Viking River Cruises 2013 Itinerary for Portugal and Spain

Viking River Cruises, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, is launching a new Portugal and Spain itinerary for 2013.

Guests on the “River of Gold” cruise will experience a 10-day cruise and land tour along the Douro River that explores the cultural, historical and aesthetic heritage of Portugal and Spain.

Travelers can visit the Belém Tower and Jerónimos monastery in Lisbon (a UNESCO World Heritage site), sample port from traditional wooden casks in Porto, tour a baroque mansion in Régua and explore the medieval city of Salamanca. Guests will also see a Portuguese folk music show in Pinhão, sample the wines of Quinta do Seixo in Barca d’Alva and tour the village of Castelo Rodrigo near Vega de Terrón.

Through February 29, Viking is offering the following 2013 Early Booking Discount: 2-for-1 cruise and land pricing plus $1100 per couple off the brochure air rate. All-inclusive rates cover accommodations, all onboard meals, daily guided shore excursions, port charges and more.

Agents who have registered at Viking’s travel agent portal can also create their own co-branded Viking website, which allows them to give clients access to current Viking information on a page that features their own agency name, contact information and logo.

http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/

Viking River Cruises Celebrates 15th Anniversary

Viking River Cruises ( www.vikingrivercruises.com ) marks its 15th anniversary in 2012, the world's leading river cruise line is planning the biggest year in its history.

Founded in 1997, Viking River Cruises was established with four Russian river cruise vessels and a company name to honor the Vikings that first traveled by longship to explore Russia's waterways.

Today, Viking owns and operates the world's largest fleet of river vessels, and 2012 will see the launch of six new Viking Longships--an industry first--as well as the completion of its Russian fleet refurbishment.

On March 21, 2012 in Amsterdam, Viking will christen four of the six Viking Longships - Viking Njord, Viking Odin, Viking Idun and Viking Freya.

A historic event, the christening will mark the first time in history that four cruise ships will be christened at once. After departing from Amsterdam, the Viking Longships will sail Viking's most popular European itineraries including the 15-day Grand European Tour, 8-day Romantic Danube, 8-day Danube Waltz and 10-day Tulips & Windmills.

Joining their sister ships, two more Viking Longships - Viking Embla and Viking Aegir - will make their debut in July and August 2012, respectively. And given unprecedented demand, Viking is reviewing its new build program for 2013 and 2014.