Iberian & Mediterranean Odyssey

Discover London, a cosmopolitan gem that is home to a wealth of museums and galleries, royal palaces, castles and parks. England’s capital boasts a rich history and is one of world’s major global cities. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and set out to explore the city on your own, perhaps calling at iconic sights such as Big Ben or Buckingham Palace. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in London so you can make the most of your visit.

Explore London on your own today. Make time to stop and ride the London Eye Ferris wheel to take in sweeping views of this sprawling cultural capital. Alternatively, you may join an optional excursion. Journey to the mystical Stonehenge and the city of Salisbury; perhaps visit Westminster Abbey and the historic Covent Garden Market; or head to Windsor Castle, the official weekend residence of Charles III. (B)

On your final day, you may choose to join an optional excursion to visit the Tower of London, or you may head directly to your awaiting ship to begin your cruise. (B)

Fly to London, meet your Viking Representative and transfer to your hotel. After check in, take the rest of the day to explore England’s magnificent capital city on your own. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in London so you can make the most of your visit. This evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure.

After breakfast, head to Borough Market to explore its array of vendors and food stalls. Meet Celia Brooks (or a member of her talented team), TV chef and renowned culinary author, who will offer you insider knowledge on the variety of delicious dishes available. After free time for lunch, visit the National Gallery, home to one of the greatest collections of European paintings in the world. Return to your hotel this evening and enjoy dinner at your leisure. (B)

Visit the British Museum for a Privileged Access visit away from the crowds. After, you will head to the borough of Westminster, home to many of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, including Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. After time to explore on your own, enjoy a Privileged Access visit to the Imperial War Museum London for a guided tour after hours, followed by a private dinner behind closed doors. After, return to your hotel. (B, D)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head to St. Paul’s Cathedral for a guided tour to admire the masterwork of Sir Christopher Wren at one of London’s iconic landmarks. Afterward, transfer to your ship to begin your cruise. (B)

Arrive in London, where you will be met by your Viking Representative and transfer to Oxford, a city deeply steeped in history and learning. After check-in at your hotel, join an optional walking excursion around the city, or explore on your own. Later this afternoon, enjoy a welcome sloe gin with your fellow travelers during a gathering at your hotel. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in Oxford so you can make the most of your visit.

Journey through the rolling countryside to explore the house and gardens of Highclere Castle, for a Privileged Access tour of the “real Downton Abbey.” Built in the Victorian Gothic style by Sir Charles Barry, this is the country seat of the distinguished Earls of Carnarvon, renowned for their influence in Britain and abroad. While at the castle, taste the estate’s own Highclere Castle Gin, a super-premium London Dry Gin inspired by botanicals from the castle’s gardens. After lunch, visit the Bombay Sapphire Distillery to learn more about the history and production of gin. Enjoy a sample of this famous spirit, then return to Oxford for an evening at leisure. (B, L)

This morning, take a panoramic drive to medieval Broughton Castle, home to the influential Fiennes family whose members include renowned British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and actors Ralph Fiennes and Joseph Fiennes. The castle also served as the setting for the award-winning MASTERPIECE series Wolf Hall. Learn more about this influential family’s colorful past as you admire the estate’s eclectic blend of architectural styles, elegant interiors and manicured gardens during your private viewing. After lunch, return to Oxford to spend the rest of your day at leisure. (B, L)

Drive to Chavenage House, known for its appearance in the MASTERPIECE series Poldark. You will be welcomed by one of the owners, who will guide you through the family’s home while regaling you with tales of its storied past. Admire sweeping views over lunch in the Great Hall, then continue to Highgrove—the private home of Their Majesties King Charles III and The Queen Consort. Stroll the beautiful gardens, a haven created by The King over several decades, before returning to Oxford. *Highgrove Gardens is subject to availability. Alternatively, Buscot Park will be visited. (B, L)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to your ship to begin your cruise. (B)