River & rail a winning combo in Europe

Luxury line Viking recently launched two new rail extensions starting in 2025 that combine two great ways to experience the highlights of Europe — river cruising and train journeys.

+ A five-night post-cruise rail extension is available on Viking’s Lyon & Provence itinerary in France from next year. After eight magical days cruising the Rhone from historic Avignon in the south to the capital of French gastronomy, Lyon, there’s scenic train journeys through Swiss alpine country to look forward to.

The Scenic Alpine Railways extension is from Geneva (arrival by coach) to Zurich and has a fully guided program for each day.

Highlights include taking a scenic train journey through snow-capped mountains on the GoldenPass and to Montreux in a vintage railcar; a boat cruise on Lake Geneva with a visit to medieval Chillon Castle in Montreux; the stunning alpine region Jungfrau including the town of Gstaad and its Glacier 3000 winter park; a visit to pretty alpine village Grindelwald; and walking tour of lakeside city Lucerne.

This extension is priced at $4049 (seasonal pricing April-October) and includes five nights’ hotel accommodation, some meals, guided tours, GoldenPass rail tickets, entry to sights and transfers, and is fully escorted by a Viking tour director.

+ The Swiss Alps and Scenic Train post-cruise rail extension travels through the alps on the scenic GoldenPass railway, this time starting in Lucerne and ending in Geneva.

This four-night fully escorted extension is available on Rhine Getaway (eight days), and Rhine and Main Explorer (11 days) itineraries, starting in 2025. It is priced at $3599 (seasonal pricing April-November) and has similar inclusions like hotel accommodation, guided tours, passes and some meals.

There are many of the same highlights on this rail extension, including a cogwheel train ride to the gateway of the Jungfrau region at Kleine Scheidegg, and Lake Geneva boat cruise.

vikingcruises.com.au