Viking River Cruise Shore Excursions: Skip the Included Tours or Not?

Viking's Included Excursions Are Solid — But Not Always the Best Option

Every Viking port includes at least one complimentary guided excursion — typically a 2-3 hour walking tour of the city's highlights with a local guide. These included tours are well-organized, informative, and perfect for first-time visitors to a city.

But here's what experienced travelers discover: the included tours are designed for the broadest audience possible. They cover the 'greatest hits' at a moderate pace with large groups (20-30 people). If you're a foodie, an architecture buff, a history deep-diver, or someone who hates group tours, the optional (paid) excursions or independent exploration might serve you better.

Included vs. Optional Excursions

Understanding the difference helps you budget and plan.

When to Take the Included Tour vs. Upgrade

Port-by-port recommendations for the most popular Rhine and Danube itineraries.

• Vienna — TAKE the included tour. It's excellent and covers the key landmarks. UPGRADE to the Schönbrunn Palace tour if you love Habsburg history
• Budapest — TAKE the included tour for orientation, then explore independently. The city is very walkable and full of surprises
• Amsterdam — SKIP the walking tour if you've been before. UPGRADE to the canal boat tour or bike tour for a better experience
• Cologne — The included cathedral tour is short but good. UPGRADE to the local brewery tour (Kölsch beer and local food) for a more memorable experience
• Strasbourg — TAKE the included tour. The old town is stunning and the guide context adds real value to the half-timbered houses and cathedral
• Passau — SKIP the group tour and explore independently. It's a tiny, walkable city where self-guided exploration is easy and more enjoyable
• Nuremberg — UPGRADE to the WWII history tour if you're interested. The included tour covers the old town but the Nazi Rally Grounds tour is far more impactful

Tips for Independent Exploration

Going solo in port? These tips help you make the most of it.

• Attend the port talk the evening before — Viking's program director gives an overview of each port with maps and recommendations
• Download offline maps before your trip — Google Maps offline mode works perfectly in every European port city
• Return to the ship 30 minutes before departure — don't cut it close, especially in ports where the ship docks far from the city center
• Ask the ship's concierge for restaurant recommendations — they know the ports intimately and can make reservations for you
• Bring cash in the local currency — not all small shops and cafes accept cards, especially in smaller German and Austrian towns
• If you miss the ship, Viking will help — but you're responsible for getting to the next port at your own expense. It's rare but it happens

Frequently Asked Questions

How many optional excursions should I budget for?

Most guests book 2-4 optional excursions per cruise. At $50-150 each, budget $200-500/person for optional tours. The best value upgrades are cooking classes ($80-120) and wine/beer tastings ($40-80) — these provide unique experiences you can't replicate independently. City tours are less essential as upgrades since the included tours cover the basics well.

Can I do excursions on my own instead of Viking's?

Absolutely. Many experienced travelers skip both included and optional excursions and explore independently or book local tours through platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator. The advantage of Viking excursions is guaranteed timing (the ship won't leave without you) and curated quality. The advantage of independent exploration is flexibility, smaller groups, and often lower prices.