Imagine a private, after-dark visit to the Tower of London. Or a backstage look inside the boarding school of Vienna’s celebrated Boys’ Choir. Or how about a private tour of Highclere Castle, better known to the world as Downton Abbey? Viking makes it all possible through its Privileged Access program.
Access that sets Viking apart
Not all shore excursions are created equal. Viking’s Privileged Access program was built for travelers who want a deeper encounter with the places they visit. These specialized VIP excursions go beyond the standard itinerary, offering curated access, expert guidance, and immersive participation not available on a typical tour.
These behind-the-scenes experiences range from after-hours ceremonies at iconic landmarks to private access at working cultural institutions and living monasteries, offering you an authentic, up-close look at living history and culture. The program spans Viking’s full portfolio, including river voyages, ocean itineraries, and pre- and post-cruise extensions.
Wherever you travel with Viking, there is likely an opportunity to go deeper. Each excursion is led by knowledgeable local guides who bring context and meaning to every stop. Pricing varies by activity, so you can choose the encounters that matter most to you.
Here are a few examples of Viking’s exclusive Privileged Access Experiences.
Highclere Castle: The real Downton Abbey
Highclere Castle is familiar to millions as the filming location for the TV series Downton Abbey. But for Viking guests, it offers something more. On select pre- and post-extension stays with the British Isles Explorer ocean voyage or the Paris & the Heart of Normandy river voyage, you receive exclusive access to the castle and its grounds. The estate has been home to the Earls of Carnarvon for nearly 200 years.
In the footsteps of explorers in Egypt
On the Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, you can retrace the footsteps of explorer Howard Carter and the 5th Earl of Carnarvon through private archives, exhibits, and the earl’s personal collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London
On the British Isles Explorer itinerary, you experience the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London after hours. The ritual, performed nightly without interruption for nearly 700 years, involves the formal locking of the Tower gates by the Chief Yeoman Warder. It’s one of the oldest military ceremonies in the world, and public access is extraordinarily limited. Viking’s Privileged Access makes it possible.
Behind the curtain in Vienna and on the Danube
On the Grand European Tour, you can have special access to the boarding school of the Wiener Sängerknaben, Vienna’s famous Boys’ Choir. It’s a rare look inside the institution where young singers train, live, and carry forward a musical tradition dating back to 1498.
On the Romantic Danube itinerary, you step inside Göttweig Abbey for an exclusive visit. Founded more than 900 years ago, the working Benedictine monastery is located on a hill overlooking the scenic Danube Valley. Monks still carry on the rhythms of daily life and centuries-old traditions of work and worship within its walls.
Added value for AAA members
Members receive a $100 per person onboard credit on Viking river voyages of 8 to 11 days, or a $200 per person onboard credit on river voyages of 12 or more days. It is a simple way to add more value to an already rich travel experience.
Available across river, ocean, and extension itineraries, Privileged Access experiences are offered throughout the Viking portfolio for travelers who want to go deeper. For those who do, it’s worth a good look.