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Trip

MON AUG 12, 2024 

AUSTIN, TX (AUS) to LONDON, UK (LHR) - Airline Booking# 48CAVF - BRITISH AIRWAYS - BA 190

  • Aug 12, 2024 - 6:05 PM - 9:35 AM+1 (9h 30m), Premium Economy - Seat: 21J, K

LONDON, UK (LHR) to GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (GVA) - Airline Booking# 48CAVF - BRITISH AIRWAYS - BA 730

  • Aug 13, 2024 - 11:50 AM - 2:30 PM (1h 40m), Economy - Seat: 8B, C

Austin: 102/77°; London: 80/64°, Geneva: 82/55°

TUE AUG 13, 2024 

  • Arrive Geneva, Switzerland (GVA) - Transfer from GVA to Inter-Continental Hotel Geneva. Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax or explore Geneva, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities hugging the shores of Lake Geneva. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in Geneva so you can make the most of your visit.

WED AUG 14, 2024

Geneva: 83/55° - 6:33am/8:45pm

  • This morning, enjoy a fascinating tour of Geneva, stopping to view its picturesque parks, the famous Jet d’Eau fountain in the lake, the Flower Clock, St. Pierre Cathedral and the Reformation Monument. Later, take a boat cruise on the city’s eponymous lake, enjoying views of the United Nations and the Castle of Bellerive while surrounded by the snowcapped peaks of the Alps and Jura mountains. The rest of the day is yours to continue exploring on your own. (B)

9:00 AM - 2 Hours - Lakeside City Sights

  • Relax on a panoramic drive around Geneva and explore its highlights on foot. From your hotel, embark on a scenic drive to the international district, passing the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, the UN’s European headquarters and UNICEF. Arrive at the shores of Lake Geneva—the largest in Western Europe—and begin your stroll through this historic city. See Place du Neuve, where the equestrian monument to General Dufour commemorates this military hero and first head of the Geneva Convention. Stop at the Reformation Wall, built to honor the individuals who led the Protestant Reformation, and see St. Peter’s Cathedral, now the Reformed Protestant Church. Complete your tour at the Place de la Madeleine. Take in the colorful English Garden, where you can admire L’horloge fleurie, the city’s renowned clock made of flowers, created as a symbol of Geneva’s watch-making tradition.

2:30 PM - 1 Hour - Picturesque Boat Ride with Scenic Backdrop

  • Embark on a scenic cruise on Lake Geneva—the largest lake in Western Europe. Located at the foot of the French Alps, its snowcapped mountains are visible year-round. Board your boat for a 45-minute sail and take in the glorious views. See the famous Jet d’Eau, surging up to 460 feet into the air, and learn about its fascinating history. Marvel at the beautiful mountain landscapes around you, including the incredible Mont Blanc. See the colorful display of international flags outside the European UN headquarters. Cruise past the English Garden, where you can admire L’horloge fleurie, the city’s renowned clock made of flowers, created as a symbol of Geneva’s watch-making tradition. Get a glimpse of the Villa Diodati, perched on a hillside with unobstructed views. Once a favored destination for traveling literary giants, it was here, on one stormy summer night in 1816, that Mary Shelley was inspired to pen her groundbreaking novel, Frankenstein.

THU AUG 15, 2024 

Transfer from InterContinental Hotel Geneve to Hotel Schweizerhof, Zermatt 

Geneva: 82/55°; Zermatt: 54/35° - 6:28am - 8:37pm

  • Today, head to Lausanne to discover more about the home of the International Olympic Committee at the Olympic Museum. Afterward, depart for the impressive Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the largest continuous vineyard in Switzerland. Taste some Chasselas wine here and stop for lunch before traveling to Zermatt, nestled high in the Alps at the foot of the renowned Matterhorn. Check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. (B, L)

10:15 AM - 2 Hours - Home of the World’s Most Historic Sporting Event

  • Discover the home of the International Olympic Committee for the past 100 years at the Olympic Museum. Dedicated to the spirit of these sporting games, experience the essence of the historic event that first began in Ancient Greece. Through an array of interactive exhibitions, multimedia and themed displays, trace the history from its inception to modern times. Here, you will view a collection of Olympic torches, learn about the grand stadiums that have been constructed to host the games as well as the various events for both the summer and winter programs. You will also enjoy stories of the proud amateur athletes who were given the opportunity to represent their country on the world stage.

12:45 PM - 2 Hours – UNESCO - Wines of Lavaux’s Prized, Historic Hillside Terraces

  • Marvel at a stunning expanse of hillside vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva, and sample some of the wines they produce. The Lavaux region in the Swiss canton of Vaud is home to more than 2,000 acres of neatly lined terraced vineyards that stretch some 18 miles along the lake’s south-facing shores. These breathtaking hills were planted by Benedictine and Cistercian monks in the 11th century and are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, a Mediterranean microclimate is created by the reflecting sun off the lake and the warmth of its many stone walls. You will take time to view this scenic tableau of emerald-green slopes, shimmering blue lake and rugged Alps before continuing to a winery that cultivates this land for its fine wine. Learn more about this picturesque corner of Lake Geneva and the character of its grapes as you sample some of its finer bottles.
  • Check In, Hotel Schweizerhof, Zermatt

FRI AUG 16, 2024

Zermatt: 53/36° - 6:30am-8:35pm

  • After breakfast, board a cogwheel train to the summit of Gornergrat, taking in the sweeping views of soaring peaks and wide valleys. Following lunch on your own, explore the alpine charms of Zermatt, where cars are not permitted and the mountain air is clear and clean. Stroll its narrow lanes lined with chalet-style buildings and perhaps venture into the surrounding countryside, with its high meadows and breathtaking views. (B)

9:00 AM - 3 Hours - The Matterhorn in All Its Glory by Cog-Wheel Railway

  • Ride by train to the Gornergrat, a rocky ridge in the Pennine Alps with stunning views of the Gorner Glacier. Walk with your guide to the train station, enjoying the alpine ambience of car-free Zermatt along the way. Then board Europe’s first electric cog-wheel train and ascend some 5,000 feet to the summit, which sits at 10,135 feet. As you ascend, you will pass breathtaking mountain scenery and traverse several tunnels as the majestic Alps unfold around you. At the summit, marvel at the 29 peaks standing more than 13,000 feet high that surround you, including the legendary Matterhorn. Below, the Gorner Glacier, Europe’s second-largest, extends through the valley. Take in spectacular vistas and stop to visit the Kulm Hotel and observatory. The inn was first built in 1896; the domed observatory was added in 1996 to take advantage of the clear air. You may descend and return to Zermatt at your leisure.

SAT AUG 17, 2024 

  • Transfer to Zurich Tower Hotel

Zermatt: 56/40°; Zurich: 77/59° - 6:25am-8:33pm

8:30 AM - 7 Hours - One of the Most Breathtaking Train Rides in the World

  • Experience the most scenic train ride in the Alps during your transfer from Zermatt to Zurich.
  • Board the Glacier Express, affectionately called the slowest express train in the world. Your six-hour journey spans dramatic aqueducts that cross plunging gorges, remarkable tunnels that bore through hillsides and some of the most inspiring alpine landscapes you are ever likely to see. This elaborate engineering project took decades to construct, and its glorious completion in 1930 made the remote reaches of the Alps accessible to everyday travelers. As the vistas drift past, you can listen to commentary about the rail line’s history and the surrounding wilderness. Enjoy lunch on board and alight your train after a rewarding journey in Chur and ride by bus to your hotel.
  • Check In, Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel

SUN AUG 18, 2024

Zurich: 80/57° - 6:26am – 8:31pm

8:00 AM - 4 Hours - Immerse Yourself in Soaring Architecture and Storybook Charm (Included)

  • Take in the impressive sights of Switzerland’s stunning lakeside city by boat and by foot. Enjoy sweeping views of Zürich from its namesake lake, embarking on a scenic cruise along pristine waters surrounded by alpine splendor. Sit back and relax as you marvel at the beautiful surroundings. Next, you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the city’s Old Town, the core of Zürich that was once enclosed by walls. The city is home to many colorful guild houses—former merchants’ quarters that create a fairy-tale aura. Stroll along the quay of the Limmat River, whose waters flow through the city’s heart. View the Rathaus, built in 1690, and the many churches: Fraumünster, which ruled the town until 1336; Grossmünster, founded by Charlemagne; and St. Peter’s Church, which boasts the largest church clock face in Europe. Walk down Zürich’s bustling shop-lined main street before returning to your hotel. 

MON AUG 19, 2024 

  • Transfer from Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel to VIKING HERJA

Zurich: 77/59°; Basel: 77/57°; Brienz: 70/54°; Grindelwald: 70/54°; Interlacken: 73/54° - 6:31am – 8:34pm

8:00 AM - 10.5 Hours - Alpine Villages Nestled Among Majestic Swiss Landscapes

  • Immerse yourself for a day among the splendid vistas and rich culture of alpine Switzerland. Meet your guide and take a scenic drive to the charming village of Brienz. Here, you will stop to view a wood carver at work and learn how this traditional craft lives on. After time to visit with an artisan, continue to Grindelwald to board a cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg, a breathtaking mountain pass with stunning mountain views. You will have lunch in this magnificent setting and have time to explore before descending back to Grindelwald. Continue to Interlaken, beautifully set between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by soaring peaks. Once hailed as a spa town to cure the ailments of 19th-century Europeans, today it is an inviting and relaxed pocket of Switzerland luring mountaineers and hikers eager to conquer the nearby summits.
  • Embark In Basel on Viking Herja - Veranda Stateroom – Room 229

TUE AUG 20, 2024 

Strasbourg, France: 75/55° - 6:29am – 8:33pm

8:30 AM - 4 Hours - Where Germany Meets France to Great Effect (Included)

  • Get to know this delightful city steeped in equal parts French and German culture. Join your guide for a drive through the German Imperial District and the European Quarter, home to institutions such as the European Union and the Council of Europe. Pass remarkable Renaissance architecture en route to the city center for a walk through picturesque Petite France, the former Tanners’ District surrounded by the Ill River and crisscrossed by charming canals. Here, you will see the Old Customs House and the bridges with their defensive towers. In Cathedral Square, view the magnificently restored Strasbourg Cathedral. One of Europe’s finest Gothic cathedrals, it was the world’s tallest building from 1647 to 1874. Enjoy free time to admire the great Gothic rosette window, beautiful red sandstone portal and remarkable astronomical clock.

WED AUG 21, 2024 

Speyer, Germany: 87/64° - 6:26am – 8:30pm

9:15 AM - 3 Hours - Explore Speyer’s Profound History and Magnificent Architecture (Included)

  • Enjoy a fascinating stroll through Speyer, home to the largest of the three Romanesque imperial cathedrals. It is believed that the Protestants earned their name here in 1529 after citizens and royalty drafted the “Protestation at Speyer,” proclaiming their right to practice Christianity as they please. In 1689, Louis XIV’s troops plundered Speyer and left it in ruins; over many decades, it was artfully rebuilt. During your walk, you will marvel at the exterior of the red sandstone cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Eight emperors are entombed here, including some of the most notable Holy Roman Emperors. Reconstructed after Louis XIV’s invasion, its six towers dominate the skyline. Pass the Jewish courtyard, once home to one of the most important medieval synagogues, and Speyer’s Altpörtel, or Old Gate, the last remains of the town’s fortifications. There will also be time to stroll the city’s charming, shop-lined main thoroughfare.

THU AUG 22, 2024 

Mainz, Germany: 80/66° - 6:27am – 8:30pm

9:00 AM - 2 Hours - A Soaring Cathedral and an Invention that Changed the World (Included)

  • Take a guided tour of a city that boasts more than 2,000 years of history. Walk with your guide through the picturesque streets of the Old Town, stopping to explore Mainz Cathedral. This soaring landmark is more than 1,000 years old. Marvel at its six magnificent towers and step inside, if services allow, to admire hundreds of years of religious works on display, as well as the tombs of powerful prince-archbishops of a bygone era. Stroll past medieval houses and storefronts to the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to the inventor of movable type and book printing. Founded in 1900—500 years after the birth of Johannes Gutenberg—the museum features a fascinating exhibit that covers the history of the printed word. During your visit, you may browse its many beautiful books and fascinating printing technologies, including a replica of Gutenberg’s workshop.

FRI AUG 23, 2024 

  • Middle Rhine Scenic Sailing  

Koblenz, Germany: 77/55° - 6:31am – 8:32pm

1:00 PM - 4 Hours - Visit the Ancestral Home of the House of Eltz

  • Visit Eltz Castle, a medieval castle in the heart of the Eifel region and considered Europe’s most beautiful. Meet your guide and embark on a scenic drive, then set off on foot for a leisurely stroll amid serene nature. Take in the beauty of your surroundings as you walk beneath a canopy of forest trees toward the castle gate. Along the way, your guide will furnish you with historic accounts; Eltz Castle has remained within the same family for nine centuries. As you approach, the majesty of this medieval masterpiece will unfold, with its towers and turrets soaring from its rocky perch above the valley. Step inside to explore the decorated halls and rooms that showcase the castle’s remarkable history; 15th century murals adorn the walls and The Knight’s Hall features displays of armor and weapons that date back to the 12th century. After your insightful tour, return to your ship.

SAT AUG 24, 2024 

Cochem, Germany: 75/57° - 6:34am – 8:34pm

2:00 PM - 4.5 Hours - A Stunning Medieval Town, a Neo-Gothic Jewel and Stellar Wine (Included)

  • Explore one of the most picturesque towns on the Moselle and sample some of the region’s world-renowned wine. For stunning views of Cochem and the surrounding countryside, drive up to the lofty perch of the 1,000-year-old Reichsburg Castle, conquered by Louis XIV in the Nine Years’ War and later purchased and restored in a splendid Gothic Revival style by a Berlin businessman. During a walking tour of Cochem, see the medieval town gate and pass various churches, including the 15th-century St. Martin’s Church. In the market square, admire the bay window of the baroque Town Hall and see the 17th-century Capuchin monastery, once a haven for friars and today a lively cultural center. You will have a little time in the square on your own. You will also traverse picturesque wine country to visit a local winery and sample some of its fine vintages.

SUN AUG 25, 2024 

Trier, Germany: 80/57° - 6:39am – 8:30pm

1:30 PM - 4 Hours – UNESCO - A Once-Powerful Roman Outpost (Included)

  • Discover Trier, Germany’s oldest city and a once-mighty outpost of the Roman and Holy Roman Empires. Vestiges of Rome’s power are everywhere here, seamlessly mingling with a vibrant and active modern city. Pass the Roman amphitheater, once able to hold 20,000 spectators. Admire the massive Roman baths, which include the largest baths north of the Alps. You will also see the remarkably preserved Roman city gates, the Porta Nigra, so named for the dark color of their stone. This UNESCO World Heritage Site once served as the formidable entrance to the city. Marvel at the edifice-like Cathedral of Trier, built under the direction of Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, and the Liebfrauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, one of the earliest Gothic churches in Germany. You will have free time to explore or browse some shops before returning to your ship.

MON AUG 26, 2024 

Trier: 75/57° - 6:40am – 8:28pm

8:00 AM - 9 Hours - Stunning Gothic Architecture and Poignant Cemetery Visit (Included)

  • Visit Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and pay homage to the fallen US soldiers of World War II. During a guided tour, view the cathedral’s exterior and admire the architectural features that glorify French royalty. See the Gallery of Kings, an imposing sight composed of 56 statues standing above the central portal, and the stunning stained-glass windows dating from the 13th through 20th centuries. Step inside the cathedral and see the glorious north rose window above the church organ and windows designed by Marc Chagall, as well as the elaborate Gothic casing that houses the cathedral’s organ. You will also have free time to explore Reims on your own and enjoy lunch (at your own expense). At the Luxembourg American Cemetery, take a moment to pay your respects to the 5,073 US soldiers who lost their lives, including General George S. Patton, and are laid to rest here.
  • Transfer Pullman Montparnasse Hotel

Paris: 80/62°

TUES AUG 27, 2024

Paris: 78/62° - 7:00am – 8:42pm

9:00 AM – 12:30PM - 3.5 Hours - A Comprehensive and Leisurely Overview Paris (Included)

  • Begin along the famed Champs-Élysées, viewing the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his triumphs. Pass many of Paris’s classic highlights, including the Palais Garnier opera house, the celebrated Louvre Museum with its I. M. Pei–designed glass pyramid entrance and the Paris Town Hall. Continue into the Latin Quarter, then drive by Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Luxembourg Gardens, Musée d’Orsay, place de la Concorde and the beautiful and recently restored Grand Palais and Petit Palais. See the Les Invalides complex of military buildings, which houses Napoleon’s Tomb and the École Militaire (Military School). Cap your excursion with an iconic view of the Eiffel Tower from Champ de Mars.

2pm – 6pm – Montmartre Hill - A Rich Artistic Heritage and a Magnificent Church

  • Visit one of the most celebrated districts in Paris—Montmartre. This bohemian enclave, in which Belle Époque (“Beautiful Era”) artists, writers and poets such as Dalí, Modigliani, Monet, Picasso and van Gogh whiled away hours and gained inspiration in cafés and at cabaret revues, still retains its charms from that bygone era. Meet your local guide and head to the foot of Montmartre Hill. Then, board a funicular—first opened in 1900—to ascend the hill to Sacré-Coeur, the splendid Church of the Sacred Heart. Its ovoid dome is the second-highest point in Paris after the Eiffel Tower. You can explore the glorious interior on your own, then enjoy a coffee and pastries in a stunning setting before descending in the funicular or walking back down the hill. 

WED AUG 28, 2024

Paris: 77/60° - 7:02am – 8:40pm

7:30am – 1:30pm - 6 hours - Giverny Monet's House and Gardens Small-Group Tour Hotel Pick-up

  • Delve into the creative mind of impressionist master Claude Monet on this small-group (or private) Giverny day trip from Paris, including round-trip transport and tickets. Explore the artist’s home and gardens independently, and stroll through the colorful gardens, which inspired many of his paintings. Next, pay a visit to the Museum of Impressionism (extra cost), see Monet’s grave, or stroll through the village of Giverny. Take a day trip to Giverny from Paris without any hassle Get insight into Claude Monet's famous artworks A small-group or private tour ensures a personalized experience.  Choose to be picked up at your hotel or a central meeting point. Confirm #1518501737

8:00pm-10:00pm – 2CV The Legendary Paris Tour. 180€ +tip

  • A Paris sightseeing tour with more than 30 Monuments. The Eiffel tower, the Trocadero , the Arc de Triomphe, the Invalides , Notre Dame , the Panthéon, the Ile Saint Louis, the Champs Elysées, The Champs de Mars, The Grand Palais, The Ile de la Cité, The Institut de France, The Invalides, La Madeleine, The Musée d’Orsay, The Musée du Louvre, The Musée du Quai Branly, The Opéra Garnier, The Palais de l’Elysée, The Petit Palais, The Place de la Concorde, The Place Vendôme, Place des Vosges, The Alexandre III Bridge, The Pont des Arts, Saint Germain des Prés District, Saint Sulpice Place, Pont Neuf, Dauphine Place, The Saint Louis Isle, The Panthéon, The Luxembourg Garden.
     
     

THU AUG 29, 2024

Paris: 75/59° - 7:03am – 8:38pm

  • Bourdelle Museum

Reminder, the Olympic Games will take place between July 26 and August 11, 2024, and the Paralympic Games between August 28 and September 8, 2024.

  • From 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM – BatoBus (1 day pass is 23€) Stops: Jardin des plantes (t), Hotel de ville (t), Louvre, Place de la Concorde (Musee-de l’Orangerie, Jardin des Tuileries), Tour Eiffel (t), Invalides (t), Musee d’Orsay (t), Saint-Germain-des-Pres, Notre Dame (t).   

How long does the total ride take?

The full loop – round trip to and from the same stop and stopping at each of the other eight stops – lasts about 1 hour 42.

How long does it take between stops?

Time between stops*: 
 - Eiffel Tower > Invalides/Pont Alexandre III: 13 minutes
 - Invalides/Pont Alexandre III > Musée d'Orsay: 9 minutes
 - Musée d'Orsay > Saint-Germain-des-Près: 7 minutes
 - Saint-Germain-des-Près > Notre Dame: 15 minutes
 - Notre Dame > Jardin des Plantes: 15 minutes
 - Jardin des Plantes > Hôtel de Ville: 15 minutes
 - Hôtel de Ville > Louvre: 10 minutes
 - Louvre > Champs-Elysées: 10 minutes
 - Champs-Elysées > Eiffel Tower: 15 minutes

* Actual travel times may vary by 5 minutes. 

FRI AUG 30, 2024 

Transfer from Pullman Paris Montparnasse to Paris, France Airport - (CDG)

PARIS, FRANCE (CDG)- LONDON, UK (LHR) - Airline Booking# 48CAVF

  • BRITISH AIRWAYS - BA 305 - 8:10 AM - 8:30 AM (1h 20m), Premium Economy - Seat: 8B, C

LONDON, UK (LHR) - AUSTIN, TX (AUS) - Airline Booking# 48CAVF  

  • BRITISH AIRWAYS - BA 191 - 11:50 AM - 4:00 PM (10h 10m), Premium Economy - Seat: 21A, B

Paris: 77/53°; London: 69/55°; Austin: 96/77°

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