The Thinking Person’s Guide to
HISTORY
Destination focused. Culturally enriching. Carefully curated.
History, History and More History At Viking, we believe that travel should be a doorway to cultural insight and personal enrichment, which is why delving into the history of each destination is an integral part of our cruise itineraries. On board, our Viking Resident HistoriansŽ deliver fascinating lectures specific to your journey, and host roundtable discussions and one-on-one sessions where you can engage with each topic in a more intimate setting. A number of world-class lecturers also shed light on the history of the art, architecture and politics that exist in the regions through which you are travelling. On shore, our exclusive collection of Privileged Access, Local Life and Working World excursions provide authentic, unique opportunities to explore the history of each destination — think behind-the-scenes tours of museums and visits to the homes of local families. Throughout the following pages, discover more about the historically significant sites that you can visit with Viking, as well as what you can expect to learn during one of our river or ocean cruises. Enjoy!
Three Must-See Museums Our itineraries are designed to allow guests to immerse themselves in the history and culture of each fascinating destination, so you can look forward to exploring some of the most exceptional museums in the world when you book a Viking cruise.
T H E B R I T I S H MU SE U M, LON D ON
THE BRITISH MUSEUM, LONDON Opened to the public in 1759, the British Museum is a public institution dedicated to human history, art and culture. The museum’s
founding collection was the 71,000 books, antiquities, and natural specimens bequeathed to the nation by Sir Hans Sloane in 1753. It now comprises over eight million objects spanning the history of the world's civilisations — from the stone tools of early man to twentieth century prints. THE ACROPOLIS MUSEUM, ATHENS Designed by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi, the chic Acropolis Museum is home to the archaeological �nds from the Acropolis site — think ancient statues and stone carvings of animals from the Greek Bronze Age and Byzantine Greece. The museum’s collection includes nearly 4,000 priceless objects, and the top �oor is devoted to the marble frieze that once ran around the top of the Parthenon. THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, NEW YORK CITY Spread out over 28 interconnected buildings, and containing over 33 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, human remains and cultural artefacts, the American Museum of Natural History is the largest natural history museum in the world. The institution strives to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scienti�c research, education and exhibitions.
Our Resident Historians
At Viking, our ocean and river cruise itineraries are designed to help you explore and engage with each destination through its history, traditions, cuisines and customs. This unique approach and, in particular, our exclusive Resident Historian Program, have earned us the title of The Thinking Person’s Cruise®. The Viking Resident Historian Program is a key element of our onboard enrichment curriculum and consists of a faculty of talented, passionate historians who deliver high-level, informative lectures that are specific to the regions through which you are travelling. These lectures are supplemented by roundtable discussions, where guests can engage with each topic in a more intimate setting. Our historians also accompany guests on shore excursions and even offer one-on-one sessions during office hours. Our Resident Historian Program takes destinationdriven learning to a whole new level and covers major chapters and events in history — from the Viking Age and the Roman Empire, right through to how the spice trade changed the world. Guests can expect discussions about architecture, politics and art, and even whether or not the Elgin Marbles should be returned to Athens. History pervades every Viking ship, and we are very proud of that.
Immerse Yourself In The History Of The Vikings
Viking’s founder Torstein Hagen hails from Norway, so our heritage is well and truly steeped in Scandinavia, and we have become the go-to experts when it comes to exploring this northern European wonderland. Whether you want to witness majestic Norwegian fjords, or you choose to bask in the never-ending sunlight of the region’s magical summer months, our spectacular Scandinavia itineraries will see you retracing the fascinating history of the Vikings, including the ancient trade routes of these seafaring warriors. Plus, each of our ocean ships features an onboard Viking heritage exhibit, showcasing realistic replicas of Viking clothing, jewellery, coins and weaponry to further enhance your understanding of how their legacy has shaped the world that we know today.
VIK ING HOMEL A NDS STOCKHOLM – BERGEN or vice versa 15 DAYS | 11 GUIDED TOURS | 8 COUNTRIES SET SAIL APR – SEP 2021 From $9,995pp in Veranda stateroom From $12,495pp in Penthouse Veranda EXPLORE ITINER ARY
INTO THE MIDNIGHT SUN LONDON – BERGEN or vice versa 15 DAYS | 9 GUIDED TOURS | 3 COUNTRIES SET SAIL MAY – JUL 2021 From $9,995pp in Veranda stateroom From $12,495pp in Penthouse Veranda EXPLORE ITINER ARY
BR ITISH ISLES EXPLOR ER BERGEN – LONDON or vice versa 15 DAYS | 12 GUIDED TOURS | 6 COUNTRIES SET SAIL MAR – SEP 2021 From $8,595pp in Veranda stateroom From $9,995pp in Penthouse Veranda EXPLORE ITINER ARY
DISCOVER THE REAL RUSSIA WITH VIKING
INCLUDED TOUR:
Privileged Access: The Hermitage behind closed doors The Hermitage boasts some three million works of art and historical artefacts precious to Russia’s heritage, but only a fraction of them are on public display. The rest are locked away in a carefully monitored facility – until now. On this captivating, eight-hour guided tour, Viking guests will view the museum’s public collection before transferring off-site for Privileged Access to the secured vaults. Accompanied by a local historian, guests will then have the chance to marvel at 19th-century frescoes, treasured sculptures and Romanov furniture. Priceless gifts given to Russian royalty by countries all over the world – including a huge, gold embroidered tent from a Turkish sultan – will be examined, before a delicious lunch is served.
The world’s largest country has it all, from breathtaking architecture and a dynamic art scene, to charming historic towns and spectacular waterways. When you choose to discover Russia onboard one of Viking’s award-winning river ships, you are guaranteed exclusive access to some of the country’s most magnificent attractions.
$1,000 INCLUDING
$3,600
LAKE LADOGA
Kizhi SVIR RIVER
LAKE ONEGA
Mandrogy
St. Petersburg NEVA RIVER
VOLGA–BALTIC WATERWAY
RUSSIA Kuzino RYBINSK RESERVOIR VOLGA RIVER
A I R C R E D IT
VOLGA RIVER
MOSCOW CANAL
Yaroslavl Uglich
Moscow
WATERWAYS OF THE TSARS
MOSCOW – ST.PETERSBURG or vice versa 13 DAYS X 10 GUIDED TOURS X 1 COUNTRY SET SAIL MAY – OC T 2021 From From
$7,995pp in Deluxe stateroom $9,895pp in Veranda stateroom
OPTIONAL TOUR :
OPTIONAL TOUR :
Masters of light and design have worked to place bulbs and beams throughout central Moscow so that the colours of its landmark buildings and parks are on full display once the sun goes down. On this three-and-a-half-hour guided tour, Viking guests will stop in Red Square to admire the exteriors of the Kremlin, the GUM Department Store and the colourful domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral. After marvelling at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and its glimmering gold dome, guests will then board a small boat to view the vibrant colours of Moscow’s monuments from the water.
Designed by Peter the Great to impress visiting dignitaries, Peterhof Palace is renowned for its beautiful French-inspired interiors and magnificent gardens. On this five-hour guided tour, Viking guests will see the Throne Room, gloriously adorned with glittering chandeliers, as well as the unique decorative objects of the East and West Chinese Cabinets. After strolling through Chesma Hall, which features 12 large paintings of the Battle of Chesma, guests will then explore the palace’s sprawling gardens where they will see the Grand Cascade in action, with the Samson Fountain as the centrepiece.
Moscow by night
Peterhof Palace & park
itinerary focus:
Cities of Antiquity & the Holy Land ROME, ITALY Marvel at ancient icons such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon and the Circus Maximus. Admire the transcendent wonders of Vatican City — including the Sistine Chapel — then ascend the glorious dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Stop by the Spanish Steps before dining in one of the city’s lively piazzas. JERUSALEM, ISRAEL At Mount Zion, see King David’s Tomb and the Cenacle where the Last Supper took place. Visit the Western Wall, wander through the Temple Mount, and trace the final steps of Jesus along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Later, admire the magnificent mosaics of the Church of the Agony.
Our 15-day Cities of Antiquity & the Holy Land itinerary covers the sacred sights of four remarkable countries — Italy, Greece, Israel and Cyprus — and is one of our most enriching journeys. Key highlights include: LIMASSOL, CYPRUS Visit the 12th-century Kolossi Castle and the Greco-Roman amphitheatre of Kourion — a second-century BC structure that is still in use today. In the charming village of Omodos, see the Holy Cross Monastery, walk through the medieval castle quarter of Old Town, and sample locally made wine and cheese. ATHENS, GREECE See the legendary Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site crowned by the Parthenon, and explore the fascinating Acropolis Museum. Stop by Syntagma Square, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Panathenaic Stadium and the Temple of Olympian
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