Highclere Castle

Join Karine at the “real Downton Abbey,” the historic and renowned Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England, home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.

Europe

Setting a New Standard

Learn about the past and future of Viking and the innovations behind our Viking Longships. Then come explore the great rivers of the world in unprecedented comfort.

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The Viking Experience

Journey through the world’s most exciting destinations with The World’s Leading River Cruise Line.

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Alma Deutscher Performs in Vienna

Once the home of Strauss and Mozart, Vienna is renowned as the music capital of Europe. Now, guests who join us in this elegant city have the chance to enjoy an exclusive performance featuring Alma Deutscher, a young musical prodigy who will conduct classic pieces from great composers—including a few, destined-to-become-classics, of her own. View sailing dates for Viking river cruises during which you may attend Alma Deutscher’s performances in Vienna by visiting almadeutscher.com/viking-dates.

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Discover the British Collections of Ancient Egypt

Enhance your Pharaohs & Pyramids voyage with our British Collections of Ancient Egypt extension, offering Privileged Access to rare Egyptian artifacts and exhibits at the British Museum, Highclere Castle and more.

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Explore Chavenage House, the home from the PBS series “Poldark”

The friendly, very personable, longtime owners of Chavenage House, welcome you into this quintessential English estate, tucked away in the picturesque Cotswolds.

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Tutankhamen and Highclere Castle

Uncover the fascinating history behind the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb by archaeologist Howard Carter and George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, and get an exclusive look at Highclere Castle’s collection of Egyptian relics.

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Explore Britain’s Great Homes, Gardens and Gin

Step inside the iconic British estates well known to PBS viewers, including Highclere Castle, the “real Downton Abbey”; Wolf Hall’s Broughton Castle; and Chavenage House, better known as Trenwith in Poldark. Beyond these impressive homes, learn the story behind the legendary Bombay Sapphire gin at its historic distillery.

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Romantic Middle Rhine

Experience the majestic stretch of the Rhine River known affectionately as the “Romantic Middle Rhine.” Winding past quaint villages and medieval castles, this idyllic waterway offers a window into the past and unmatched vistas.

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Gothic Cathedrals

Marvel at the ingenuity and ethereal quality of Gothic architecture, a style inspired by a period when religion governed life and epitomized by Europe’s soaring cathedrals from the 12th to 16th centuries.

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The Impressionists

Learn the story of how impressionist paintings by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Degas forever changed the face of the art world and became a symbol of modern French life. Follow these iconic artists’ footsteps on a France river cruise with Viking.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Gwyn, “The Butterfly Lady”

Join Karine to meet one of the longest serving residents on the Highclere Castle estate. And join them on a journey of joy and firsts, taking delight in the smaller things in life.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Pat the Painter

Meet Pat Withers, one of the castle’s favorite, most colorful characters, who came to Highclere as a teenager and never left. As the longest serving staff member at Highclere, she’s worked for three generations of the Carnarvon family.

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At Home at Highclere

Join Karine as she speaks with the Countess of Carnarvon about her new book, At Home at Highclere. Learn about what it is like to live in this stately castle, and its history, delicious food and dedicated staff.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Mike the Beekeeper

Join Karine and Finse as they explore the world of bees with Mike Withers, a thirty-year member of the Highclere staff, whose passion for these hard-working, misunderstood insects spans 60 years.

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Russian Food: Starters

Here are some specialties Russians might enjoy as a starter to their main meal. From pickled mushrooms to the Salad Olivier, a traditional New Year’s dish, try some for yourself!

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Russian Food: Soups

No Russian meal is complete without homemade soup, a central element of culinary culture. Karine samples two types of borscht, the nationally renowned beet soup, and other tasty dishes.

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Russian Food: Sweets

Russian meals are often topped off with something sweet. Sample some favorite desserts with Karine, from kisel, a red berry soup, to oladi, a thick pancake served with cream and jam.

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At home in Salzburg with Viking guides Peter Staudinger and Julia Hattinger

Discover one of Austria’s most picturesque cities, Salzburg, the birthplace and childhood home of Mozart and setting of the beloved film The Sound of Music. During an informative tour led by Viking guides Peter Staudinger and Julia Hattinger, follow along as they show us some of their favorite places and delve into the history of this elegant Alpine destination. Should your curiosity be piqued, you will be delighted to know that you, too, could stroll the old-world streets of Salzburg when you join us there as part of an optional excursion on our Grand European Tour or European Sojourn river voyages.

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Austria’s Göttweig Abbey

Journey to a working baroque abbey where Benedictine monks have worked and worshipped for more than 900 years on a hilltop overlooking the Wachau Valley, following The Rule of St. Benedict.

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Austria’s Hotel Sacher and Torte

Join Karine (and her beloved dog Finse) and step into the spirit of old Europe at Vienna’s iconic Hotel Sacher to learn the story behind the Sachertorte, its legendary handmade cake.

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Bacalhau: Portuguese or Norwegian?

Watch as chef Rui Paula shows Karine his unique nouvelle cuisine twist on bacalhau, the beloved Portuguese national dish that is based on cod, one of Norway’s national fish.

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Blaye Citadel

Step inside the historic Blaye Citadel with Karine. Louis XIV built this mighty fortress in the 17th century on the banks of the Gironde River to protect Bordeaux from the British.

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Blenheim Palace

Explore the ornate halls of Britain’s Blenheim Palace with Karine. This grand English estate, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, has close ties to the American Vanderbilts and is the seat of the Duke of Marlborough.

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Bordeaux’s Clairet & Rosé Wines

Introduce yourself to some hidden gems of Bordeaux’s world-renowned viniculture. You will learn subtle differences in wine profiles and why the French treasure their bounty each summer.

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Bordeaux’s Prestigious Wines

Venture into the fascinating world of Bordeaux winemaking with Karine. Meet a renowned Master of Wine and learn about regional favorites from local experts.

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Bordeaux’s Sublime Wines

Join Karine as she delves into the essence of Bordeaux’s most popular red and white wines with a local expert, learning some secrets of summoning a wine’s character along the way.

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Christmas Markets

Witness the beauty, romance and spirit of the holidays come alive at Europe’s colorful Christmas markets when you join Viking on a festive river cruise during November or December.

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Cooking with Karine: A German Treat

Join Karine for a private cooking lesson with pastry chef Joanna Hajn, who teaches her student how to make a German holiday favorite: a tasty gingerbread house.

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Cooking with Karine: Bratwurst

Taste a variety of German delicacies with Karine in Nuremberg’s medieval district, and learn some of the best side dishes to go with them, perhaps paired with a local brew.

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Cooking with Karine: Gingerbread

Join Karine as she learns the art of making gingerbread at Passau’s Café Simon, established more than 100 years ago. Sample some on our late fall cruises along Europe’s great rivers.

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Cooking with Karine: Goulash

Explore Budapest’s Great Market Hall and learn how to make goulash, Hungary’s rich, hearty dish seasoned with paprika and packed with flavor.

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Cooking with Karine: Prague Duck

Watch as Kampa Park’s executive chef Marek Raditsch prepares this regional dish. In Prague, you might visit this world-famous restaurant, next to Charles Bridge on the Vltava River.

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Cooking with Karine: Steak Bordelaise

Join Karine as she learns the secrets of preparing Steak Bordelaise, Bordeaux’s celebrated and classic dish, with local gourmand, chef Georges Gotrand.

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Croatian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Croatian words and phrases with Ivana, your Viking tutor. Živjeli!

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D-Day at Normandy

Meet Robert Allen, a World War II veteran who bravely came ashore at Normandy . . . then returned with Viking, sharing some of his memories with us.

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Dutch Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Dutch words and phrases with Johan, your Viking tutor. Proost!

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Explore Europe with Viking

Sail Europe’s picturesque waterways in elegant comfort with Viking. Ranging from 7 to 23 days, our itineraries offer a wealth of unforgettable journeys across the continent.

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Explore: Amsterdam

Discover Amsterdam’s scenic canals, charming flower markets and enriching Museum Quarter, where you can admire van Gogh’s artwork and masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age.

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Explore: Berlin

Experience a vibrant city that is always reinventing itself. See iconic Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall and the Reichstag, an architectural masterpiece. Stroll around Museum Island or go shopping in the Mitte District.

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Explore: Budapest

Explore the beauty of Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube,” with Karine highlighting the city’s top attractions: Fisherman’s Bastion, Great Market Hall, Heroes’ Square and more.

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Explore: Paris

Discover the magical “City of Light.” Visit the Shakespeare & Co. bookstore, a literary haven on Paris’s Left Bank; stroll the Champs-Élysées; and admire the priceless works of the Louvre. Be sure to stop for a cup of coffee in the St. Germain district.

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Explore: Prague

Prague, the “City of a Thousand Spires,” offers endless discoveries. See some of Karine’s top recommendations, including Lobkowicz Palace, the Old New Synagogue, the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge and more.

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Fado, Music of Portugal

Learn about the dramatic songs of fado, born along Portugal’s waterfront. This music of passion often depicted the longing of women waiting for their men to return from sea.

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Farmers’ Market in Libourne, France

Walk through Libourne’s bustling market with Karine and Chef Magalie of Viking as they shop for fresh fruits and vegetables to be served in the ship’s dining room.

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Finse Comes Home to Highclere

This is a reunion unlike any other as Karine’s golden Labrador Finse returns home to Highclere Castle, the "real Downton Abbey,” and gets reacquainted with her brothers and sisters.

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France, Painter’s Muse

See for yourself how France has inspired famous artists like van Gogh, Monet and so many more.

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French Language Lesson

Learn a few useful French words and phrases with Maaike, your Viking tutor. À votre Santé!

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German Language Lesson

Learn a few useful German words and phrases with Rebecca, your Viking tutor. Prost!

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Gifts Along the Danube

The Danube’s banks overflow with shopping opportunities. Join Karine at her favorite spots in Passau, Vienna and Budapest as she shares perfect gift ideas for yourself or your loved ones.

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Glühwein (Mulled Wine)

In November and December, public houses in nearly every European town offer mulled wine as a delicious antidote to the season’s chill. Let Karine show you how to prepare your own with our special and simple recipe.

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Gothic Cologne Cathedral

Explore the history of this ornate architectural masterpiece. Towering over the Rhine, the majestic Cologne cathedral has been a beacon for pilgrims from around the world for centuries.

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Highclere Castle

Join Karine at the “real Downton Abbey,” the historic and renowned Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England, home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.

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History of Port Wines

Take a journey with Karine as she explores Portugal’s history of wine and gains insight into its production and the various types of port, with a local expert on hand.

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Hungarian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Hungarian words and phrases with Eszter, your Viking tutor. Jó napot!

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Iconic Marksburg Castle

Painstakingly chiseled into the slate bedrock of a mountain peak, Marksburg has long stood as one of Germany’s most formidable castles. Step back into the Middle Ages with Karine as she explores the heart of this legendary stronghold.

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Jewish Museum

Designed by New York architect Daniel Libeskind, Berlin’s compelling Jewish Museum provides an unforgettable journey through Jewish culture and a rich chronicle of memory and hope.

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Koblenz Jewish Cemetery

Join Karine for the moving story of the Koblenz Jewish Cemetery, a sanctuary of reflection and a window into the history of a community and culture that were once nearly lost.

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Learn the Iconic Viennese Waltz

Learn the iconic Viennese waltz at Vienna’s oldest and most famous dance school, Tanzschule Elmayer. Watch Professor Elmayer teach Karine the basic steps in just a few minutes.

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Lipizzaner Stallions

Go behind the scenes at Vienna’s Spanish Riding School to meet the “dancing horses,” the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions. Seeing these magnificent white horses perform is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Lobkowicz Palace

Preview our Privileged Access tour as Karine visits the residence of this noble Czech family. See the original score of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, attend a private concert and more.

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Master Chef & Author Toni Mörwald

Watch the world-famous master chef and author Toni Mörwald and Karine prepare the traditional wiener schnitzel dish. In Austria, you might visit Chef Mörwald’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Bon appétit!

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Meet the Vienna Residence Orchestra

Go behind the scenes of the Vienna Residence Orchestra and hear from its talented musicians during a special program hosted by the orchestra’s cofounder, Sylvia Moser. Performing the music of Mozart and Strauss in historic buildings and opulent palaces throughout Vienna, the orchestra allows guests to experience live classical music in an authentic setting. Explore the history of this engaging ensemble and listen to short musical pieces you can experience in person when you join us on a river voyage to Vienna.

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Modern Aristocracy

The Löwenstein family is one of Germany’s cultural treasures. Step behind the scenes to meet Fürst (Prince) Alois-Konstantin and his daughter-in-law Princess Stephanie as they share family history and the secret behind the renowned Fürst Löwenstein wines.

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Videos

Videos

Highclere Castle

Related Itineraries

Paris to the Swiss Alps

Cities of Light

Grand European Tour

Rhine Getaway

Paris & the Heart of Normandy

Europe

Setting a New Standard

The Viking Experience

Alma Deutscher Performs in Vienna

Discover the British Collections of Ancient Egypt

Explore Chavenage House, the home from the PBS series “Poldark”

Tutankhamen and Highclere Castle

Explore Britain’s Great Homes, Gardens and Gin

Romantic Middle Rhine

Gothic Cathedrals

The Impressionists

Highclere Behind the Scenes: Gwyn, “The Butterfly Lady”

Highclere Behind the Scenes: Pat the Painter

At Home at Highclere

Highclere Behind the Scenes: Mike the Beekeeper

Russian Food: Starters

Russian Food: Soups

Russian Food: Sweets

At home in Salzburg with Viking guides Peter Staudinger and Julia Hattinger

Austria’s Göttweig Abbey

Austria’s Hotel Sacher and Torte

Bacalhau: Portuguese or Norwegian?

Blaye Citadel

Blenheim Palace

Bordeaux’s Clairet & Rosé Wines

Bordeaux’s Prestigious Wines

Bordeaux’s Sublime Wines

Christmas Markets

Cooking with Karine: A German Treat

Cooking with Karine: Bratwurst

Cooking with Karine: Gingerbread

Cooking with Karine: Goulash

Cooking with Karine: Prague Duck

Cooking with Karine: Steak Bordelaise

Croatian Language Lesson

D-Day at Normandy

Dutch Language Lesson

Explore Europe with Viking

Explore: Amsterdam

Explore: Berlin

Explore: Budapest

Explore: Paris

Explore: Prague

Fado, Music of Portugal

Farmers’ Market in Libourne, France

Finse Comes Home to Highclere

France, Painter’s Muse

French Language Lesson

German Language Lesson

Gifts Along the Danube

Glühwein (Mulled Wine)

Gothic Cologne Cathedral

Highclere Castle

History of Port Wines

Hungarian Language Lesson

Iconic Marksburg Castle

Jewish Museum

Koblenz Jewish Cemetery

Learn the Iconic Viennese Waltz

Lipizzaner Stallions

Lobkowicz Palace

Master Chef & Author Toni Mörwald

Meet the Vienna Residence Orchestra

Modern Aristocracy

Monet’s Gardens

Nuremberg Trials

Our Viking Vintner

Portugal’s Wine Country

Portuguese Crème Brûlée

Portuguese Language Lesson

Prague Microbrewery