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Spring turns Europe in a kaleidoscope of colours, with warm spring days enticing the locals out to play and a myriad of festivals to welcome in the new season.  Get ready for Europe in spring 2022 and 2023 with Viking’s portfolio of river and ocean cruises to iconic cities and world class events and festivals, and be prepared to capture Instagram worthy shots at every turn.

The Netherlands comes alive in spring, making it one of our favourite Europe spring break destinations.  One of the best places to soak up the splendour of a Dutch spring is Keukenhof Park in Lisse, known as the ‘Garden of Europe’. Around seven million tulips and 800 tulip varieties are planted at the flower garden every year, turning the park into a rainbow of colours.

The Dutch celebrate some of their biggest and most important holidays in spring. Dress in orange and help the locals celebrate their king with street markets, live music and brightly decorated boats on King’s Day on 27 April.

  • 10-day Holland and Belgium river cruise from Amsterdam to Antwerp or v.v, from $5,195pp.

When you think of Norway, you probably think of snowy peaks and icy fjords. But spring tells a different story, with milder weather and trees in bloom. Stavanger is a great place to start, with rows of traditional houses and pretty blossoms lit up in the sun.

In Bergen, watch Norway’s nature thaw after the long winter. Discover the waterfalls and glacial treks of the nearby Hardangerfjord region, one of the most peaceful places on Earth.

  • 15-day Viking Homelands – a stunning ocean cruise from Stockholm to Bergen v.v  from $8,595pp.

Springtime in Europe means blossoming trees and fields of flowers, and Italy is no different. Journey to the hills of Tuscany during the months of April and May, and you’ll find a swaying sea of red poppies.  Or travel to Venice for the Festa di San Marco in April, the feast day of Venice’s patron saint, where Venetian men traditionally present the woman they love with a red rosebud.

  • 29-day Mediterranean’s Iconic Shores  – an epic ocean cruise from Barcelona to Istanbul v.v  from $18,995pp.

Britain is spectacular in spring, with flowering gardens, blooming trees and rolling green hills everywhere. Perhaps the most iconic sights, however, are the bluebell woods – take a stroll through the English countryside, illuminated in a carpet of bluebells. Plus the RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place in London from May annually and is a must do on any spring time visit!

  • 15-day British Isles Explorer – traversing the Isles from north to south from Bergen to London or v.v from $8,395pp.

From Paris to Provence, France is a classic Europe Springtime destination. The season is perfect for discovering Paris and the many castles, palaces and châteaux around the capital: Versailles, Chantilly, Vaux-le-Vicomte and their respective gardens. In Normandy, the apple trees are in full bloom and Monet’s Garden in Giverny is well worth a visit as are the lush vineyards, and olive groves of Provence, while the French Riviera sparkles in the sunlight.

  • 15-day France’s Finest – for lovers of everything Français, from Paris to Avignon or v.v, from $6,495pp.

Switzerland is stunning in spring, as the sparkling lakes thaw and hiking trails start to bloom after the winter. Visit Zurich in April to enjoy Sechseläuten, the city’s Spring Festival. You’ll see colourful parades and the lighting of bonfires topped with a snowman named Böögg. The legend goes that the faster the fire reaches the head of the snowman, the better the summer will be.

  • 12-day Paris to the Swiss Alps – from Paris to Zurich or v.v, from $5,295pp.

For additional information, visit your local travel agent, vikingcruises.com.au or phone Viking on 138 747 (AU) / 0800 447 913 (NZ).

*Terms and conditions apply. Prices are AUD. Risk Free Guarantee valid on all new bookings made between 1 March 2021 and 30 April 2021, for more information please visit: https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/risk-free-guarantee.html Visit https://www.vikingcruises.com.au for complete terms and conditions.