Navigate the waters of the Chilo Archipelago, or explore the wooden walkways of Tortel. Stroll the city, see the Ancud monument, Plaza de Armas and neoclassical mansions. Dont forget to charge them at night and bring them along for the tours. 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. Visit the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center; kayak over shipwrecks in Thunder Bay. Close . Viking Cruise Lines has become a major player in not just river cruises, but ocean cruises as well. A shuttle from the ship took our small group of five couples and our guides to the citys 19th district where numerous vineyards are located with their wine taverns called Heurigen. Which one is better? Sail the legendary Path Between the Seas, an engineering marvel completed in 1914. The heritage of traditional folk music and dances is key to the culture and passed down through the generations. 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. Thanks in advance. We meet you at the airport and transport you to the first-class Le Mridien Etoile (or similar)*. Show More Our canal and river cruise excursion also included a visit to two stunning churches the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood and St. Isaacs Cathedral. 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. First, these cruises are not inexpensive. Some examples of the recreational, cultural, and culinary experiences include bike tours, small boat tours, hikes, wine tasting, cooking classes, concerts, and dance performances. Explore the Last Continent, teeming with penguins, seals, whales and other wildlife. TheHeuriger became part of Austrian culture in the 18th century when Emperor Joseph II proclaimed that anyone who made their own wine could sell it to the public in their establishments. The days were long, but filled with visits to many interesting sites and wonderful meals. Learn how your comment data is processed. Explore Panamas second city, culturally rich Coln is brimming with historic treasures. So, our cruise is just over 300 days away. Clearly, these two extensions are completely different in terms of what is offered, but of course the price is different too. Share More sharing options. Thus far, our schedules havent allowed us to do that, but we always wish that we could. Hopefully, we have convinced you that extending your vacation is a great idea. Dividing the Old World from the New World, sail the second-largest of the Earths oceans. Cappadocia Extension? Discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Hawaii. Just back from the Cappadocia post extension in October. Immerse yourself in nature through the scenic Chilean fjords and hail the wonders of the Panama Canal, a 20th-century engineering marvel. Ship will call in Tilbury (London) England on April 22, 2022. So keep any eye out for a potential change. 2: The main Churches of Lucerne. Ive never sailed with Viking, but it sounds like they are experts at this. Privileged access to sites is often provided, too. SIGN UP Call Viking at 1-800-304-9616 If you have chosen a pre-cruise extension and arrive late, you may miss a day of the extension, bit at least you will make it onto the ship. In addition, it may be a relief to know that Viking will take care of not only transporting you, but will also take care of handling your luggage between hotels, the ship and the airport! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It may be getting themselves (and their luggage) from the airport to the ship, or maybe to and from the hotel. Sail in the wake of intrepid explorers as you traverse the waters of the Chilean fjords. Ill try to answer your question based on my experiences. Guests are 'on their own' for everything else. Follow in the wake of ancient explorers, who sailed these waters in search of new lands. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. Edinburgh enjoys a gorgeous setting on rocky green hillocks, with splendid sea views. Such a charming city center with colorful old buildings like these. Two Days in St. Petersburg: Russias Venice of the North. Cruise Lines "P - Z" Viking Ocean ; Cappadocia Extension? We've talked to many fellow passengers who expressed satisfaction in the extensions they had experienced. So, lets take another look at those two examples from above. 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. TIP: At the time of booking, be sure to check the hotel location and ensure that you like it. Admire enormous glaciers up close during an expert-led excursion by kayak. Viking Joint Extension $85.00. 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. On the remote shores of Loch Broom, Ullapool is picturesque and pristine. 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. The Ultimate Italy Tuscany extension is by far the best, most inclusive extension we have done with them. Pre- and post-cruise extensions If you can extend your trip, either before or after the cruise, Viking has organized options. When we first selected the extension, the designated hotel was located much closer to the prime tourist areas. Sign up to receive updates from Viking Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content. Posted 1 hour ago. Thanks! That likely means flying overnight, followed by a very long day the next day. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. 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. Special Mother-Daughter Travel Experiences: Part One, A Taste of Croatia from Dubrovnik to Zagreb, Top Things to Do When You Take a Viking Ocean Cruise, Wine, Dine, and Back in Time on Mediterranean Cruise Shore Excursions, Mediterranean Moments: Scenes from a Viking Cruise, Sipping and Savoring the Flavors of Crete. Get Off The Boat When You Can. Time Change Acclimation Most travelers will be flying internationally for their cruise and will have at least one connection. They even stayed at the same villa and had meals with us. St. Petersburg is a cultural capital and renowned for its famous musicians, dancers, and writers. Upriver from maritime Greenwich, London bustles with lively culture and royal glamour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Admire the tranquility of the End of the World; visit Tierra del Fuego National Park. Have a fantastic trip! The cruise starts with 2 days in Budapest already & the added 2 nights would be $450 per person. So, why not make the most of your trip by extending your vacation? However, if the extension includes a lot of extras such as excursions, meals, etc. As to extension, my advice would be to do what makes you feel happy/comfortable. Or maybe you want to leverage your status with a particular hotel chain. 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. Charming Invergordon lies on the doorstep of the mountainous Scottish Highlands. If you plan on going to a different city, it is a called a Stopover. Once a Hanseatic League trading port, the ancient city of Bergen has deep Viking roots. Boats on a canal in St . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello and welcome to Forever Touring! Viking Cruises Prev Post Most of our fellow passengers were headed to the airport before sunrise on the morning of our arrival. On our last cruise, our assigned hotel in Rome changed three times before the cruise, and while the hotel we ended up at was nice, we were not as pleased with its actual location in the city. Visit a sacred pre-Columbian Mayan religious site and admire the ruins of San Gervasio. 3: The Main Churches in the larger Lucerne area. Experience part Polynesian, part American culture and relax amid breathtaking natural beauty. You will be responsible for the transfers to the hotel, airports and ship. Not sure if the schedule wears down your resistance but be prepared for very early mornings and full schedules. 1.2 Lucerne: Activities during Christmas season. On the river cruises, if your excursion occurs during the planned lunch or dinner times, a meal will part of the tour. Sail the legendary waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the route of explorers for centuries. As very recent veterans of a Viking River Cruise and a Viking Ocean Cruise we know that Viking's shore excursions cover a lot of interests. You can find it at the links below. During our three river cruises and one ocean cruise (so far), weve taken every opportunity to see the sights and have special cultural experiences when at port. They are locals who know the destination and have insider perspectives that they can share. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. So now lets discuss under what circumstances you may want to plan your cruise extension with Viking. Bergen, with its historic Bryggen wharf, exudes the quaint character of a fishing village. Good tips. Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. Investigate Nova Scotias shoreline and immerse in its untamed 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. Weve talked to many fellow passengers who expressed satisfaction in the extensions they had experienced. Planning your own trip offers complete flexibility in how you spend your time. Be sure you know where the ship will be docked what mode of transportation you will take and verify the ship location. Almost all meals are included. Cant wait! Pre: Prague From $999 | 3 Nights Pre: Prague Premium From $1,349 | 3 Nights Premium Pre: Budapest From $549 | 2 Nights Pre: Budapest Premium From $1,349 | 2 Nights Premium Post: Amsterdam From $799 | 2 Nights Post: Amsterdam Premium From $1,349 | 2 Nights Premium We always try to extend our trip on both sides of our cruise. Trying to save time by remaining in the city instead of having to go back to the boat with the tour and then retrace the steps to go back into the city. Browse Americana exhibits at The Henry Ford museum, including JFKs limousine. Immerse yourself in the British Isles, with overnight stays in Bergen, Norway, and Greenwich, England. Explore this revitalized town along the shores of Lake Michigan. We found the local Viking guides (on included and optional tours) to be fun, knowledgeable, and proud of their cities and/or regions. There were times when our hotel was located some distance away from the main sites. With so many options for open dining on the ocean cruise, we were able to fit in meals and snacks before, after, or in between excursions. Thank you for reading our article and safe travels! Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Savor the diversity of Torontos food scene; see the citys sights by bike. 4.2 What to do at the Lucerne area. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. In the summer, visitors can actually float on Venetian-style gondolas on the citys canals. Excursions In some cases, Viking will offer an included or even optional excursions during the extension. Admire the beauty of Rainbow Falls, or gaze upon Mauna Kea, Hawaiis largest volcano. 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). This is helpful to know as you decide upon multiple tours per day. We have done lots of extensions on our Viking cruises. Explore the waterways of Charleston by kayak and search for Low Country birdlife. Kamfish642. Taking a look at the two examples above, notice that those are the only things included for the Rome extension. On panoramic coach tours or in-town walking tours, our guides have provided insights on history, background, current events, and local culture. If your extension is in the beginning or ending city of your cruise, Viking refers to it as a Deviation. then we are likely to book with Viking. Journey across the Pacific Ocean, dubbed Mar Pacfico by explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Recommended Posts. We were placed at the Radisson Blu hotel which is an easy walk to the lake, the old town, and the train station. On our @go, How lucky were we to be stopped on the road somewh, Must do in Dubrovnik, Croatia ride the cable c, Have a little taste of the Balkans for #foodiefrid, And so our Taste of the Balkans tour ended in the, Feeling the love with Mr. TWS in Slovenia, the onl, A real treat to see the Lipizzaner horses, the fam, A fun and delicious Taste of the Balkans wit, A lovely surprise on our @gocollette tour - the wi, Mediterranean vibe in Rovinj, Croatia. Liverpool, home of the Beatles, has a rich history and diverse architecture. Enjoy South Floridas carefree sun-loving coast and explore Miamis art deco brilliance. Learn how geological events that occurred during the Ice Age shaped the Great Lakes. Day 1 | Fly to Paris. It can be hard to choose when the options all sound so tempting. In our experiences, theyve also had engaging personalities and senses of humor. While some people love the idea of Viking taking care of everything, other travelers may prefer more flexibility. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. 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. Performance of Russias Native Songs and Dances. Disclosure: Viking Cruises has sponsored our wonderful cruise experiences, but our opinions and perspectives are totally our own as always. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. A few glimp, 50 shades of green thats how our wonderful, A day in the highlands of Bosnia north of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia. 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. With an average cost of around $1000 per day per couple, the cost could be seen as too expensive by younger people. Each of the optional excursions mentioned below (and other St. Petersburg activities) are described further in our article, Two Days in St. Petersburg: Russias Venice of the North. And with incredible guides, this was truly a stress-free extension with absolutely everything taken care of for us. 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. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. 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. Have you gotten any updates on the Memphis excursions? Here are some of the things we consider when selecting shore excursions. But Guimares also has a contemporary side with a thriving modern culture and economy. Keep watch for whales and seals as you sail the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Get inspired as they share photos and stories highlighting the best of destinations, food, wine, history, culture and the arts. 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. An example of just spending time relaxing on a Viking Ocean Cruise. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. Regardless of whether you chose a Viking Extension or plan your own, we are big believers in extending your vacation on both ends of your cruise. Return across the vast Pacific, stopping in Ensenada, the wine capital of Mexico, before disembarking in Los Angeles. Sail the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Earths largest body of water. As already explained, we paid a deviation fee plus we lost the transfers on that leg of the journey. If not, an extension will allow you that extra time to see the sights. We opted for the 2 1/2 day extension in Lucerne at the start of our Viking Rhine cruise. To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. Explore this car-free island by carriage, bicycle or on foot; kayak along the shoreline. We have traveled with Viking on several ocean and river cruises and have several scheduled for the future. Dover faces France across the Straits of Dover, the narrowest part of the English Channel. 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. 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. VIKING RIVER CRUISESPre- and Post-Cruise Land Package Extensions. Immerse in nature in this surfers paradise; Iquique is Chiles premier beach resort. Shore Excursions On Viking Oceans Alaska Cruises Viking Oceans offers guests one free shore excursion in each port of call. Darling husband and I are booked on the August 8, 2020 Iceland's Majestic Landscapes Tour. We chose both of these excursions as additions to our Mediterranean cruise last fall, and have some thoughts that we think can be applied when considering extensions in the future. 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. Very little down time. Some passengers may like to just stay on the ship to relax and partake in onboard lectures and activities, but since Viking cruises are very destination-oriented, there is much to be discovered at each port. Each of the included tours that weve taken has given us a great introduction to a place. Ready for a walking tour of Cologne, Germany. 4.1: What to do at the Lucerne area. 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. We did exactly that for both the Tuscany and Rome extensions, arriving in Tuscany a few days prior to the start of the extension and by staying a few days after the Rome extension. TIP: If you have booked your air through Viking, you can still schedule your own extension. We will discuss more about cost later. Taking a look at the two examples above, notice that those are the only things included for the Rome extension. We rode the Metro from Avtovo Station (considered by many to be one of the most beautiful stations in the world) to Nevksy Prospekt Station with transfers in between. Thank you so much for spending a little of your time with us. Followers 0. Wine on the Rhine: A Taste of Alsace. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. In these cases we had to arrange our own transportation or in some cases, Viking arranged a shuttle. 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. More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. In this article we will explore the reasons you might choose either a Viking extension or one of your own creation. The Old Town is easily walkable, cobblestones, a mixture of history and shops. Visit the Shetland and Orkney Islands and contrast modern Belfast with traditional Dublin. 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 Your email address will not be published. I dont believe we could have done this on our own. Viking Cruises has announced six additional Explore More land extensions for 2014 to enable Viking guests to extend their stay and enhance their time abroad with the guidance of Viking Concierges in each hotel. However, you should consider everything that is included with your extension and you may find that it is well worth the extra money. Finally, when do we pick Viking versus our own? More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Pre-Cruise Extension (Madrid): Viking offered excursion. We are getting ready to go on the romantic Danube Cruise in October I found this information useful.