Cultural Destinations
Viking journeys are created for people looking for authentic experiences that give them a greater understanding of the culture of the destinations they visit. From meeting local people and talking to them about their lives, to visiting places not usually accessible to the public, these kind of experiences offer a more meaningful perspective on the world. Through our Privileged Access®, Local Life and Working World excursions, you can explore a country’s traditions, religion, food and drink, industry, and much more.
We call this The Viking Way, and it’s our commitment to give our guests memorable experiences, beyond their expectations.
1
ISTANBUL
At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul has long enjoyed cultural diversity. Unwind in a hammam, a traditional Turkish bath that was once also a social gathering spot. Experience a sema, also known as a whirling dervish ceremony, where members of the Sufi Mevlevi Order perform various spiritual rituals. Visit the Blue Mosque and discover the beauty of this architectural masterpiece. Discover more cultural insights on our Ancient Mediterranean Treasures and Ancient Adriatic Treasures ocean journeys.
2
HEIDELBERG
Germany’s most romantic city is famous for its baroque old town and picture-book castle. Heidelberg was the centre of the Romantic Movement, attracting artists and writers from afar. Today it attracts the brightest young minds to its prestigious university. On our Rhine Getaway journey, you can enjoy lunch with the students of Heidelberg and find out how they view the world, on a Local Life excursion.
3
BANGKOK
The vibrant culture of Bangkok can be seen all around the Thai capital, and tasted in its fresh and flavourful food. Durian, rambutan, mangsoteen, starfruit and dragonfruit are just some of the mouthwatering tastes you can enjoy. On our Local Life excursion, you can go fruit picking on a tropical fruit farm in the Rayong Province near Bangkok on our Bangkok, Bali & Beyond ocean journey, and sample some authentic Thai tastes.
4
THE DOURO VALLEY
In Portugal’s UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, discover the local cuisine and famous port wines. Join local baker, Dona Manuela in her bakery, as part of our Working World experiences. Wine and dine at the Douro’s finest estates, and take part in a port winemaking workshop. Our Portugal’s River of Gold and Douro’s Valleys & Vineyards river journeys offer a fascinating insight into the Douro’s culinary culture.
5
COASTAL NORWAY
Norway’s pristine waters and deep fjords create a haven for fish and shellfish to thrive. In this majestic scenery, you can experience life as the locals live it. Join professional fishermen on a deep sea angling expedition. Go on a king crab safari to catch these prized creatures, and see how stockfish is dried and preserved, the traditional way. On our Viking Homelands and Into the Midnight Sun ocean journeys, you can enjoy some of the best fishing in the world.
6
Le Marche des Capucins
Few things say so much about a country’s culture than its cuisine, and few cities are more famous for its food and wine than Bordeaux, in the southwest of France. Here, you can join your Viking chef on a visit to the covered market of Le Marche des Capucins, where the best cooks of Bordeaux shop for fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish. Soak up the atmosphere as you sample delicious local specialities, including cheese, olives, smoked meats and local oysters.
Discover the food and wine of Bordeaux on our Châteaux, Rivers & Wine river journey
7
FINNMARK
In northern Norway, Finnmark is home to the country’s indigenous people, the Sami. On our ocean journey, In Search of the Northern Lights, you can learn about their lives, culture and customs. Take part in a Sami Northern Lights drumming ceremony with a Shaman. Spend time with the reindeer herdsmen, and enjoy a traditional meal with a Sami family in their lavuu, and discover how they blend their ancient culture with a modern world.
8
Sydney
Thousands of years before European immigrants arrived in Australia, the land was home to Aboriginal tribes whose culture and hospitality you can explore today. In Sydney Harbour, sail to Be-Lang Le-Wool Island where you can witness a sacred ‘smoking ceremony’ in which leaves, bark and fungi are burned; these three sources of smoke are believed to cleanse the spirit and show respect for those present, or those from the past. The ceremony is part of an immersive experience that deepens your understanding of Aboriginal culture.
Find out more about Aboriginal culture on our Australia & New Zealand voyage
9
DRESDEN
Called Florence on the Elbe, Dresden is a city with a culturally rich history, and an exciting future. Home to car manufacturing giant, Volkswagen, its spectacular, state-of-the-art transparent factory showcases the superior engineering capabilities and ultra-modern assembly line. On our Elegant Elbe river journey, our Working World excursion takes you behind closed doors of one of Germany’s leading car makers.
Find out more about our Elegant Elbe itinerary in our destination video
10
GÖTTWEIG ABBEY
High above Austria’s Wachau Valley is Göttweig Abbey, a beautiful 18th-century baroque monastery, with priceless artistic treasures. For all its World Heritage status and beauty, Göttweig is very much a working monastery. On our Danube Waltz and Romantic Danube river journeys, enjoy a Privileged Access visit to the monastery, where you can talk with the monks, and find out about day-to-day life in this venerable institution, and spiritual sanctuary.
