RDAU_2026-ISSUE0809_DIGITAL MAGAZINE

experiencing them. Each country comes to life through enriching onboard talks, thoughtfully curated excursions, and even delicious regional menus. Unlike larger ocean cruises, river voyages offer a more intimate way to travel. With fewer guests on board, there’s time to connect and gain a deeper understanding of each destination. More than simply a holiday, it’s a journey that combines culture, and discovery— returning you home not only refreshed, but with a richer appreciation of the places you’ve experienced. Viking is renowned for their thoughtfully curated shore excursions and regionally inspired cuisine, but one of their greatest advantages is where they can take you. Unlike many other river cruise lines, which often dock some distance frommajor attractions, Viking’s award-winning Longships have longstanding grandfather rights with many ports, meaning they are able to dock in the heart of towns and cities. That means less time travelling and more time exploring. Step ashore and you’re immediately immersed in your destination—wandering historic Above: A Viking River Cruise Ship docks in Portugal’s Douro River “The experience with Viking far exceeds other cruise lines and what you would expect in terms of quality, enrichment and enjoyment.” – Luke M Viking once again won the River Cruises category for the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards 2026 16   AUGUST/SEPTEmBEr 2026 streets, visiting local markets, discovering iconic landmarks or joining a guided excursion. Instead of spending precious holiday hours getting to the sights, you’re already there, free to experience the history, culture and everyday life that make each destination unique. The Viking Difference: Designed for Discovery Purpose-built for the world’s great rivers, Viking’s elegant vessels are designed to offer a more intimate way to explore the world. With fewer guests on board, travellers can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while still experiencing the comfort and service of a premium river journey. Take the Danube, for example. Winding through some of Europe’s most culturally rich regions, the river reveals a tapestry of historic cities, charming villages and breathtaking landscapes. From Vienna’s famous café culture and grand architecture to medieval towns and evenings filled with the musical heritage of composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, every stop offers a new story to discover. The options are endless. Choose a river voyage on the Nile to walk the streets of Cairo and explore the pyramids or the Mississippi Delta Explorer from New Orleans to Memphis, Tenessee and indulge in specialty barbeque. Or even the Mekong River where you can discover the best of Vietnam and Cambodia. The scale of Viking’s river presence is extraordinary. Everything Is Taken Care Of: Relax, Explore, Repeat For first-time river travellers, one of the greatest surprises is just how effortless the experience can be. Unpack once, settle into your comfortable suite or stateroom , and wake each morning to a new destination waiting to be explored. There is no need to repeatedly check in and out of hotels, repack your belongings, or worry about the logistics of getting from one place to the next. With every stateroom designed to offer a view, guests can enjoy ever- changing scenery from the comfort of PHOTO CREDIT: VIKING RIVER CRUISES Above: Dusk in Vietnam from the deck pool of the Viking Tonle River Ship readersdigest.com.au     17 Travel