Viking River Cruises Branches Out With New Wine Itinerary In France For 2014

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking River Cruises (www.vikingrivercruises.com) today announced a new itinerary in France's Bordeaux region for 2014 that will celebrate the senses. This eight-day cruise—Chateaux, Rivers & Wine—allows guests to enjoy the beauty and history of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region, while exploring some of the world's finest names in wine. Guests will sail on Viking Forseti, marking the first time an award-winning Viking Longship^™ will be deployed in France.  

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"Our itineraries in France have always been very popular, and we are pleased to introduce this unique new experience in the Bordeaux region," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking River Cruises. "We have designed an itinerary that allows our guests to explore this historically fascinating region and enjoy some of the world's most celebrated wines."

Chateaux, Rivers & Wine

Chateaux, Rivers & Wine takes guests on a unique exploration of the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers, through the region that has for centuries produced France's most remarkable wines including Margaux, Pomerol, St. Emilion and Sauternes. The eight-day cruise journey begins in Bordeaux and makes its first stop in Pauillac, where guests can sip the full-bodied blends of the renowned Medoc and Margaux wine regions and travel along the famed Route des Chateaux for an insight into authentic chateau life. Next, guests have the opportunity to explore the Citadel in Blaye and the charming town of St. Emilion—both UNESCO World Heritage sites—before continuing on to picturesque Cadillac, where they can taste the sweet Premier Cru wines from the Sauternes region. The unhurried voyage concludes with an in-depth tour of the beautiful churches, grand Louis XV architecture and charming cafes of Bordeaux.

To enhance appreciation and understanding of the Aquitaine Valley during the journey, Viking's Culture Curriculum^SM on Chateaux, Rivers & Wine has been designed with the assistance of local experts to provide opportunities for passengers to experience various aspects of the regional culture. Guests may learn to make tender caneles, a caramelized custard pastry, observe the winemaking traditions that have made the area so famous, begin or expand their appreciation of fine Bordeaux wines with the guidance of a master sommelier, and brush up on their conversational French with optional onboard lessons.

Viking Longships

Guests on the Chateaux, Rivers & Wine cruise will travel on the state-of-the-art Viking Forseti, which will be the newest and most innovative ship to sail the rivers of the Aquitaine Valley—and the first Viking Longship to sail in France. Recently named Best New River Ships of 2012 in Cruise Critic's® Editors' Picks Awards, Viking Longships integrate patent-pending* design and cutting-edge technology, including an indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace, diesel-electric hybrid engines, solar panels and onboard organic herb gardens. 

Booking Details

For more details on Chateaux, Rivers & Wine itineraries, visit www.vikingrivercruises.com. From now until December 19, 2012, Viking is offering a 2013 Early Booking Discount with up to 2-for-1 cruise pricing and up to 2-for-1 international air. Viking's all-inclusive pricing covers accommodations, all onboard meals, daily guided shore excursions, port charges, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service, and more. 

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For more information or for hi-res images of ships and destinations, contact: [email protected], and for additional details, contact Viking River Cruises toll-free at 1-877-66VIKING (1-877-668-4546).

About Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises, the world's leading river cruise company, offers scenic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt. The company was named No. 1 River Cruise Line in Travel + Leisure's 2012 "World's Best" Awards and has been honored multiple times as the top river cruise line on Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List" It has also been recognized as the World's Leading River Cruise Operator at the World Travel Awards and by the editors of Cruise Critic as "Best River Cruise Line" in the website's 4^th Annual Editors' Picks Awards. Travel agents have recognized Viking River Cruises as "Best River Cruise Line" by Travel Weekly, "Best River Cruise Line" by Recommend and Travel Agent magazines, Best Cruise Line for Luxury River Cruises at the Luxury Travel Advisor Awards of Excellence and as "Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising" and "Best River Cruise Line for Travel Agent Support" by TravelAge West. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 35 vessels (in 2013), and provides unique, deluxe vacations to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises at 1‑877‑668‑4546 (1‑877‑66VIKING) toll-free or visit the company online at http://www.vikingrivercruises.com. To join the Viking River Cruises community online, visit http://www.facebook.com/vikingrivercruises.

SOURCE Viking River Cruises