TOP 10 PLACES TO ENJOY PRIVILEGED ACCESS

From world‑class museums to private musical performances, we share some of our exclusive Privileged Access excursions offering access to cultural treasures around the world

1GÖTTWEIG ABBEY, KREMS, AUSTRIA

Journey to a working abbey where Benedictine monks have lived and worshipped since 1083. Enjoy a welcome glass of sparkling apricot wine and a short Viking‑exclusive film about monastic life. Then, delve deeper into the monastery’s rich history and splendours as you are guided through its church, museum and imperial rooms.

2VIENNA BOYS’ CHOIR, VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Tour Palais Augarten, a baroque‑palace‑turned‑ boarding‑school, and meet the world‑famous choir after a private concert. The perfectly pitched ensemble of around 100 young choristers continues a tradition dating to the Middle Ages.

3LOBKOWICZ PALACE, PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

This stately residence opens its doors to you, unveiling the priceless collection of one of the region’s most avid patrons of the arts. As tales of the family’s 400‑year history regale you, survey its art and musical masterpieces. Lunch and a private concert are included.

4MODERN ARISTOCRACY, WERTHEIM, GERMANY

Two fairy‑tale castles offer a glimpse into the life of 21st‑century nobility. At Schloss Mespelbrunn, home to Countess Gräfin Hedwig Margarete, enjoy finely smoked trout and see the regal Knights’ Hall. And at Schloss Löwenstein, the estate of the Prince of Löwenstein‑ Wertheim‑Rosenberg and heir Princess Stephanie, sample the family’s wines and signature wild boar specialties.

5HIGHCLERE CASTLE, OXFORD, ENGLAND

Go behind the scenes during an exclusive visit to Highclere Castle, the home of TV’s Downton Abbey. Featured in select cruise extensions, the estate recalls the drama of the fictional Granthams and history of its real‑life owners, the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.

6TOP OF COLOGNE, COLOGNE, GERMANY

On this backstage tour, head up to the roof of Cologne’s astonishing cathedral with a local guide who is part of the restoration crew. Visit the restoration workshops and venture out on the roof to see the cathedral’s Gothic architecture up close. Beyond, gaze out over the old‑world rooftops and waters of the Rhine far beneath.

7THE HERMITAGE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

Get a private view of one of the world’s greatest art collections. The museum boasts some 3 million works of art and historic artefacts precious to Russia’s heritage. Only a fraction are on public display; the rest are locked away in a carefully monitored facility. Join a local guide for a tour of the public collection before transferring off‑site to witness what lies within the secured vaults with a historian.

8A TASTE OF COGNAC: CAMUS, COGNAC, FRANCE

Drive with your guide through the scenic countryside to the town of Cognac, where the historic Camus distillery awaits. Following a three‑course lunch and a private tour, a master blender reveals the secrets of Cognac blending before helping you create your own personal blend to take home.

9MUNCH MUSEUM, OSLO, NORWAY

Get a sneak peek at the inner workings of the museum dedicated to Edvard Munch, Norway’s beloved expressionist artist. With your expert art historian, discover the life and works of this captivating artist. You will also have an opportunity to view the museum’s private collection and meet the skilled craftsmen who painstakingly prepare masterpieces for viewing.

10 GAUDÍ: THE GREAT ARCHITECT OF MODERNISM, BARCELONA, SPAIN

Witness the evolution of Antoni Gaudí’s creative genius as you view some of his distinctive works — from Casa Vicens, the architect’s first commission, to his unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Família. End the day at Casa Batlló, admiring its curved façades and the elaborate design within.