Every Viking journey is one of discovery.
A journey where you can immerse yourself in each destination, including its art and culture. Whether you are exploring modern art at Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier, strolling through Monet’s colourful gardens in Giverny, or watching an artist paint a precious piece of Meissen porcelain, you can look forward to exciting new discoveries, and fascinating insights into the places you visit.
You can also enjoy enriching onboard experiences on a ship designed for your comfort. Join us on an artistic journey of exploration, where every day brings a new place to inspire, and explore.
1
Vienna
Located at a cultural crossroads in Europe, Vienna has long attracted great names in philosophy, music and art. Its palatial Kunsthistorishes Museum boasts a world-class art collection amassed by the ruling Habsburg family. Gustav Klimt’s paintings, including The Kiss, are displayed at the Belvedere Palace. If it’s modern art you seek, head to the MuseumsQuartier. As well as Klimt, Vienna is home to treasures by Egon Schiele, Pieter Bruegel, Albrecht Dürer Hieronymus Bosch, and the early Stone Age Venus of Willendorf figure on display at the Naturhistorisches Museum.
Explore Vienna’s art galleries on Viking’s Romantic Danube or Grand European Tour river journeys
2
Prague
The capital of Czech Republic boasts a rich artistic heritage, and a lively and original arts scene. One of the most important cultural sites in Czech Republic is Lobkowicz Palace in Prague Castle grounds. The noble Lobkowicz family lost the palace to both the Nazis and the Communists. Today the castle and its treasures have been restored, and the family is proud to share with Viking guests one of the world’s greatest private art collections, on a Privileged Access excursion. Among the masterpieces are two Canaletto paintings and Bruegel the Elder’s Haymaking. Watch our fascinating video on Lobkowicz Palace.
Explore Prague during a two-night hotel stay on Viking’s Elegant Elbe river cruise
3
Oslo
Norway’s capital is eclectic and exciting. Your included tour gives you a fascinating glimpse of its attractions, including a visit to Vigeland Park. This extraordinary green space showcases the work of Norway’s best-loved sculptor, Gustav Vigeland. Stroll among its 212 granite and bronze pieces, depicting the human life cycle – from bawling babies to entwined lovers, and serene elderly couples. Or choose an exclusive Privileged Access visit to view the works of Norway’s most celebrated artist and master expressionist, Edvard Munch, at Oslo’s Munch Museum. For an inspiring insight into the artist and his work, watch our video The World of Edvard Munch.
4
Florence
Art is the soul of Florence. Overflowing with priceless gems and rare masterpieces, the city is one enormous art gallery. In medieval and Renaissance times, painters, sculptors and architects flocked here and adorned its churches, palaces, squares and palaces with their masterpieces – much of which you can still see today. Viking offers a number of excursions on which you can immerse yourself in the art and beauty of Florence. Must-sees include Michelangelo’s magnificent David in the Accademia Gallery, Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus in the Uffizi Gallery, and the glorious paintings in the Palantine Gallery in Pitti Palace.
5
Paris
Paris offers a palette of colours and experiences like no other city. Two days in Paris gives you time to explore the artists’ district of Montmartre, and the city’s galleries including the Orsay Museum and the iconic Louvre. Devotees of impressionism won’t want to miss Viking’s included visit to Giverny, between and April and October. This is where Claude Monet lived and worked for nearly 40 years and where he created the gardens that became the subject of many of his paintings, including the Water Garden with the Japanese bridge and water lilies. An onboard enrichment talk The Painter’s Muse adds even greater insight to your visit.
6
Arles
With its clear light and enchanting landscapes, Southern France is a magnet for artists. At its centre is ancient Arles. Listen to the stories of the city’s famous artists, including Van Gogh and Gaugin, from your expert Viking guide, as you stroll the cobblestone streets. Express your artistic side in a private painting class at the city’s School of Fine Arts, La Couverture Verte, on an optional excursion. Explore the work of the artists of Arles in a fascinating presentation on board your Viking Longship. See how France has inspired famous artists like Van Gogh, Monet and many more in our online video France, the Painter’s Muse.
Explore this picture-perfect region of France on our Lyon & Provence river cruise
7
Barcelona
The capital of Catalonia, Barcelona enjoys an exciting history, flamboyant architecture and a rich artistic heritage. In this vibrant city, enjoy a Privileged Access visit to Palau Güell, a private home that Antoni Gaudí designed built for industrial tycoon Eusebi Güell in 1886. The ornate walls of the mansion echo of a bygone era, when the house was an oasis for high-society guests. Alternatively, discover more of Gaudí’s distinctive works on a Privileged Access visit to Casa Vicens, a turreted private house created in 1885 and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore more in our online video, Antoni Gaudí Architecture.
Many Viking ocean cruises overnight in Barcelona, including Iconic Western Mediterranean
8
Amsterdam
The Netherlands boasts an unrivalled tradition of art painting with some of the greatest names in art history, including Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh. From Golden Age heritage to cutting-edge creativity, timeless Amsterdam is home to a wealth of museums and galleries. Everywhere you walk in this captivating city, you come close to a masterpiece. In Amsterdam’s compact city centre, the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijks Museum and the Stedelijk are all conveniently close to each other. The Dutch Masters are the subject of a fascinating onboard enrichment talk. A traditional Bavarian glass blowing demonstration is another.
The Milkmaid by Vermeer © Rijksmuseum
9
New York City
America’s cultural capital, New York City offers a veritable feast of museums and galleries, with something to satisfy every taste. On Viking’s Privileged Access excursion, you can visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art before the museum opens and enjoy a clear view of its prized paintings and objects. Accompanied by an expert museum guide, there is no more enjoyable way to see the museum’s treasures. From the ancient Egyptian Temple of Dendur from 10 BC, to avant-garde fashion couture from last year’s runway, marvel at the some of the world’s finest art, in one of the world’s most venerated museums.
10
The Viking Ocean Ships
Our elegant ocean ships are an art destination in themselves, hosting the finest art collection at sea, and one of the largest private collections of Norwegian art. Once on board, you can launch the Viking Voyager app to take a self-guided tour of the art, photography and sculptures. You can also look forward to the daily ‘Munch Moments’ event, which showcases several pieces of Norwegian expressionist painter and printmaker Edvard Munch’s work, curated by theme, each afternoon in the comfort of The Living Room.
