River cruising is the fastest-growing segment of travel, and there has never been a better time to book a journey on one of the world’s iconic waterways. Viking River Cruises (www.vikingrivercruises.com) today announced a new fall promotion for its most popular itineraries in Europe, Russia, China and Southeast Asia. From now through October 31, Viking is offering an Early Booking Discount (Code EBD) for all Europe departures in March and April 2015 and all 2015 Southeast Asia departures – with up to 2-for-1 cruise fare and up to 2-for-1 international air. The fall promotion also includes additional savings on a variety of specific departures. Guests who book a stateroom on one of the award-winning Viking Longships in Europe – or one of the two new ships on the Elbe River – will save an extra $300 per couple. And guests who book a 2015 Russia departure will rec
eive up to 2-for-1 cruise fare and up to free airfare.
“There is an intrinsic value to river cruising that is unlike other methods of travel, and more people are discovering the benefit of unpacking once and sailing on a small vessel that is designed to enhance exploration,” said Richard Marnell, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Viking Cruises. “As our fleet of river vessels around the world continues to grow, we are proud to be able to offer both our new and return guests the best value possible, including seasonal discounts and the most diverse range of itinerary and stateroom choices of any river cruise line.”
Abundant Options for 2015
While nearly all of Viking’s 2014 departures are completely sold out, now is the best time for travelers to consider a wide variety of itinerary and stateroom options in 2015 – from quintessential river cruise experiences on the Rhine, Main and Danube to “bucket list” opportunities like experiencing Holland’s famous springtime tulips; exploring the streets of Paris, the world’s most romantic city; and visiting the famed region of Burgundy. Highlighted itineraries include:
- Grand European Tour (15 days; Amsterdam – Budapest): Viking’s most popular itinerary takes guests on a 15-day journey through Europe’s most spectacular landscapes with stops in medieval towns, imperial cities and impressive capitals. Tour the intricate networks of windmills in Kinderdijk before cruising past the Rhine’s hilltop castles, then explore Wurzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historical discovery awaits with visits to the ruins of Zeppelin Field and the Palace of Justice; while the arts come to life with an onboard demonstration of live glassblowing, a special concert played on the 17,000-pipe organ in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and a trip to Vienna’s world-famous Opera House. Promotional prices start at $3,562 per person.
- Romantic Danube (8 days; Nuremberg – Budapest): Discover grand cities and quaint villages on this 8-day journey along the “Blue Danube.” Explore both sides of fascinating Budapest; experience Vienna’s imperial architecture and gracious culture; and tour riverside towns in Austria’s Wachau Valley. In Germany, explore a baroque abbey and stroll cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. Promotional prices start at $1,856 per person.
- Rhine Getaway (8 days; Amsterdam – Basel): Visit all the highlights of the legendary Rhine on this 8-day trip through its commanding riverbanks and lush landscapes. Travelers will enjoy a tour of Cologne and its awe-inspiring Dom; a visit to the beautiful sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle; the opportunity to explore the Romanesque cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and a scenic excursion through Breisach, gateway to the Black Forest, and its renowned mountain landscape. Promotional prices start at $1,856 per person.
- Portraits of Southern France (8 days; Chalon-sur-Saone – Avignon): Some of the most beautiful vistas the French countryside has to offer serve as the background for this 8-day journey that unites arts, history and the region’s famed winemaking. Guided tours of Burgandy and Tournon include tastings of the area’s most famous wines; the colors and architecture of Arles provide a glimpse into the inspiration of Vincent van Gogh and other artists; and the 2,000 year old town of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features the Basilica of Notre Dame, St. Jean Cathedral, the Palace of Justice and samplings of the town’s world-famous French cuisine. Promotional prices start at $1,956.
- Paris & the Heart of Normandy (8 days; Paris – Rouen – Paris): This 8-day journey combines the magic and splendor of the “City of Light”
with the rich history of the Normandy Beaches. Enjoy the true icons of the region, including the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysees, and the Cathedral of Notre Dame; visit the charming stone farmhouse where Claude Monet lived and worked; and explore World War II landmarks as Omaha Beach and the American Military Cemetery. Promotional prices start at $1,356 per person.
For complete details on Viking’s new fall promotion, visit http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/promotions.html. For information, images or b-roll, contact vikingpr@edelman.com. For booking details, contact a travel agent or call Viking Cruises toll-free at 1-877-66VIKING (1-877-668-4546).
SOURCE: Viking River Cruises