Why a river cruise makes surprisingly sound financial sense

While money spent exploring the world is seldom regretted, deciding exactly how and where to spend it warrants careful consideration, ensuring you can pack the maximum value into your holiday.

After all, any savings made on this trip can kickstart the fund for the next adventure.

Group travel, in particular, offers a cost-effective way for travellers to make the most of their valuable free time. Guests are able to take advantage of the economies of scale that come into play when booking with a large tour operator, in way that isn’t possible with independent travel.

That’s just one of many reasons holidaymakers are falling in love with river cruising.

Thoughtfully curated itineraries make it possible to travel while you sleep, waking up to an exotic new destination every morning, without any need to juggle multiple hotel bookings, or endure an endless cycle of suitcase packing.

Viking inclusive value means all you need is included, no surprises or hidden fees. Photo: Viking

Excursions are included, allowing travellers to experience the best a destination has to offer – from the iconic to the obscure – before returning to the ship to relax.

But just as important is flexibility and choice, which is why you can do as much or as little as you like on a Viking cruise. Join a range of included and optional activities, hike a mountain, cycle a valley, explore on your own, or enjoy an afternoon of quiet solitude in award-winning comfort – the choice is yours.

The Rhine Getaway river cruise with Viking winds its way through four countries – Switzerland, Germany, France and The Netherlands – where guests explore nine historic cities and towns across eight days.

The trip includes six guided tours, all meals, drinks with lunch and dinner, and all port taxes and fees from just $2995 per person. That’s a daily cost of $374 per person – a price that would be hard to beat by independently travelling once transport, accommodation, meals and guided tours are factored in.

Get to know the history of each destination with expert local guides. Photo: Viking

Expert local guides are on hand to immerse you in the culture and history of each destination, providing an insight into the customs, traditions and local way of life.

These are pre-arranged by Viking and are included in the fare, so there’s no need to organise anything yourself. That means no emailing, no phone calls and no hassles with interpretation, just more time exploring the best a destination has to offer.

Examples of these excursions include dinner and wine tasting at a former Cistercian monastery and a peaceful e-bike ride through the Black Forest in Germany.

Without the stress of navigating foreign roads, train stations or airports, checking in and out of hotels or trying to find each destination’s highlights and hidden treasures, there’s more time to explore at your leisure.

There’s also the on-board value. In addition to all your meals, along with premium beers and wines with lunch and dinner, each Viking journey includes endless specialty tea, coffee and bottled water, unlimited wi-fi, and all onboard gratuities, port charges and taxes.

Experience the most extraordinary way to see the world and book your Rhine Getaway river voyage before May 31, 2024 to save up to $2000 per couple.*

*Terms and conditions apply