Viking has arranged exclusive entry for guests to cultural treasures all around the world. Visit seldom-seen collections with before- and after-hours access to world-class museums; be a special guest at private homes and palaces not open to just anyone; or attend cultural performances of folklore, ballet and opera to get an insider’s view during these private tours. Read on to find out more about Viking’s itineraries with Privileged Access experiences.

Top of Cologne

With Viking, you can marvel at incredible views of Cologne and the Rhine from the roof of the city’s magnificent Gothic-style Dom Cathedral with the exclusive “Top of Cologne” excursion on the Rhine Getaway. Head up to the roof of the astonishing cathedral and learn about ongoing excavation and restoration efforts. Start your backstage tour of a lifetime by ascending the outside wall on the same elevator used by the restoration crew. Entering the very ceiling of the cathedral through a rooftop door, you will see the vast tower spaces and massive iron structures holding up the roof, and visit the restoration workshops. Then, venture onto the roof itself for incredible, up-close views of the cathedral’s Gothic architecture. Beyond, gaze out over the rooftops and waters of the Rhine far below.

Kinderdijk by Vintage Barge

While traveling on the Rhine Getaway, explore the heart of Kinderdijk on a restored river boat and go beyond the usual visitor experience on a Viking exclusive boat tour and visit the oldest Kinderdijk windmill. Board the Jantina, a 125-year-old restored cargo vessel, adapted to carry passengers to the Blokker Windmill, which dates back to 1630. Meet the miller and his family and tour the windmill. Take a peek at the vegetable garden and see the traditional outbuildings, such as the cooking shed and the outhouse. Learn everything there is to know about the life of a miller’s family in days gone by and also what it takes today to preserve these mighty machines.

Behind the Scenes at the Vienna Boys’ Choir

On Grand European Tour or Danube Waltz, tour the boarding school of the Wiener Sängerknaben, the Vienna Boys’ Choir, and meet some of the singers. One of the best known choirs in the world, this perfectly pitched ensemble of trebles and altos is made up of around 100 choristers between the ages of 10 and 14. Since 1948, the Palais Augarten has served as a school for the modern-day descendant of the boys’ choirs that once regaled the Viennese Court in the Middle Ages. In their day, Mozart and Bruckner performed with them, and Schubert and Haydn sang with them as youths. During your visit, enjoy Privileged Access as you tour some common areas and rehearsal rooms where the boys live and exercise their voices. Then, retire to a salon for an uplifting 30-minute private concert, after which you will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and mingle with some choir members.

Göttweig Abbey

A working monastery for more than 900s years, Göttweig Abbey offers guests on Romantic Danube to experience a Benedictine abbey where monks work and worship. A scenic drive will take you to the abbey, located on a hilltop overlooking the splendid Wachau Valley and the Danube River. Your host and guide will welcome you at the cellar entrance with a glass of sparkling apricot wine produced in the region. Then, enjoy a private viewing of a short film about monastic life and learn what it takes to run a monastery today. Step through the church’s neoclassical portal to admire its colorful and ornate interior. Continue into the abbey’s museum, which chronicles its 900-year history as a center of religious life and its role as a monastic retreat. Climb the Imperial Staircase, crowned by one of the largest and most spectacular ceiling frescoes in the world. The adjoining princely and imperial rooms showcase splendid artwork from the abbey’s own collections.

Viking goes beyond allowing guests to immerse themselves. With privileged access, you can join personalized after-hours tours of history and culture, concerts all without the crowds.