Explore More UK Summer 2020

EXPLORE more 

See more of the world with Viking / Summer 2020 £3.95 

MISSISSIPPI 

MAGIC 

Discover America’s heartland 

GALÁPAGOS 

• NEW EXPEDITIONS 

• TOP WILDLIFE TO SPOT 

BRIGHT 

LIGHTS 

A Nordic adventure 

to experience the 

northern lights

Explore the Galápagos Islands 

with Ecuador, Peru & Machu Picchu 

Embark on an extraordinary new journey to ancient worlds. From the Incan 

mysteries of Machu Picchu and the treasures of Peru and Ecuador, sail with a 

small group to the Galápagos Islands, one of the few places on Earth where 

human footprint is kept to a minimum. Here, in Charles Darwin’s living 

laboratory, come face to face with the unique wildlife that call these islands 

home, including giant tortoises, sea lions, iguanas, blue-footed boobies and 

penguins. Galápagos is one of the planet’s most isolated destinations. It is 

also one of its most awe-inspiring. Join us as we explore this truly remarkable 

destination, in a way that only Viking can. 

13 and 15-day 2022 journeys from £7,990pp 

Call 0800 014 7538 or visit vikingcruises.co.uk 

Prices & availability are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. From prices are based on two people sharing the lowest grade stateroom on 

a Wild Galápagos, Machu Picchu & Peru ocean cruise departing on 27 November 2022. Single supplements 100%. Gratuities included on board ship only. For more 

information please visit vikingcruises.co.uk/terms-conditions or call us. 

VC_EM_Galapagos_A4_v5.indd 1 18/05/2020 14:23:38

WELCOME 

Welcome to our summer edition of Explore More 

We very much hope you will enjoy reading our latest edition and hope, in these unprecedented 

times, it might provide you with some escapism. 

To complement our expedition voyages to the Arctic and the Antarctic, we have announced 

that we will be venturing to the Galápagos Islands, where you will be able to learn about the 

unique flora and fauna of this fascinating region, as well as discovering Peruvian culture and the 

Inca treasures of Machu Picchu. And, from 2022, we will be expanding our river voyages into 

America’s heartland, along the iconic Mississippi River – featuring historical Civil War sites, rare 

wildlife, arts and music and a long chain of warm and welcoming towns and cities. 

For those of you who are keen cooks, we have some delicious French recipes to try at home, 

as well as plenty of new books to inspire your future travels. One of our travellers recalls the 

thrill of seeing the northern lights, and we delve into the history of intricate jewellery designs 

dating back to the Viking Age. 

We wish you all a wonderful summer ahead, and very much look forward to welcoming 

you on board again soon. 

With best wishes, 

Managing Director, Viking UK 

P.S. We hope you’ve had a chance to look at Viking.TV – our exciting new online experience 

channel where you can view a range of content specially tailored to your interests. 

Tweet us: 

@VikingCruises 

Like us: 

facebook.com/VikingCruisesUK 

Follow us: 

instagram.com/vikingcruises 

 

Email us: 

uk-marketing@vikingcruises.com 

Find out more 

about the 

Viking Explorer 

Society 

on our website 

SUMMER 2020 | VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK 3

OFC_EM20_FINAL2.indd 1 22/05/2020 10:44 

08 70 

30 

58 

18 

16 

Contents 

IN THIS ISSUE... 

EXPLORE more 

See more of the world with Viking / Summer 2020 £3.95 

MISSISSIPPI 

MAGIC 

GALÁPAGOS 

• NEW EXPEDITIONS 

• TOP WILDLIFE TO SPOT 

Discover America’s heartland 

BRIGHT 

LIGHTS 

A Nordic adventure 

to experience the 

northern lights 

Cover: Decorative balconies add even 

more colour to the historical buildings 

of New Orleans in the USA 

14 MISSISSIPPI MOMENTS History and culture unfold on 

this enriching river voyage across the United States 

18 BIG 15 The wildlife to spot on a Galápagos expedition 

25 DISCOVER THE GALÁPAGOS We delve into the 

highlights of a trip to experience the unique flora and fauna 

52 SPIRIT OF THE NORTH Combine epic scenery with 

Sámi legends on this iconic Norwegian adventure 

58 A TASTE OF FRANCE Cook up a classic French feast 

70 THE RHINE, RIVER OF LEGENDS A new series looking 

at the world’s great waterways starts with a European favourite 

74 MY SYDNEY The beaches, lifestyle and cuisine that 

make this city one of the best-loved places on the planet 

FEATURES 

08 MISSISSIPPI MAGIC An in-depth look at America’s 

great waterway to celebrate Viking’s new river voyages 

26 CARIBBEAN COOL Travel writer Gabrielle Sander 

reports back from her first ocean adventure 

36 BRIGHT LIGHTS Journalist Sarah Knapton is joined by 

her parents as she seeks out the northern lights 

32 VIKING JEWELLERY Uncovering the artistry of the age 

44 TRUE NORTH We speak to the project curator of the 

British Museum’s new exhibition about Arctic culture and climate 

46 TOUR DE FORCE Lisa Small goes in search of 

enlightenment on Viking’s Grand European Tour 

56 A CITY TO SAVOUR What makes Lyon a must-see city 

62 THE NORWEGIAN SEA A deep dive into the ocean 

REGULARS 

6 VIKING NEWS The latest news and events 

7 YOUR WORLD Letters and photos from our guests 

16 CASUAL CHIC Mix neutrals and prints for a capsule 

wardrobe that transitions from one season to the next 

30 CITY GUIDE: MIAMI The self-proclaimed cruise capital 

of the world wows with its art deco allure and Latin charm 

42 CITY GUIDE: TROMSØ What to see and do in 

Norway’s wonderful northern lights hotspot 

54 VIKING BOOK CLUB Reads to transport you overseas 

66 CITY GUIDE: VIENNA Baroque beauty meets cuttingedge 

cool in Austria’s culture-packed capital 

68 ON LOCATION WITH KARINE Executive Vice President 

Karine Hagen on new ways to stay connected and inspired 

4 VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK | SUMMER 2020 


Front cover: “Traveling Tomatoes” 

photographed by Karine in the 

Umbrian Countryside 

COOKERY AND TRAVEL €20 

NEWS 

Viking NEWS 

A round-up of the latest travel news and 

events from the world of Viking 

STAR LETTER 

Dear Viking, 

Thought you might like to see a copy of 

a lovely birthday card I received on my 

81st birthday from a grand-daughter. 

The “hiking” refers to a job I did for 

about 25 years, 

leading walking 

holidays abroad, 

world-wide, 

until I was 76! 

Now hugely 

enjoying being 

looked after on 

all your splendid 

river cruises. 

THANK YOU! 

Anne R. Duke 

VIKING.TV 

We are excited to announce 

that earlier this year, in March, 

we launched a dedicated new 

digital platform to allow you 

to continue exploring the 

world with us. 

Daily live streaming is 

organised into Museum 

Mondays, Resident Historian 

Tuesdays, Arts & Music 

Wednesdays, 

Guest Speaker 

Thursdays, 

At Home at 

From kitchens around the world, join Karine Hagen on 

her journeys as she explores dishes that represent some of 

our world’s most interesting destinations. From our kitchen 

tables to yours, we invite you to broaden your culinary 

horizons and cultural insights, and learn how simple and 

fun it is to recreate foreign flavors at home. 

Highclere Fridays 

and Wellness 

Weekends. In 

addition to this, 

there are filmed 

messages from 

Viking Chairman 

The Kitchen Table A CULINARY JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD 

2 nd Edition 

The 

Kitchen 

Table 

A CULINARY JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD 

Torstein Hagen, personal 

videos made by onboard crew 

and exclusive musical concerts 

sent in from our onboard 

classical musicians. 

You can find recipes from 

around the world from our 

very own cookbook, The 

Kitchen Table, as well as 

a special area for children 

including quizzes and 

colouring activities. 

The schedule for 

the week ahead is 

shared every Monday, 

and as a result of the 

fantastically positive 

reception, Viking.TV 

will continue to create 

exciting content for 

the foreseeable future. 

YOUR PHOTOS #MyVikingStory 

YOUR MESSAGES 

Follow us on Instagram @VikingCruises for more inspirational images 

NEW 

I will never forget touching a 

wall of the Colosseum, closing 

my eyes and listening to history. If 

you haven't had an opportunity to 

experience this amazing place, do. 

Debbie Robles Birdsong 

FRONTIERS 

Stretching for 2,350 miles, from 

Minnesota's Lake Itasca to the 

Gulf of Mexico, our new cruises 

on the “Mighty Mississippi” offer 

a different type of cross-country 

journey for the curious explorer – 

one that allows you to be immersed 

in American history and culture. 

Our three new 8-day itineraries 

allow you to travel a section of 

the river: Heart of the Delta travels 

from New Orleans up to Memphis; 

America’s Heartland explores the 

Upper Mississippi, and Southern 

Celebration is a roundtrip from 

New Orleans. Or, over 15-days, 

you can explore the length of the 

Mississippi, from New Orleans 

to St. Paul (or in reverse), on the 

America’s Great River journey, 

which includes 11 guided tours. 

Meanwhile, to complement our 

expedition cruises to the Arctic 

and Antarctica, our guests will 

now be able to join small groups 

sailing to the captivating Galápagos 

Islands. Featuring fully guided 

land excursions, you will explore 

Charles Darwin’s living laboratory, 

witnessing the archipelago’s unique 

wildlife, including giant tortoises, 

sea lions, iguanas and penguins. 

The 15-day East Galápagos, 

Machu Picchu & Peru trip and the 

two new 13-day journeys – West 

Galápagos, Machu Picchu & Peru 

and Wild Galápagos, Machu 

Picchu & Peru – all explore Peruvian 

culture, Machu Picchu’s Inca 

treasures, as well as the volcanic 

coastline of the Galápagos region 

and its fascinating flora and fauna. 

PHOTOS: © ISTOCK 

Clockwise, from top left: 

1. One of the most famous bridges not just 

in Venice, but in the world. GeofotoF 

2. Simply the best, waffles at Mamsen's on 

Viking Star. djthomashome 

3. Taken just before sunrise. My favourite 

day in the Falkland Islands. Carol Stafford 

4. They call it an Oreo cow. Photo taken in 

the Falkland Islands. dianneinlv 

5. Plotting our course through the Alaskan 

Inside Passage on Viking Orion in June 2019. 

sheiladavies_ 

6. Budapest, Hungary. SashaEats 

Already booked the Mississippi! 

Doing the 15-day America's Great 

River. Only way to do it is with 

Viking. So looking forward to it. 

Ann Robinson Martin 

The Riesling soup recipe in The 

Kitchen Table cookbook is one 

of the best soups I've ever made! 

Kathleen Donahue Fowler 

We were fortunate enough to 

explore Highclere Castle as an 

extension of our Prague to Paris 

tour...Can't wait to get back to 

seeing the world, Viking-style. 

Ellie Kopnicky 

Viking is a class act! 

Jim Seeman 

Viking.TV is wonderful. Debbie 

Wiseman's composition for 

Viking, ‘The Traveller’, is beautiful. 

Rickie Cook 



TRAVEL 

This page: 

Viking Mississippi 

has been purpose 

built for this 

magical river 

MISSISSIPPI 

As Viking announces its expansion into the American interior, we take a 

look at some of the highlights that line the iconic Mississippi waterway 



TRAVEL 

A NEW ERA OF EXPLORATION 

Torstein Hagen, 

Chairman of Viking 

Clockwise, from 

above: An aerial 

view of Memphis; 

great egrets on 

a misty morning; 

relax and soak up 

the views in the 

Explorers’ Lounge 

From the headwaters in 

Minnesota to its delta in 

the Gulf of Mexico, the 

Mississippi River stretches 

for 2,350 miles and winds through 

America’s heartland. 

The river was formed when the 

last ice age ended, about 10,000 

years ago. Water from the melting 

ice sheet gathered in a vast network 

of north-to-south channels that 

carved out the Mississippi Valley. 

HISTORY 

Native Americans have lived 

along the Mississippi’s banks for 

thousands of years. First to use the 

river for commerce, the earliest 

Native Americans established a 

network of trade routes; later, large 

population centres, including a 

metropolis across from presentday 

St. Louis called Cahokia, 

were formed. And it was the 

Algonquian-speaking people 

who named the river: Misi-ziibi, 

roughly translated as the “Great 

River” or “Father of waters”. 

American history is bound 

with the Mississippi. When the 

Revolutionary War ended, the 

river became the new nation’s 

western border. That changed 

in 1803, when the Louisiana 

Purchase ceded control of the river 

– and the lands west of it – to the 

United States. New communities 

formed, supported by paddlewheel 

steamboats that facilitated 

commerce and transportation. 

Control of this valuable resource 

was critical for both sides during 

the Civil War. 

LOGISTICS 

Controlling the waterways that 

make up the Mississippi has 

challenged government leaders 

and the Army Corps of Engineers 

for more than 100 years. A system 

of 29 locks and dams in the Upper 

Mississippi help facilitate barge 

traffic and regulate water levels. 

And on the more heavily trafficked 

Lower Mississippi, the river is 

restrained by levees and dikes 

to help control seasonal flooding. 

Today the Mississippi remains 

one of the world’s hardest-working 

waterways, generating more than 

$400 billion in annual revenue, 

supporting 1.3 million jobs and 

powering local economies. Low 

barges transport cotton, grain and 

other agricultural products from 

the heartland. And revitalised 

riverfronts along the Mississippi 


No other waterway 

has played such an 

important role in 

the country’s history, 

commerce and 

culture, which makes 

it the perfect setting 

for a collection of 

exciting new Viking 

itineraries which will be launching in 2022. 

Growing up in Norway, Torstein Hagen – 

the young boy who would one day become 

Viking Chairman – was inspired by Tom Sawyer 

and Huckleberry Finn’s adventures along the 

Mississippi River. And as a result, the area 

continued to interest him later in life. 

“When I was older and moved to America 

during my undergraduate studies, I became 

fascinated with the Upper Mississippi and 

the Midwest, a region so many Norwegian 

immigrants chose as their new home,” says 

Mr. Hagen. So it is fitting that Viking guests 

will now be able to explore the region. 

“These itineraries will offer a different kind of 

cross-country journey for the curious explorer – 

one that allows you to be immersed in American 

history and culture,” adds Mr. Hagen. 

From 2022, guests will be able to explore the 

Lower Mississippi by joining the 8-day Heart of 

the Delta trip, from New Orleans to Memphis, 

or the 8-day Southern Celebration roundtrip 

from New Orleans. The Upper Mississippi will 

be served by the America’s Heartland itinerary, 

an 8-day journey from St. Louis to St. Paul. 

And for travellers keen to explore the length 

of the waterway in its entirety, the epic 15-day 

America’s Great River covers the Mississippi 

from Minnesota to Louisiana. 

In addition to this, a new ship, Viking 

Mississippi, inspired by the award-winning Viking 

Longships and ocean vessels, will be built in the 

United States. Purpose-built for the Mississippi, it 

will feature sleek Scandinavian design, spacious 

staterooms, al fresco dining areas and extensive 

viewing areas, and will cater for 386 guests as 

they explore this endlessly-intriguing waterway. 



TRAVEL 


far left: A wide 

stretch of the 

Mississippi River 

in Louisiana; 

colourful trolleys 

are a fun way to 

get around in 

New Orleans 

MISSISSIPPI CITIES 

Discover these picturesque destinations that have flourished and 

evolved on the banks of the mighty river 

provide new opportunities for 

tourism and commercial activities. 

This mighty river, with its 

unique history, heritage and 

culture, offers the ideal backdrop 

for a modern era of American 

exploration and discovery. Viking’s 

state-of-the-art new vessel, Viking 

Mississippi, has been designed 

specifically for this waterway and 

is the perfect home-from-home. 

BIODIVERSITY 

As one of the world’s major river 

systems in size, biological activity 

and habitat diversity, it is called 

the “Mighty Mississippi” for 

good reason. Bisecting America’s 

heartland, it serves as a natural 

border for 10 states and is home to 

360 species of fish, 326 species of 

birds, 145 species of amphibians 

and 50 species of mammals. 

With an abundance of 

migratory and year-round wildlife, 

ornithologists will love the range 

of birds to spot. The upper portion 

of the river is home to beavers and 

pelicans and the delta area features 

many endangered species such as 

the Louisiana black bear, the green 

sea turtle and piping plover, a small 

sand-coloured coastal bird. And 

secluded swamps are the perfect 

place to spot alligators. 

CULTURAL LEGACY 

The river’s cultural legacy has 

inspired artists and writers such as 

Maya Angelou, Tennessee Williams 

and Mark Twain, whose depictions 

of the Mississippi are a constant 

companion to his iconic hero, 

Huckleberry Finn. 

In his memoir about life as a 

steamboat pilot on the Mississippi 

River before the American Civil 

War, Twain observed, ‘it is not a 

commonplace river, but on the 

contrary is in all ways remarkable’. 

The concept of the river as a 

symbol of freedom and liberty has 

continued and is a theme running 

through many novels and historical 

non-fiction books today. 

Unique culinary traditions are 

also bountiful, from barbecue in 

St. Louis and Memphis, to Cajun 

and Creole in New Orleans. There 

are food options to delight every 

palate, and the welcoming fare is at 

the core of Mississippi culture and 

heritage. The community nature 

of the cuisine is evident in the 

number of heirloom recipes and 

family-run restaurants. 

And the river’s impact on 

American music styles – including 

Delta blues, jazz, gospel, country, 

folk and rock and roll – can be felt 

deep in the soul of the music which 

continues to evolve and delight. 

From 2022, Viking will operate a 

range of 8-day Mississippi river 

journeys. 

PHOTOS: © ISTOCK/ALAMY 

BATON ROUGE 

Capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge 

paints a historic picture on the 

Mississippi’s eastern bank. Its 

remarkable cultural diversity is 

displayed in Cajun and Creole 

music, cuisine and arts. 

BURLINGTON 

Burlington grew into an economic 

powerhouse with the arrival of 

steamboats and the railroad. 

Today, it is home to numerous 

historic buildings including the 

art deco Capitol Theatre. 

DARROW 

The Lower Mississippi region is 

dotted with historic mansions, 

and Darrow is your gateway to 

these National Historic Landmarks 

renowned for their noted 

architecture and landscaping. 

DUBUQUE 

Dubuque is often called the 

“Masterpiece on the Mississippi” 

for its 19th-century ingenuity and 

modern-day cultural evolution. 

HANNIBAL 

Hannibal is the birthplace and 

childhood home of Samuel 

Langhorne Clemens, or Mark 

Twain, and the inspiration for his 

beloved stories of Tom Sawyer 

and Huckleberry Finn. 

LA CROSSE 

La Crosse enjoys a deep connection 

to the towering bluffs and rolling 

farmland of its Norskedalen, 

where a Norwegian immigrant 

population carved out a unique 

culture over generations. 

MEMPHIS 

Memphis is the celebrated 

birthplace of Memphis blues, a 

centre of civil rights history and 

home to Elvis Presley’s Graceland. 

NATCHEZ 

Natchez is home to one of the 

highest concentrations of historic 

Southern estates in the world; 

more than 200 perfectly preserved 

homes line its broad avenues. 

NEW ORLEANS 

Birthplace of American jazz, historic 

New Orleans exudes a festive 

atmosphere, especially in the French 

Quarter. The city’s French, African 

and other influences flavour its 

vibrant culture and Creole cuisine. 

QUAD CITIES 

Straddling the confluence of 

the Mississippi and Rock Rivers, 

the Quad Cities area rests amid 

“America’s Breadbasket” – the 

nation’s most expansive and 

scenic agricultural region. 

RED WING 

Red Wing, known for its 

American-made shoes and 

pottery, has a history of farming 

skills and craftsmanship brought 

by its New England, German, Irish 

and Scandinavian immigrants. 

ST. FRANCISVILLE 

Originally built on a narrow ridge 

overlooking the Mississippi, today 

St. Francisville boasts more than 

140 buildings on the National 

Register of Historic Places. 

ST. LOUIS 

Crossroads for 19th-century 

explorers, St. Louis is home to rich 

architectural treasures including 

the iconic Gateway Arch. 

ST. PAUL 

A base for westward settlers 

heading to the Dakotas, St. Paul 

is now a modern metropolis and 

the capital of Minnesota. 

VICKSBURG 

Vicksburg National Military Park 

commemorates the historic site of 

the Civil War’s most pivotal battle. 

The small town is the epitome of 

Southern heritage and charm. 


top left: Neon 

lights in the 

French Quarter 

of New Orleans; 

Jambalaya is a 

culinary highlight; 

the iconic Gateway 

Arch stands out 

in the St. Louis 

skyline 



ITINERARY 

MISSISSIPPI moments 

History and culture unfold as you cross the USA from 

north to south on this enriching river voyage 

Above: The 

downtown skyline 

of Minneapolis 

DAY 1 / ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 

Arrive in St. Paul and transfer to your ship before 

exploring the city and its acclaimed arts scene. 

DAY 2 / RED WING, MINNESOTA 

Enjoy the scenic landscape of the Mississippi as you sail 

to Red Wing, the city named after a celebrated Sioux 

chief whose red-dyed swan wing indicated his rank. 

DAY 3 / LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN 

Explore La Crosse with its architectural landmarks and 

statue-lined riverfront or opt for a trip to rural Decorah. 

DAY 9 / LOWER MISSISSIPPI 

Cruising the serpentine route of the Lower Mississippi, 

witness an astonishing array of picturesque scenery. 

DAY 10 / MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE 

The ‘Queen City of the South’ is the birthplace of 

Memphis blues. Discover the music, cuisine and buzz 

of Beale Street and a tour of Elvis Presley’s Graceland. 

DAY 11 / LOWER MISSISSIPPI 

Enjoy another full day of scenic cruising; it’s the chance 

to participate in a cooking demo or attend a lecture. 


DAY 4 / DUBUQUE, IOWA 

Dubbed the ‘Masterpiece on the Mississippi’, this city 

immediately conjures up the great Steamboat Era. 

DAY 5 / QUAD CITIES, IOWA 

Straddling the Mississippi and Rock Rivers, the Quad 

Cities area sits amid ‘America’s Breadbasket’. 

DAY 6 / BURLINGTON, IOWA 

A Burlington tour reveals the city’s historic downtown 

and Snake Alley – ‘the crookedest street in the world’. 

DAY 7 / HANNIBAL, MISSOURI 

This community is best known as the birthplace of 

author Mark Twain and the setting of his Adventures of 

Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn books. 

DAY 8 / ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 

Immerse yourself in the ‘Gateway to the West’ with 

its diverse array of architectural treasures. 

DAY 12 / VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI 

Feel the Southern tradition that flows through 

Vicksburg’s veins as you uncover its rich Civil War 

history and Southern heritage and charm. 

DAY 13 / NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI 

Natchez boasts an array of historic Southern mansions 

and is the perfect place to enjoy small-town America. 

DAY 14 / BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 

Arrive in Baton Rouge, set on the eastern bank of the 

Mississippi River, and take a panoramic city tour. 

DAY 15 / NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for 

your return flight. 

A 15-day 2023 America’s Great River journey, 

from St. Paul to New Orleans, or in reverse, 

starts from £9,590pp. 

14 VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK | SUMMER 2020

2022 

DATES ARE 

NOW ON SALE 

2022 Viking river cruises now on sale. 

Eight days from £1,495pp 

With the world’s largest fleet of innovative river ships – including our multi-awardwinning 

Viking Longships – only Viking can promise you more. More comfort, more 

quality, more style and more choice of cruises across Europe, Russia and Asia. Relax in 

spacious, contemporary surroundings. Indulge in fabulous, destination-inspired food 

and thoughtfully selected wines. Explore the cultures and customs of the places you 

visit on expertly led tours. And discover a unique and exciting new view of the world. 

GREAT VIKING VALUE – SO MUCH INCLUDED 

P Return scheduled flights from London 

and a choice of up to 14 regional airports 

at no extra cost 

P River-view stateroom 

P All meals on board including wine, beer 

and soft drinks with lunch and dinner 

P Free Wi-Fi on board (connection speed 

may vary) 

P An included excursion in almost 

every port 

P Free tea, coffee and snacks any time 

on board 

P All port charges, government taxes 

and overseas transfers 

P Onboard gratuities 

2022 RIVER CRUISES 

Portugal’s River of Gold 

10 days, 8 guided tours 

Departing March to November 2022 

From £2,195pp 

Lyon & Provence 




Rhine Getaway 


Departing March to December 2022 


Grand European Tour 


Departing April to November 2022 


Romantic Danube 


Departing April to December 2022 


Passage to Eastern Europe 




Châteaux, Rivers & Wine 




Elegant Elbe 




Paris & the Heart of Normandy 


Departing May to December 2022 


Kiev, Black Sea & Bucharest 


Departing May to October 2022 


Waterways of the Tsars 


Departing May to October 2022 


Pharoahs & Pyramids 


Departing January to December 2022 


Call now on 020 8780 7900 or visit vikingcruises.co.uk 

Prices correct at time of going to print but are subject to availability and change. From prices are per person 

and based on two people sharing the lowest grade stateroom available, departing on selected dates 

in 2022. Single supplements apply. Please note on selected cruises a visa may be required and is at 

the passengers own expense. Gratuities included on board ship only. For more information please visit 

vikingcruises.co.uk/terms-conditions or call us. 

VC_EM_River_Multi_v2.indd 1 18/05/2020 14:45:56

Floppy hat 

Accessorize, 

£22.50 

Tote bag 

Accessorize, 

£29 

Patterned kaftan tunic 

Accessorize, £40 

Drop earrings 

Oliver Bonas, £29.50 

Hoop earrings 

Oliver Bonas, £24 

FASHION 

and for men... 

Nautical blues work well 

both at home and on holiday 

Knitted polo shirt 

Marks & Spencer, £35 

Denim shirt dress 

(from a selection 

at Bonprix) 

For women... 

Build a capsule wardrobe with a 

combination of neutrals and prints 

Messenger bag 

Burton, £40 

Saddle bag 

Marks & Spencer, 

£69 

Shirt dress 

Monsoon, £60 

Casual 

Chic 

Invest in simple pieces that transition 

from one season to the next 

Knitted top 

Oliver Bonas, £49.50 

Shirt dress 


Linen shorts 


Printed shirt 

FatFace, £45 

Panama hat 


Chinos and t-shirt 

(from a selection at FatFace) 

Summer jacket 

White Stuff, £65 

Embellished 

straw bag 

Accessorize, £40 

Braided belt 

Dune, £22 

Denim culottes 

White Stuff, £55 

Deck shoes 

Dune, £85 

Relaxed blouse 

Hobbs, £110 

Comfy trainers 


Woven flats 

Dune, £85 

Casual trousers 

Monsoon, £45 

Shirt & holdall 

(from a selection 

at Barbour)

WILDLIFE 

GALÁPAGOS 

GIANT TORTOISE 

The Galápagos Giant 

Tortoise is a famous 

resident of the 

archipelago, with the 

name ‘Galápagos’ actually derived 

from the old Spanish word for 

tortoise. Arriving from South 

America around 2-3 million years 

ago, they morphed out into 15 

different species. The conservation 

status of the giant tortoise is 

endangered, particularly after 

the death of Lonesome George 

in 2012, the last Pinta tortoise, 

and now 10 live on the island. 

The tortoise can be divided into 

two main shell types, (domed and 

saddle-backed), and both spend a 

laidback life of around 16 hours a 

day resting, and eating grass, fruit 

and cactus pads. 

BIG 15 

GALÁPAGOS WILDLIFE 

Our pick of the Big 15 creatures to spot whilst on a 

voyage with Viking around the Galápagos Islands 

THE GALÁPAGOS 

ALBATROSS 

The Galápagos albatross is the 

largest bird in Galápagos with 

a spectacular wingspan of up to 

two and a half metres. Known 

for a brilliant yellow and almost 

comedic bill that appears too 

large for their bodies, beady eyes 

and a white breast, they are also 

nicknamed ‘the waved albatross’ 

due to the wave-like pattern on 

their wings. Living high above the 

open waters of the surrounding 

ocean, the birds are fabulous 

gliders, but migrate around 

Colombia, Peru and Galápagos 

during the non-breeding and 

chick-rearing periods. Look out for 

their fascinating courtship dance. 

BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY 

Named for their distinctive blue webbed feet and 

coming from the Spanish word, ‘bobo’, meaning 

foolish, the blue footed booby is a much-loved marine 

bird native to subtropical regions of the eastern Pacific 

Ocean. During mating rituals, the male birds shows 

off their feet to potential mates with a high-step strut. 

The bluer the feet, the more attractive the mate! The 

booby also begins by presenting the female with a small 

stone. It is clear why the loveable bird fascinated Darwin 

during his 1835 Galápagos trip, with their loveable 

clumsiness on land and their agile swooping in the air. 

Research suggests that they have suffered large declines 

in recent years, with an estimated population of just 

6,400 birds in 2012. It is thought that this decline is 

related to a decline in clupeid fish, especially sardines, 

which the boobies need in large quantities. 


18 VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK | SUMMER 2020 SUMMER 2020 | VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK 19

WILDLIFE 

RED-FOOTED BOOBY 

Distinguished by its bluey-purple 

rainbow-like beak and bright red 

feet, the red-footed booby is the 

smallest of the boobies. This seabird 

doesn’t migrate like its siblings, and 

lives year-round in tropical regions, 

but has an impressive ability to fly, 

travelling up to 90 miles in search of 

food. They hunt together, and have 

evolved to be able to snare flying fish 

from the air, or cleverly wrap their 

long wings around their bodies, 

enabling them to plunge into the 

water to hunt in search of fish. 

GALÁPAGOS FUR SEAL 

Noted for its long, humorous whiskers and slicked-back 

silvery fur, the Galápagos seal spends an idle life resting in 

the shade on the coastline, saving its reserves for hunting 

at night. Not to be mistaken for a Galápagos sea lion, 

they are far smaller with protruding eyes that make them 

excellent hunters – they are still able to keep a watchful 

eye out for sharks while seeking out their prey. They also 

avoid diving for food when a full moon is out, as they are 

more visible to sharks and their prey tends to move into 

deeper waters during this period of the lunar cycle. 

6FLIGHTLESS 

CORMORANT 

This fascinating species of 

seabird is one to look out for 

and is of particular interest to 

visitors to the Galápagos Islands 

because of its curious inability 

to fly. This means the species stays in the region 

year-round, occasionally diving to the ocean 

floor to hunt for food. According to scientific 

research, the bird has genetic anomalies which 

are also common among humans with rarer 

skeletal problems, meaning a gene mutation 

has left their short wings totally redundant, 

apart from helping them balance when hopping 

between rocks on the shoreline. Look out for 

flightless cormorant’s circular courtship dance. 


LAND IGUANA 

Lizards are often spotted on Galápagos, 

but this large lizard in particular thrives on 

the arid and dry areas of the islands. This type 

of lizard is characterised by the yellow white 

hue of its skin, with patches of black and brown. 

They have powerful legs and claws and look slightly 

intimidating as they scuttle along the shoreline, but 

they are mostly herbivore, enjoying prickly pear and fruit 

over other food. The population has undergone a drastic 

decline over recent years, but finches help them along the 

way, picking ticks from between their scales. Females travel far 

and wide to find the ideal nesting place to bury their eggs. 

AMERICAN 

FLAMINGO 

Standing out from the crowd, the 

American Flamingo is well known 

for its fluorescent pink feathers 

and long neck. Galápagos is home 

to a few hundred of this particular 

species, breeding in the archipelago 

and across the Caribbean, although 

the Galápagos version is significantly 

smaller than its Caribbean cousins, 

with smaller eggs. The bird is loved 

for its dramatic pink plumage and 

has inky black-tipped wings only 

visible in light. The colouring is down 

to their diet, and all flamingos have 

evolved an impressive way of feeding, 

shuffling their feet to disturb the 

ground before picking up their food 

with heads upside down in the water. 

In Galápagos, American flamingos can 

be found in lagoons close to beaches, 

but are difficult to spot. Look out for 

them from March to July when they 

nest and when they begin foraging. 

NAZCA BOOBY 

Another member of the booby 

family, the Nazca booby differs 

in appearance from its famous 

blue-footed sibling, with long 

yellow or orange beaks and a 

slightly larger size. You can spot 

the Nazca booby high above the 

ocean, where they hover from 

heights of up to 30 metres before 

spectacularly plunge-diving into 

the waters off the coast to catch 

their prey. Their diets are mostly 

made up of small fish, but they 

also have an appetite for flying 

fish, squid and anchovies. 



WILDLIFE 

10 

GALÁPAGOS 

PENGUIN 

This particular type of 

penguin is the most 

northerly found penguin 

and one of the smallest 

in the world. Located 

only on the Galápagos 

Islands, they are best spotted living right up on the 

northern tip of Isabela Island and make their homes 

by burrowing in the caves and crevices in the coastal 

lava. They are particularly agile underwater and 

have an impressive swimming capacity, reaching 

speeds of 35 km per hour when hunting for 

cold-water schooling fish to eat. Galápagos 

penguins are a loyal breed and mate for life, 

with the female laying between one and two 

eggs which hatch into dark brown chicks. 

SANTA FE 

LAND IGUANA 

Endemic to Sante Fe Island in 

Galápagos, this is a rarer subspecies 

of the land iguana. Unlike the other 

land iguanas roaming the rest of the 

Galápagos, this particular iguana is a 

paler yellow with a longer snout. Its 

more obscure colouring allows the 

Santa Fe land iguana to blend in with 

its surroundings, making it a hard target 

for predators, and for tourists, to spot. 

As a cold-blooded creature, it absorbs 

heat from the sunshine and at night 

carves burrows to capture the heat. 

A critically endangered animal, your 

best chance to see them in the wild is 

from the island of Espanola between 

April to June when eggs are laid. 

MARINE IGUANA 

15 

This curious creature is the only lizard in the world to be able to live and forage 

for prey at sea thanks to their powerful claws that grip onto rocks. Endemic to 

the region, there are six variations of this particular species that can be found 

dotted across different Galápagos Islands, some larger than others and some with 

different mating rituals, where they turn different colours, from reds and bright 

greens to red and black. In the mornings they can be found enjoying the 

GREAT AND MAGNIFICENT 

sunshine and absorbing the sun’s rays to give them energy for their long swims. 

FRIGATE BIRD 

The mating season spans from January to March. 

GALÁPAGOS HAWK 

An excellent predator and hunter, the 

Galápagos hawk is closely related to the 

red-backed and white-tailed hawks. One 

of the world’s rarest raptors, they have a 

vulnerable conservation status but are an 

impressive spot if you manage to catch 

one, with an adult having a wingspan of 

120cm. Adults can be recognised by their 

dark feathers, chicks by their pale plumage, 

and the females are larger than their male 

counterparts. Famed as scavengers across 

the island, they feed off carcasses using their 

strong beaks for pecking. 


GALÁPAGOS 

SEA LION 

A common sight on the Galápagos 

Islands, the Galápagos sea lion is 

widespread along the coast. Often found lazing on 

the shoreline, swimming just off the coast, and, 

thanks to their pelvic girdle, they can be spotted 

exhibiting their charismatic gallop at a surprisingly 

fast speed. They primarily breed in Galápagos and 

so it is from here that you can witness their sexual 

dimorphism first-hand. Males weigh a dramatic fourtimes 

that of females and use this size advantage to 

maintain territorial dominance, mating with various 

females by keeping hold of land. The mating season 

happens between July and December. 

Dubbed ‘the condor of the oceans’ 

by Charles Darwin because of their 

impressive ability to spend days at 

a time out at sea, and with their 

dramatic wingspan, this seabird 

certainly lives up to its name. 

It’s the shape of this curious bird 

that gives them exceptional aerial 

manoeuvrability and allows them 

to glide. They are also nick-named 

‘pirate birds’ because of their habit 

of stealing food from other birds 

including the beloved boobies and 

forcing them to regurgitate their 

food by shaking their tail feathers 

vigorously. The bird’s main aesthetic 

attribute is its large red throat pouch 

which inflates during breeding season 

with the hope of attracting a mate. 



Explore the Great Lakes and Canada, 

on expedition ships designed for discovery 

The Great Lakes are an undiscovered treasure, boasting stunning national parks, 

in a region that is rich in culture and history. 

Here, you can experience a deep connection to nature in a genuinely remote wilderness. 

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and beautiful lakeshores. Visit the majestic Niagara Falls, all accompanied by expert guides. 

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team to lead you on engaging shore landings and esteemed scientific partnerships to deliver 

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The expedition ship perfected, Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis are home to just 378 guests 

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VC_Oceans_Lakes_Jan2020_A4_v6.indd 1 18/05/2020 15:43:43

ITINERARY 

Andean adventure 

Uncover the mysteries of South America’s most captivating 

destinations on this immersive cruise-and-stay adventure 

Above: Tick 

Machu Picchu off 

your bucket list on 

a Viking voyage 

DAY 1 & 2 / LIMA, PERU 

Arrive in Lima and settle into your hotel. The following 

day, discover the capital’s colonial centre, the Baroque 

Lima Cathedral and the Palace of the Archbishop. 

DAY 3 & 4 / SACRED VALLEY, PERU 

Fly into the Sacred Valley and immerse yourself in local 

life. On day four hike to the ruins at Ollantaytambo, see 

Moray’s crop circle and admire the salt pans at Maras. 

DAY 5 / MACHU PICCHU, PERU 

An exciting rail journey through the Andean hills awaits 

today. Alight in Aguas Calientes and continue on to 

Machu Picchu, the iconic lost city of the Incas. 

DAY 6 / MACHU PICCHU & CUZCO, PERU 

Explore more of Machu Picchu on a hike or take a tour 

of a nearby tea plantation. In the afternoon, transfer 

via train to Cuzco, the historic capital of the Inca. 

DAY 10 / SAN CRISTÓBAL ISLAND, 

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS 

Visit the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Breeding Center, then 

cruise to Punta Pitt to see blue-footed boobies. 

DAY 11 / SANTA FE ISLAND & SOUTH 

PLAZA ISLAND, GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS 

Seek out the primeval-looking Santa Fe land iguana 

before cruising to South Plaza Island in the afternoon. 

DAY 12 / SANTA CRUZ ISLAND, 


A fascinating trip to the Charles Darwin Research 

Station is followed by lunch at a local farm. 

DAY 13 / ESPAÑOLA ISLAND, 


Keep an eye out today for Española mockingbirds, lava 

lizards, Darwin’s three finches and marine iguanas. 


DAY 7 / CUZCO, PERU 

Visit wonderful sites like Cuzco Cathedral, the Temple 

of Koricancha and the fortress of Sacsayhuamán. 

DAY 8 / GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR 

Catch a flight to Guayaquil, the gateway to the 

Galápagos Islands and a vibrant riverside city. 

DAY 9 / BALTRA & MOSQUERA ISLET, 


Embark the 90-guest ship Santa Cruz II and cruise to 

Mosquera Islet for a chance to spot sea lions. 

DAY 14 / EDEN ISLET & NORTH 

SEYMOUR ISLAND, GALÁPAGOS 

ISLANDS 

Kayak or snorkel around the marine-rich coast of Eden 

Islet. More wildlife awaits on North Seymour Island. 

DAY 15 / BALTRA, GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS 

& QUITO, ECUADOR 

Disembark in Baltra before flying home from Quito. 

The 15-day 2021 & 2022 East Galápagos, Machu 

Picchu & Peru voyage starts from £8,790pp. 


TRAVEL 

This page, from 

left to right: Key 

West in Florida; 

Cuban influences 

are everywhere in 

the Florida Keys 

archipelago 

Caribbean 

cool 

Travel writer and river cruising fan 

Gabrielle Sander reports back from 

her first ocean adventure 


It is a year since I took my 

first cruise; an eight-day trip 

along the Rhine, from Basel to 

Amsterdam, on board Viking 

Eir. It’s one I’ve waxed lyrical about 

to many since, as well as in this very 

magazine. Aside from introducing 

me to a generous and picturesque 

portion of Western Europe, 

it opened my eyes to a way of 

travelling I’d previously filed under 

‘things to do when I retire’. 

I fell in love with the ease of 

sailing from one port to the next; a 

new town, city or country each day. 

Such a romantic, easy way to travel. 

Country-hopping without having 

to hire a car, board planes, or lug a 

suitcase onto different trains. 

It helped that my vessel was sleek 

and smooth-sailing (sometimes I’d 

look out the window just to see if 

we were actually moving); quiet, 

with only 190 passengers, and lowlevel, 

so we could cruise close to 

land and dock moments from the 

sightseeing action. It also helped 

that everything was on point, from 

the initial welcome to the smooth 

operation of the excursions, and 

sweet touches such as the plump 

strawberries left in our stateroom 

one morning. Just like that, my 

love of cruising was sparked. 

So, when it came to joining 

my first Viking ocean cruise – 

Turquoise Caribbean Seas, starting 

and finishing in Miami – I was 

excited, but also unsure whether 

I’d enjoy it as much: how would 

the cosy nature of the ship work 

on a larger scale, and would the 

personable nature of the river cruise 

translate to an ocean cruise? 

Well, that hesitation passed 

within five minutes of boarding 

Viking Sky. The welcome, 

the sunny spaces and cool 



TRAVEL 

FIVE TIPS 

FOR VIKING 

OCEAN 

CRUISERS 

Download the Viking 

Voyager app. Not only 

is it an easy way to 

keep track of activities 

and excursions, but 

you can use your 

headphones to follow 

the Viking Art Guide, 

a self-guided tour of 

the artwork on board. 

An apple a day 

keeps the doctor 

away, as the adage 

goes. Green apples 

are also packed 

with vitamins, 

antioxidants and 

fibre. You’ll find 

bowls of them at 

Guest Services. 

Clockwise from 

above: Lamanai 

Mayan Ruins in 

Belize; dine al 

fresco as the 

sun sets; the 

impressive Fort 

Jefferson in 

Florida; afternoon 

tea served in the 

Wintergarden 

Scandinavian décor – it was all 

comfortingly familiar, but bigger 

and beautifully finished. Rather 

than taking a couple of days to 

unwind into my temporary home, 

as is often the case when I travel, 

I relaxed immediately. It is of 

course a much larger vessel than 

the Viking Longship on which 

I traversed the Rhine, and at 

full 930-guest capacity, is home 

to considerably more people. 

However, with plenty of indoor 

and outdoor nooks to lounge in, it 

never felt busy, except the queue for 

the ice-cream at lunchtime, which 

is a given. It is very good ice-cream! 

The Explorers’ Lounge featured 

drawers of curiosities to pull open 

and peruse and the Atrium, with 

hundreds of books lining the 

shelves, offered up the novel I’ve 

been meaning to read for ages, 

travel tales and foodie tomes to 

thumb through. Like the river 

cruise, the library is curated to suit 

the audience and destinations. 

I sampled the various places to 

eat and drink, all free from the set 

time slots and group tables that are 

experienced on other ocean cruises. 

That I could rock up at Italian 

restaurant Manfredi’s at 7.30pm, 

book in hand, and enjoy a plate 

of their freshly-rolled gnocchi al 

gorgonzola at a table for one if I so 

pleased, was bliss. That there was 

also ample opportunity to chat 

to fellow guests, say, in the buzzy 

Wintergarden during afternoon tea, 

was equally lovely. As solitary or 

sociable as you want it. 

I continued my ship recce, 

checking out the LivNordic Spa, 

which looked straight out of the 

pages of a wellness magazine, 

and includes a Snow Grotto that 

dumps fresh powder daily to 

melt onto your limbs before 

and after the sauna (a great 

circulation-booster). There was 

also a sea-facing, floor-to-ceiling 

windowed gym, an outdoor 

infinity pool and hot tub at the 

back of the ship, without the rowdy 

pool bar, that would usually put me 

off. The cinema, where the smell 

of popcorn wafts beckoningly 

around movie start time, offers 

the latest blockbusters. 

Getting acquainted with the ship 

on that inaugural walk around, my 

first thought was, ‘wow, this place 

is amazing – like a floating 5-star 

hotel’; my second: ‘how am I going 

to find time to enjoy it all?’ 

PHOTOS: © VIKING; ISTOCK 

It’s almost as if the Viking gods 

heard this and summoned an extra 

sea day. That first afternoon, not 

long after boarding in Miami, 

the captain announced that our 

planned port stop, Key West, 

scheduled for the next morning, 

had been cancelled. The seas were 

too rough for us to dock safely, 

so we were heading straight to 

planned port two, Belize, with 

two days at sea in between. 

The conch train tour of 

Key West and visit to Ernest 

Hemingway’s former home, 

with its polydactyl cats, would have 

to wait. It was an unfortunate yet 

understandable blip, but it 

did mean more time to enjoy 

the sleek Scandi playground, the 

sunshine on deck, coffee and cake 

at Mamsen’s, or the superb display 

of original art, including a 

large collection of Edvard Munch. 

I enjoyed a Nordic Hair Ritual, 

a blissful 80 minutes involving 

exquisitely-scented Swedish 

products featuring cloudberries 

and blueberries. 

Those sea days passed in 

a blissfully laid-back bubble 

starting with sunrise laps along 

the promenade and ending with 

sundowners and early dinners. 

Then, with a burst of colour 

came our arrival into Belize. The 

itinerary was back on track, with 

Cozumel, Merida and the Gulf of 

Mexico, providing the views and 

entertainment over the final days. 

As for the missed stop, we were 

thrilled when our captain made a 

surprise call into Key West on the 

loop back to Miami. 

Hidden behind 

bright orange 

doors at Manfredi’s 

is a private dining 

room. Anyone can 

book and have 

dinner in there, 

at no additional 

charge. Perfect for 

special occassions. 

Don’t miss our sushi 

and seafood bar 

in the World Café. 

You can pick from 

a variety of freshly 

prepared sushi and 

crab. Plus, an Asian 

wok station adds 

to the international 

flavours on offer. 

The enrichment 

talks with visiting 

historians and 

other experts are 

usually in the 

afternoon. But 

you can catch-up 

later, at a time that 

suits you, via your 

stateroom TV. 



TRAVEL 

Miami 

Self-proclaimed cruise capital of the world, 

travellers flock to Miami to soak up the sunshine, 

art deco architecture and Latin American 

influenced culture 

Since the 1950s, when 

wealthy Cubans escaped 

Fidel Castro’s revolution, 

Miami has been a beacon 

for Hispanic people, 

earning its nickname the ‘Capital 

of Latin America’. A tour of Little 

Havana is a must and will help 

you find the highlights, such as the 

Cubaocho Museum & Performing 

Arts Center – a gallery and bar 

dedicated to the history of Cuba. 

Next up head to the Wynwood 

neighbourhood to see the incredible 

street art on the famous Wynwood 

Walls. In the evening visit the 

Bayside Marketplace for views of 

the city’s iconic skyline and port. 

At Miami Beach, cycle along 

the renowned Ocean Drive taking 

in art deco hotels and apartments, 

or join a walking tour of the art 

deco district around South Beach. 

Relax on the beautiful white sands 

or amble along the Miami Beach 

Boardwalk to appreciate the ocean 

view away from the buzz of traffic. 

Historic, Spanish-inspired Espanola 

Way, a pedestrianised street 

thronging with the Miami vibe, is a 

lively place to visit in the evening. 

Don’t miss 

•Built in 1916, Vizcaya Museum 

and Gardens is a mansion built 

in the Italian Renaissance style. 

Wander in the formal gardens and 

fountains, and enjoy the original 

artwork and furnishings inside. 

•Stroll out to the tip of South 

Pointe Park Pier for fabulous views 

of Downtown Miami’s skyline and 

the gleaming South Beach. Go in 

the late afternoon and linger for the 

sunset before heading to Collins 

Avenue for drinks and to experience 

that famous Miami nightlife. 

•Miami has the third tallest 

skyline in the US, so why not jump 

on board the free Metromover 

monorail for a tour through 

the impressive skyscrapers of 

Downtown. South of here is the 

pretty and popular Bayfront Park. 

•The Art Basel fair hosts a huge 

range of modern and contemporary 

art across the city every September, 

but works from the likes of Andy 

Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, 

Cindy Sherman, Jeff Koons and 

Damien Hirst at the impressive 

Rubell Family Collection can be 

enjoyed year round. 

•Lincoln Road is a must-visit 

for travellers into shopping and 

culture. Architect Morris Lapidus 

redesigned the street in the 1960s 

giving it a unique style. Now a 

pedestrian hub, it bustles with 

people enjoying the sculptures, 

fountains, theatres and art galleries. 


above: Miami’s 

South Beach has 

over 800 art deco 

buildings; one of 

the city’s iconic 

lifeguard huts 

Fast Facts 

•Miami was an obscure swampland 

before visionary Julia Tuttle 

inherited land in the southern 

Florida backwater and took up 

residence here in 1891. Through 

her contacts she was responsible for 

the arrival of the railroad. 

•Miami gets its name from the 

Mayaimi tribe who lived here in the 

16th and 17th centuries. 

•Miami has the second largest 

number of Spanish speakers in 

the US, and 70% of inhabitants 

are of Hispanic origin. 

•Locals enjoy cafecito (Cuban 

coffee) served from walk-up 

ventanitas windows. Try one 

yourself for a strong, sweet hit. 

•Man-made Neptune Memorial 

Reef, near Biscayne Bay, is an 

artistic replica of the Lost City of 

Atlantis. You can even go diving. 

•Look out for one of the many 

annual street festivals and parades. 


Insider Tips 

INNOVATIVE ART 

Head north to the often 

overlooked Museum of 

Art and Design housed in 

the Freedom Tower, a 1925 

masterpiece built in the 

Mediterranean revival 

style and arguably a work 

of art itself. 

EASY AS PIE 

No trip to Florida is 

complete without trying 

some Key Lime Pie. For a 

slice of the best, head to 

Joe’s Stone Crab which, 

trading in the city since 

1913, is now something of 

a Miami institution. 

SHIP AHOY 

From Miami Beach to South 

Miami, there are plenty 

of local area marinas to 

visit. Each one has its own 

identity, and many offer 

waterside restaurants, 

perfect for watching the 

world go by. 

TIME TRAVEL 

Miami’s splendid Ancient 

Spanish Monastery recalls 

the city’s past as a Spanish 

territory. It was built in 

Spain in the 12th century, 

disassembled and brought 

to Miami by newspaper mogul 

William Randolph Hearst. 



CULTURE 

VIKING 

JEWELLERY 

An intricate cultural history 

In celebration of our Norwegian heritage, we take a closer look at 

the traditional skills and artistry shown in these intricate designs 


Clockwise, 

from left: The 

earliest jewellery 

style is named 

after the famous 

Oseberg ship; an 

ornamental silver 

brooch, used here 

to fasten a cloak 

The Vikings were much 

more than legendary 

seafaring explorers. 

A closer look at their 

jewellery reveals a high level of 

artistic skill and a fascinating 

design vocabulary 

that evolved over 

the duration of the 

Viking Era, which 

historians agree is 

roughly the period 

from 789-1066 AD. 

The high volume of fine silver 

jewellery recovered from burial 

hordes across Europe suggests that 

silver coinage obtained through 

trade was melted down and used 

as adornments. Worn by men and 

women, these indicated social status 

and wealth, and may also have 

functioned as amulets. 

As the Viking Age progressed, 

the style of the designs changed. 

Historians generally classify Viking 

artefacts into six styles named 

after the area where a pivotal 

decorative object was unearthed. 

The majority of the artefacts are made of 

metal and stone, although rarer items made 

of bone and wood have been preserved 

Throughout the time period, design 

styles sometimes co-existed side 

by side or were even combined in 

a single piece and some artefacts 

demonstrate a melding of Viking 

designs with those of other cultures. 

The earliest recognisable 

style, dating to the 9th century, 

is known as Oseberg style and 

features sinuous animal forms 

and a gripping beast motif – a 

hallmark design element that 

appears well into the next century. 

The style’s name references the 

famous Oseberg ship, found in a 

large burial mound 

in Norway, which is 

currently on display 

at the Viking Ship 

Museum in Oslo. 

From the late 

9th century and 

continuing to the middle of the 

10th century, a new set of designs 

known as Borre style emerges. We 

continue to see the gripping beast, 

but the once-sinuous feel of the 

Oseberg creatures has shifted to 

triangular-headed animals with 

round eyes and protruding ears. 

Named for a set of bridle mounts 



CULTURE 

recovered from a ship burial site in 

Borre, Norway, this style appears 

to be purely Norse, and shows up 

in finds from countries including 

Iceland, Russia and England. 

Jelling style, from the 10th 

century, is named after the two 

massive carved runestones found 

in Jelling, Denmark. The carvings 

on these huge rocks feature stylistic 

S-shaped, intertwined animal forms 

with profiled heads and spiral hips 

as well as pigtails. 

The decorated stones were 

commissioned by two kings as 

memorials – King Gorm the Old 

honoured his wife, Thyra, and 

his son, Harald Bluetooth, raised 

the larger stone in memory of his 

parents, his conquest of Denmark 

and Norway, and his conversion 

of the Danes to Christianity. The 

patterns were much copied, and 

appeared on decorative items 

throughout this period. 

Developing out of the Jelling 

style, the Mammen style was 

prominent in the last half of 

the 10th century, and features 

naturalistic lions, birds, snakes and 

foliate elements. The style is named 

after an axe head found in a burial 

site in Mammen, in Denmark. 

The first half of the 11th century 

is represented by Ringerike style 

– an era in which standing stones 

were often carved featuring curvy, 

thin animals such as lion-like beasts 

with almond-shaped eyes and thin, 

long tendrils on plant motifs and 

leafy, floral patterns. 

Finally, from 1050 to the 12th 

century, Urnes style becomes 

regarded as the ultimate expression 

of Viking art. Named after the 

carvings that adorn the northern 

gate of the Urnes stave church in 

Norway, this style boasts sinous, 

interlaced and interwoven animals 

with long eyes, serpent-like 

creatures, and plants. 

The majority of artefacts related 

to these chronological phases of 

Scandinavian jewellery art are 

made of metal or stone, although 

some rarer items fashioned from 

bone, wood, ivory and even textiles, 

have also been preserved. Ongoing 

archaeological finds continue to 

add to our understanding of this 

fascinating evolution of style 

and craftsmanship. 


above: Bunads 

(national folk 

costumes) are 

adorned with 

traditional Viking 

jewellery; motifs 

and forms used for 

figureheads also 

appear in Viking 

jewellery 


SKANE HAMMER PENDANT 

10th century, Skane, Sweden 

This clean-lined, elegant pendant is an 

anthropomorphic Thor’s hammer. The 

powerful god of thunder, Thor was one of 

the primary characters in Norse mythology 

and his hammer form appears frequently 

throughout the Viking Age. 

VÅRBY BROOCH 

10th century, Vårby Hoard, Sweden 

This disc-shaped pin from one of Sweden’s 

most magnificent hoards is loaded with 

ornamentation, complete with faces and 

entwined knots. These brooches appear to 

be an eastern Scandinavian phenomenon, 

used to fasten women’s cloaks. 

BRISINGAMEN NECKLACE 

11-12th century, Gotland, Sweden 

Viking artisans played the smoothness 

of rock crystal spheres off against the 

knubby texture of tiny granulated dots to 

beautiful effect in this necklace. It shows 

the continued use of granulation – tiny 

little dots created by heating metal until it 

clings to itself forming a ball – which is a 

consistent technique in Viking jewellery. 

The evolution of 

VIKING STYLE 

These beautiful examples of jewellery dating to the Viking Age 

demonstrate the progression of techniques and design 

DRAGON HEAD PIN 

circa 900 AD, Birka, Sweden 

Dragon head pins have been found 

throughout the historic Viking world, and 

are similar to iconic carved Viking ship 

figureheads. A soapstone casting mold 

for a similar pin was found in Sweden, 

suggesting that they could be reproduced. 

BORRE TREFOIL 

9-10th century 

Borre-style jewellery features interlacing 

knots or animals, like this version’s 

“gripping beast”design. The style was 

named after a group of harness mounts 

recovered from a ship grave 

near Borre, Norway. 

ROSCREA BROOCH 

late 9th century, Tipperary, Ireland 

This pin demonstrates the melding of 

Irish and Viking influences. The use of 

quality silver (rare in Ireland, but accessible 

through trade to the Vikings) and amber 

from the Baltic are distinctly Viking, yet 

the gold filigree work, abstract patterns 

and Book of Kells-like animals are basic 

to the Irish visual vocabulary. 

HATTEBERG BROOCH 

9th century, Hatteberg, Norway 

The penannular form is a very old style of 

brooch worn by both men and women. 

This example demonstrates Celtic 

influence, but the pin is Nordic in origin, 

suggesting that Viking Age artisans were 

familiar with styles across the North Sea. 

LUNETTE PENDANT 

10-11th century, Gnezdovo, Russia 

This crescent pendant with elaborate 

granulation work, a woman’s adornment, 

is from one of the major Varangian 

centres in Kievan Rus territory along 

the trade route from Scandinavia 

to the Byzantium. 

URNES STYLE BROOCH 

circa 1100 AD, Tröllaskógur, Iceland 

This brooch epitomises late Urnes Style 

in its sinuous, interwoven loops. Depicting 

a group of stylised, entwined serpentlike 

creatures with elongated eyes, it 

demonstrates the sophisticated styling of 

the late Viking Age through its interplay 

of writhing forms counterpointed 

against the negative space. 


TRAVEL 

Bright 

lights 

Journalist Sarah Knapton is joined by her parents 

on an adventure to the Arctic Circle in a bid to 

witness the northern lights 

This page: 

The northern 

lights glow 

spectacularly 

over the Lofoten 

Islands in Norway

TRAVEL 

My fasther (John, 69) and I have been 

talking about a trip to the Arctic for 

the past decade, but my mother 

(Carole, 70) has dodgy knees so we 

did not think such a physically demanding expedition 

would be possible. 

However, when I learned that Viking was cruising 

up the coast of Norway looking for the northern lights 

it seemed an ideal solution, giving us all the chance 

to be as adventurous or relaxed as we felt like. 

Our 13-day journey would begin in Bergen, then 

cross the Arctic circle to Narvik before venturing 

further up to the world’s most northerly city, Alta. The 

return would see us pass through Tromsø, Bodø and 

Stavanger, before sailing home to Tilbury in London. 

On the first day, I spent a peaceful evening sipping 

bellinis in the beautiful Explorers’ Lounge, while 

my parents arrived on board later that evening to 

Yet even without the northern lights the scenery is 

spectacular. We left Bergen on a sunny afternoon after 

spending a relaxing morning listening to a piano recital 

at the home of Edvard Grieg, and our first chance to 

explore the sleepy snow-dusted Arctic wilderness came 

at Narvik, the little shipping port which saw the first 

victory against the Nazis in the Second World War. 

My dad and I chose to visit the nearby 110-acre 

Polar Park, home to lynx, wolverine, brown bears, 

musk ox, elk and, most excitingly, wolves. Wolves 

that can be petted. 

So on a bitterly cold January morning, we found 

ourselves kneeling in their enclosure, gloveless and 

hatless (wolves will pilfer anything that isn’t firmly 

attached to your body) awaiting the pack. 

Sadly the wolves seemed uninterested in hanging 

out with a semi-circle of shivering humans, but 

luckily the keeper had a trick up her sleeve. 

Opposite: Sarah 

Knapton’s holiday 

photos capture 

the essence of 

Norway in winter, 

from dramatic 

mountain scenery 

and fjords to 

majestic reindeers 

and multi-coloured 

wooden houses 

After bouncing along on a reindeer sleigh ride on a frozen river 

we were served a warming bowl of reindeer stew 

be greeted by welcoming glasses of champagne and 

reviving soup and cold-cuts in Mamsen’s, the ship’s 

cosy deli, named after the mother of Viking 

Chairman Torstein Hagen. 

In fact, the whole ship is designed with comfort in 

mind. The Scandinavian-inspired lounges, with their 

reindeer pelt-covered chairs, are perfect for hunkering 

down during the star-studded Arctic nights when 

temperatures plummet and a cold wind blows outside. 

All around are bookshelves stocked with exciting 

tales of Shackleton, Amundsen and Nansen. 

The Nordic theme continues in the excellent 

restaurants and even the Spa, where a steam room, 

sauna and Snow Grotto allow for the full Scandinavian 

bathing ritual of fire and ice. 

But it is the chance to see the elusive northern lights 

which is the big draw to this trip. 

Witnessing the phenomenon is by no means 

guaranteed. Conditions have to be just right, with 

the sun ejecting enough plasma towards a cloudless, 

moonless night on Earth for the lights to firstly form, 

and then be visible from below. 

The whole crew is permanently on aurora-watch, 

with even the bridge officers poised to announce 

sightings via the ship’s tannoy. 

Cupping her hands, she howled an eerie call into the 

wilderness. Within seconds the wolves had answered, 

baying in reply and hurrying over to let us warm our 

frozen fingers in their fur. 

The next port of call was Alta, which at nearly 

70 degrees north is the world’s most northerly city. 

It is known as “The City of Northern Lights”, a good 

sign, if any, that the aurora may show itself. 

This time my mother joined us as we took a 

nighttime excursion into the mountains, where the 

sky was pitch black, offering the best chance of a 

glimpse of the spectacle away from the lights of town. 

But although we had an enjoyable evening, 

lounging round birch wood fires, and sipping hot 

chocolate under a blanket of stars, the aurora 

remained absent. 

The following day we visited the Sámi, the 

indigenous people who still herd reindeers in the 

mountains and who believe the northern lights 

emanate from the souls of the dead. They traditionally 

refused to go outside when the aurora was in the sky. 

After bouncing along on a reindeer sleigh ride on a 

frozen river we were served a warming bowl of bidos, 

or reindeer stew, inside the Sámi communal tents, 

called lavvu, where we were entertained with 

PHOTOS: © ALAMY/ISTOCK/SARAH KNAPTON 



TRAVEL 

fascinating tales of life in the frozen north. 

Although the aurora again remained hidden, as 

we sailed further south towards Tromsø our hopes 

began to lift when the forecast showed a spike in the 

solar winds indicating that the light-generating plasma 

was on its way to Earth. We were playing Scrabble in 

the Atrium when the announcement everyone had been 

universities had been on hand in the previous days 

with photography tips and it had paid dividends. 

The lights were so bright that evening they were 

seen as far south as Aberdeen, in Scotland. And they 

returned the night after for a briefer yet similarly 

impressive performance. 

The next day we sailed to Stavanger. There is plenty 

Glowing streaks of green darted and swept across the sky, then vanished 

in an instant to be replaced by swirling ribbons of blue and purple 

Clockwise from 

above: Endless 

fjords stretching 

to the horizon; 

dog sledding 

across the 

snow-blanketed 

landscapes 

of Norway 

PHOTOS: © ALAMY 


hoping for came from the bridge. “The northern lights 

have been sighted on the starboard bow.” 

My dad and I headed out onto the deck. 

The wait was worth it. Glowing streaks of green 

darted and swept across the sky, then vanished in an 

instant to be replaced by swirling ribbons of blue 

and purple. Arcs framed the mountains and great 

smoky waves of light drifted from the peaks like an 

eruption of emerald lava. 

Not wanting my mother to miss it, I raced back 

down to the lounge where she was sitting and insisted 

she join us outside on the deck. Her face on seeing 

the spectacle was worth it. The lights appeared directly 

above the ship for around an hour then moved off 

south and were gone entirely. 

We found my dad in a corridor comparing pictures 

with other delighted guests. Experts from the Royal 

Astronomical Society and some of Britain’s best 

to do on board, from yoga classes, to massages and 

beauty treatments, games, concerts, wine tasting, 

films and talks, to name but a few. 

By the time we reached Stavanger it felt like a 

gentle re-entry into real life. The ship docked right 

in the centre of town, and we spent an enjoyable 

morning pootling around the chic shops and coffee 

bars, before setting sail across the North Sea and 

back home to the UK. 

As we disembarked at Tilbury – unexpectedly 

simple compared to most cruises – we all agreed 

we could have stayed longer, and had made some 

fabulous memories. Captain Bengt Gustafson 

insisted on saying goodbye to each and every 

passenger as we left. 

A 13-day 2021 In Search of the Northern Lights 

cruise, from Bergen to London, starts at £3,990pp. 



TRAVEL 

Tromsø 

Resting 217 miles north of the Arctic Circle, 

Tromsø is blessed with mild winters thanks to 

the Gulf Stream, making it an ideal destination 

to see the northern lights 

Inhabited for 10,000 years, 

Tromsø has a fascinating 

history. Sitting centrally to 

all the Nordic countries (as 

well as Russia), it became 

a major Arctic trade centre and 

the starting point for many an 

Arctic expedition. You can learn 

more of the hardships those early 

explorers endured at the fascinating 

Polarmuseet (Polar Museum). 

Surrounded by snow-capped 

peaks and subject to the midnight 

sun in the summer, this picturesque 

city is compact enough to explore 

by foot, but it is also well-served by 

local buses. Start across the famous 

bridge on Tromsdalen with a cable 

car trip to the 421-metre-tall 

Fjellheisen platform for stunning 

views across the city, and fjords, 

mountains and islands beyond. 

As you head back towards Tromsø 

stop at the iceberg-inspired Arctic 

Cathedral, built by Norwegian 

architect Jan Inge Hovig in 1965. 

Wander along the attractive 

harbour where the city’s oldest 

wooden buildings make a pretty 

photo backdrop, before moving 

on to Skansen, a customs station 

built in 1789 and Tromsø’s oldest 

house. The remains of a medieval 

settlement can be found here, too. 

Then there is Tromsø Domkirk, 

a wooden church and the world’s 

most northerly cathedral. 

Don’t miss 

•Tromsø boasts the world’s 

northernmost university, as 

well as a rich cultural calendar 

of music and festivals. Visit the 

Universitetsmuseet (University 

Museum) to learn more about the 

region’s history, art and wildlife. 

•The region is not only home to 

a Norse population but also to 

the Sámi people with their own 

unique culture. A Sámi Reindeer 

experience allows you to learn 

more about the people who herd 

and live with reindeer year-round, 

as well as a chance to meet and 

feed the animals. 

•The city is proud of its pubs, and 

until recently claimed the most 

northern commercial brewery: the 

Mack Brewery. If you stop for a 

pint at their Ølhallen (‘The Hall’), 

Tromsø’s oldest pub, you’ll have 

more than 70 beers to choose from. 

•Everyone wants to see the aurora 

borealis and they are occasionally 

visible from Tromsø itself, but 

taking an excursion to avoid the 

light pollution is the best option. 

If that’s not possible visit the 

Northern Norwegian Science 

Centre for a fantastic northern 

lights planetarium show. 


above: Gorgeous 

views of snowcapped 

mountains 

surround the city; 

the northern lights 

are often visible 

from the city 

Fast Facts 

•Tromsø is pronounced trom-seh, 

not troms-O. 

•It takes its name from the island 

on which it is located: Tromsøya. 

•Tromsø hosts more pubs per 

capita than any other town 

in Norway. 

•Between the months of May and 

July the sun never dips below the 

horizon, while it is not visible at all 

from November to January. 

•The city is not only home to the 

world’s northernmost university, 

but also the northernmost botanical 

garden, brewery and planetarium. 

•Despite its location so far north, 

the city enjoys a moderate oceanic 

climate with relatively mild winters, 

making it the perfect location for 

outdoor activities. 

•There is evidence that human 

settlement in Tromsø dates back 

10,000 years, whilst the local Sámi 

culture is at least 2,000 years old. 

PHOTOS: © ISTOCK; SHUTTERSTOCK 

Insider Tips 

SPIRITUAL SPACE 

Tromsø is famed for its 

distinctive modern Arctic 

Cathedral, also known as 

Tromsdalen Church. Built 

in 1965 by the architect 

Jan Inge Hovig, it seats 600 

people and is made from 

concrete and metal. 

ON THE LOOKOUT 

Keep an eye out for the 

Tromsø coat of arms which is 

a reindeer presented against 

an azure blue background, 

sometimes topped by a 

crown. The stylised drawing, 

devised in 1870, was created 

by Hallvard Trætteberg. 

KNOCK ON WOOD 

Tromsø's town centre has 

the largest number of old 

wooden houses in northern 

Norway, dating from 1789 

to 1904. Common decorative 

features include Hound’s 

tooth patterns in the 

window frames. 

SKY HIGH 

Built in 1961 by a local 

shipping company, the 

Tromsø's Cable Car 

runs from Solliveien, 

in Tromsdalen, up to 

Storsteinen, a mountain 

ledge 421m above sea-level. 

The trip takes four minutes. 



CULTURE 

Above: 

Kiliii Yuyan 

(b. 1979), Umiaq 

and north wind 

during spring 

whaling. Inkjet 

print, 2019. 

© Kiliii Yuyan. 

TRUE NORTH 

Dr Jan Peter Laurens Loovers, Project Curator of the 

Citi exhibition Arctic: culture and climate at the British Museum, 

shares his highlights of the upcoming show 

What do you hope to achieve 

with this ambitious exhibition? 

The exhibition explores the lives of 

around 400,000 Indigenous Arctic 

Peoples who have made hospitable 

homelands out of ecosystems of ice 

for over 30,000 years. 

These communities have been 

on the frontline of global climate 

change and have noticed how their 

homelands and its weather patterns 

are changing drastically. Weather 

affects every aspect of their lives – 

food, travel, clothing, and even 

love. Climate change is making 

generations of knowledge obsolete. 

Thus the exhibition shows what is 

at stake when the homelands of 

Arctic Indigenous Peoples are free 

from ice in 80 years, as predicted. 

Ice is fundamental to their lives, 

serving as building material for 

roads and temporary shelters, 

enabling freedom to travel widely 

and providing access to bountiful 

worlds. Permafrost – frozen soil, 

which acts as bedrock in the Arctic 

– is thawing fast. Without it, roads 

are sinking, structures are collapsing 

and solid ground is giving way. If 

the Arctic is ice free within 80 

years, what will happen to these 

ways of life centred on the cold? 

Can you tell us a bit more 

about the range of objects and 

artworks on show? 

The exhibition covers over 30,000 

years of life in the Arctic with 

282 objects from across the 

region with lenders from Alaska, 

Denmark, the Russian Federation, 

and Switzerland. Objects include 

clothing, transport, cooking 

utensils, sewing tools, ceremonial 

items and contemporary art. We 

will, of course, show quintessential 

Arctic objects such as snow 

spectacles, harpoons, parkas, masks, 

dog and reindeer sleds, and a kayaq, 

as well as 157 objects that have 

never been shown before. 

We’ve also commissioned new 

objects – such as a mammoth-ivory 

model by Sakha master carver 

Fedor Markov and a Kentish-stone 

inukshuk by Inuit leader and artist 

Piita Irniq – and created a number 

of videos that offer snapshots of 

Arctic Indigenous Peoples’ seasonal 

lives. These include films of Nenet 

reindeer herding in the Yamal 

Peninsula as well as Inuit 

seamstresses in Mittimatalik 

making boots from sealskins. It will 

also host photographs by Brian 

Adams who is an Inupiat from 

Alaska and an edited film by Kiliii 

Yüyan who is a American-Chinese- 

Nanai film-maker. 

PHOTOS: © THE BRITISH MUSEUM 

How is the Arctic landscape 

woven through the exhibition? 

The Arctic landscape will take a 

prominent place in the exhibition. 

We want to bring the Arctic to 

London so that the visitor can 

have an immersive experience. 

The land, sea, and ice are of 

pivotal importance to Arctic 

Indigenous Peoples. Inuit carvings 

depict various animals such as a 

narwhal, a polar bear, a caribou 

(wild reindeer), or an owl. Inuit 

art, likewise, emphasises the 

importance of the land. Perhaps 

nobody shows this as successfully 

as acclaimed Inuit artist Kenojuak 

Ashevak (1927-2013) in her 1992 

drawing Nunavut Qajanartuk 

(Our Beautiful Land). The circular 

drawing shows the seasonal lives 

of Inuit in Nunavut with scenes of 

habitation, hunting and travelling. 

How have you showcased the 

contact with outsiders? 

Some Arctic Indigenous Peoples 

met “southerner” explorers and 

traders in the early 19th century, 

but others had a much longer or 

shorter history with “southerners”. 

The exhibition highlights several 

drawings to show how European 

expansion into the Arctic often led 

to conflict or collaboration. Three 

drawings by the English artist John 

White, made somewhere between 

1585 and 1593, show the violent 

escapades of Sir Martin Frobisher’s 

1576-1578 voyages to the Hudson’s 

Strait to explore new lands. 

Arctic Indigenous Peoples also 

began to incorporate Southerner 

clothing styles and Christianity. For 

example, an Aleut parka made from 

sea-mammal gut is in the style of a 

Russian officer’s cloak, while another 

Aleutian artisan made a calendar 

from driftwood and walrus ivory to 

keep track of important Russian 

Orthodox days. In other cases, like 

a Sámi bag that includes older 

spiritual designs in contemporary 

objects, the Peoples have adjusted 

their spiritual objects to be 

“hidden” from the colonial regimes. 

Wildlife features heavily, too. 

“Southerners” are prone to speak 

about animal instincts but Arctic 

Indigenous Peoples believe an 

animal’s personhood is akin to that 

of a human, and stress the ongoing 

importance of nourishing respectful 

relations with animals. 

A breakdown in such relations 

can lead to dire consequences such 

as the withholding of luck for 

successful hunting, bad weather or 

even death. When looking at Inuit 

artist Pudlo Pudlat’s lithograph 

Forced Immigration, which shows a 

polar bear, a walrus and a muskox 

hanging from a military helicopter, 

one might ponder what such 

actions would have resulted in. 

While hunting has mainly been 

done by men, women play a crucial 

role in maintaining good relations 

with animals too. Animals give 

themselves to the hunters and their 

families who observe respectful 

relationships. Women, therefore, 

have moral obligations to make 

beautiful garments from hunted 

animals for the men to wear during 

the hunt. The processing of food 

also needs to be done properly to 

maintain the family’s wellbeing. 

What is your favourite item? 

With over 280 objects it is difficult 

to pinpoint one item, so allow me 

to highlight a few. Small beads 

made from mammoth ivory offer 

insight into how Arctic Peoples 

created beautiful objects as early as 

32,000 years ago. A reindeer-antler 

needle and bird-bone needle case 

from Zhokov Island were made 

about 9,000 years ago, and a piece 

of a willow basket from the same 

site and era tell us how life would 

have been for Arctic ancestors. 

Coming closer to the present 

day (AD500-1300), a Dorset wand 

with 27 faces, each with a unique 

expression, has been carved in a 

caribou antler. And a map from the 

Bering Strait drawn on sealskin in 

the 1850s shows the annual 

movements of the maker. 

Another unique object is a 

waterproof Kalaallit whaling suit 

made from sealskins. It’s the only 

one that remains intact and would 

have been used by a hunter to jump 

on a sleeping whale and harpoon it. 

Perhaps my most favourite item 

is an early 20th-century Gwich’in 

summer outfit made from caribou 

skin. The colourful porcupine quills 

set against the white reindeer skin 

are beautiful and the skills of the 

Gwich’in seamstress are exceptional. 

This is just a small selection of 

the objects that will captivate, 

amaze and inspire visitors. 

The Citi exhibition Arctic: culture 

and climate at the British 

Museum will be one of the first 

exhibitions after the Museum 

re-opens. Loans may be 

impacted by the Covid 19 health 

emergency. The accompanying 

book, published by Thames & 

Hudson in collaboration with the 

British Museum, will be available 

when the exhibition opens. 

Check britishmuseum.org for the 

updated opening details. 


above: 

Andrew Qappik 

(b. 1964, Inuit, 

Pangnirtung, 

Nunavut, 

Canada), There’s 

Another One. 

Coloured stencil 

drawing, 2012. 

© Andrew Qappik; 

Child’s all-in-one 

suit made of 

caribou fur. Inuit, 

Igloolik, Nunavut, 

Canada. 1980s. 

© Trustees of the 

British Museum; 

Ivory model 

sled with dogs, 

Northeast Siberia, 

Russia. © The 

Trustees of the 

British Museum. 



TRAVEL 

This page: 

Guests on a Viking 

Longship enjoy a 

closer view of the 

castles lining the 

Rhine River near 

the town of Kaub, 

in Germany 

Tour de 

FORCE 

Lisa Small discovers stunning 

architecture, delicious cuisine and vibrant 

culture on a Grand European Tour 

To get to the very heart of 

some of Europe’s most 

beautiful and historic 

cities there is perhaps no 

better way to travel than by river, as 

I discovered with great pleasure on 

my glorious Grand European Tour 

voyage with Viking. Just the name 

of the cruise was enough to stir my 

romantic sensibilities, conjuring 

up images of days gone by when 

wealthy young men embarked on 

a two-year Grand Tour of Europe 

in search of great enlightenment, 

education and inspiration. 

I too was hoping for all those 

things from my 15-day adventure 

exploring the cities, towns and 

diverse landscapes that line the 

banks of the Rhine, Main and 

Danube rivers. And I wasn’t 

disappointed. In fact, by the end of 

my journey I had gained so much 

more, including new friends, more 

luggage and a few extra pounds. 

Isn’t that the mark of a good trip? 

River cruising really is a different 

way of seeing the world. Every day 

brings new scenery and exciting 

destinations, from ancient rural 

towns to thriving cosmopolitan 

cities; vineyard-covered hills to 

mountainous forests watched over 

by crumbling fairy-tale castles. 

River cruise ships are so much 

smaller than ocean liners, but this 

means they can transport you right 

into the very centre of the city and 

moor up, putting all the sights 

and attractions within walking 

distance of your floating hotel. 

When you’re docked somewhere 

overnight, it makes it really easy to 

spend more time getting to know a 

place on your own – and the staff 

on board are great with directions, 

so I was never afraid of getting 

lost or missing out on a wonderful 

opportunity that came my way. 

The Viking Longship might 

have been smaller compared to 

its ocean-going cousins, but it 




TRAVEL 

was actually surprisingly spacious 

once you stepped on board. The 

lovely Sun Deck was a great place 

to sit and soak up the scenery with 

a glass of something chilled, the 

comfortable and surprisingly airy 

lounge was where it all happened 

before and after dinner and as for 

my stateroom…well it was more 

like a hotel room. 

Arriving in Amsterdam, the 

thought of a whole 15 days 

stretching ahead of me seemed like 

a deliciously long time, though I 

wanted to be sure to do justice to 

the rich history and culture of The 

Netherlands, Germany, Austria and 

Hungary. There’s something about 

being on the river, about gliding 

silently through the countryside, 

that is truly relaxing and feels a 

million miles from home and work. 

Life happens at a much slower pace 

somehow, despite being able to take 

so much of Europe in. 

I don’t know how Viking does it, 

but it really does work. 

Our adventure started on the 

Rhine with a tour of the charming 

17th-century streets and canals 

of old Amsterdam. I had visited 

From left to 

right: Majestic 

houses reflect in 

the canal waters 

in Amsterdam; 

watch the sunrise 

over a spot of 

breakfast on the 

Aquavit Terrace 

It doesn’t matter how far you have travelled... 

nothing quite prepares you for the jaw-dropping 

natural beauty of the Middle Rhine 

PHOTOS: ©ISTOCK 

BENEDICTINE TREASURES 

Melk Abbey, perched on dramatic cliffs high 

above the Danube, is perhaps the most graceful 

landmark of the Wachau Valley. The interior of the 

Abbey’s church is a kaleidoscope of red, orange 

and gold, and a highlight is the Imperial Staircase 

which leads off the impressive library. 

the city before, but this time there 

was something really special about 

being on the water and a real part 

of the whole city scene. Whilst in 

The Netherlands, we went to see 

the famous Kinderdijk windmills. 

It was a great opportunity to take 

some photographs and learn more 

about why these brilliant structures 

formed such an integral part of 

the Dutch landscape, which is 

criss-crossed with waterways. 

The Rhine continued its 

natural course into Germany and 

we went with it, spending the 

next eight fantastic days cruising 

through some of Europe’s most 

utterly breathtaking scenery, all 

while making the most of Viking’s 

wonderful hospitality, excellent 

facilities and delicious food. 

It doesn’t matter how old you 

get, or how far you have travelled 

across the many countries of the 

world, nothing quite prepares you 

for the jaw-dropping natural beauty 

of the Middle Rhine. Dramatic 

cliffs, hilltop castles straight from 

the pages of Sleeping Beauty and 

quaint riverside towns boasting 

gabled houses and cobbled squares 

really do still exist in this magical 

land that time appears to have 

forgotten. It’s a place I, and my 

fellow travellers, will certainly 

not forget in a hurry. 

Sharing the experiences of each 

day with other guests on board 



TRAVEL 

was one of the lovely things about 

my cruise. I met some wonderful, 

like-minded people and thanks 

to the intimacy of our Viking 

Longship, I had the opportunity to 

enjoy their friendly and interesting 

company throughout the voyage. 

There were no fixed seating plans 

at dinner so we were free to share 

the fabulous food and conversation 

with different people on different 

nights, which kept the atmosphere 

really informal and gave everyone 

the opportunity to meet and get 

to know new people. 

Other notable German 

highlights for me were stopping 

off for a beer in Germany’s oldest 

inn – ‘The Inn of the Giant’ – in 

Miltenberg; seeing the magnificent 

I had a glass of wine in my hand, and was looking 

up at the inky black night sky, illuminated by a thousand 

stars, as we sailed into beautiful Budapest 

WINDMILLS OF 

KINDERDIJK 

Much of this part of The 

Netherlands is actually below sea 

level. As the original technological 

marvels of historic Kinderdijk, these 

19 windmills have been designated 

a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Built in the mid-18th century, these 

structures stand like sentinels on 

a hushed landscape. 


Clockwise, 

from above: 

The rooftops of 

beautiful Vienna; 

the Hungarian 

Parliament is a 

sight to behold on 

the Danube; dining 

with a view is one 

of the benefits of 

sailing with Viking 

frescoes in the Bishop’s Residenz in 

Würzburg; tucking into sausages 

and sauerkraut at the Old Sausage 

Kitchen in Regensburg and 

shopping for gingerbread and 

pink pepper chocolate in Passau. 

Once on the Danube, we sailed 

into Austria where we encountered 

countless ‘camera-ready’ moments 

between Melk and Krems and a 

fabulous tour of the culturally rich 

and history-packed capital, Vienna. 

The end of this most memorable 

of journeys was marked by a 

moment I will cherish forever... 

standing out on the top deck of our 

Longship, there was music playing 

gently in the background, I had 

a glass of wine in my hand, 

and was looking up at the inky 

black night sky, illuminated by 

a thousand twinkling stars, as 

we sailed into the beautiful and 

historic city of Budapest. It was a 

truly magical experience and an 

absolutely wonderful way to end 

our 15-day adventure cruising 

through Europe’s majestic and 

enthralling waterways. 

A 15-day 2022 Grand European 

Tour river cruise, sailing from 

Amsterdam to Budapest, starts 

from £2,895pp. 



ITINERARY 

ITINERARY 

Spirit 

of the north 

This illuminating cruise combines epic scenery 

and snow-dusted landscapes with Sámi legends 

and rock carvings 

Clockwise, 

from top left: 

colourful houses 

in UNESCO-listed 

Bryggen wharf, 

in Bergen; the 

Sámi have herded 

reindeer for 

centuries; the 

Arctic Cathedral 

is one of Norway’s 

landmarks 


DAY 1 / LONDON 

Arrive in Tilbury, London, and take some time to settle 

into the ship – your home for the next 13 days. 

DAY 2 / CRUISE THE NORTH SEA 

Setting sail for the North Sea, you’ll have ample time to 

learn about this vast body of water and its importance 

throughout history, as well as take in panoramic views. 

DAY 3 / STAVANGER, NORWAY 

You’ll have a day to explore the old town, Gamle 

Stavanger, known for its charming cobbled walkways 

and white wooden buildings. You might also like 

to cruise along the Lysefjord to spot the remarkable 

Preikestolen rock or visit the museum for some history. 

DAY 4 / CRUISE THE NORWEGIAN SEA 

Cruising the Norwegian Sea to your next port of call, 

you’ll have lots of time to make the most of your ship’s 

amenities, from The Spa to the Scandinavian eateries. 

DAY 5 / BODØ, NORWAY 

Lying just north of the Arctic Circle is Bodø, a city 

rebuilt after experiencing unprecedented destruction 

in World War II. From here you’ll be able to enjoy 

an included tour to see the Customs House, the 

Norwegian Aviation Museum and Gothic Bodø 

Cathedral with its dramatic 36-metre clock tower. 

DAYS 6 & 7 / TROMSØ, NORWAY 

Your next port of call is the northern city and island of 

Tromsø with its quaint historic centre and surrounding 

snowcapped peaks. Be sure to visit its Arctic Cathedral, 

famed for its striking triangular shape. Another 

highlight is the Tromsø Wilderness Centre, while a 

once-in-a-lifetime glacier trek to discover Norway’s 

wilderness is the perfect way to spend day two here. 

DAY 8 / ALTA, NORWAY 

Spend the next two days on the shores of Altafjord, 

the gateway to the Arctic and a great place to spot the 

northern lights. You can also visit rock carvings telling 

stories of Norwegian culture, something you can learn 

more about at the Alta Museum, or take a trip to the 

Northern Lights Cathedral with its flame-like steeple. 

DAY 10 / NARVIK, NORWAY 

Narvik is situated on the innermost shores of Ofotfjord 

and enjoys a dramatic backdrop of mountains and a 

huge glacier that tumbles right down to the water’s 

edge. Explore the Polar Park, where you can spot Arctic 

wolves in their natural habitat as well as other wildlife. 

DAY 11 / CRUISE THE NORWEGIAN SEA 

After departing from Narvik, you’ll have another chance 

to discover your ship’s highlights. Try out the Viking Art 

App installed on your mobile device, where you can 

learn all about the Scandinavian-inspired art on board. 

DAYS 12 & 13 / BERGEN, NORWAY 

Be greeted in Bergen by UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, 

a harbour lined with cute 18th-century houses. Spend 

your last night on board before returning home. 

The 13-day 2022 In Search of the Northern Lights 

trip around Norway starts at £3,990pp. 

52 VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK | SPRING 2020 


BOOK CLUB 

Viking 

JOIN OUR 

BOOK CLUB 

BOOK CLUB 

Here we select a few of our favourite books… 

www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/why-viking/community/book-club 

THE MUSEUM 

OF BROKEN 

PROMISES BY 

ELIZABETH 

BUCHAN 

Atlantic Books, 

£14.99 

Split between 

modern day Paris 

and Prague in 

the heady summer of 1985, the 

narrative follows Laure who, today, 

owns and curates her own museum 

in the French capital. Every object 

has been donated – a cake tin, 

a wedding veil, a baby’s show. 

And each represents a moment of 

grief or betrayal. Yet hidden away 

are artefacts from Laure’s own 

painful youth – secrets that hint at 

her brush with life with dissident 

politics behind the Iron Curtain. 

As Laure faces up to the love 

that has shaped her life, the novel 

also reveals some of the darkest 

moments in European history. 

OLD GLORY: 

AN AMERICAN 

VOYAGE BY 

JONATHAN 

RABAN 

Eland Publishing, 

£14.99 

Ever since 

reading The 

Adventures of 

Huckleberry Finn as a seven year 

old, British author Jonathan Raban 

dreamt of navigating the waters 

of the Mississippi in a spartan 16ft 

motorboat. Thirty years later, in the 

late 1970s, he turned his childhood 

dream into a reality to create this 

masterpiece of contemporary 

American travel writing. 

During the course of his voyage, 

Raban records all the mercurial 

caprices of the river and the varied 

lives of the people who live along 

its banks, all with a dose of wry 

humour. He is an expert observer 

of the hospitality, energy and 

charm of America’s heartland as he 

finds himself, at times, vulnerable, 

curious, angry and foolishly in love 

THE SHADOW 

OF THE WIND 

BY CARLOS 

RUIZ ZAFÓN 

Orion Publishing 

Co, £8.99 

Hidden in the 

heart of the old 

city of Barcelona 

is the ‘Cemetery 

of Lost Books’, where a man brings 

his 10-year-old son Daniel one cold 

morning in 1945. He is allowed to 

choose one book from the shelves 

and pulls out ‘The Shadow of the 

Wind’ by Julian Carax. 

As he grows up, several people 

seem inordinately interested in his 

find, igniting Daniel to launch his 

own investigation into the author’s 

life. What begins as curiosity soon 

turns into a race to find out the 

truth behind the life and death of 

Julian Carax. This stunning literary 

thriller will have you hooked. 

GALÁPAGOS 

BY KURT 

VONNEGUT 

HarperCollins, 

£8.99 

This madcap 

classic takes 

readers back 

one million 

years to 1986. 

The plot follows a mismatched 

cast of characters who set off on 

holiday to the fictional island of 

Santa Rosalia in the Galápagos 

archipelago. When an apocalypse 

then ensues, a small group of 

survivors end up stranded on 

Santa Rosalia and find themselves 

the progenitors of a brand new 

and totally transformed human 

race – think thick fur, flipper-like 

hands and streamlined skulls. 

Full of Vonnegut’s trademark 

satire, dark humour and originality, 

his 11th novel questions the merit 

of the human brain from an 

evolutionary point of view as he 

uses Darwin’s theory to reach his 

conclusions and reveal all that is 

worth saving in the world. 

THE BAT BY 

JO NESBO 

Vintage 

Publishing, £8.99 

The first in the 

bestselling Harry 

Hole series, this 

thriller transports 

Nordic noir to 

sunny Sydney. 

Following the murder of a young 

Norwegian backpacker, Harry is 

sent to Australia to investigate, and 

soon unearths a string of unsolved 

murders and disappearances. 

Nothing will stop the detective 

from finding out the truth and the 

hunt for a serial killer is on, but the 

murderer will talk only to Harry. 

The evocation of Australia itself 

has Nesbo’s customary expertise 

in this addictive read as the stellar 

plot keeps readers guessing until 

the final pages. 

A THEATRE 

FOR 

DREAMERS 

BY POLLY 

SAMSON 

Bloomsbury 

Publishing, 

£14.99 

Escape to 

Greece in 

this new novel about the stormy 

undercurrents of an idyllic artist 

community on the island of Hydra. 

Living tangled lives, the group of 

poets, painters and musicians are 

ruled by the writers Charmian Clift 

and George Johnston, troubled 

king and queen of bohemia. 

Forming within this circle is a 

triangle: the magnetic, destructive 

writer Axel Jensen, his dazzling 

wife Marianne Ihlen, and a young 

Canadian poet named Leonard 

Cohen. Into their midst arrives 

teenage Eric who, settling on the 

periphery, watches, entranced and 

disquieted, as paradise unravels. 

The spellbinding book is a tale 

of innocence lost and the wars 

waged between men and women 

on the battlegrounds of genius. 




TRAVEL 

A CITY 

to savour 

Cassie Wilcox celebrates the rich history, 

forward-thinking spirit and culinary culture of the 

welcoming French city of Lyon 

PHOTOS: © ALAMY / ISTOCK / AWL 

Divided by two rivers, 

the Saône and Rhône, 

Lyon’s topography first 

attracted the Romans, 

who founded the city’s predecessor, 

Lugdunum, on the steep slopes of 

Fourvière Hill in 43BC. Today, the 

basilica-crowned hill offers pretty 

views over the terracotta roofs of 

Vieux-Lyon (the Old Town), one 

of the world’s largest Renaissance 

neighbourhoods. 

From Fourvière, you can walk 

(or take the funicular) downhill to 

the cobbled Croix-Rousse district 

in Vieux-Lyon and explore its 

warren of traboules – passages and 

tunnels created through houses and 

courtyards to offer silk workers a 

shortcut to market. And silk has 

had a key role to play in Lyon’s 

economy and culinary traditions. 

Lyon boasts many titles, such 

as the silk capital and the ancient 

capital of the Gauls. But its most 

famous is the capital of gastronomy. 

The city’s culinary heritage is the 

legacy of its mères, mothers who, 

when dismissed from the homes 

of bourgeois families during 

the economic crisis of 1929, set 

up their own restaurants called 

bouchons. Here, silk workers sat 

alongside businessmen and dined 

on simple, hearty dishes, washed 

down with a carafe of Beaujolais or 

CÔtes du RhÔne. 

Pork is a menu staple in Lyon’s 

bouchons. Quenelles are another 

typical dish; light and airy 

dumplings, almost like a soufflé, 

made with creamed fish or meat. 

For something lighter, try the Salade 

Lyonnaise, a green salad with bacon 

lardons, croutons, mustard dressing 

and a poached egg. 

These mères taught many of 

Lyon’s now famous chefs, including 

Paul Bocuse who went on to 

establish his three Michelin-star 

restaurant L’Auberge du Pont de 

Collonges, and his Lyon brasseries: 

Le Nord, L’Ouest, Le Sud and 

L’Est, each specialising in a 

different region of French cuisine. 

In a city of more than 2,000 

restaurants, there is no shortage 

of innovative chefs and you could 

happily spend your days sampling 

the many delicious wares available. 

At the epicentre of Lyon’s food 

culture is Les Halles de Lyon, 

the almost mythical indoor food 

market, with an international 

reputation for selling the finest 

produce available, anywhere. 

It is an ideal place to taste the 

best of French and Lyonnaise 

cuisine, with over 50 vendors 

selling a vast diversity of produce. 

Butchers, charcutiers, fromagers, 

pastry chefs and wine specialists 

have all set up shop, and once 

inside, you can wander around and 

enjoy a meal or choose a sampler 

plate. Among the culinary treasures 

are Lyon’s signature brioches au 

pralines, and an extraordinary array 

of cheeses made with cow, goat 

and sheep’s milk. Chocolates make 

a wonderful gift to take home, as 

do macarons, in flavours such as 

strawberry and tarragon, and lemon 

and cassis. One thing is certain, it is 

impossible to leave empty handed. 

Few things sum up a destination 

as honestly as its cuisine and 

culinary traditions. Food is at the 

heart of every culture. But in Lyon, 

food is more than the heart, it is the 

very soul of the city. 

Viking offers a variety of 

excursions in Lyon, including 

Flavours of Lyon, on its 8-day 

Lyon & Provence river cruise. 

2021 & 2022 prices from £1,595pp. 


above: Al fresco 

dining abounds 

in Lyon; many of 

the historical sites 

in Lyon overlook 

the two rivers 


RECIPES 

A Taste of France 

Conjure up a delightful reminder of French 

cuisine with these classic dishes from our 

recipe book, The Kitchen Table 

French cuisine has long been 

the envy of the world. No 

matter whether it’s the rich 

flavours of the southern 

regions, with their Mediterranean 

influences, or the country-style 

dishes of the north, sophisticated 

tastes, elegant presentation and 

local produce can be guaranteed. 

The recipes below include a classic 

Provençal fish stew, coq au vin – a 

a hearty, rustic dish with regional 

variations across France – and a 

traditional French apple tart. 

BOUILLABAISSE 

TOULONNAISE 

Serves 4 

INGREDIENTS: 

• Olive oil 

• 125g (4 ½ oz) fennel, sliced 

• 2 red onions, chopped 

• 1 tsp sea salt 

• 1 tbsp tarragon, chopped 

• ½ tsp black pepper 

• Fish heads, bones and offcuts 

• 1kg (2.2 lb) tomatoes, roughly 

chopped 

• 2 tbsp tomato purée 

• 1 pinch saffron threads 

• 1 lemon, juiced 

• 2 tbsp butter 

FOR THE ROUILLE: 

• 3 egg yolks 

• Salt and pepper 

• ½ lemon, juiced 

• Pinch saffron 

• Pinch cayenne pepper 

• 200ml (6 ¾ fl oz) olive oil 

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed 

• 200g (7 oz) salmon 

• 200g (7 oz) pollock 

• 200g (7 oz) monkfish 

• 450g (1 lb) mussels, scrubbed, 

beards removed 

1. To make the broth, heat 4 

tablespoons of olive oil in a large 

pan over a medium heat. Add the 

fennel and cook for 3 to 4 minutes 

without it colouring, then add the 

red onion, sea salt, tarragon and 

black pepper. 

2. Add the fish bones and offcuts 

and the tomatoes, then cover with 

water. Bring to a simmer, skimming 

off any residue that rises to the 

surface. Add the tomato purée and 

saffron and bring back to a simmer. 

Cook for about 1 ½ hours, or until 

it has reduced by about a third. 

3. Sieve the broth, pressing down 

the contents of the sieve with a 

ladle to extract as much liquid as 

possible, then add the lemon juice 

and whisk in the butter. Check the 

seasoning, then cool and refrigerate. 

4. To make the rouille, whisk the 

egg yolks with the seasoning, 

lemon juice, saffron and cayenne 

pepper. Slowly add the oil in a thin 

stream, whisking continuously, 

then stir in the garlic. Add a little 

warm water if it is too thick. Set 

aside until needed. 

5. Bring the reserved broth up 

to a simmer, then add all the fish. 

Poach until just tender, adding the 

firmest fillets first, then remove 

and place on a serving platter. 

Ladel over the broth. Serve with 

the rouille on the side and some 

garlic croutons. 

Above: 

Bouilleabaisse was 

first created by 

French fisherman 

with unwanted fish 

from their catch 



Front cover: “Traveling Tomatoes” 

photographed by Karine in the 

Umbrian Countryside 

COOKERY AND TRAVEL €20 

2 nd Edition 

RECIPES 

COQ AU VIN 

SERVES 6 

INGREDIENTS: 

• 2 tbsp plain (all purpose) flour 

• 1 large chicken, jointed 


• 125g (4 ½ oz) bacon lardons 

• 1 medium onion, chopped 

• 1 medium carrot, chopped 

• 1 bottle full-bodied red wine 

• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced 

• 1 tsp sugar 

• 1 bouquet garni (bundle of 

parsley, bay leaves and thyme) 

• Olive oil 

• 225g (8 oz) baby onions, peeled 

• 225g (8 oz) small button 

mushrooms, trimmed 

• Small bunch of fresh parsley 

From kitchens around the world, join Karine Hagen on 

her journeys as she explores dishes that represent some of 

our world’s most interesting destinations. From our kitchen 

tables to yours, we invite you to broaden your culinary 

horizons and cultural insights, and learn how simple and 

fun it is to recreate foreign flavors at home. 


The Kitchen Table A CULINARY JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD 

METHOD: 

1. Season the flour generously, 

then toss the chicken pieces in the 

seasoned flour until well coated. 

2. In a heavy-based casserole pot, 

melt a tablespoon of the butter. Fry 

the chicken pieces, turning around 

until they are golden brown. 

Remove the chicken pieces and set 

aside. Add in the bacon, onion and 

carrot and fry for around 5 minutes. 

3. Pour in the wine, de-glazing the 

pan and scraping any caramelised 

bits stuck to the bottom. Add the 

chicken back in along with the 

garlic, sugar and bouquet garni. 

Cover and simmer for an hour. 

4. Before serving, melt another 

tablespoon of butter in a frying 

pan along with a tablespoon of 

olive oil. Add in the baby onions 

and mushrooms, season with salt 

and pepper and fry until golden. 

Stir in to the chicken. 

5. Remove the bouquet garni 

and garnish the coq au vin with 

chopped fresh parsley. Serve 

straight from the casserole. 

The 

Kitchen 

Table 

A CULINARY JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD 

THE KITCHEN TABLE 

Join Viking’s Karine Hagen 

as she explores dishes that 

represent some of the world’s 

most interesting destinations. 

All recipes included here 

are featured in The Kitchen 

Table, which is now available 

to view on Viking.TV 

TARTE FINE 

AUX POMMES 

SERVES 6 

INGREDIENTS: 

• Plain (all purpose) flour, for 

dusting 

• 320g (11 ¼ oz) all-butter puff 

pastry 

• 4-6 apples 

• 1 lemon 


• 4 tbsp caster (superfine) sugar 

METHOD: 

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/ 

400°F. On a flour-dusted surface, 

roll out the pastry as thinly as you 

can (around 3-5mm is ideal) and 

cut out a 22cm circle using an 

upturned cake tin or plate as a 

template. Place on a baking sheet 

lined with baking paper and chill in 

the refrigerator until you’re ready 

to assemble the tart. 

2. Peel, core and thinly slice the 

apples. To prevent them going 

brown, place in a bowl of cold 

water with a squeeze of lemon. 

3. Arrange the apple slices in 

overlapping, concentric circles 

around the pastry base, leaving 

a small border. In a small 

saucepan, melt the butter 

and 3 tbsp sugar together and 

brush generously all over the 

apples and pastry border. 

4. Bake for 20 minutes, then 

brush again with the butter and 

sugar mixture and dust with the 

remaining tablespoon of sugar. 

Bake for another 5-10 minutes, 

or until golden on top. Serve at 

room temperature. 



OCEANS 

The 

NORWEGIAN SEA 

To celebrate World Oceans Day in June, we bring to life 

the geography, resources and discoveries 

related to this northern ocean 


If you pulled Norway’s crinkled 

coastline out into a straight 

line, it would circle the 

planet two and a half times. 

From north to south, the country 

measures less than 1,100 miles, but 

its coastline is a huge 63,000 miles 

of fjords, bays and island shores. 

This glorious natural wonder 

was shaped during the last Ice Age 

when glaciers several miles high 

pushed into the land, resulting in 

dramatic soaring peaks, like those 

seen on the Lofoten Islands. 

A RICH SOURCE OF FOOD 

Stretching out into the Norwegian 

Sea, the remote Lofoten archipelago 

shows off the sculpting power of 

nature. The islands are home to the 

world’s greatest cod harvest. Each 

winter, the icy Arctic Ocean meets 

the Gulf Stream, attracting Arctic 

cod from the Barents Sea. These 

relatively warm waters are why the 

sea here remains ice-free all year. 

Tørrfisk or stockfish is dried and 

salted fish (usually cod), made in 

Norway for centuries. Traditionally 

dried outdoors by the wind and sun 

as a way to preserve nutrients, row 

upon row of fish hang on wooden 

racks along the shores of Lofoten, 

as it has done for 500 years. 

These waters are also rich in 

herring, and the abundance of fish 

in turn attracts an abundance of 

other animals. Minke, humpback, 

sei and orca come to feed, while the 

cries of puffin, kittiwake, gannets, 

gulls and guillemot pierce the sky. 

Until the 20th century, the 

coast was sparsely populated, 

although the coastal Sámi, who first 

colonised the land, have been living 

here for up to 4,000 years. 

BEYOND THE HORIZON 

From the deck of a ship, you sense 

a timelessness about the land, 

which is both wild and resilient. 

You can understand the pull of 

the sea that Norwegian explorers 

like Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof 

Nansen felt. For many years, the 

Norwegian Sea was thought to 

be the edge of the known world. 

To sail across the sea was an act 

of daring. It was also a great 

achievement of navigation. 

By the eighth century, the only 

European seafarers to dare sail 

far enough to lose sight of land 

were the Vikings. Waiting for 

favourable winds, and armed with 

plenty of provisions (like stockfish) 

they ventured in all directions, 

to create new settlements and 

forge new trading routes. They 

navigated by the position of the 

stars, and the sun. West, towards 

the sunset, meant they were headed 

for England; east (towards the 

sunrise) meant home to Norway. 

Symbolic of the Viking age, the 

Viking longships were sophisticated 

beyond their time, recognised, 

respected and imitated the world 

Opposite: 

Traditional homes 

perch on wooden 

stilts in the 

Lofoten Islands 



OCEANS 

TRAVEL 

Clockwise, from top left: A sperm 

whale breaches the Norwegian 

waters; fish dries on wooden racks 

along the coast; sea travel has always 

been vital to the Norwegian way of 

life; seagulls soar over the fjords; a 

traditional Viking ship; the Lofoten 

Islands attract thousands of puffins 

each year; the archipelago wows with 

its snow-capped mountain backdrop; 

Stavanger’s pretty old town 

over. Built not for comfort but for 

speed, agility and endurance, the 

ships’ innovative design allowed 

the Vikings unparalleled access to 

lands beyond their own. 

Exploration is part of the 

Norwegian DNA. By exploring 

beyond the horizon, Norwegians 

have mastered the sea and, in 

turn, depend on it for transport, 

resources and trade. The 14th 

century was Norway’s Golden 

Age, a time of peace and growing 

international trade with Britain and 

Germany. This period of trade was 

controlled by the Hanseatic League 

who established a trading centre 

in Bergen. On Bergen’s Bryggen 

(wharf) the preserved buildings 

of the Hanseatic League are a 

World Heritage Site and serve as 

a reminder of the country’s 

enduring link to the sea. 

OIL EXPLORATION 

Today, the most important product 

of the Norwegian Sea is not fish, 

but oil and gas. Oil was first found 

in the Norwegian sector of the 

North Sea in 1969 and by 1990 

the country was Europe’s largest 

oil producer. By 2000, oil and 

gas production accounted for 20 

percent of Norway’s economy, and 

it had become one of the world’s 

most prosperous countries. The oil 

industry not only created jobs in 

production, but also in the supply 

chain and technology. 

To sail the Norwegian Sea is 

to witness life along an eons-old 

coastline that is as mesmerising as 

the sea itself. Under the dusky 

light of the midnight sun or 

the mid-winter blanket of 

darkness, the coast reveals tiny 

settlements in sheltered hills that 

appear unchanged through time. 

The cities along the coast, from 

Bergen to Tromsø and, in the far 

north, Honningsvåg, were built 

on fishing, trade and exploration 

and they wear their heritage 

proudly. Wooden buildings from 

the 17th and 18th centuries line 

the harbour, where the fish markets 

sell the day’s catch. Deep, yawning 

fjords, offer a route inland to 

mountains and glaciers. 

Many countries have a history 

and culture firmly anchored to 

the sea. None more so than the 

people of Norway. 

Above: Fishing 

boats docked 

in Henningsvær, 

a village in the 

Lofoten Islands 



TRAVEL 

Vienna 

Old and new fuse beautifully in Vienna, where 

classical music, Sigmund Freud and baroque sit 

alongside hipster coffee shops, cutting-edge 

cuisine and an artsy bohemian vibe 

In Vienna, you feel the 

weight of the Imperial City’s 

important history at every 

turn, with its impressive 

palaces, Baroque ballrooms and 

opulent opera houses, which 

still uphold the grand traditions. 

When the Habsburg monarchy, 

who reigned in the 16th century, 

brought their wealth and influence 

to Vienna, the city was put on the 

map for its ornate Baroque style. 

Then came the musical and artistic 

pioneers; it’s no coincidence that 

four of the top classical musicians 

in the world – Beethoven, Mozart, 

Strauss and Haydn – lived in 

Vienna, as did Sigmund Freud, 

and artists Schiele and Klimt. 

Today the historic centre still 

draws crowds, and rightly so. The 

impressive Gothic St. Stephen’s 

Cathedral is seen as the symbol of 

Vienna with its tower stretching 

heavenwards for 136 metres. Don’t 

miss the eerie, dimly lit catacombs 

studded with skulls. Nearby the 

high-baroque Winter Palace borders 

Ringstrasse, the 19th-century 

boulevard that is home to many of 

Vienna's best-known sights, such 

as the Imperial Palace, the Vienna 

State Opera and Parliament. 

However, Vienna is so much 

more than its rich past. Today it’s a 

bold and vibrant capital city. You’ll 

find maverick artists experimenting 

with street art along the banks of 

the Danube River and museums 

packed with Old Masters and 

imperial art, as well as showing 

exhibitions by contemporary talent 

such as Rachel Whiteread. Hip 

new coffee shops sit happily beside 

Kaffeehaus, and new architecture 

breathes fresh air into the city, 

including Zaha Hadid’s modernist 

library. To get the best out of 

Vienna its crucial to take in both 

of its equally enthralling sides. 

Don’t miss 

•MuseumsQuartier at the Imperial 

Stables is Vienna’s largest art 

complex housing an astonishing 

ten museums. Look out for Art 

Nouveau heroes Klimt and Schiele. 

•Coffee and cake is a Viennese 

institution. Fuel up at traditional 

Vollpension café or try innovative 

das Möbel, where design pieces 

from its showroom are on display. 

•Follow the locals in summer and 

spend time on the Danube. There’s 

a hop-on-hop-off boat, bicycles to 

hire or simply stroll along the river. 

•Take a whirl on Vienna’s vintage 

Ferris wheel, the oldest in the 

world. Reserve a private cabin for a 

candlelit dinner to accompany the 

stunning Vienna skyline. 


this image: 

Vienna's Baroque 

Belvedere Palace; 

the elegant 

surroundings 

of the Café 

Sacher Wien 

•Visit Vienna’s summer palace, 

Schönbrunn, with its elaborate 

Rococo interior spread throughout 

1,440 rooms. Linger in the 

wonderfully landscaped park to 

explore the maze and fountains. 

Fast Facts 

•Pez, the colourful sweetie 

dispensers beloved by children, 

were invented in Vienna in 1927. 

•Every year from New Year’s Eve to 

Easter is Viennese Ball Season, and 

over 450 balls take place during this 

period of time resulting in more 

than 2,000 hours of dancing. 

•In 2018, Vienna was crowned the 

most liveable city in the world. 

•The dazzling roof of St. Stephen’s 

Cathedral features 230,000 glazed 

mosaic tiles arranged in various 

patterns including a double-headed 

eagle – the symbol of the Austrian 

empire when it was ruled by 

the Habsburg dynasty. 

PHOTOS: © ISTOCK/AWL IMAGES 

Insider Tips 

GREAT MUSICIANS 

Enjoy classical music at 

traditional concert hall 

Musikverein, then retrace 

the footsteps of composers 

such as Beethoven, Strauss, 

Haydn and Mozart by visiting 

the houses they once lived 

in around Vienna. 

MARKET FINDS 

Spend an afternoon at 

Vienna’s multi-cultural food 

and flea market. Known as 

Naschmarkt, it spans over a 

mile and there are plenty of 

traditional sausage stands 

where visitors can stop for 

a Bratwurst and a beer. 

OPERATIC WONDER 

This stunning 1,709-seat 

building is the home of the 

Vienna State Opera and 

features an impressive central 

chandelier. It also hosts the 

annual Vienna Opera Ball, 

which attracts attendees 

from all over the world. 

HERITAGE HORSES 

The Spanish Riding School, 

home to the world-famous 

Lipizzaner stallions, is based 

at the Hofburg, a former 

imperial palace. The horses 

perform in the opulent 

baroque hall, in perfect 

unison with their riders. 



COLUMN 

For the love of books 

Books are another window 

to the world, and are a 

wonderful way to help 

minds stay stimulated 

during times of isolation. Our 

new Viking.TV site hosts a 

variety of recommended books 

(as well as films and music) 

relevant to each itinerary. 

ON LOCATION with Karine 

A 

more appropriate title 

to this month’s edition 

might be At Home with 

Karine, which is, of 

course true for all of us. I hope 

you are staying well and safe. 

These extraordinary times may 

have put a pause on travel, but we 

are looking at new ways in which 

we can stay connected, and share 

information – and inspiration – for 

when we can once again explore 

our wonderful world. 

WELCOME TO VIKING TV 

At the end of March, we launched 

Viking.TV, a new experience 

channel designed to be an 

uplifting place where we can 

all continue to virtually explore 

the world together – online. 

As well as daily live stream 

sessions, you’ll discover lots of 

additional programming at your 

fingertips on Viking.TV from short 


documentaries to reading lists 

and filmographies and classical 

music concerts, and much more. 

VIKING.TV WEEKLY 

SCHEDULE 

Museum Mondays 

The Munch Museum director, 

curator and conservationists 

host Museum Mondays behind 

closed doors for Privileged 

Access to one of the world's 

most interesting artists. 

Resident Historian Tuesdays 

Viking Resident Historians provide 

lectures on iconic milestones in 

world history and live Q&As. 

Arts & Music Wednesdays 

World-leading composers, 

conductors, photographers, 

artists, singers and musicians 

share insights into their creative 

worlds with you. 

Guest Speaker Thursdays 

Renowned journalist Anne 

Diamond interviews guests 

who have led or are leading 

extraordinary lives. 

At Home at Highclere Fridays 

Join the Earl and Countess of 

Carnarvon from their home, 

Highclere Castle, the historic 

country house that is the setting 

for the television series and film, 

Downton Abbey, every Friday. 

Wellness Weekends 

Mona Therese takes us through 

gentle yoga exercises to balance 

the mind and body during these 

extraordinary times. 

Exploring More with Karine 

Karine shares some of her 

favourite insights into world 

cultures through these awardwinning 

short documentaries. 

Clockwise, 

from above: 

Karine hosting 

Viking.TV at 

home; Heywood 

Hill bookshop; 

Karine gets lost 

in a book; inside 

Libreria Acqua 

Alta in Venice; the 

weekly schedule 

on Viking.TV 

HEYWOOD HILL 

One of the world’s leading 

literary collectors and influential 

booksellers, Heywood Hill, 

shares with Viking a curiosity 

and interest in the world’s many 

fascinating people and places. 

Together, we have curated 

an exclusive selection of books 

to enhance the experiences of 

Viking guests on board our ships. 

On Viking.TV you can listen to 

Heywood Hill Chairman, Nicky 

Dunne’s engaging talk entitled 

“Confessions of a Bookseller”, 

which was so popular that he 

returned for another episode 

where he interviewed the 

proprietor of the shop (and 

Nicky’s father-in-law) the Duke 

of Devonshire, who gave us 

Privileged Access and insights 

into his home, Chatsworth 

House, one of Britain’s finest 

great homes. 

DISCOVER TWO OF 

MY OTHER FAVOURITE 

BOOKSHOPS 

When I travel, I love to discover, 

sometimes by accident, some of the 

more unusual independent bookshops. 

These are invariably places where the 

owner is passionate about books. 

A UNIQUE, PERSONALISED GIFT 

Heywood Hill also provides a subscription service for individuals, where 

you can gift a year of books to friends and family based on their interests. 

I love the idea of book subscriptions, which I gave to my father and other 

special people in my life last Christmas, and now they get a surprise book 

in the mail every month, tailored to their interests! 

Libreria Acqua Alta 

This hidden treasure in Venice is 

an extraordinary shop run by the 

charismatic Luigi Frizzo, who believes 

that books “make your soul come 

alive”. A book lover’s paradise, 

Libreria Acqua Alta is a truly unique 

interpretation of what a book store 

should be. It reflects Luigi’s playful 

spirit and his unwavering passion 

for the written word. Libreria Acqua 

Alta has an eclectic collection of 

nearly 100,000 titles and includes 

a staircase made entirely of books! 

Shakespeare & Co. 

One of my favourite bookshops in the 

world is Shakespeare & Co. on Paris’s 

Left Bank. This literary haven was 

started in 1919 by a formidable woman 

and American idealist called Sylvia 

Beach, and it soon became a centre 

for American 

expats like Ernest 

Hemingway and 

F. Scott Fitzgerald. 

After the war, 

the bookshop 

was bought 

by American 

writer George 

Whitman and 

it became 

home to what 

he called 

tumbleweeds; aspiring writers who for 

years were able to work and live in the 

shop. The second floor is the library 

and has a room with beds for the 

tumbleweeds, as well as a piano. I’ve 

been to Shakespeare & Co. on several 

occasions when talented young 

pianists have been performing, and 

it’s been absolutely magical. 


TRAVEL 

THE RHINE, 

river of legends 

In the first of a new series looking at the great rivers of 

the world, we focus on the Rhine – a waterway that is as 

commercially important as it is picturesque 


History rarely repeats 

itself on the Rhine. 

Every town, every 

castle, and just about 

every rock has its own story to tell. 

It’s a river blessed with fairytale 

castles, vineyard-strewn hills, deep 

forests and picture-book towns. 

One that the Romans defined as the 

edge of their empire. One where 

the Prussians built an innovative 

pontoon bridge to stop Napoleon’s 

advancing army. And one where, 

despite Hitler’s best efforts, US 

troops found a bridge still standing 

at Remagen, allowing Allied forces 

to enter the heart of Europe. 

Old Father Rhine, as the 

Germans fondly call it, is Europe’s 

busiest river, although there is 

little sense of this on a sunny day, 

drifting slowly past mile after mile 

of steep vineyards guarded by 

craggy castles and the occassional 

sleepy town basking on its banks. 

Although the Rhine is generally 

associated with Germany, the river 

flows through or along the border 

of several other countries, including 

Austria, Lichtenstein, France and 

the Netherlands. The river rises 

in the Swiss Alps, making its way 

through the great expanse of Lake 

Constance, emerging at one end to 

cascade 21 metres over the foaming 

Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen. 

Beyond Basel, the Rhine is 

navigable for river cruise vessels, 

which sail all the way between here 

and Amsterdam. The most famous 

(and most beautiful) stretch is the 

Romantic Rhine, or the Middle 

Rhine, where the river forces 

its way through a series of steep 

gorges, crossing the hilly heart of 

Germany’s wine-growing country. 

Beyond the city of Bonn, 

the landscape flattens out into 

what has become the country’s 

industrial heartland, the now 

broad and powerful river flowing 

through cities such as Cologne and 

Düsseldorf before splitting into 

several arms in the Netherlands 


far left: Viking 

Mani sails along 

the picturesque 

Rhine; vineyards 

are a common 

feature in the hilly 

Middle Rhine area 


TRAVEL 

and draining into the North Sea. 

Several tributaries feed the 

Rhine, among them is the Necker, 

overlooked by the quaint university 

city of Heidelberg, and the Moselle, 

which twists and turns along a 

narrow, forest-clad valley. 

The Main flows through 

Frankfurt, Germany’s financial 

powerhouse but with a lovely old 

centre, the Römerberg (Roman 

Hill), where a series of elegant 

patrician houses have been joined 

to create the Rathaus (town hall). 

Then in nearby Würzburg, the 

Bishop’s Residenz is one of Europe’s 

finest baroque palaces, with ornate 

frescoes and immaculate gardens. 

Throughout history, the Rhine 

has defined borders and empires. 

Caesar’s armies reached what is 

now Cologne in 51 BC and built 

the first bridge, giving them access 

to the right bank and the hostile 

territories beyond. The waterway 

is dotted with former Roman 

settlements, vestiges of which 

remain in the form of ancient walls 

and watchtowers. By the Middle 

Ages, the Rhine was a treacherous 

route for sailors; every bend was 

guarded by a castle and bribes and 

taxes had to be paid to sail past. 

Passenger shipping in a much 

more civilised form began with the 

evolution of the paddle steamer in 

1836, returning after the war until 

the 1960s, when more modern 

hotel ships started to appear. 

Shipping on the river changed 

forever in 1992 with the opening 

of the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, 

an engineering masterpiece that 

allowed ships, for the first time, to 

sail all the way from the North Sea, 

along the Rhine, through the canal 

to join the Main, into the Danube 

and east to the Black Sea. 

There are many highlights of 

a Rhine voyage, from the rolling 

hills of the Black Forest to the 

half-timbered houses and market 

squares of Strasbourg, where hours 

can be whiled away in a street café, 

sampling fruity Alsace wines. 

For the length of the Rhine 

Gorge, the scenery is dominated 


by imposing castles perched on 

impossibly sheer rocky outcrops, 

each one hiding stories and legends 

of dynastic battles and evil-doing. 

At St. Goarshausen, the river twists 

around jagged rocks in a series 

of deep whirlpools; it is here that 

the Lorelei nymph, according to 

legend, lured sailors to their deaths 

with her voice’s haunting beauty. 

The pretty little town of 

Boppard reveals layer upon layer 

of history; here, you can see the 

remains of what was once a series 

of 28 Roman watchtowers, and 

the town’s original medieval gates. 

In Cologne, ships moor close 

to the heart of the city, which is 

dominated by the magnificent 

Dom (Cathedral). Bonn and 

Düsseldorf, meanwhile, have a 

wealth of superb art museums and 

some of Germany’s finest shopping. 

Amsterdam, the final port on 

many Rhine voyages (or the first, 

depending on the direction of 

the trip), is packed with sights, 

from the graceful canals to the 

magnificent and newly re-opened 

Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank 

House and the Maritime Museum. 

Each season on the Rhine has 

its own charm. Spring is the time 

for admiring the glorious Dutch 

bulb fields, swathes of scarlet, blue, 

yellow and orange forming vast 

stripes across the landscape, and 

Keukenhof Gardens putting on a 

beautiful display of colours. 

Summer is the season of festivals, 

of long afternoons in riverside beer 

gardens and lazy days on deck as 

the ship drifts gently through lush 

vineyards and sunny meadows. 

In autumn, the woodlands in the 

Middle and Upper Rhine turn 

yellow and gold and the wine 

harvest comes in, which is always 

a cause for celebration. December 

is the season for Advent cruises, 

exploring a new Christmas market 

every day, shopping for handmade 

gifts and sampling mulled wine. 

Whatever the time of year, a 

voyage along the Rhine is a glimpse 

into the way this waterway has 

shaped European history. 


far left: Viking 

guests are able to 

enjoy lunch whilst 

appreciating the 

landscape of the 

Rhine region; 

Strasbourg comes 

to life at sunrise 



TRAVEL 

My SYDNEY 

Viking’s Cassie Wilcox lived in Sydney for 17 years. She shares 

what she loves most about the Australian city 

There is so much to love 

about Sydney, where 

do you start? Perhaps 

with Sydney Harbour, 

where Viking begins its Australia 

& New Zealand voyage. 

The most beautiful harbour 

in the world (yes, really), I never 

tired of gazing at it. Sydney has 

grown up around its harbour, bays 

and coves, and exploring its pretty 

harbourside parks and suburbs is 

easy. From Circular Quay next to 

Sydney Opera House, catch one of 

the little ferries in any direction: 

west to Glebe or Balmain, north 

to Kirribilli or east to Manly. In 

all these places, you can sit on the 

waterfront admiring the views or 

stop at a café for a coffee break. 

Speaking of which, the coffee 

in Australia is second to none, no 

doubt because of the huge wave of 

Italian migrants who now call ‘The 

Lucky Country’ home. Food and 

drink are a highlight of this city. 

The best Italian food I’ve eaten was 

here, often in little local restaurants 

where Mamma supervises the 

kitchen. The same is true for Thai 

and Vietnamese cuisine. Again, an 

enduring reward of immigration. 

Australian chefs are creative, and 

make the most of the abundant 

fresh produce, including fish and 

shellfish. For melt-in-your-mouth 

sashimi, visit Sydney Fish Market 

in Pyrmont, choose your fish 

(tuna is a favourite) and watch the 

fishmonger slice it for you before 

feasting on it by the harbour. Joy. 

Living in Sydney, I never took 

for granted the fact that I could 

finish work and head to the beach. 

There are lots to choose from: 

big, small, quiet, busy, surf or 

harbourside. My favourite was 

Clovelly – a tiny arc of sand framed 

by huge rocks in the city’s eastern 

suburbs. Bondi is of course the 

most iconic and you can explore it 

on one of Viking’s optional tours. 

Another Viking excursion takes 

you to the Blue Mountains, west 

of Sydney. Named for the natural 

blue haze from the eucalyptus trees 

that carpet the region, its lush 

forests are staggeringly beautiful, 

and offer great walking. I used to 

love visiting the Blue Mountains, 

especially in wintertime in July 

when the weather is cold and they 

celebrate Christmas, complete with 

a traditional Christmas lunch! 

Within the city, the Royal 

Botanic Gardens is a wonderful 

oasis of plants and trees with 

inspiring views over the harbour. 

The natural world and the great 

outdoors are never far away. This 

is a city that has public barbeques 

on the beaches and in the parks, 

and where dining al fresco is the 

norm, not the exception. Maybe 

the sunshine is why Sydneysiders 

are generally more relaxed and 

carefree. That sense of fun cannot 

help but rub off on you, and that is 

what I love – and miss 

– most about Sydney. 

The optimism, the 

humour and the 

freedom that is part 

of a can-do culture. 

Fun and carefree, 

Sydney is a city that 

never takes itself too 

seriously. It is a breath 

of fresh air, in more 

ways than one. 


below: Ferries 

berth in Circular 

Quay; Sydney 

excels with its 

fresh fish and 

shellfish; Cassie 

never tired of the 

iconic harbour 

PHOTOS: © I STOCK/ ADOBE STOCK 


Explore the mighty Mississippi, 

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Prices & availability are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. From prices are based on two people sharing the lowest grade stateroom 

on Heart of the Delta departing on 21 or 28 January 2023. Single supplements apply. Gratuities included on board ship only. For more information please visit 

vikingcruises.co.uk/terms-conditions or call us. 

VC_EM_Mississippi_A4_v4.indd 1 18/05/2020 14:20:48

Embark on the ultimate adventure 

to the Arctic or Antarctica 

Discover the true Arctic on a journey to the top of the world, where polar bears reign 

and blue ice floats serenely on the horizon. Or explore Antarctica, the Last Continent, 

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To allow you to best explore these unrivalled destinations, we have assembled a 

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The expedition ship perfected, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are home to just 378 

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VC_Expeditions_Dec2019_A4_v7.indd 1 18/05/2020 15:21:33

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