Los Angeles, Calif. (September 29, 2008) -
Viking Tours, introduced in 2008 to offer the finest in small group travel to extraordinary destinations, has now launched its 2009 season. The company, a venture of Viking River Cruises, has announced 2009 departures for its "Classic Collection" tours-Pathways of the Pharaohs, Wonders of Majestic India and Pristine Galápagos-with 2009 departures on additional tours to be announced soon.
"We are delighted with the success of our new venture," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of both Viking River Cruises and Viking Tours. "Quite a few of our past river cruise guests have joined us on these extraordinary journeys, and we have seen a great many new faces as well."
While Viking Tours strives to maintain the high standards set by Viking River Cruises during its first ten years, a different kind of destination calls for a different kind of tour. "We have found that the small group size is one of our most critical success factors," remarked Ted Sykes, President of Viking Tours, "along with the unique experiences, quality of accommodations and of course the extraordinary nature of the destinations themselves. We have received detailed feedback from our guests, which will help us continue to provide astonishing, once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences."
Pathways of the Pharaohs, which takes guests to Cairo and Alexandria and on Nile and Lake Nasser cruises to Luxor and Abu Simbel, has been the most popular Viking Tours itinerary. "People who are interested in taking this tour in 2009 should sign up soon," urged Mr. Sykes. "Departures are already filling quickly." Wonders of Majestic India and Pristine Galápagos have also been very popular. The company is in the process of finalizing arrangements for additional 2009 itineraries and will announce departure dates as soon as possible.
Viking Tours has also announced one new pre-trip extension: Pathways of the Pharaohs participants may now begin their visit to the Middle East with a three-night extension in Israel. "Guests will spend time in Jerusalem's Old City, visit the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum, and visit Bethlehem," explained Mr. Sykes. "Of course, our fascinating post-tour extension to Petra will be offered again in 2009." Guests on Wonders of Majestic India may extend their journey in Dubai or Bhutan, and Galápagos travelers may choose to add a full week of exploring Inca ruins at Cuzco, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu in Peru. "Both Petra and Machu Picchu are on the New Seven Wonders of the World list," Mr. Sykes added.
Guests are urged to book soon-there is a $1,000-per-couple Early Booking Incentive through October 31, 2008 for the new 2009 Viking Tours dates. Members of the Viking Explorer Society-i.e., past guests of either Viking River Cruises or Viking Tours-may use their special member travel credit in conjunction with the Early Booking Incentive. Interested persons may call their travel agents, or Viking Tours travel consultants can be reached toll-free at 1 877 845 8687 (1 877 VIK TOURS) Monday-Friday 5:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Saturday 5:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Sunday 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Up-to-date tour details and departure availability can also be found at vikingtours.com.
Because Viking Tours pricing includes all meals, guided tours, excursions and entry fees, travelers never have to worry about fuel costs, exchange rates and so on. "A Viking Tours vacation is a truly outstanding travel value," declared Mr. Sykes. "We offer extraordinary destinations, world-class hospitality and unique programs at affordable prices."
For more information on Viking River Cruises, visit www.vikingtours.com
About Viking Tours
Viking Tours was launched in 2008 to provide seasoned travelers once-in-a-lifetime journeys to extraordinary destinations. A sister company to Viking River Cruises, the world's largest river cruise company, Viking Tours offers travel in small groups, spectacular accommodations in world-class properties, and unique experiences like home-hosted dinners featuring authentic regional cuisine. For additional information, contact Viking Tours at 1 877 845 8687 (1 877 VIK-TOURS) toll-free or visit the company online at http://www.vikingtours.com.