centre.

In the United States, buzzing New Orleans is a highlight on a Grand Mississippi Voyage. The variety of architecture reflects the rich heritage and multicultural nature of The Big Easy, as the city is affectionately known.

The French Quarter, home to famous Bourbon Street, is the heart and soul of New Orleans. Here you’ll see a mix of French and Spanish building styles, together with Caribbean-influenced Creole cottages.   

Cultural connections

Begin your Tulips and Windmills voyage through The Netherlands and Belgium by exploring the maze of canals that crisscross Amsterdam.

Visit fascinating museums exhibiting artefacts from the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age, when the Netherlands was a powerhouse of science, art and trade.

In rural Kinderdijk, stroll among UNESCO World Heritage-listed windmills erected in the 1700s to pump water from the lowlands.

Windmills and river in Kinderdijk. Netherlands.
The windmills of Kinderdijk, Netherlands. Image: Getty

Cruise through the land of classical music on a Danube Waltz voyage, which takes in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.

Austria’s timeless capital, Vienna, has long danced to the tunes of composers Mozart and Strauss. In this major European cultural centre, hear the melodies that have charmed audiences for centuries.

While Europe delivers the classics, Memphis in Tennessee chills to more contemporary beats. This is the home of smouldering blues music that gave rise to legends like BB King. Follow the blues trail along the Mississippi River on a Heart of the Delta voyage. 

In Vietnam, the rhythms of life along the Mekong River have changed little through the ages. Farmers tend rice paddies as they’ve done for centuries, fishermen cast their nets, and wooden boats – with ever-seeing eyes painted on their bows – haul goods from port to port.

Flavour festival

Wherever you choose to travel, Viking’s chefs will prepare regional fare, sourcing local ingredients for authentic flavour. Dine in style as you travel from one exciting location to the next.  

Loosen your belt in preparation for a Rhine Getaway. In north-eastern France’s Alsace region, it’s all about freshly made baguettes, creamy Munster cheese, exquisite chocolate, buttered pretzels and flavoursome regional meats.  

Portugal’s River of Gold voyage passes among vineyard-draped hillsides through the country’s port wine heartland. In Porto, sample the different styles of the country’s world-renowned, fortified dessert wine.

En route to your Mekong adventure, experience a sensory overload in the charming Old Quarter of Vietnam’s capital Hanoi. Follow enticing aromas to cafes serving bún chả – tangy grilled pork and noodles – and the country’s famous beef noodle soup, phở.

On the mighty Mississippi, discover the secrets of hearty Louisiana Creole cuisine – a blend of Spanish, French, African and indigenous styles. If you’ve ever wanted to try the big flavours of jambalaya and gumbo, you’ve come to the right place.

These are just a few of the rivers and regions you can explore when you travel the Viking way.

Want to explore the rivers of the world?

Viking has a voyage for you.

All aboard