Explore with Viking—Oberammergau

Take a seat for a performance of Passionsspiele, The Passion Play. The play’s origins date back to 1633 when the Great Plague descended upon the village. After many lives were lost, the villagers made a promise to God that they would tell the story of Christ, should no more lives be lost. The tradition continues today and it is a great honor for Oberammergau’s residents to be a part of this powerful dramatic performance. Around 2,000 locals will bring the story to life in the town’s semicircular open air theater; performed every 10 years, 2022 will be the 42nd staging of the play. Witness a part of history during this unique performance and discover more about the townspeople’s dedication to this major event. The play begins in the afternoon and will include an intermission to enjoy a traditional Bavarian dinner at a local restaurant.

Discover the opulence and grandeur of Linderhof Palace, the former residence of Bavaria’s King Ludwig II Nicknamed the “Fairy Tale King,” Ludwig was a patron of the arts and architecture; many of the region’s iconic attractions were built during his reign. Embark on a scenic drive through the idyllic Bavarian countryside, traveling through the verdant forests that cover the foothills of the rugged Ammergau Alps. Upon arrival at the palace, enjoy a guided tour of its interior. Completed in 1886, the rococo-style royal villa was heavily inspired by the French palaces of the 17th and 18th centuries. See rooms such as the Hall of Mirrors and Ludwig’s bedchamber, all adorned with lavish furnishings and decor. After, have free time to explore the surrounding gardens, a combination of baroque and Italian Renaissance gardens mixed with English-style landscapes.

See the most renowned sites where The Sound of Music was filmed on this entertaining excursion. The third highest-grossing movie of all time in the US, it tells the real-life story of one of the world’s best-known singing groups and their escape from Nazi-led Austria during World War II. At Hellbrunn Palace, you will see the gazebo that served as a model for the one in which Liesl and Rolf have their secret nighttime rendezvous. You will also take in spectacular views of Nonnberg Abbey, still an active convent today, and in lakeside Mondsee you will find St. Michael’s Basilica, in which Maria and Baron von Trapp were married.

Experience a Benedictine abbey where monks work and worship during an exclusive visit to Göttweig Abbey. A scenic drive will take you to the abbey, located on a hilltop overlooking the splendid Wachau Valley and the Danube River. Your host and guide will welcome you at the cellar entrance with a glass of sparkling apricot wine produced in the region. Then, enjoy a private viewing of a short film about monastic life and learn what it takes to run a monastery today. Step through the church’s neoclassical portal to admire its colorful and ornate interior. Continue into the abbey’s museum, which chronicles its 900-year history as a center of religious life and its role as a monastic retreat. Climb the Imperial Staircase, crowned by one of the largest and most spectacular ceiling frescoes in the world. The adjoining princely and imperial rooms showcase splendid artwork from the abbey’s own collections.

See the picturesque Dutch countryside and the original technological marvels of historic Kinderdijk. You will walk with your guide into the serene polder lands of South Holland. As you cross the dike to the windmills, you will notice that they in fact are at a lower elevation than your ship, as much of this part of The Netherlands is below sea level. Built in the mid-18th century, these 19 windmills, the largest concentration in The Netherlands, stand like sentinels on a hushed landscape. You will learn why they were built and see firsthand how they work, even stepping into a working windmill to observe its mechanics and living quarters. Families who live in these mills are required to keep them in working order. This excursion provides a revealing look at these marvelous buildings that helped shape the legendary Dutch landscape.

The classical music never stops in Vienna, as you will hear firsthand during this special concert. Even the elegant architecture along the famed Ringstrasse seems to sing. On a daily basis, the city celebrates its long musical tradition with concerts in high-style venues. The Vienna Residence Orchestra is one of its most beloved institutions. Despite its young age (it was founded in 1989), it has hosted luminaries in the classical music world; Rudolf Nureyev was once a guest director. During this special performance, lose yourself in the lilting airs of Vienna’s most beloved music. In a historic venue, witness the period come to life as costumed singers and dancers take to the stage. And enjoy the beautiful strains of Strauss waltzes and selections from Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Then, the magic continues during a scenic drive after dark through an illuminated Vienna.

Raise your glass and give a hearty “Prost!” to a delicious and fun evening. Despite its growing popularity, Rüdesheim has retained its small-town riverside charms. Nowhere is this more apparent than along the Drosselgasse, a narrow pedestrian way overflowing with wines and oom-pah-pah tunes. Visit one of the town’s oldest restaurants, whose proprietors keep another tradition alive—the earth-to-table approach to dining that brings the rich and varied flavors of their beloved Rheingau straight to your plate. During this evening excursion, board a mini-train to the 15th-century Drosselgasse. Take in the medieval atmosphere during a stroll past cozy wine bars and lively taverns, then sample the bounty of Germany’s Rheingau region during a festive meal. Enjoy a full-course dinner with traditional music, and try the local Schnapps vom Brett as a digestif.

Explore the treasures of Alsace, from its Renaissance beauty and distinct culture to its crisp, clean white wines. World-renowned for its viticulture, Alsace is enriched with a dry mild climate, favorable soils and ideal exposure for its vineyards. Its location creates a blend of Germanic and Roman influences, and tells a story started by wine-producing Romans. The fine white wines produced here rival the crisp Rieslings of neighboring Germany. Enjoy a drive along the Alsatian Wine Route and a stop in one of its charming villages. At the winery, tour the cellar and, if the season permits, take a walk through the vineyards. The winegrower will introduce you to local wines and describe the history of harvesting and wine growing in the region. You will have the chance to taste several vintages, with ample opportunity to talk with your host about the skills required to produce French wines.

See the magnificent architectural highlights of one of Europe’s most elegant and romantic cultural capitals. Vienna was center of arts and intellect during the reign of the Habsburgs and beyond. Meet your guide and drive into the city for a motor coach and walking tour, focusing on the splendid buildings on the Ringstrasse, the gracious boulevard laid out on the site of the old city walls during the mid-19th century. Imposing palaces, elegant public buildings and grand residences line this world-famous avenue. See the magnificent Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Habsburgs and home of the Spanish Riding School with its Lipizzaner horses. Admire the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, crowned with a gleaming spire and colorful roof tiles. And view the beautiful Vienna State Opera concert hall, its facade adorned with elaborate frescoes depicting Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute.

Peer into the life of royalty at an estate built for the prince-archbishops of Cologne. You will meet your guide at the dock and drive to Schlosspark, at the edge of the Naturpark Kottenforst-Ville nature reserve. Here, Augustusburg Castle sits at the center of beautifully landscaped grounds, a vast and splendid example of Germany’s early rococo architecture. During a tour, admire the grand staircase and some of its many extravagantly decorated rooms and chambers. Take a stroll through the park’s spacious gardens lined with hedgerows and trees before returning to your ship.

Step into the Bohemia of old during a guided stroll through the Czech Republic’s fairy-tale town of Český Krumlov. After a scenic drive through the Czech countryside, you will begin your walk from the town’s highest point at Český Krumlov Castle. During a guided tour, admire its Renaissance style, the stone arches of the Cloak Bridge and the Upper and Little Castles. Walk over the Bear Moat, where bears have been kept since 1707, and pass the Castle Gate, pharmacy and monastery. Your tour descends the castle hill by foot into the town center, where you will see the Renaissance Town Hall, House of the Prelate and Gothic Church of St. Vitus. Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy free time to explore at your leisure, perhaps visiting the Egon Schiele Art Centrum.

Visit Marksburg Castle, the only medieval-era stronghold in the Rhine Valley to have never been destroyed. This mighty castle has watched over the town of Braubach since the 13th century; due to its strong fortifications, it was never besieged by enemies. Its butter-churn tower, so named because the upper reaches have a smaller diameter than the lower, is a beloved landmark with its distinct profile. Upon arrival, enjoy striking views of the surrounding countryside from its 300-foot perch, before following your guide across the rough-hewn stone passageways as you tour the citadel. Navigate narrow, winding staircases to view the wine cellar, a bedroom, dining area and the impressive kitchen of the Gothic Hall building. Cap your visit studying the Gimbel Collection, including its life-size figurines detailing changes to armor and weaponry through the ages, then return to your ship.

Immerse yourself in Cologne’s lively brauhaus culture and sample the pride of the city. During this fun excursion into the heart of Cologne, you will stroll the Old Town’s cobblestone streets past historic houses. Pause along the way at three Kölsch brewhouses. Kölsch—a light, crisp beer—is brewed only in Cologne. Brauhaus servers, called köbes, will deliver Kölsch straight from the barrel to your table in 7-ounce glasses, small enough for you to finish the beer while it is still refreshingly cold. As you drink in the rich culture of Cologne amid the dark-paneled walls and stained glass windows of its Old Town brewhouses, learn the brewing “secrets” that give Kölsch its distinctive character. Afterward, you will enjoy dinner at a popular, local brauhaus before returning to your ship.

Step backstage at the elegant Spanish Riding School, home to the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions. Transfer to the Hofburg, the former imperial palace and seat of power of the Habsburg dynasty rulers. Upon arrival, you will join your host for a tour of the internationally renowned equine institution and its stalls. The facility was commissioned in 1729 by Emperor Charles VI and is the oldest of its kind in the world. A portrait of the monarch is displayed in the opulent baroque hall—the riding school’s performance venue. See the outdoor courtyard, tack room and historic stables of the Lipizzaner stallions as your guide regales you with interesting facts about the heritage and training of Europe’s oldest horse breed. After, board a fiaker, a traditional Viennese horse carriage, for a ride along the Ringstrasse, passing the Parliament, Town Hall and Imperial Court Theater.

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.

Discover the fine vintages and intriguing viticulture of Lower Austria during a tasting at a local vineyard. From Krems, take a short drive to one of the nearby wineries to explore a region known for its silt-rich soil and full-bodied flavors. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide, who will introduce you to the region’s deep-rooted viticultural heritage. Discover how wine has been cultivated here since Celtic times, long before the Romans introduced the Riesling grape. During your visit, learn about the distinctive terroir of Weinland and how it shapes the full-bodied profile of each grape variety. Explore impressive underground cellars and sample wines little-known to American palates. Enjoy this fascinating glimpse into a prolific wine culture that is known by oenophiles the world over.

Sample Alsatian and French flavors and pleasures as you meet food merchants, a French sommelier and a local chef. Accompany your guide on a shopping excursion through Strasbourg; you may sample regional specialties such as chocolates, pralines, kougelhopf cake, croissants, freshly made baguettes and pretzels, cheeses and special regional meats or sausages. At your next stop, a professional sommelier will verse you in the art of pairing local foods with Alsatian and French wines. Later, tour the romantic, picturesque Petite France, Strasbourg’s canal-laced Old Town lined with half-timbered houses. Next, enjoy the cozy atmosphere of a typical winstub eatery, where the resident chef will teach you to make flammkuchen. Taste the results with a local beer. Finally, stroll to the Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. Enjoy free time before returning to your ship.

Take in one of Europe’s great cultural capitals and see its iconic sights. Over the last few decades, Budapest has reemerged as one of the continent’s iconic cities, divided by the Danube River and connected by the graceful Chain Bridge. Meet your guide for a panoramic tour, beginning in modern Pest. Along the elegant Andrássy Avenue, admire the National Opera House. Pass Heroes’ Square, a spacious plaza of monuments and statues commemorating the Magyar state. Across the river, explore the more traditional Buda side of the city. Here, visit the Castle District with its massive hilltop castle complex, the turreted Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. From the heights of Buda Hill, take in views of the famous Chain Bridge. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the enchanting Buda Hill Castle area at your leisure, before returning to your ship.

Admire the dense, lofty fir forests of Germany’s Schwarzwald, the fabled Black Forest. Embark with your guide on a scenic drive through a mythical land of cuckoo clocks, glassblowing and timeless fairy tales. Your panoramic route will take you through wine-producing villages, each of them cradled among the soft, undulating hills, bucolic woodlands and prolific vineyards of southwestern Germany. Your journey culminates in a winding ascent up to the beautiful Hofgut Sternen hotel, a loyal keeper of Black Forest traditions. During your visit, you may choose your immersion into Black Forest culture: take an invigorating forest stroll, attend a cuckoo clock demonstration, watch a glassblower at work, or learn to make the decadent Black Forest Cake for which this region is known. After, return to your ship via Freiburg, a major university and ecclesiastical center.

Tour the home of the Habsburg dynasty in a small group, built to rival the sprawling Château de Versailles. With your guide, drive just outside the city center to the monarchy’s fabulous summer residence. In 1569, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II erected the original hunting lodge here and called it Schönbrunn, meaning “beautiful spring.” In 1775, Empress Maria Theresa, the only female ruler of the Habsburgs, added the grand neoclassical Gloriette colonnade so she could have sweeping city views. Enjoy a guided tour of the imperial apartments and grandly furnished rooms where Maria Theresa resided. Learn about her extraordinary reign, which featured many military campaigns and domestic reforms in medicine, education and civil rights. There will be free time to explore the formal gardens.

Stroll the charming medieval lanes and squares of Colmar and explore its “Little Venice” quarter. You will accompany your guide to the city. Then, in the beautifully restored Quartier des Tanneurs, named for the tanners who worked in its 17th-century half-timbered houses, admire lanes of medieval houses and the Schwendi Fountain. This masterwork was sculpted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the Statue of Liberty. Explore 9th century streets and the original old town, and the colorful mix of French and German Renaissance architecture. Stroll through the charming La Petite Venise and enjoy the picturesque views from the bridge across the Lauch River. You will have free time to peruse the fine art at the Musée d’Unterlinden (Museum under the Linden Trees) or shop for regional wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer.

See the castle and old medieval town so steeped in romance that they stood at the center of the German Romantic movement. Join your guide for a drive to Heidelberg, several miles up the Neckar River. You will ascend to the majestic Heidelberg Castle, a treasure trove of striking Renaissance-era buildings. Originally built during the early 13th century, it was the residence of the Palatinate monarchy through the 18th century. Descend into the Altstadt, or Old Town, for a walking tour toward the turreted Heidelberg University. Founded in 1386, it is Germany’s oldest. You can see the school’s tower in which unruly boys were incarcerated for misdeeds, and the Red Ox tavern in which they boasted to their mates about their imprisonment. You will pause to share a special lunch with a group of modern-day students and hear their views on attending Germany’s oldest university.