Highclere Behind the Scenes: Gwyn, “The Butterfly Lady”

Join Karine to meet one of the longest serving residents on the Highclere Castle estate. And join them on a journey of joy and firsts, taking delight in the smaller things in life.

Europe

Setting a New Standard

Learn about the past and future of Viking and the innovations behind our Viking Longships. Then come explore the great rivers of the world in unprecedented comfort.

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Alma Deutscher Performs in Vienna

Once the home of Strauss and Mozart, Vienna is renowned as the music capital of Europe. Now, guests who join us in this elegant city have the chance to enjoy an exclusive performance featuring Alma Deutscher, a young musical prodigy who will conduct classic pieces from great composers—including a few, destined-to-become-classics, of her own. View sailing dates for Viking river cruises during which you may attend Alma Deutscher’s performances in Vienna by visiting almadeutscher.com/viking-dates.

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Discover the British Collections of Ancient Egypt

Enhance your Pharaohs & Pyramids voyage with our British Collections of Ancient Egypt extension, offering Privileged Access to rare Egyptian artifacts and exhibits at the British Museum, Highclere Castle and more.

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Explore Chavenage House, the home from the PBS series “Poldark”

The friendly, very personable, longtime owners of Chavenage House, welcome you into this quintessential English estate, tucked away in the picturesque Cotswolds.

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Tutankhamen and Highclere Castle

Uncover the fascinating history behind the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb by archaeologist Howard Carter and George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, and get an exclusive look at Highclere Castle’s collection of Egyptian relics.

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Explore Britain’s Great Homes, Gardens and Gin

Step inside the iconic British estates well known to PBS viewers, including Highclere Castle, the “real Downton Abbey”; Wolf Hall’s Broughton Castle; and Chavenage House, better known as Trenwith in Poldark. Beyond these impressive homes, learn the story behind the legendary Bombay Sapphire gin at its historic distillery.

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Churchill’s Britain

Discover the remarkable life and times of revered British statesman Sir Winston Churchill. During this 5-night London extension with Viking, gain Privileged Access to Cabinet War Rooms; visit Churchill’s private Chartwell estate and his birthplace at Blenheim Palace; learn how the British broke the Nazis’ secret code at Bletchley Park and much more.

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Romantic Middle Rhine

Experience the majestic stretch of the Rhine River known affectionately as the “Romantic Middle Rhine.” Winding past quaint villages and medieval castles, this idyllic waterway offers a window into the past and unmatched vistas.

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Gothic Cathedrals

Marvel at the ingenuity and ethereal quality of Gothic architecture, a style inspired by a period when religion governed life and epitomized by Europe’s soaring cathedrals from the 12th to 16th centuries.

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The Impressionists

Learn the story of how impressionist paintings by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Degas forever changed the face of the art world and became a symbol of modern French life. Follow these iconic artists’ footsteps on a France river cruise with Viking.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Gwyn, “The Butterfly Lady”

Join Karine to meet one of the longest serving residents on the Highclere Castle estate. And join them on a journey of joy and firsts, taking delight in the smaller things in life.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Pat the Painter

Meet Pat Withers, one of the castle’s favorite, most colorful characters, who came to Highclere as a teenager and never left. As the longest serving staff member at Highclere, she’s worked for three generations of the Carnarvon family.

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At Home at Highclere

Join Karine as she speaks with the Countess of Carnarvon about her new book, At Home at Highclere. Learn about what it is like to live in this stately castle, and its history, delicious food and dedicated staff.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Mike the Beekeeper

Join Karine and Finse as they explore the world of bees with Mike Withers, a thirty-year member of the Highclere staff, whose passion for these hard-working, misunderstood insects spans 60 years.

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Austria’s Göttweig Abbey

Journey to a working baroque abbey where Benedictine monks have worked and worshipped for more than 900 years on a hilltop overlooking the Wachau Valley, following The Rule of St. Benedict.

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Austria’s Hotel Sacher and Torte

Join Karine (and her beloved dog Finse) and step into the spirit of old Europe at Vienna’s iconic Hotel Sacher to learn the story behind the Sachertorte, its legendary handmade cake.

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Blaye Citadel

Step inside the historic Blaye Citadel with Karine. Louis XIV built this mighty fortress in the 17th century on the banks of the Gironde River to protect Bordeaux from the British.

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Blenheim Palace

Explore the ornate halls of Britain’s Blenheim Palace with Karine. This grand English estate, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, has close ties to the American Vanderbilts and is the seat of the Duke of Marlborough.

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Bordeaux’s Sublime Wines

Join Karine as she delves into the essence of Bordeaux’s most popular red and white wines with a local expert, learning some secrets of summoning a wine’s character along the way.

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Christmas Markets

Witness the beauty, romance and spirit of the holidays come alive at Europe’s colorful Christmas markets when you join Viking on a festive river cruise during November or December.

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Cooking with Karine: A German Treat

Join Karine for a private cooking lesson with pastry chef Joanna Hajn, who teaches her student how to make a German holiday favorite: a tasty gingerbread house.

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Cooking with Karine: Gingerbread

Join Karine as she learns the art of making gingerbread at Passau’s Café Simon, established more than 100 years ago. Sample some on our late fall cruises along Europe’s great rivers.

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Cooking with Karine: Goulash

Explore Budapest’s Great Market Hall and learn how to make goulash, Hungary’s rich, hearty dish seasoned with paprika and packed with flavor.

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Cooking with Karine: Prague Duck

Watch as Kampa Park’s executive chef Marek Raditsch prepares this regional dish. In Prague, you might visit this world-famous restaurant, next to Charles Bridge on the Vltava River.

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Croatian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Croatian words and phrases with Ivana, your Viking tutor. Živjeli!

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D-Day at Normandy

Meet Robert Allen, a World War II veteran who bravely came ashore at Normandy . . . then returned with Viking, sharing some of his memories with us.

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Dutch Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Dutch words and phrases with Johan, your Viking tutor. Proost!

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Explore: Amsterdam

Discover Amsterdam’s scenic canals, charming flower markets and enriching Museum Quarter, where you can admire van Gogh’s artwork and masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age.

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Explore: Berlin

Experience a vibrant city that is always reinventing itself. See iconic Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall and the Reichstag, an architectural masterpiece. Stroll around Museum Island or go shopping in the Mitte District.

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Explore: Budapest

Explore the beauty of Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube,” with Karine highlighting the city’s top attractions: Fisherman’s Bastion, Great Market Hall, Heroes’ Square and more.

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Explore: Paris

Discover the magical “City of Light.” Visit the Shakespeare & Co. bookstore, a literary haven on Paris’s Left Bank; stroll the Champs-Élysées; and admire the priceless works of the Louvre. Be sure to stop for a cup of coffee in the St. Germain district.

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Explore: Prague

Prague, the “City of a Thousand Spires,” offers endless discoveries. See some of Karine’s top recommendations, including Lobkowicz Palace, the Old New Synagogue, the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge and more.

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Fado, Music of Portugal

Learn about the dramatic songs of fado, born along Portugal’s waterfront. This music of passion often depicted the longing of women waiting for their men to return from sea.

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Farmers’ Market in Libourne, France

Walk through Libourne’s bustling market with Karine and Chef Magalie of Viking as they shop for fresh fruits and vegetables to be served in the ship’s dining room.

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Finse Comes Home to Highclere

This is a reunion unlike any other as Karine’s golden Labrador Finse returns home to Highclere Castle, the "real Downton Abbey,” and gets reacquainted with her brothers and sisters.

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France, Painter’s Muse

See for yourself how France has inspired famous artists like van Gogh, Monet and so many more.

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French Language Lesson

Learn a few useful French words and phrases with Maaike, your Viking tutor. À votre Santé!

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German Language Lesson

Learn a few useful German words and phrases with Rebecca, your Viking tutor. Prost!

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Gifts Along the Danube

The Danube’s banks overflow with shopping opportunities. Join Karine at her favorite spots in Passau, Vienna and Budapest as she shares perfect gift ideas for yourself or your loved ones.

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Glühwein (Mulled Wine)

In November and December, public houses in nearly every European town offer mulled wine as a delicious antidote to the season’s chill. Let Karine show you how to prepare your own with our special and simple recipe.

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Gothic Cologne Cathedral

Explore the history of this ornate architectural masterpiece. Towering over the Rhine, the majestic Cologne cathedral has been a beacon for pilgrims from around the world for centuries.

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Highclere Castle

Join Karine at the “real Downton Abbey,” the historic and renowned Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England, home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.

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History of Port Wines

Take a journey with Karine as she explores Portugal’s history of wine and gains insight into its production and the various types of port, with a local expert on hand.

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Hungarian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Hungarian words and phrases with Eszter, your Viking tutor. Jó napot!

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Iconic Marksburg Castle

Painstakingly chiseled into the slate bedrock of a mountain peak, Marksburg has long stood as one of Germany’s most formidable castles. Step back into the Middle Ages with Karine as she explores the heart of this legendary stronghold.

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Jewish Museum

Designed by New York architect Daniel Libeskind, Berlin’s compelling Jewish Museum provides an unforgettable journey through Jewish culture and a rich chronicle of memory and hope.

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Koblenz Jewish Cemetery

Join Karine for the moving story of the Koblenz Jewish Cemetery, a sanctuary of reflection and a window into the history of a community and culture that were once nearly lost.

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Learn the Iconic Viennese Waltz

Learn the iconic Viennese waltz at Vienna’s oldest and most famous dance school, Tanzschule Elmayer. Watch Professor Elmayer teach Karine the basic steps in just a few minutes.

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Lipizzaner Stallions

Go behind the scenes at Vienna’s Spanish Riding School to meet the “dancing horses,” the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions. Seeing these magnificent white horses perform is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Lobkowicz Palace

Preview our Privileged Access tour as Karine visits the residence of this noble Czech family. See the original score of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, attend a private concert and more.

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Modern Aristocracy

The Löwenstein family is one of Germany’s cultural treasures. Step behind the scenes to meet Fürst (Prince) Alois-Konstantin and his daughter-in-law Princess Stephanie as they share family history and the secret behind the renowned Fürst Löwenstein wines.

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Monet’s Gardens

Join Karine at Giverny as she visits the Japanese bridge, gardens and water lilies that inspired one of history’s great painters, founder of impressionism Claude Monet.

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Nuremberg Trials

Learn about the war crimes tribunals that took place in Nuremberg’s Palace of Justice as the entire world watched with rapt attention, and consider seeing Courtroom 600 for yourself.

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Our Viking Vintner

Head into the cellars of Erhard Mörwald, the fifth-generation Wachau Valley vintner who produces the distinctive private-label wines that are served on board our river ships.

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Portugal’s Wine Country

In 1756, Portugal’s Douro River Valley became the world’s first protected wine-producing region, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn more about the region’s famous port wine.

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Portuguese Crème Brûlée

Go behind the scenes with Karine to see how easy it is to make this local variation of everyone’s favorite dessert. You may want to take notes during this hands-on demonstration!

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Portuguese Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Portuguese words and phrases with Maria, your Viking tutor. Saúde!

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Prague Microbrewery

In 1466, just off Prague’s Old Town Square, a tiny microbrewery first opened its doors. Today, on the same spot, Ladislav Vesely continues the tradition of making the finest Czech beer.

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Prague Synagogue

When in Prague, be sure to visit the Old New Synagogue in Josefov, the Jewish Quarter. This is the oldest synagogue in Europe, where generations have been worshipping since 1270.

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Sauternes: The Sweet Alternative

Enjoy a glimpse into the intriguing wine of Sauternes. Karine journeys to Bordeaux to take a closer look at this sweet alternative with one of Sauternes’s local experts.

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Schloss Mespelbrunn

Tucked away in the midst of a verdant forest is the exquisite Schloss Mespelbrunn. Take a peek inside as Gräfin (Countess) Hedwig Margarete shares her home, and learn more about the castle’s legendary past.

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Shakespeare & Co.

Peruse this literary haven in Paris, a favorite of book lovers and renowned authors since 1919. Browse its stacks and learn about the “tumbleweeds” who work and reside here.

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Shopping in Berlin

Today’s Berlin is a veritable treasure trove of gift ideas for the holidays. Join Karine as she shares some of her favorite things in the cosmopolitan German capital.

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Shopping in Budapest

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Join Karine at her favorite shop in Budapest, Hungary: the venerable Café Gerbeaud, purveyors of fine chocolates.

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Shopping in Passau

Passau is one of Germany’s most charming cities. Karine shows you that the city’s gift ideas hold equal charm when she takes you to her favorite shopping spot.

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Shopping in Vienna

Christmastime or anytime, Karine knows one gift that visitors to Vienna cannot return home without. You can even purchase this little cake in the very hotel where it was invented.

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Thanksgiving in Europe

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Viking on November sailings. There is no better way to complement your succulent turkey dinner than with a stroll through one of Europe’s cultural capitals.

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The Berlin Airlift

Go behind the scenes at Tempelhof Airport, long closed to visitors, and learn about the famed “Raisin Bombers” and their role during the historic Berlin Airlift, the largest in history.

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The Fundamentals of Wine

Join world-renowned Master of Wine Susie Barrie and Karine to learn about the fundamentals of enjoying fine wine, from opening and pouring to decanting and storing.

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The Normandy Beaches

There are few more pivotal moments in history than the D-Day landings that ushered in the end of World War II. Visit the sacred beaches with Karine and recall the day’s monumental sacrifices.

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The Wine Regions of Bordeaux

Bordeaux, France’s celebrated vineyard-laden province, is home to some of the world’s most prized wines. Learn about its different regions and appellations with Karine.

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Truffle Hunting

Join Karine in Bordeaux, France as she learns how dogs are trained to sniff out and unearth a treasured French delicacy, the rare and delicious truffle.

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Vienna Boys’ Choir

Go behind the scenes with the world-renowned Vienna Boys’ Choir. Join Karine as she meets some of these talented youngsters and sits in as they prepare for an evening performance.

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Vienna Coffeehouses

Relax and enjoy a cup of Viennese coffee with an exquisite pastry at Café Demel, one of Vienna’s oldest coffeehouses. Established in 1786, it has satisfied the cravings of Austrians for more than 220 years.

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Viking Baker

Come inside the 300-year-old Schmidl Bakery in Dürnstein on the Danube River, where Karine meets the owner and sees how the fine breads served on board Viking ships are made.

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Viking Executive Chefs

Come into the galleys of our European river ships for an unforgettable visit with two Viking Executive Chefs, and glimpse some of the passion that goes into every dish they serve.

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Visit Oxford & Highclere Castle

Travel with Viking to the hallowed halls of the University of Oxford, historic Highclere Castle, the “real Downton Abbey,” grand Blenheim Palace and the fabled villages of the Cotswolds.

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Visit the University of Oxford

Join Karine as she goes behind the scenes at the University of Oxford, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious educational institutions and alma mater to kings and presidents.

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Wreath-Making Workshop

Join Karine in Passau, Germany, as she has a good laugh making traditional and modern German Advent wreaths with a local wreath maker.

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Russia

Karine Welcomes You to Her Russia

Karine has spent much of her adult life in Russia and remains captivated and entertained by the country and its culture. Come along as she shares her deep love and fascination for this charming country and its people.

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Hermitage Access

Experience St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, the unrivaled art collection of Catherine the Great, as you never imagined: with personalized, after-hours tours by expert curators.

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Eyewitness to History

Karine talks with Vladlen Kuzin, former head of propaganda and director of the Leningrad Documentary Studio, about the part he has played in documenting the culture and history of the former Soviet Union.

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Kommunalka Home Visit

Come inside for a private tour of a typical Soviet Russian home, a kommunalka, a communal apartment like those shared by many Russian families for generations in the post-revolutionary years of the 20th century.

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Moscow by Night

Moscow by night is a dazzling spectacle of illumination. Join Karine on a short tour of the city’s light show, proving this is one of those cities that never sleeps.

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Russian Food: Starters

Here are some specialties Russians might enjoy as a starter to their main meal. From pickled mushrooms to the Salad Olivier, a traditional New Year’s dish, try some for yourself!

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Russian Food: Soups

No Russian meal is complete without homemade soup, a central element of culinary culture. Karine samples two types of borscht, the nationally renowned beet soup, and other tasty dishes.

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Russian Food: Sweets

Russian meals are often topped off with something sweet. Sample some favorite desserts with Karine, from kisel, a red berry soup, to oladi, a thick pancake served with cream and jam.

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Canals of St. Petersburg

Join Karine and discover why majestic St. Petersburg is known as the “Venice of the North” during a tour of the city’s vast network of canals and bridges.

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Hermitage Cats

Since 1747, a stealthy army of cats has protected the treasures of St. Petersburg’s famed Hermitage Museum from rodents. Karine heads into the museum’s basement to seek them out.

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Red Flag Factory

Visit a former Soviet icon soon to be reborn as a business, arts and cultural center. See fascinating footage of this architectural gem’s past as a factory where uniforms were made.

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Russian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Russian words and phrases with Paulina, your Viking tutor. Spasibo!

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Russian Market Tour

Share in Karine’s sensory experiences at a traditional Russian farmers’ market, where vibrant fruits and vegetables, baked goods and artisanal honey please the eye, and the palate.

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Russian Sirniki

Join your host Karine for a private cooking lesson with Chef Josef Fleissner and learn how to make Sirniki, a traditional and much-loved Russian dessert.

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Russian Superstitions

Why do Russians avoid shaking hands over a doorway’s threshold? Or sit on their luggage before departing on a journey? See some of the unusual ways good fortune is ensured in Russia.

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The Russian Ballet

Ballet is virtually synonymous with Russia. This inspiring art form began as entertainment for the royal court in the mid-1700s. Learn why it remains so celebrated around the world.

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The Russian Banya

Visit a peaceful lakeside banya in the Russian countryside. This sauna-like retreat keeps the body healthy with its mix of hot and cold temperatures and all-natural skin treatments.

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The Russian Dacha

Thanks to the Soviet days’ emphasis on getting back to the land, most Russian city dwellers also have a country house, or dacha. Join Karine as she visits one for an insider’s look.

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Travel to Russia with Viking

With Viking, you will visit Russia’s great cities; sail the Volga, Svir and Neva Rivers and through Lake Onega and Lake Ladoga; and explore charming Golden Ring cities.

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Uglich Home Visit

Come with Karine to the Golden Ring city of Uglich along the Volga River. Here, you will step inside the home of babushka Nadya, who raises a glass to good health, prosperity and love.

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Videos

Videos

Highclere Behind the Scenes: Gwyn, “The Butterfly Lady”

Related Itineraries

Grand European Tour

Cities of Light

Rhine Getaway

Paris to the Swiss Alps

Paris & the Heart of Normandy

Europe

Setting a New Standard

Alma Deutscher Performs in Vienna

Discover the British Collections of Ancient Egypt

Explore Chavenage House, the home from the PBS series “Poldark”

Tutankhamen and Highclere Castle

Explore Britain’s Great Homes, Gardens and Gin

Churchill’s Britain

Romantic Middle Rhine

Gothic Cathedrals

The Impressionists

Highclere Behind the Scenes: Gwyn, “The Butterfly Lady”

Highclere Behind the Scenes: Pat the Painter

At Home at Highclere

Highclere Behind the Scenes: Mike the Beekeeper

Austria’s Göttweig Abbey

Austria’s Hotel Sacher and Torte

Blaye Citadel

Blenheim Palace

Bordeaux’s Sublime Wines

Christmas Markets

Cooking with Karine: A German Treat

Cooking with Karine: Gingerbread

Cooking with Karine: Goulash

Cooking with Karine: Prague Duck

Croatian Language Lesson

D-Day at Normandy

Dutch Language Lesson

Explore: Amsterdam

Explore: Berlin

Explore: Budapest

Explore: Paris

Explore: Prague

Fado, Music of Portugal

Farmers’ Market in Libourne, France

Finse Comes Home to Highclere

France, Painter’s Muse

French Language Lesson

German Language Lesson

Gifts Along the Danube

Glühwein (Mulled Wine)

Gothic Cologne Cathedral

Highclere Castle

History of Port Wines

Hungarian Language Lesson

Iconic Marksburg Castle

Jewish Museum

Koblenz Jewish Cemetery

Learn the Iconic Viennese Waltz

Lipizzaner Stallions

Lobkowicz Palace

Modern Aristocracy

Monet’s Gardens

Nuremberg Trials

Our Viking Vintner

Portugal’s Wine Country

Portuguese Crème Brûlée

Portuguese Language Lesson

Prague Microbrewery

Prague Synagogue

Sauternes: The Sweet Alternative

Schloss Mespelbrunn

Shakespeare & Co.

Shopping in Berlin

Shopping in Budapest

Shopping in Passau

Shopping in Vienna

Thanksgiving in Europe

The Berlin Airlift

The Fundamentals of Wine

The Normandy Beaches