viking river cruises city of lights

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Cities of Light

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• Explore Bamberg a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit Würzburg
• Enjoy tour to fascinating red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle
• Experience cruising towards Cochem is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Discover Luxembourg

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Travel themes.

• Small Ship Cruise

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• Arc de Triomphe
• Heidelberg Castle
• Historic sightseeing
• River cruise
• Wine Tasting

Trip includes

• 8-day cruise with river-view stateroom
• 2 nights each at the Le Méridien Étoile and Hilton Prague (or similar)
• 10 guided tours with audio headset
• All onboard meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 7 dinners, featuring regional specialties and including Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner and Captain’s Farewell Dinner plus breakfast at the Paris & Prague hotels
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service
• Visit 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Culture Curriculum: Enjoy a folkloric performance; attend lectures on the European Union & the Main River; learn how to make your own German bread pudding & Rüdesheimer coffee; get to know a local glassblower and his craft
• All port charges
• Free Wi-Fi, connection speed may vary

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London to Paris and Berlin Tour

Paris for the first time

Welcome to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. Transfer from the airport to your hotel.* After checking in for a 2-night stay, enjoy free time to explore this celebrated city, or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and get oriented.

Meals: Breakfast

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Disembark in Würzburg, a Franconian wine town, and tour the Bishops’ Residenz, a beautiful baroque palace with numerous paintings and frescoes. After lunch aboard, enjoy some free time in Würzburg, or join an optional journey to the walled medieval village of Rothenburg. After returning to your ship, you’ll dine and cruise through the night.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your trip with 2 additional nights in romantic Paris.

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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Viking River Cruises Reviews & Ratings

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Inspiring destinations, thoughtfully designed itineraries, immersive cultural explorations, state-of-the-art ships, fine cuisine, excellent service and remarkable value. All created with personal attention to every detail.

We call this the Viking Experience. It’s the way your bartender has your drink prepared at just the right moment. The gentle guidance from your tai chi master during your lesson in China. Or the handwritten directions from your concierge to the oldest coffeehouse in Vienna. Every aspect of your time with Viking, from expertly prepared meals to carefully created enrichment programs and beautifully appointed ships, is planned to bring you closer to experiencing the most from your destination.

With more itineraries in more destinations worldwide, we offer behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities that set us apart from other travel companies.

While we deliver the expected and iconic, such as visits to museums and landmarks, we also go beyond. On every itinerary, you can experience local life through such excursions as home-hosted visits or trips to local markets. We also offer the opportunity to see the working world of bakers and artisans, and the option for our guests to experience priviledged access to museums, private collections and after-hours events that we thoughtfully curate.

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Our daily shore excursions include must-see highlights and delightful surprises. These expertly guided tours bring you closer to the art, architecture, history and people of the land.

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Watch a local German glassblower or learn about French Impressionism. Our Culture Curriculum, an enriching onboard program, infuses every cruise and brings history to life.

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Accompany us on a shopping trip to the local market. Walk through the door of a centuries-old cathedral or visit a contemporary art museum. Meet local fine food and wine purveyors. Our tastings and demonstrations expand your mind and satisfy your senses.

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Have you yearned to visit the vaults of the famed Hermitage Museum? Attend a classical concert in Vienna? Enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner show in Xian? Your Program Director can organize a variety of optional tours.

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For any cruise/land booking, whether under deposit, partially paid, or paid in full and air-inclusive packages paid in full, the following travel agent or guest-requested situations are considered cancellations and penalties will apply as noted below: changes to departure date; substitutions of itinerary; substitution of another person for original booked guest(s); or changing to a promotional fare. All cancellations must be in writing. For all air-inclusive packages cancelled after issuance of an airline ticket, the air portion of the refund, if any, will be processed only after the return of airline ticket to Viking. The following cancellation charges will be assessed for all written cancellations received prior to departure up to the scheduled time of departure.

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Viking Cities of Lights...

By NavyCruiser , May 1, 2023 in River Cruising

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NavyCruiser

We have previously done both the Rhine & Danube rivers cruises separately on Gate 1, then we did the 2 week Viking Grand European cruise, which combined the Rhine, Main, & Danube together.  All great cruises.

We're now booked on Viking's Cities of Lights cruise for next year, which adds 2 nights each in Prague & Paris onto the 7 nights cruise on the Main river.  My wife is now hesitating on this one since she says we're redoing the same cities of Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzberg, & Heidelberg Germany again.  Maybe only Mainz, Cochem, Trier & Bernkastel Germany & Reims France that we haven't visited before on the Grand European before.  

I still like the trip for its' numerous river cruising experience, plus we got great pricing since we booked it on our last Viking ocean cruise, got great discounts, plus free (meaning included) international airfare.   Since we plan to visit family in Amsterdam & London after the trip, figures it's a great value also.

So for those who has done the Grand European & Cities of Lights already, are there much overlap of the Cities on the Main river...?

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Enjoy Navy Cruiser sounds superb I say just enjoy. Oh and say hello to,Houston for me.

• 4 weeks later...

We just did the Cities of Lights river cruise.  We had a fabulous time - especially going to Prague and Paris where we add the two day extension to do Musee d'Orsay and the Eiffel Tower on our own.  The Viking Heidelberg excursion might be different with the lunch with Heidelberg students - the restaurant was excellent that Viking uses: Kulturbrauerei - food, beer, wine were great.  You could skip the castle and spend more time in the Old Town.  Maybe skip the Residenz in Wurzburg and spend more time in the Old Town or on the Bridge drinking wine.  The other German towns you mentioned were great to visit(we didn't do Bernkastel)  - I will say this river cruise is very different from the Danube, Seine, and Rhone(which we have been on) in that on the Main, it is not a particularly pretty ride, there are a lot of locks to go through and low bridges so the top deck is closed most of the time.  Also there are a lot of bus rides to get to these towns, only Mainz you walk from the ship to get into the Old Town.  I will do a review on the ship we were on: Alsvin

No bussing needed in Wurzburg, you can walk right off. Go to the Residenz and enjoy the garden for an hour or sit outside at B. Neumann and have a Silvaner or any other cool drink  or hot depending on the month.  Walk to the old town and to the bridge and have a wine on the bridge.   Lots to look at in the town.  I love the Main river, but Viking usually sails at night and you miss some of the cute towns and castle ruins.  Aschaffenburg has a beautiful palace and the Pompeiijanum (a replic of a roman villa from Pompeii) all right by the river, beautiful sailing by that.  Lohr is where the Snow White House is and the tale was written.  Mespelbrunnen Castle may be an optional excursion outside of Wertheim.  Neat castle and history. Also you may stop in Karlstadt to let folks off for the Rotenburg Tour.  That is a walled city and has quite some charm, worth checking out the church and spital church.  We stay there quite often.  Lots to see and do on the Main.

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VIKING RIVER CRUISES 12 Days | Cities of Light Route Map

Viking River Cruises: Paris to Swiss Alps in 12 Glorious Days

S et sail on a river of dreams with our 12-day magical Paris to Swiss Alps Viking River Cruises adventure. There’s something so special about unpacking once and waking up at a new destination daily. Picture this — a boutique floating hotel where friendly faces greet you, culinary delights await your taste buds, and endless views captivate your heart.

OR Join us as we recollect our 12-day fairy tale aboard a Viking River Cruise, beginning through the romantic streets of Paris and winding down to the snow-kissed peaks of the Swiss Alps. If the travel bug bites you and you daydream about cruises that take the scenic route, buckle up; this one’s for you.

If you have been looking for a great cruise itinerary with  the best of both worlds (cruising and land trip) , this Paris to the Swiss Alps cruise may be the one for you. Let me show you what Viking River Cruises is all about and what this trip entails. 

Thanks to Viking River Cruises for hosting my travel arrangements and stays. As always, opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased. 

A Journey Begins in the City of Lights

Paris, the city that sparkles, was our first stop. Soon after our arrival, greeted by the warm Viking team, we found ourselves unwinding at the Marriott Paris Rive Gauche – our cozy haven for the next few days.

High-quality service? Check. Oh-so-comfy beds? Double-check.

Eager to kick things off, my husband, Eddie, and I hopped aboard the metro  straight to the iconic Eiffel Tower .  Pro Tip:  meander around the base and capture those Insta-worthy snapshots—Paris in all its iron-laced glory! 

Opting for a scenic Seine River cruise was a no-brainer. We floated by Parisian treasures like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre Dame, whose architectural splendor during the golden hour is a photographer’s dream.

Cherished Moments and a Brush with History

Viking knows how to charm its guests—a guided tour skipping the queues at Notre Dame (a day before the fire, mind you) was a poignant moment we’ll never forget. Post-tour, we rummaged through quirky souvenir shops and indulged in the ultimate French sandwich, the Croque Monsieur, perfectly complemented by a rich Parisian hot chocolate.

Starting the day right, Viking laid out an array of breakfast options in a room inside the Marriott hotel, including fresh bread, cheeses, delicious cold cuts, and more, with a fabulous selection of brews and juices to wash it all down.

A Palace Straight Out of a Fairytale

Are you craving more culture? Us too! That’s why we didn’t think twice about the extra excursion to Versailles, a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  that sees over six million visitors annually. It’s worth every penny of the $150, trust me. Viking whisked us away, and just like that, we bypassed the long lines to step into the opulence of the  Palace of Versailles . 

King-size luxury, intricate details, and glistening chandeliers – even among the throngs, the Hall of Mirrors caught our breath in its shimmering reflection.

Luxembourg – A Delightful Detour

With Paris bidding us adieu, we ventured onto Luxembourg City. Just a short scenic drive and voilà—local guides were at the ready, sharing insights and hidden gems. “Un café et pain” (a cafe, meaning coffee, and bread) soon became our go-to phrase, savoring coffee breaks with a side of the local pastry du jour.

We discovered that Luxembourg City wasn’t just easy on the eyes but kind to our wallets regarding shopping and dining. And get this: mine and Eddie’s first date, 31 years ago, was to Chi-Chis, where we saw one in the city.

A Tribute to Heroes in Luxembourg

Our expedition took an unexpected turn as we ventured beyond the urban charms of Luxembourg City and stumbled upon a place of profound honor – the  Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial . We were moved to silence and tears among the thousands of white crosses marking the bravery of WWII heroes like General George S. Patton. 

The place’s serenity contrasted with its tumultuous history, leaving us awestruck. By the way, this cemetery is maintained by America.

Trivia Fact:  5073 WWII service members from  Battle of the Bulge  are buried here. 

Climbing back aboard the magnificent Viking Kvasir, the welcome couldn’t have been warmer. Stateroom cards in hand, our belongings whisked to our cabins, we were soon clinking glasses in a toast with newfound friends, the prelude to a scrumptious dinner, which follows nightly.

Germany Welcomes Us with History and Wine

In the warmth of our fourth morning, Trier awaited us. Trier isn’t just any German city — it’s brimming with history as the oldest in the nation and was once the Holy Roman Empire’s capital.

Our eager bodies followed the cobblestone paths to Roman gates and baroque palaces, each step a footprint in time. The Porta Nigra (ancient city gate) was the best photo op.

Our cruise to Bernkastel-Kues was a sequence of picturesque vignettes in the Moselle Valley. Remember to glimpse the circa 1608 Renaissance Rathaus and the St. Michael Fountain — moments in stone that captured our imaginations. This was my favorite port on the entire cruise.

Snack Tip: Pick up an ultimate cheesy pretzel or pizza spargel from a street vendor.

Sipping Riesling in Bernkastel-Kues

Opting for a ‘Tour & Tasting,’ we savored the robust Rieslings of the region at  Dr. Pauly Bergweiler , memories of honey and apricot dancing on our tongues. There’s something special about enjoying a vintage right where it’s born. They also had a tasty ice wine. 

Other optional excursions unfurled the historic tapestries of Mainz and Strasbourg. Whether following in the steps of Martin Luther or sipping more wine while gazing at Alsatian vineyards, each opportunity was a gem waiting to be uncovered.

Once the wine had settled into pleasant recollections, we ventured to dine at Gasthaus Burkard . The evening highlight? A succulent Pork Jagerschnitzel paired with handmade Spaetzle. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Mesmerizing Moselle Valley

Our Viking Kvasir glided into Cochem, and we couldn’t resist the allure of exploring on our own during the five-hour window. Half-timbered houses seemed to whisper tales of yore as we wandered through the picturesque streets.

A ride on the Cochem Chairlift confirmed what our hearts already knew—this land is spellbinding. We grabbed amazing photos from this vantage point, and it cost less than ten euros each.

We skipped the guided steps up to 11th-century Reichsburg Castle, instead choosing to meander on our own, allowing us to absorb Cochem at our pace, a decision as rewarding as the panoramic views.

Scenic cruising unveiled the expansive Moselle Wine Country — a carpet of 22,000 miles of terraced hillside vineyards unfurling before us in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.

Day six led to Koblenz, a trove of German wonders from shopping in the Four Towers to the historic fort of Festung Ehrenbreitstein. Here, find a corner under a covered table, fill up your coffee cup, and marvel at the mouthwatering pastries — a pleasure for the senses.

People-watching is supreme.

Jewels Along the Rhine

With the whispers of legendary sirens of the Lorelei rock still in our ears, Wiesbaden beckoned. A spontaneous discovery led us to margaritas and chips & salsa as delightful as the city itself, followed by a fountain McDonald’s Diet Coke, which had us rejoicing to no end.

Here, in the heart of savory experiences and cobblestoned mazes, we celebrated the luxury of choice and the thrill of discovery that a Viking River Cruise offers.

Wiesbaden Nights and Mainz Mornings

Day seven dawned in Mainz, a major trade center in the Middle Ages, with its stellar attractions—the Gutenberg Museum and Mainz Cathedral. Viking cruises have their magic, granting us a private peek into the celebrated museum on a day it is typically closed.

The museum vividly depicted Johannes Gutenberg’s groundbreaking press. Today, only 49 copies of the 180 original Gutenberg Bibles exist.

The quiet beauty of Marc Chagall’s blue-stained glass windows in St. Stephen’s Church (built in 990AD) was a sobering counterpoint to the jubilant sweet flavors we later savored from a nearby cafe. We are holding our own on keeping up with daily pastries and coffees.

Speyer – Where History and Taste Collide

Speyer, a storied name etched into the UNESCO annals, brought us face-to-face with the monumental  Speyer Cathedral . Its echoing halls and soaring organ note our symphony for the day, with eight emperors of old in their eternal sleep beneath, meaning they are buried here.

Peppered boutiques and cafes dotted the town we explored before we surrendered to the siren call of fresh pretzels and flavored teas at Maximilian Cafebar Restaurant. We then indulged in a hearty baked Italian dish from  Restaurant Porta Nuova . 

A Technik Museum visit rounded off our tale in Speyer, treating our eyes to a fabulous collection of vintage cars and planes of yesteryear.

A Feast of Sights and Flavors

Returning on board meant not just rest but a celebration, with Captain Patrik and Chef Jakub conjuring a barbecue that turned lunch into a feast under open skies, setting the tone for the mélange of experiences that Viking River Cruises represent.

Our meal on the Aquavit Terrace featured four types of sausages, mustards for dipping, potato salad, and several side dishes.

Strasbourg, France – An Easter Day of Discovery

On the ninth day of our cruise, we bid farewell to our floating home with a day in the storybook town of Strasbourg. This gem in France’s Alsace region greeted us with its fairy-tale charm. Imagine – half-timbered houses, winding cobblestone streets, and a relaxed morning tour that was just a teaser of the town’s beauty.

Post-lunch, adventure-seekers had the option of a wine-tasting tour, but we couldn’t resist the pull of Strasbourg a moment longer. We ventured back on our own, meandering through Petite France, where cafes and souvenir shops welcomed us even on Easter Sunday.

Notre Dame Cathedral Strasbourg beckoned, but a snaking line guided us towards a delightful plan B – indulging in sweet and savory crepes at La Cigogne Bar & Creperie. Who knew defeat could taste this delicious?

Viking didn’t forget it was Easter; we returned to find luxurious Lindt chocolates and colored eggs waiting to add sweetness to our staterooms and breakfast tables. Such thoughtful delights!

And if you haven’t been to Europe on or during Easter, be prepared for white asparagus to be on your plate daily and at every vegetable stand you see.

Hello Basel, Switzerland – An Escapade with Grandeur

Transitioning from cruise to land, we discovered the vibrant spirit of Basel, our first Swiss encounter. The architectural splendor of Market Square captivated us during our short walking tour, with the city’s bustling rhythm starkly contrasting our tranquil days on the river.

Despite the holiday (Good Monday), Viking masterfully orchestrated an excursion to Rheinfall – Europe’s largest waterfall. Here, we were given the precious gift of time – 90 minutes to immerse ourselves in the majesty of cascades that rivaled the grandiosity of New York’s Letchworth.

Last Stop: Zürich – A Tale of Two Worlds

On our 10th day, we dawned at the  Sheraton Zürich Hotel , a modern retreat that served as our base camp for exploring. Swiss efficiency shone through as we were whisked away on a tram to begin our  Zürich escapade .

The day unfolded with marvels like the Grossmünster Church, the Limmat River, and a surprising backdrop on our Lake Zürich cruise – the proud, snow-draped Swiss Alps. Fair warning, though; the boat tour, while a photographer’s dream, did have its lulls.

Eddie and I played explorers in the heart of the city, absorbing the stained-glass beauty of the Grossmünster and the Fraumünster’s green spire, adorned with Marc Chagall’s touch.

Amidst sightseeing, our palates embarked on their own voyage – from a hearty Thai buffet at the Blue Monkey to savoring traditional cheese fondue and dreamy raclette, each a Swiss culinary rite of passage.

With costs on the steeper side – dinners and simple refreshments averaging above 25 USD and 6 USD respectively – Switzerland reassured us that some experiences are truly priceless.

Revitalized, Recharged, and Reconditioned

Our voyage with Viking River Cruises culminated in a trove of memories, new friendships, and an expanded gallery on our phones. Yet, what stayed with me was the tranquility amidst the nonstop thrill—a testament to the truly immersive and well-crafted experience that Viking offers.

Having set sail on over 40 cruises, my unwavering affinity for Viking speaks volumes of their devotion to stitching together exceptional adventures for travelers like us.

Does the allure of a river cruise tempt you? Should any questions or musings set sail in your mind, I am all ears and more than happy to guide you through the tides.

Read more of our cruising posts at:

Viking’s Passau Cruise Port

Why Bratislava, Slovakia is a Favorite Danube River Cruise Port

Cruise Europe at Discounted Prices with Costa

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Summer travel in 2024 will be "expensive in every way," said Katharine Nohr. And she should know.

She's planning a two-week adventure to Europe in June, which starts with a marathon flight from Honolulu to Zurich, where she'll speak at a conference. Then, she's hopscotching across Europe – to Vienna, then on to the Olympics. Nohr made plans to be in Nantes, France, to watch a soccer game, in Lille for basketball, and in Paris for gymnastics, boxing, and swimming.

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All told, it'll set her back five figures despite her best efforts, which include flying economy class and staying in the lowest-priced hotels. 

"The trip is pricey, even with my efforts to economize," said Nohr, an attorney from Honolulu. "But it's a once-in-my-life adventure." 

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Summer travelers are pursuing exciting, expensive vacations

Nohr is part of a wave of travelers who are making big plans for this summer. The itineraries are exciting – and expensive. 

Pretty much every barometer of travel intent is up for the summer travel season. Inflation and unemployment are low, and consumer sentiment and curiosity are high, fueling an unprecedented interest in travel during the summer of 2024. 

"Bookings are rising," said Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency. "Unfortunately, hotel, tour, and air prices are not falling. So, if you plan on hitting the road this summer, make sure you are willing to splash some cash."

Travel companies say they're overwhelmed with summer reservations.

"The travel economy is booming," said Joe Ialacci, owner of Yacht Hampton Boating Club , a company that rents yachts in Sag Harbor, New York. He's seeing a 40% increase in rentals this summer compared to last year as Americans shift some of their vacation dollars to domestic destinations.

Prices aren't the only thing trending higher. People's expectations for their summer vacation are also higher than at any time since the pandemic, said Sangeeta Sadarangani, CEO of Crossing , a multinational travel agency headquartered in London. 

"They're embracing the unknown," she said.

And one of the great unknowns is travel prices. How much higher will they be?

What will prices be like this summer?

It depends on where you're going. There's good news if you're traveling within the U.S.: flights and hotels are a little less expensive than last summer . But they're rising elsewhere. Here's the breakdown:

• Airfares are mixed. Domestic roundtrip airfares for summer will peak at $315 per ticket, according to the travel platform Hopper . Flights to Europe are cheaper, too. They've fallen 10% from last year to $882. But flights to South America are up 2% and flights to Canada have risen 7%. You'll pay an average of $708 to fly south of the border and $419 to head north.
• U.S. hotel rates are down. Domestically, they're about the same as last year at an average of $206 per night.
• Car rental prices are rising. Average domestic car rental rates are only up 3% this summer to $42 per day on a four-day rental, according to Hopper. 

But you can avoid the high prices with a little strategic planning, experts say.

What to avoid this summer

American travelers are becoming more predictable in their summer vacation choices, said John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group . Immediately after the pandemic, they embarked on "revenge" vacations to far-flung locations. Now they're returning to more conventional vacations.

"We continue to see U.S. travelers heading back to the more traditional locations across Europe this year, like London, Rome, Athens and Munich," he said.

There are places that will be exceptionally busy – and exceptionally pricey – this summer.

• Paris during the Olympics. The Olympic Games are taking place in Paris this summer. Rooms are more than double the normal rates . which is typical of the Olympics. Paris is already crowded with tourists during the summer, so you can probably imagine what it will be like with the Olympics. Zut, alors!
• Taylor Swift is touring Europe this summer. Prices will be higher and the crowds will be denser. "If you aren't planning to attend one of her concerts, I recommend planning around those European cities when she's there," said Betsy Ball, co-founder of Euro Travel Coach . (Want to know if your schedules overlap? Here's Taylor Swift's concert schedule .)
• Other big summer events. Even if you steer clear of Taylor and the Olympics, you're still not out of the woods. There's the UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament in Germany in June. There's the Tour de France in July, which begins in Florence and finishes in Nice. France is also hosting the Paralympic Games in August and September, which will take place in Paris, Nice, Marseille and Bordeaux.

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When is the best time to book a 2024 summer vacation?

Since this is going to be a busy one, the sooner you book, the better. Hopper recommends buying your airfare two to three months before your departure for domestic flights, and for international – well, it's probably too late to get that rock-bottom fare. If you're reading this in April, you can still find something for late August or early September, according to its airfare experts.

As always, you can save money by booking a flight for midweek instead of on the weekend – and, of course, by keeping far, far away from the big travel holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. 

Also, if you're going overseas, remember their holiday calendar is different. For example, half of Europe shuts down during August for summer vacation. It's worth a look-up, otherwise, you could face some real disappointments.

Strategies for traveling better during the summer

One tactic that consistently works is splitting your getaway into two sections. Take that required summer vacation with your family somewhere less expensive during the high season. Then, wait until shoulder season for the big trip. 

That's what Ross Copas, a retired electrician from Tweed, Canada, is doing during the summer of 2024. It's a road trip across the northern U.S. by motorcycle – New York to Washington State, and then back east through Canada. 

Then he's heading to Amsterdam in September for a 23-day European river cruise. He said the late summer getaway will be costly, but he doubts fares will fall anytime soon. "So price be damned," he added.

Actually, that's pretty smart. I took the same cruise he's planning on Viking River Cruises many years ago, and it was worth every penny.

With hotel rates rising in some places this summer, this is the right time to consider alternatives. Monica Fish, a writer from Glen Rock, N.J., is headed to Ireland to catch one of Taylor Swift's performances. She said hotel rooms in Dublin are overpriced if they're even available. But Fish found an affordable vacation rental. 

"We just had to book it farther in advance than we normally would," she said. 

Go ahead, follow the crowds this summer

I think it's fine to follow the crowds this summer. I'll be doing it. I'm planning to rent an apartment for a month in Switzerland with Blueground, a long-term apartment rental company. Then I'm crashing on a friend's sofa in Spain, then heading to Sweden to see other friends and visiting my brother in Finland. Yes, travel writers know people everywhere . 

But don't follow the crowds off a cliff. There are places even I won't go. I might take the four-hour train trip from Zurich to Paris in June to check out my favorite patisseries, but I wouldn't go anywhere near the City of Lights during the summer games in July unless I made a reservation a long time ago.

And Taylor Swift? Puh-leeze. I'm more of a jazz guy.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

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Press Release

Viking announces new mongolia extension for china voyages starting in 2024, a first for viking, new five-night “spirit of mongolia” extension offers fully guided, immersive experiences before or after china itineraries.

Los Angeles (April 11, 2024) – Viking® ( www.viking.com ) today announced that for the first time it is offering guests destination-focused experiences in Mongolia with the new Spirit of Mongolia extension program. The five-night, fully guided Pre or Post extension will allow guests to further immerse themselves in the rich traditions of the region, from the ancient city of Ulaanbaatar to the Gobi Desert. The Spirit of Mongolia and a variety of other Pre and Post extensions, including Hong Kong and Beijing, are available for Viking’s new, first-of-their-kind China itineraries: Best of China , China Discovery , Classic China & the Coast and Wonders of China .

“We were proud to announce our new China ocean voyages recently, and we are now pleased to offer guests our first experiences in Mongolia,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Our guests are curious travelers who are interested in experiences that broaden their minds. With its geographic diversity and incredible history, Mongolia is an extraordinary destination making it a natural extension to our new China itineraries.”

Guests booked on the five-night Spirit of Mongolia Pre or Post extension will begin their journey in the city of Ulaanbaatar, where they will meet their Viking Representative and explore the sites of the city – including the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, Mongolia’s largest and most contemporary cultural institution, then step behind the scenes for a look at fossil specimens and more in the paleontology lab.

After a day exploring the city, guests will continue their journey on to Dalanzadgad, where they will transfer to the award-winning Three Camel Lodge, an eco-lodge nestled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains in the Gobi Desert near the Gurvan Saikhan National Park. At the Three Camel Lodge, guests will enjoy comfortable accommodations in their own ger, an authentic yurt updated with modern amenities. For three days, guests may partake in lodge activities at their own pace including archery, a camel safari or an exploration of the famous Flaming Cliffs. Guests can also choose to join fellow early risers for a sunrise trek through the desert hills with a naturalist guide or take in panoramic views of the steppe from Bulagtai Mountain to examine ancient petroglyphs. Alternatively, guests can learn the secrets of making buuz (steamed dumplings) from the lodge’s Mongolian chef. Following their time in the Gobi Desert, guests will return to Ulaanbaatar for additional exploration for one night before continuing their journey home or embarking on their Viking voyage in China.

In addition to the new Spirit of Mongolia extension, Viking is offering four other immersive Pre and Post extensions for guests looking to explore more of China. The new, fully guided extensions range between three and four nights, and are offered in the iconic cities of Hong Kong and Beijing, as well as some of the natural beauty of Guilin and Suzhou. The additional extensions include:

• Beijing – Delve into the mysteries of Beijing, one of history’s great capitals and home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Forbidden City and Great Wall. Optional excursions offer an opportunity to be immersed in this multilayered city’s eclectic mix of China’s ancient past and bold future. The 3-night extension is available on the China Discovery itinerary.
• Hong Kong – Delve into one of the world’s foremost metropolises with an extension in Hong Kong. Admire the captivating cityscape and soak up its blend of tradition and modernity, culture and commerce. An optional excursion to Macau allows for more opportunities to experience China’s lively southern coast. The 3-night extension is available on the Classic China & the Coast and China Discovery itineraries.
• Hong Kong & Guilin – Explore two versions of China – the urban spectacle of Hong Kong and the enchanting natural beauty of Guilin. Admire the towering skyscrapers and energy of Hong Kong, a metropolis steeped in commerce and culture, while tranquil Guilin captivates with karst mountains, serene rivers and ancient caves. The 4-night extension is available on the Classic China & the Coast and China Discovery itineraries.
• Suzhou & Wuxi – Discover Suzhou and Wuxi, famed for their exquisite gardens, canals and embodiment of ancient charm. Visit UNESCO-listed classical gardens, stroll ancient alleyways, gain insight into the region’s legacy of silk making, cruise the scenic Grand Canal and view one of China’s largest Buddha statues. The 3-night extension is available on the China Discovery itinerary.

Viking’s China Voyages

• Best of China (20 days; Beijing roundtrip) — This 20-day cruisetour allows guests to see the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and rare giant pandas among other iconic destinations. Guests will enjoy China’s scenic eastern coast, delve into Tibet’s spiritual tradition, and admire the Terra Cotta Warriors while sailing the scenic eastern coast.
• Wonders of China (20 days; Beijing roundtrip) — This comprehensive 20-day cruisetour itinerary delivers China’s main highlights. Guests can meet a Tibetan family at their home, walk on the Great Wall and see the Terra Cotta Warriors. Additionally, guests experience the scenic coast of Dongtou and have opportunities to explore Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Shenzhen, a UNESCO city of design.
• Classic China & the Coast (15 days; Beijing, Xian – Hong Kong (Shenzhen)) — This voyage combines the experiences of Viking’s 10-day China Discovery voyage with opportunity to see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terra Cotta Warriors and other iconic landmarks. While sailing China’s coastline, guests can experience a phenomenal diversity in languages, cultures and cuisines.
• China Discovery (10 days; Shanghai – Hong Kong (Shenzhen)) — This 10-day itinerary allows guests to experience the Buddhist shrines of Zhoushan and the cliffs of Dongtou, follow the steps of 19th-century European diplomats on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen or try Cantonese dim sum in Shenzhen.

To learn more about the itineraries and why China is such a captivating destination, Viking has also published two videos: Executive Vice President Karine Hagen invites travelers to learn more about these exclusive-to-Viking China voyages here , and Viking Vice President of Product Development Joost Ouendag provides an in-depth overview of the new voyages and the unique opportunity to be immersed in the history, culture and natural wonders of the Middle Kingdom here .

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Dedicated specifically to exploring destinations in China, with an onboard experience that complements guests’ discoveries ashore, the Viking Yi Dun is a sister ship in Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet. Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” Viking’s ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that host 930 guests; the ships feature all veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options.

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About Viking

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated at the top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure . No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com . For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv .

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