Guests are on their own for everything else. Immerse in nature in this surfers paradise; Iquique is Chiles premier beach resort. Cruising Portugals River of Gold: Our Favorite Things, The city of Guimares in Northern Portugal was the countrys first capital and the birthplace of Portuguese national identity. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. The cruise starts with 2 days in Budapest already & the added 2 nights would be $450 per person. Savor the diversity of Torontos food scene; see the citys sights by bike. To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. 11/1/22 Behind the Scenes Update. From $1,999 | 3 Nights, From $4,999 | 4 Nights, From $1,199 | 2 Nights, Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link, Most Indoor & Outdoor Viewing Areas At Sea, One complimentary landing or shore excursion in every port of call, Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner, 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water, Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase, Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances, Access to The Nordic Spa & state-of-the-art fitness center, Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge, Kayaks, Zodiacs, Special Operations Boats & submarine excursions (where available)A Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge, Keepsake Viking expedition jacket (on polar itineraries), All Viking excursion gear needed for any relevant excursions, King-size bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows, 55" OLED flat-screen TV featuring CNN, CBC, MBC2, beIN Sports, Interactive TV with complimentary movies and documentaries, as well as Viking.TV proprietary content, lectures and expert interviews, Personal coffee machine with premium coffee & tea selections, Floor-to-ceiling heated drying closets for expeditions gear. We enjoyed Russia in Fairytales performed at Youth House on Vasilyevsky Island (the performance venue varies) during the Russias Native Songs and Dances shore excursion. Explore this car-free island by carriage, bicycle or on foot; kayak along the shoreline. A few reasons come to mind. A pretty scene in a city of deep, A taste of Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina on our @go, A fantastic day in the mountains above Kotor, Mont, Perast, Montenegro - boating out to Our Lady of, Pretty Parest. The groups are often smaller and the excursions typically focus on more in-depth experiences, including under-the-radar attractions, historical perspectives, and cultural immersion. Upriver from maritime Greenwich, London bustles with lively culture and royal glamour. Get inspired as they share photos and stories highlighting the best of destinations, food, wine, history, culture and the arts. And all of my searches though I have not been able to find out if when you are on a panoramic cruise in a particular town, are you able to get off the bus at any point and just go on your own and then join the boat later at the dock? Admire the tranquility of the End of the World; visit Tierra del Fuego National Park. I think its a good idea to stay with the group for the whole tour and then your guide will be able to point out where to meet the shuttle (if there is one)or how to walk back to the ship, later. Here are just a few reasons you may want to consider extensions too. Learn how your comment data is processed. Catherine Sweeney is a travel enthusiast with a lifelong passion for going places. Good tips. Duration of tours listed on the itinerary show the time the tour group leaves the ship to the time returned to the ship. So, in order to reduce stress, we recommend arriving early and taking advantage of some extra time in your chosen destination. Thanks! Clearly, these two extensions are completely different in terms of what is offered, but of course the price is different too. Make the Most of that Long, Expensive Plane Trip Not only are international flights usually lengthy, but you may have noticed that airfare has become more expensive since travel has resumed in earnest. Explore Panamas second city, culturally rich Coln is brimming with historic treasures. Explore the colonial town of Montecristi; visit the home of the iconic Panama hat. Viking has continued to expand their footprint by adding both river and ocean ships each year, and has been voted both the Best Ocean Cruise Line and Best River Cruise Line by Cond Nast Traveler in the publications 2021 Readers Choice Awards. Very little down time. Ive booked the 3 night Lake Como extension which includes some dinners and tours but most importantly the transfer from the now changeable docking Venetian location. Choose Options. Have you gotten any updates on the Memphis excursions? Petersburg by Metro and on Foot excursion. Day 1 | Fly to Paris. Taking a look at the two examples above, notice that those are the only things included for the Rome extension. Viking Host at Hotel In addition to having Viking representatives meet you at the airport, Viking will also have a dedicated desk set up in the hotel. Ill try to answer your question based on my experiences. We are so excited to book the pre-extension tours offered by Viking; 2 nights in Oslo with train to Bergen and then 2 nights in Reykjavik, Iceland after the cruise. Pre- and post-cruise extensions If you can extend your trip, either before or after the cruise, Viking has organized options. While some people love the idea of Viking taking care of everything, other travelers may prefer more flexibility. Sail the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Earths largest body of water. St. Petersburg is a cultural capital and renowned for its famous musicians, dancers, and writers. We love the smaller ships and service that Viking provides, as well as the excellent itineraries they offer. 1.2 Lucerne: Activities during Christmas season. Also, be aware that the hotel may change at some point before your trip. St. Petersburg is nicknamed the Venice of the North for its rivers (the Fontanka, Moyka, and Neva), canals, and decorative bridges crossing them. Ive been currently wrestling with this very issue in next years Ancient Adriatic Treasures sailing which ends in Venice. Anyone on the Nov 5 cruise with a pre-cruise stay (2 night Memphis Rock 'n' Soul extension) in Memphis? MORE FEATURES, SERVICES AND EXCURSIONS INCLUDED: More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Kayak on the Chilean fjords, or hike among the exotic landscapes of Chilo National Park. As already explained, we paid a deviation fee plus we lost the transfers on that leg of the journey. In England, visit maritime Liverpool, see historic Dover and enjoy a tour of London. We always try to extend our trip on both sides of our cruise. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. Immerse yourself in the British Isles, with overnight stays in Bergen, Norway, and Greenwich, England. We opted for the 2 1/2 day extension in Lucerne at the start of our Viking Rhine cruise. From Los Angeles, set sail on a journey to this breathtaking archipelago. Check with Guest Service when on board to get the official information. Hopefully, we have convinced you that extending your vacation is a great idea. Specific tours may change by cruise season, so there may be different options on the current cruise itineraries. I know I can book Lake Como for less but that transfer seems very valuable to me for ease alone. Keep watch for whales and seals as you sail the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Navigate the waters of the Chilo Archipelago, or explore the wooden walkways of Tortel. Sail the Pacific Ocean, an established trade route named by explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. As to extension, my advice would be to do what makes you feel happy/comfortable. Sail the majestic Chilean fjords and marvel at vast ice fields flowing to the waters edge. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Dont forget to charge them at night and bring them along for the tours. TIP: You many want to consider a hybrid solution by combining a Viking extension with even more days on your own. Close . James and Linda on Mt Titlis in the Swiss Alps, Viking Cruises - Understanding Your Contract, 30A A Stretch of Paradise on Floridas Emerald Coast, 10 Products to Keep You Organized When You Travel, Tips for Packing Light - On Your Next Flight, Part I A Viking Cruise Venice, The Adriatic and Greece, 2 hotel nights in Rome (as shown or similar), 9 meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners, 3 guided tours: Walking tours of Florence, Siena & San Gimignano, Fully escorted by your Viking Tour Director. On panoramic coach tours or in-town walking tours, our guides have provided insights on history, background, current events, and local culture. Perhaps there is a certain location within the city where you want to be located so you can walk to many of the sites you want to see. This extension offered no excursions, just the basic inclusions of hotel, breakfast, transfers and the Viking Host. In the summer, visitors can actually float on Venetian-style gondolas on the citys canals. The famed English Channel separates southern England from northern France. To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. Add the three-day cruise extension in Anchorage from $799 per person, or the six-day cruise extension Denali Explorer with Anchorage & Talkeetna from $4399 per person. All in all, we were not that pleased with the location of our hotel in the Rome extension. Given the luxurious nature of the Viking vessels, it's easy to understand why a traveler would want to stay on the boat. 4.1: What to do at the Lucerne area. Most of our fellow passengers were headed to the airport before sunrise on the morning of our arrival. Beautiful lake, mountains. 2: The main Churches of Lucerne. Sail the legendary waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the route of explorers for centuries. Based on the cost of this extension, we feel we could have booked our own hotel, transfers and breakfast for about 50% to 60% of the price Viking charged. LOIRE VALLEY PRE-CRUISE EXTENSION. Developed Timios Admire the regions natural beauty and look for seals and birdlife on Brion Island. More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Viking Cruises does a great job of running a smooth process and transporting everyone on their comfortable coaches to tour locations or on scenic drives. We have used all three of these options and want to provide some examples from one of our previous trips that may help you understand what to look for when evaluating extensions. First, these cruises are not inexpensive. Of course, these folks never got a chance to see Rome! The days were long, but filled with visits to many interesting sites and wonderful meals. Cappadocia Extension? Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Show More Dover faces France across the Straits of Dover, the narrowest part of the English Channel. 3: The Main Churches in the larger Lucerne area. We meet you at the airport and transport you to the first-class Le Mridien Etoile (or similar)*. The sweet grapes used to make authentic port wine, Portugals most famous export, are only grown in the Douro Valley. Explore Norfolks maritime heritage and Americas colonial past in the Historic Triangle.. Time Change Acclimation Most travelers will be flying internationally for their cruise and will have at least one connection. We have traveled with Viking on several ocean and river cruises and have several scheduled for the future. Viking Inclusive Value We include features & services worth over $200 per guest per day Day by Day To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. The Viking Daily (the program left in your stateroom each day) will have more info about what will be happening the following day (including info about shuttles). In this article we will explore the reasons you might choose either a Viking extension or one of your own creation. Witness splendid architecture, from art deco to modernist 21st century. Viking Cruises Prev Post Keep watch for local marine life as you voyage through Chiles fjords. These excursions offer an easy way to maximize time in port and see all the best-of spots without having to worry about planning or logistics. Looking for information on tipping? Almost all meals are included. More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. An optional Viking excursion in Vienna, the Heurigen Evening provided a high-spirited authentic Viennese gemtlichkeitexperience. Maritime Greenwich is a gateway to historic London, seat of the British monarchy. Sign up to receive updates from Viking Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content. Posted 1 hour ago. Excursion Example Two: Ultimate Italy Tuscany. There have been some instances (such as our time on the Romantic Danube cruise) in Vienna) where we took the included coach tour into the city center had a walking tour, and then we had a few hours to spend at the Christmas markets and have lunch before catching one of the shuttles to stay in the city center. Sorry I cant be more precise, but it all depends on location, itinerary, back on board times, etc. The evening is yours to relax or enjoy a romantic dinner in the "City of Lights." Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. Sail the Gulf of Mexico and witness the palm-lined Florida Keys and the Yucatn Peninsula. On the river cruises, the ship is often docked right in the heart of the cities where it may be possible to walk into/out of town (like we did in Passau and Regensburg) or in some cases where there may be shuttle buses throughout the day to return to the ship. And its all made extra special when shes enjoying the finer things in life with Mr. TWS, her husband and co-blogger. Browse Americana exhibits at The Henry Ford museum, including JFKs limousine. They even stayed at the same villa and had meals with us. Viking Cruises Information on Tipping Amenities and Services Sign up to receive updates from Viking Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content. From $1,499 | 4 Nights, From $499 | 2 Nights, From $1,999 | 3 Nights, From $969 | 2 Nights, From $2,999 | 5 Nights, From $999 | 2 Nights, From $1,999 | 4 Nights. Booking your own extension allows you total control over the location of your hotel, as well as the room and amenities that work for you. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. Experience part Polynesian, part American culture and relax amid breathtaking natural beauty. Couldnt resist a walk of shame in, Viking cruises are very destination-oriented, cruise-related articles on Traveling with Sweeney, Cruising Portugals River of Gold: Our Favorite Things, Medieval Guimares: Portugals First Capital. Visit the Shetland and Orkney Islands and contrast modern Belfast with traditional Dublin. Taking a look at the two examples above, notice that those are the only things included for the Rome extension. Booking you own extension allows you to do all of that. Explore More of the City Cruisers sometimes do not realize that even though they are starting or ending their cruise in a particular city, it does not mean they will have a chance to see it. Discover hidden inlets by kayak or admire scenic vistas while hiking historic trails. On British Isles Explorer your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures: Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link, One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call, Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner, 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water, Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase, Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances, Access to The Nordic Spa & state-of-the-art fitness center, Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge, King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen, 42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand, Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer, Direct-dial satellite phone and cell service. 2023 SAILINGS Expires October 31, 2022 Dates & Pricing Viking Inclusive Value All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees Day by Day To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. Admire enormous glaciers up close during an expert-led excursion by kayak. Although taking only included tours can still make for a fulfilling cruise (in my opinion), you should consider optional cruises and make decisions about whether and which to take any based on your interests and budget. 1.1c: Why you should NOT visit Jungfraujoch from Lucerne. More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Have a fantastic trip! Some people went back, some stayed in town. Since we never write about places we havent been ourselves, you can be sure that everything you read and pictures you see are things we have actually seen and done. When I look at the Hilton Hotel website, the rooms are in the $250-$300 per. Edinburgh enjoys a gorgeous setting on rocky green hillocks, with splendid sea views. View the famous La Bufadora blowhole, or sample some of the regions impressive wines. Followers 0. The city center of Guimares was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 and there are many monuments and museums attesting to this history. Every Viking extension will always include the hotel, transfers, breakfast and a Viking Host at the hotel. More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. This service is very nice and ensures you always have access to someone who can help you with any issues or questions. Thank you so much for spending a little of your time with us. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello and welcome to Forever Touring! We have done lots of extensions on our Viking cruises. Whether you are planning a road trip across North America or have an urban European adventure in mind, our goal is to provide you with sensible, useful travel advice. Journey across the vast Atlantic Ocean, home to many of the worlds fishing grounds. Some examples of the recreational, cultural, and culinary experiences include bike tours, small boat tours, hikes, wine tasting, cooking classes, concerts, and dance performances. Viking Butt Extension $168.00. Maybe you have visited the location before or have specific interests that would not be included as part of a Viking extension. These options are discussed in our article on Tips for Booking a Viking Cruise. An example of just spending time relaxing on a Viking Ocean Cruise. Post: Rome From $1,099 | 2 Nights Post: Ultimate ItalyTuscany From $2,149 | 3 Nights Post: Parma & Bologna From $2,149 | 3 Nights On Atlantic Crossing & Mediterranean your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures: - Pirates & Treasure Hunters Viking Cruise Shore Excursions: Should You Take Them? I hope theyll give you some inspiration about selections you might consider on these or similar cruises. Explore the two scenic halves of Valparaso or venture to Santiago, Chiles vibrant capital. There are many styles of port, several of which we sampled at wine estates throughout the Douro region and on board the Hemming. If you can extend your trip, either before or after the cruise, Viking has organized options. Disclosure: Viking Cruises has sponsored our wonderful cruise experiences, but our opinions and perspectives are totally our own as always. Recommended Posts. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. TIP: If you would like more information on the Ultimate Tuscany extension, or other extensions we have made to previous Viking Cruises, check out the Europe and Viking Tabs. When we did Viking's NYE in the Med cruise for 2016-17, we did extend our stay in Spain after the cruise using Viking's airfare (which at that time was an unbeatable $445pp). Thanks in advance. Privileged access to sites is often provided, too. Second, although there are some shorter trips, many of the Viking Cruises are 10-15 days or more. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Excursions In some cases, Viking will offer an included or even optional excursions during the extension. Your email address will not be published. Likely to Cost More Booking an extension through Viking comes at a premium and it is quite possible that you could create your own extension for less. Petersburg, Russia. Like many cruise lines, Viking also offers extensions to their cruise itineraries that provide the opportunity to visit some additional destinations both before and after the cruise. Having a little lunch in this pictu, What a great day in Dubrovnik, Croatia with @gocol, Shame! Witness fine examples of 16th-century architecture as the capital of Spains colonial empire. Sometimes the designated hotel can even change several times before your trip. Ship will call in Tilbury (London) England on April 22, 2022. Visit the colorful La Boca barrio and Plaza de Mayo, and walk in the footsteps of Eva Pern. A Rhine River Cruise Getaway, During our Viking RiverRhine Getaway cruise, we got a chance to experience some of the flavors and characteristics on both sides of the Rhine. Charming Invergordon lies on the doorstep of the mountainous Scottish Highlands. Discover the wildflowers of tropical Kauai, earning it the nickname The Garden Island., Ascend the iconic Haleakala Crater, the mythic volcano nicknamed the House of the Sun.. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. Pre-Cruise Extension (Madrid): Viking offered excursion. The Orkney Islands hold ancient and remarkably preserved Neolithic sites. This extension was one of the best we have ever done. Get a close-up view of the majesty of the falls, including the largest, Horseshoe Falls. Explore historic sites, including Chteaux Frontenac, Place Royale and Parliament. Whether you choose to book an extension with Viking, create your own extension, or even develop a hybrid of the two, evaluating the cost/benefit of the options is very important. More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Return across the vast Pacific, stopping in Ensenada, the wine capital of Mexico, before disembarking in Los Angeles. Or are you required to stay with the tour for the entire time and then if you want to explore the city further, you would have to leave from the boat after the panoramic tour arrives back at the boat? Such a charming city center with colorful old buildings like these. Viking Cruise Lines has become a major player in not just river cruises, but ocean cruises as well. Of course! 5: Are there great boat/rail trips from Lucerne. Or maybe you want to leverage your status with a particular hotel chain. Feb 14, 2014. Stroll the city, see the Ancud monument, Plaza de Armas and neoclassical mansions. More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Witness Welsh culture in Snowdonia. Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link, Los Angeles, California to Los Angeles, California, One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call, Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner, 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water, Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase, Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances, Access to The Nordic Spa & state-of-the-art fitness center, Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge, King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen, 42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand, Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer, Direct-dial satellite phone and cell service. Lucerne turned out to be the highlight! Sail the icy waters of the Drake Passage, keeping watch for seabirds, whales and icebergs. MORE FEATURES, SERVICES AND EXCURSIONS INCLUDED: More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. TIP: If you are booking your own extensions, no transfers will be included. Let us know about your experience. By portisheadblue, . Discover North Americas geologic heart during a hike through La Mauricie National Park. There are no excursions or other meals included. If you plan on going to a different city, it is a called a Stopover. Glad you found the article useful. 10. Experience epic wildlife encounters and awe-inspiring landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula. That likely means flying overnight, followed by a very long day the next day. But Guimares also has a contemporary side with a thriving modern culture and economy. For example, our Mediterranean cruise last year ended in Rome. In the second example, the Ultimate Italy Tuscany extension, notice that this extension includes transfers, accommodations, all meals, 3 guided tours (which kept us busy all day, every day) and is fully escorted by a Viking Tour Director.

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