Chateaux, Rivers & Wine

After breakfast, disembark your ship and begin your transfer to Toulouse. Along the way, stop in Moissac to visit its medieval abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many fine examples of Romanesque sculpture. After check-in at your hotel in Toulouse, relax or choose to explore this city on the Garonne River on your own. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in Toulouse so you can make the most of your visit. This evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure. (L)

This morning, set off on foot with your guide to explore Toulouse, nicknamed La Ville Rose (“The Pink City”) because of the terra cotta brick facades of many of its buildings. Stroll through the streets and squares of the city center, learning about the city’s intriguing history and viewing landmarks such as the Place du Capitole and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse. Afterward, enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure or join an optional guided tour. (B)

Today, travel to the historic fortified town of Carcassonne. Enjoy a guided walk to view the encircling medieval ramparts, Gothic-style cathedral and more, followed by free time for independent exploration and lunch on your own. After, continue to the 17th-century Canal du Midi, one of the oldest operational canals in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conclude your tour back at your hotel for an evening at leisure. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your journey home. (B)

Disembark your ship and travel to Tours, known for the Basilica Saint-Martin, the home of France’s first silk industry and for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, Le Petit Paris, or “The Little Paris.” Enjoy free time and lunch on your own, before setting out on a guided walk through the town center, seeing the cathedral dedicated to St. Gatian. After, transfer to your hotel and savor dinner with your fellow guests. (D)

After breakfast, set off for a guided tour of Château Chenonceau. This grand castle was confiscated by Francis I, who enjoyed many festive times here. After serving as a hospital for the wounded during World War I, it has been completely restored, including the lovely formal gardens. In Amboise, enjoy a brief orientation tour and lunch on your own, or perhaps pay a visit to Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb. Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. (B)

Check out of your hotel and drive to Château de Chambord; built in the early 16th century, it is reminiscent of the Tuscan style, centered around a magnificent double spiral staircase. After your tour, enjoy free time to explore on your own before traveling to Orléans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch on own, see the university, botanical garden and a recreation of the home where Joan of Arc stayed during the Siege of Orléans. Later, travel to Paris for your overnight stay. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Paris so you can make the most of your visit.

Enjoy a guided city tour of Paris and take in the sights of the romantic “City of Light.” Travel along the famed Champs-Élysées, viewing the landmark Eiffel Tower and passing many classic highlights, such as the École Militaire (Military School), Musée D’Orsay and Opéra Garnier. Stop at the Latin Quarter and see the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, as well as the modern additions to the city’s architecture. (B)

You have a full day to further explore the city. Perhaps you will choose to stroll through Montmartre, shop along the Champs-Élysées, ride up to the top of the Eiffel Tower or sample some of the famous French cuisine. You might also like to view the collection of Impressionist and Postimpressionist masterpieces at the Musée d’Orsay or admire the works of famous sculptor Auguste Rodin at his namesake museum. Alternatively, relax outdoors in the bucolic parklands of Luxembourg Gardens. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the railway station. Board SNCF’s TGV high-speed train and enjoy a scenic journey through the French countryside to Bordeaux. Upon arrival, a Viking Representative will escort you to your ship to begin your river cruise. (B)

Arrive in Bilbao and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of your day is free to explore this vibrant city set among the green foothills of the Pyrenees at your leisure. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time so you can make the most of your visit. This evening, enjoy a welcome briefing and drink with your fellow guests.

Today, drive through the scenic Basque countryside, pausing at a local winery for a tasting session before reaching Guernica. Here, gain insight into the town’s cultural importance and the infamous events immortalized by Picasso’s unsettling  Guernica, then travel to the fishing village of Bermeo. After lunch, enjoy a guided walk and free time to explore, maybe visiting the striking Cloister of San Fransiscus. Admire the scenery at a picturesque viewpoint, then return to your hotel. (B, L)

After breakfast, enjoy a panoramic walk through Bilbao. With your guide, step inside the iconic Guggenheim Museum; its titanium-covered facade designed by Frank Gehry is as famous as its vast collection of artworks. Next, admire the eclectic mix of Gothic, art deco, art nouveau and contemporary architecture that permeates the cityscape, and soak up the lively atmosphere of its old town. After, choose to explore the city’s sites and gastronomic scene independently or return to your hotel. (B)

This morning, check out of your hotel and transfer to San Sebastián, a renowned center of Basque gastronomy set along the shores of the Bay of Biscay. Follow your guide on a walk through this charming city, exploring the cobblestone streets of the lively Parte Vieja, or Old Town. Then, enjoy free time to savor a delicious lunch, maybe choosing to sample the region’s famous pintxos, or small snacks. Appetite sated, set out on a picturesque drive to Bordeaux, where you will meet your ship. (B)