Segment: Scenic Cruising
Episode: Grand European ep 10
Air Date: 16th February 2020
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane

While the destinations you visit on the Viking river cruises are the stars of the show, there are a few key moments where it pays to sit back and enjoy the trip down the river.

• Viking cruise ships often travel through the night, meaning that guests wake up in new locations each day. However, for a select few regions, the ship travels through the day, giving guests the chance to take in the stunning scenery.
• The longship’s top deck is the best place to soak up the scenery, or in the aquavit terrace – the largest alfresco dining area on Europe’s rivers.
• Cruising the Danube River is a wonderful experience, and the Wachau Valley of Austria is one of the most scenic sections of the beautiful river, home to many incredible towns, vineyards, castles and monasteries.
• The Danube is 2888km long, surrounded by fertile soils. The temperature makes the area ideal for vine and fruit growing. When the Romans arrived in the area, they brought vines of a higher quality than what was already in the area.
• The boat passes by the ruins of Durnstein Castle, known as the Castle of Richard the Lionheart. He was kept prisoner here on the return journey from the crusade, kept for months until a ransom was agreed upon.
• On the way to Koblenz in Germany, the ship cruises through Germany’s Middle and Upper Rhine Valley – arguably one of the most beautiful regions in the country.
• Pfalz Castle was originally built as a toll station. It is constructed in the shape of a ship.
• This region has more castles than anywhere else in the world, with most constructed as defensive fortresses rather than royal residences.
• Lorelei Rock is known for being the base of the titular siren. She would sit on the rock, singing beautiful songs while combing her golden hair, luring sailors to their deaths.