Viking River Cruises is offering a Oxford & Highclere Castle land extension in 2013, giving travelers the chance to explore Highclere Castle, the setting for Downton Abbey on PBS’s MASTERPIECE, alongside other well-known British landmarks.
Offered as a pre- or post-extension on the Cities of Light or Paris & the Heart of Normandy itineraries, the Oxford & Highclere Castle package is priced at $1,399 per person and is composed of a three-night stay in the rolling hills of England’s countryside. Guests will enjoy an exclusive insider’s look at Highclere Castle, including a special champagne welcome for Viking guests, and a tour co-created with the owners of the magnificent property, the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.
The Oxford & Highclere Castle package serves to complement the Cities of Light and Paris & the Heart of Normandy itineraries by giving travelers the chance to visit a destination that is otherwise inaccessible on a river cruise. The 12-day Cities of Light itinerary, which visits four countries on the Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers between Paris and Prague, offers a look at the gems of Western Europe, from vineyards in the Moselle River Valley to the baroque beauty of Würzburg. The eight-day Paris & the Heart of Normandy cruise explores the legendary Seine River as it takes guests from Paris to Rouen and the dramatic beaches of Normandy.
The Oxford & Highclere Castle extension is one of many land extensions offered by Viking’s Explore MoreTM program, which allows guests to maximize their time overseas by spending additional days in these destinations.
Other highlights of the Oxford & Highclere Castle extension include a visit to the historic town of Oxford, where guests will overnight. They will also explore Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and the Cotswolds, the charming range of verdant rolling hills and stone villages that epitomize England’s countryside. Before departing, they will see some of London’s most beloved sights, including Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and “Big Ben.” Guests will travel between Paris and London on the celebrated high-speed Eurostar railway, which transports passengers across the English Channel in less than three hours.
For more information, visit www.vikingrivercruises.com.