Iconic Western Europe

Discover Spain’s elegant and casual capital, adorned with graceful architecture, generous public spaces and plentiful tapas bars where you can sample the city’s finest cuisine and wines. Disembark your ship and journey by high-speed train to Madrid. Upon arrival, transfer to your centrally located hotel. You might spend the afternoon exploring the Plaza Mayor, where locals gather for tapas and Rioja wine.

Today, set out to explore Madrid, passing by the Royal Botanical Garden and the Royal Palace, home of the Spanish royal family. Later, walk through Madrid of the Hapsburgs, rich in baroque and Renaissance buildings set along streets leading to grand churches and picturesque fountains. Visit the famous Prado Museum, a repository of Spanish art from Velázquez to Picasso. This evening, you might enjoy an optional wine tasting with tapas or a flamenco show accompanied by dinner. (B)

On your final day, you will transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Arrive in Reykjavík, where you will be met by a Viking Representative and depart on a scenic drive over the Hellisheiði mountain plateau to Grímsnes. After checking in to your hotel, you may spend the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in Iceland so you can make the most of your visit. (D)

View the lingering aftermath of the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano during a scenic drive through the Thórsmörk glacial valley. Learn about volcanoes from the interactive, high-tech educational exhibitions at the Lava Center. Enjoy lunch in the charming village of Vík, famous for its volcanic black-sand beaches, then see Reynisdrangar, a group of towering basalt sea stacks located in the water just off the coast. Return to your hotel for free time until dinner. (B, L, D)

Today, sample organically grown tomatoes at a greenhouse powered by geothermal and hydroelectric energy, which makes it possible to grow vegetables during Iceland’s long, dark winters. Admire the beauty of the famous Gullfoss (Golden Falls) and witness the hot springs and geysers of the Haukadalur geothermal area. Enjoy a picturesque walk through Thingvellir National Park, then travel to Reykjavík and check in to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B, L)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to your awaiting ship. (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)

Today, disembark your ship and transfer to your hotel. Along the way, you will stop for a guided tour through the labyrinthine streets of the Gothic Quarter; steeped in history, its narrow warrens are home to the remains of the city’s ancient Roman wall and medieval landmarks, including its impressive Gothic cathedral. After check in, relax or begin exploring Barcelona on your own. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time here so you can make the most of your visit.

This morning, journey outside the city to explore the elevated heights of picturesque Monserrat, nestled in its namesake mountain range. Take in the majestic mountain landscape while admiring sweeping views over the Catalan countryside to Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. You will also visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, a significant religious site that houses the revered Black Madonna statue. After lunch, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. (B, L)

Set out early this morning to beat the crowds and enjoy a visit to the iconic La Sagrada Família, the crowning achievement of architectural genius Antoni Gaudí. Admire views of its towering, distinctive exterior, then step inside to marvel at its breathtaking sanctuary. Later today, partake in a Catalan cooking class before enjoying a glass of cava at one of Barcelona’s stunning viewpoints. (B)

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

Discover the capital of Cataluña, the beautiful city of Barcelona. A small city by some standards, it is easy to get around and has much to offer. From your ship, embark on a panoramic drive past the Olympic Port and Forum Park before enjoying free time to explore scenic Ciutadella Park. Continue past the Arc de Triomf en route to the viewpoint on Montjuïc Mirador, where you will admire sweeping views. Afterward, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Take time to explore this architecturally significant city on your own, starting with the surreal masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí including Casa Millá, Park Güell and his greatest work, La Sagrada Família. Discover the boutiques and cafés located within the narrow cobblestone lanes of the Gothic Quarter, just a short walk from the modernism of the Olympic Port. Or enjoy delicious tapas accompanied by a refreshing beverage at the bustling Mercado de La Boqueria. (B)

On your final day, you will transfer by coach to the airport for your return flight. (B)

A Viking Representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city on your own. This evening, enjoy a casual dinner with your fellow guests. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in London so you can make the most of your visit. (D)

Journey to Blenheim Palace, Churchill’s birthplace and the current home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family. After an insightful private talk by your host, see the Churchill Exhibition and enjoy free time to explore the palace on your own. A delicious light lunch will be served in a room overlooking the stunning gardens, or at a local restaurant. On the return journey to your hotel, stop in the village of Bladon at St. Martin’s Church—Churchill’s final resting place. (B, L)

Travel through scenic countryside to Chartwell, the family residence of the Churchills from 1922 until 1964. Discover Churchill’s life through an array of photographs, books and artifacts, and admire the house and kitchen gardens he designed. An accomplished artist later in life, he found that painting provided him with a needed escape from the world of politics. Step inside Churchill’s studio to view some of his most highly regarded pieces and enjoy lunch before returning to London. (B, L)

Travel to the home of the World War II code breakers, Bletchley Park. In 1938, under Churchill’s orders, this team of scientists—including the brilliant mathematician Alan Turing—played a vital role in the success of the Allied forces. The drama that unfolded here, depicted in the movie The Imitation Game, was classified as top secret—the highest level of security. Explore the Victorian estate and discover the instrumental role Turing played in breaking the German Enigma code. (B, L)

Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, the masterwork of Sir Christopher Wren. Discover the story behind Operation Hope Not, which outlined the plans for Churchill’s funeral arrangements, 12 years before he died. Your guide will share details from the cathedral’s archives of the day’s events. This evening, enjoy a Privileged Access visit to Churchill’s War Rooms. Walk through dimly lit corridors to the iconic Harmsworth Room and savor a three-course champagne dinner in this secret 1940s setting. (B, D)

Explore Churchill’s London in the heart of the City of Westminster. See the Cenotaph war memorial and gates to 10 Downing Street, head toward Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret’s Church, and see where Churchill passed away in Kensington. Later this afternoon, you will 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)