8 highlights of Europe best experienced by its rivers

Viking river cruises provide an eye-opening way to explore parts of the continent that few travellers have had the privilege to see.

Rivers are seen as the lifeline of European cities. Once the main way to stay protected while being able to transport goods and people around the continent, it’s no wonder many of Europe’s prettiest cities and towns can be found perched near a riverbank. It follows that the most authentic way to experience these towns is by taking to the water yourself. Operating throughout Europe and beyond, Viking river cruises acts as a floating hotel with the promise of only unpacking once on a single, multiple-country trip.

Join travel experiences created for the curious-minded (who still want all necessities included). Join local Christmas celebrations in Regensburg, sail through the imposing Iron Gate or roam through the French wine capital.

Discover just eight of the incredible experiences waiting for you by European rivers.

Take to the water and explore Europe’s prettiest towns and cities.

1. Experience a traditional German yuletide

Germans have mastered the art of Christmas cheer, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a city or town that hasn’t completely transformed into a winter wonderland come the festive season.

Follow the comforting aromas of cinnamon and cloves to find the Glühwein that permeates the Christmas markets of Passau and Regensburg – two riverside Bavarian cities included in the Christmas on the Danube tour. Known to embrace tradition, partake in yuletide celebrations among twinkling fairy lights and candescent decorations while chewing your way through a warm bag of moreish candied almonds (just look for a chalk-written sign that mentions ‘gebrannte mandeln’).

In Passau, set aside some time to venture to St Stephen’s Cathedral which can be seen looming over the Christkindlmarkt, illuminated by the sea of lights below.

Master the art of Christmas cheer.

2. Sail through the Iron Gate

Looking at the rock sculpture of the Dacian king, Decebalus, from aboard Viking Longship, you’ll understand why it took sculptors over 10 years to complete. Protruding from the rocky walls that line the Danube River at the Iron Gate between Romania and Serbia, this eerily imposing piece of art is just one of many highlights en route to the main event.

Once you’ve journeyed through the Carpathian Mountains comprising natural wonders and ancient relics, you’ll reach the most famous gorge of them all: the Iron Gate. Processing the impressive skyline surrounded by only a small handful of humans, it may feel like you’ve reached the end of the world.  In reality, it’s only day five of the 11-day Passage to Eastern Europe tour. There’s plenty more of the world to explore after you’ve passed through the Iron Gate, let that be known.

Gaze on the drama of the Iron Gate.

3. Wander through Bordeaux’s wineries

Wine and rivers go hand in hand in Europe, especially in the famous Bordeaux region of France. The Châteaux, Rivers and Wine voyage is a formidable introduction to the country’s most beloved export. Spend your time sampling wine in historic cellars and roaming through sprawling vineyards in the beating heart of the French wine capital.

Once you’ve traversed the river Garonne to reach the city, spend eight days in a haze of decadent vintage wine and fresh oysters as you traipse across the famous Place de la Bourse. Outside of Bordeaux’s town square, you’ll be guided through lavish châteaux, where you’ll have ample opportunity to relay some French that you learnt from Viking river cruises’s onboard tutor, Maaike.

Stop for a drop of Bordeaux wine.

4. Explore German castles fit for a fairytale

The Rhine is the natural, scenic and slow-paced answer to a destination freeway; ticking off multiple countries in one trip along Europe’s second-largest river.

As part of the Rhine Getaway voyage, you’ll be taken along this river until your feet are firmly planted in front of Marksburg Castle, one of the few historic buildings to remain relatively unscathed since its construction in the Middle Ages. Along the way, spot a slew of additional castles watching over the Rhine like non-sentient guardian angels – each one more picturesque than the last. It’s what fairytales are made of.

Spot a slew of castles watching over the Rhine.

5. Soak in Budapest’s ancient thermal baths

Dating back centuries, the Budapest Thermal Bath has long been thought to hold genuine healing properties. Local frequenters of the baths aren’t afraid to engage in casual chit-chat, so bask in the water as it restores you back to health, while exchanging profound tales with Budapesters and like-minded explorers.

While many flock to Budapest for its industrial nightlife scene, the European Sojourn tour will prove the city is a confounding melting pot of medieval architecture coexisting with modern cultural events and festivities. Gain an understanding of how that plays out by visiting the Grand Market Hall. Try not to be overwhelmed by the dizzying array of local food and wine that spans three stories.

Soak your way to better health.

6. Stomp grapes in Portugal

Although France owns the crown for producing the most recognisable wine, Portugal still comes out on top for being home to the oldest wine region in the world.

Famous for its production of port wine, one of the most efficient ways to scour this stunning country is to join Portugal’s River of Gold cruise tour. On board, make your way to towns such as Régua and Pinháo via the Douro River.

There isn’t a single way to turn your head without seeing something photo worthy in Portugal, and that rings particularly true when you’re witnessing its coastal towns via the water. A truly unforgettable experience is to observe the multicoloured buildings light up like Christmas trees as dusk settles; their reflection bouncing off the river waters.

Taste port wine in Portugal.

7. Savour signature Swiss chocolate

A holiday that begins in Paris and ends in the Swiss Alps is what dreams are made of, so to enhance your very own storybook fantasy, stop by Zürich and enter a world of pure chocolatey goodness.

The Lindt Chocolate Workshop offers a first-hand glimpse at how these world-famous cocoa confections are made. After receiving an extensive tour from an experienced chocolatier, accept a Lindt uniform and get to work making your very own (customisable) chocolate bar. The professionals will watch over you to ensure everything runs as smoothly as their chocolate.

Try making your own chocolate.

8. Stop to smell the lavender in Provence

Provence is often touted as the best place in the world to experience lavender fields. Growing in abundance from June to August, the fields blanket the already beautiful landscape with vibrant purples and violets. In keeping with tradition, be sure to find a nearby winery to savour a glass of rosé while breathing in that floral lavender scent.

For a well-rounded, 15-day tour of a single country, France’s Finest is a once-in-a-lifetime trip along the Seine from Paris, connecting to the Rhône to waltz around Provence and Lyon.

Wander lavender fields in Provence.

Find an exhaustive list of Viking river voyages tours and itineraries at vikingrivercruises.com.au.