Offer applies to new bookings deposited from April 9, 2024 and is capacity controlled which may be removed at any moment without notice. Promotion is not combinable with Viking vouchers. Offer is combinable with all Viking offers Additional restrictions apply. Onboard credit amount varies by length of cruise and has no monetary value and is non-refundable and non-transferable, may not be used toward service charges, cannot be redeemed for cash, and unused portions will become void after sailing is complete.
You may use echeck to pay for your Viking cruise or cruisetour, and for airfare. Every dollar paid for cruise, air, taxes, fees or surcharges can be paid by echeck, including regular-priced itineraries and airfare, any special offers or Viking Air Plus services to receive a 3.3% discount. Additional restrictions may apply.
During the 19th century, St. Louis was a gateway into the Louisiana Territory. In 1904, the city gained recognition as host of a world's fair (officially called the Louisiana Purchase Exposition), whereby some accounts the ice-cream cone was introduced. Today, it is home to rich architectural treasures-among them, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, with its 41-million-piece mosaic; the Renaissance Revival City Hall; the 19th-century Old Courthouse; and the Gateway Arch, standing along the Mississippi as a monument to westward expansion.
During the 19th century, St. Louis was a gateway into the Louisiana Territory. In 1904, the city gained recognition as host of a world's fair (officially called the Louisiana Purchase Exposition), whereby some accounts the ice-cream cone was introduced. Today, it is home to rich architectural treasures-among them, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, with its 41-million-piece mosaic; the Renaissance Revival City Hall; the 19th-century Old Courthouse; and the Gateway Arch, standing along the Mississippi as a monument to westward expansion.
Hannibal is the childhood home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, or Mark Twain, and the inspiration for his beloved stories of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Prior to the 1803 Louisiana Purchase and arrival of European settlers, a variety of indigenous Native American tribes called the area home. Hannibal grew into the primary port for steamboats and flatboats traveling the Upper Mississippi. “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” the early 20th-century socialite, philanthropist and survivor of the Titanic tragedy, was also born here.
The US flag was first raised over Iowa in Burlington—in 1805—by Lieutenant Zebulon Pike during his Mississippi explorations. Later, it became an outpost for the American Fur Company, a trading enterprise founded by John Jacob Astor. In 1834, it took its present name after the Vermont birthplace of its first settler, John Gray. During the steamboat era, it was a major port along the river. Today, the city is home to many magnificent buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the art deco Capitol Theater and the Gothic Revival St. Paul’s Church.
Straddling the confluence of the Mississippi and Rock Rivers, the Quad Cities area comprises Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, and Rock Island, Moline and East Moline, Illinois. As the only section of the Mississippi that flows from east to west, it is geographically unique. Its tightly knit riverside towns thrived due to thoughtful planning and effective leadership. Today, the Quad Cities rest amid the fertile farmland known as “America’s Breadbasket”—the nation’s most expansive and scenic agricultural region—and is home to agribusiness giants including John Deere.
One of Iowa’s few cities laid out among rolling bluffs, Dubuque is called the “Masterpiece on the Mississippi” for its 19th-century ingenuity and modern-day cultural evolution. Timber and boatbuilding were central to the city’s growth, with wood harvested in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The spirit of this river town lives on in the Cathedral Historic District, dotted with well-preserved buildings and authentic period lampposts. Today, the city is praised for its livability and for its riverside developments, including a museum and aquarium dedicated to the Mississippi River.
La Crosse has a deep connection to the towering bluffs and rolling farmland of the Norskedalen, or "Norwegian Valley.” Here, a Norwegian immigrant population has created a unique culture over generations. Historic immigrant villages dot the valley still, a collection of preserved homesteads reflecting a frontier way of life. Today, La Crosse boasts numerous sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Its important architectural landmarks, along with an array of engaging statues along the riverfront, make La Crosse feel like a vast open air museum.
Red Wing is known for its Red Wing Shoes, which produced footwear for soldiers in both world wars. The city was named after a Sioux chief whose red-dyed swan wing indicated his rank. The first settlers—many from New England—arrived in the mid-1800s. German, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants followed, bringing skills in tanning, shoemaking, pottery and more. The city boasts a diversity of legacies including Red Wing Stoneware and Pottery, founded in 1877 as the nation’s first commercial potter. Today, Red Wing enjoys a place in the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Minnesota's two largest cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, are located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Known as the "Twin Cities,” they are independent municipalities with distinct characters. Minneapolis, occupying the western side of the Mississippi, is known for its thriving arts scene and cosmopolitan vibe, with sleek skyscrapers and contemporary architecture. On the eastern bank, state capital St. Paul sits on a series of bluffs overlooking the river, exuding a quaint charm and boasting a collection of well-preserved Victorian-era buildings.
Minnesota's two largest cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, are located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Known as the "Twin Cities,” they are independent municipalities with distinct characters. Minneapolis, occupying the western side of the Mississippi, is known for its thriving arts scene and cosmopolitan vibe, with sleek skyscrapers and contemporary architecture. On the eastern bank, state capital St. Paul sits on a series of bluffs overlooking the river, exuding a quaint charm and boasting a collection of well-preserved Victorian-era buildings.
12 Days 9 Guided Tours / 1 Countries
Daily Shore Excursions: 9 included guided tours
Port Charges: Included on all itineraires
Wonderful experience overall.
If you're into Egyptian History, this is a Wonderful trip experience.
We are big Viking fans having sailed with them 10 times. The Christmas market sailings are always magical. Knowing what I know now I would not book a last sailing before they lay the ships up for winter. It seems some maintenance was simply deferred for their upkeep period instead of being addressed. For example, one of the two coffee stations was out of order the entire time and the second failed near the end of the voyage, It also seemed they were not fully staffed which led to a lot of wait time for meal service.
Everything was great No complaints from me Service, food and people great
Viking had the best staff for attentiveness to every need. They supplied large umbrellas (rained every day) and gave out water for excursions. The guides for the excursions were local but English was easily understood and they were both knowledgeable and able to entertain. French balcony was perfect for fall trip.
Viking may cost a little more, but they offer a complete package that is worry free.
We had a great time seeing all the castles and cathedrals on our river cruise from Paris to Zurich.
Our trip was wonderful. Everything was very organized. The New York Hotel in Budapest was fabulous. Can't say enough positives about our trip.
We experienced a wonderful journey along the Danube river (from Budapest to Regensburg). Our room was very clean and all the programs was exactly as they were explained.
The operator, Viking, Met all of our expectations and provided exemplary service. We will continue to book trips with this operator.
Everything went perectly
Travelers to Europe in the fall should be aware of the fact that low water does happen on the rivers and be prepared to have to swap ships or have their trip adjusted or changed depending on the company. We made 2 ship swaps on Viking and it was seamless and did not affect our itinerary, but other cruise lines were not so lucky on the Danube.
This was our first River Cruise and it exceeded our expectations. Service on the ship was impeccable, from cleaning to dining. The local tour guides all spoke very good English, and although they sometimes gave us more history than we would remember, they were engaging and interesting. Busses were provided for city and optional tours and the drivers were incredible navigating huge busses through narrow streets. The cities on the itinerary were chosen well for their beauty and historical values. Altogether one of the best trips we have ever taken,
Viking always is excellent.
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Viking staff is exceptional.