Viking River Cruises Takes Guests Behind Closed Doors At Highclere Castle, The Real Downton Abbey

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking River Cruises (www.vikingrivercruises.com), the world's leading river cruise line, has always endeavored to offer its guests unique opportunities to experience remarkable destinations and sites along the rivers of Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt. Next year, Viking will offer an expertly curated Oxford & Highclere Castle land extension that gives travelers the rare chance to explore Highclere Castle, the setting for Downton Abbey on PBS's MASTERPIECE, and other well-known British landmarks.

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"As a national sponsor of MASTERPIECE, Viking is proud of the series, and we are pleased to offer a new itinerary that taps into the excitement generated by the spectacularly popular Downton Abbey," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking River Cruises.

Offered as a pre- or post- extension on the popular Cities of Light or Paris & the Heart of Normandy itineraries, the Oxford & Highclere Castle package is priced at $1,399 per person and is composed of a three-night stay in the rolling hills of England's countryside. Guests will enjoy an exclusive insider's look at Highclere Castle, including a special champagne welcome for Viking guests, and a tour co-created with the owners of the magnificent property, the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.

The Oxford & Highclere Castle package serves to complement the Cities of Light and Paris & the Heart of Normandy itineraries by giving travelers the chance to visit a magnificent destination that is otherwise inaccessible on a river cruise. The 12-day Cities of Light itinerary, which visits four countries on the Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers between Paris and Prague, offers a stunning look at the gems of Western Europe, from vineyards in the Moselle River Valley to the baroque beauty of Würzburg. The 8-day Paris & the Heart of Normandy cruise explores the legendary Seine River as it takes guests from Paris to Rouen and the dramatic beaches of Normandy.   

The Oxford & Highclere Castle extension is one of many land extensions offered by Viking's Explore More^TM program, which allows guests to maximize their time overseas by spending additional days in some of the world's most fascinating destinations. 

"Highclere Castle stands as a spectacular illustration of England's history, from medieval beginnings to 'Downton' times, and we are delighted to welcome Viking's guests as they explore and enjoy our ancestral home," said Lady Fiona Carnarvon, the eighth Countess of Carnarvon, who also recently authored the book Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle.

Other highlights of the Oxford & Highclere Castle extension include a visit to the historic town of Oxford, where guests will overnight, and a walking tour of its renowned university. They will also explore Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and the Cotswolds, the charming range of verdant rolling hills and stone villages that epitomize England's countryside. Before departing, they will see some of London's most beloved sights, including Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and "Big Ben." Guests will travel between Paris and London on the celebrated high-speed Eurostar railway, which transports passengers across the English Channel in less than three hours.

Online Inspiration

Viking River Cruises has also launched a new series of inspiring webisodes, hosted by Karine Hagen, Viking's brand and product ambassador, to showcase England's picturesque landscapes and historical sites for online visitors. In the videos Karine takes viewers on a virtual tour of the Oxford & Highclere Castle extension, exploring the fascinating interiors of Highclere Castle and the charm of the city of Oxford. To watch the series, visit http://www.vrc.com/highclere.

Booking Details

From now until December 19, 2012, Viking is offering a 2013 Early Booking Discount with 2-for-1 cruise pricing and up to 2-for-1 air pricing. 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.  

Media Assets   

For more details on the Oxford & Highclere Castle extension, visit http://www.vrc.com/highclere. For imagery or video, please contact [email protected]. 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 Condé 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