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Karine Cooks: Risotto at Lake Como, Italy

Learn how Italians prepare their delicious risotto con funghi porcini and the bubbly addition that gives this particular version a delightfully unique taste.

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Mediterranean

Karine Cooks: Risotto at Lake Como, Italy

Learn how Italians prepare their delicious risotto con funghi porcini and the bubbly addition that gives this particular version a delightfully unique taste.

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Discover Italy’s Magnificent Formal Gardens

Join Karine as she explores several exquisite Italian gardens, where contours and textures, order and nature, mingle in the midst of verdant beauty.

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Northern Italy Treasures: Verona & Lake Como

Just beyond majestic Venice is a slice of Italy many people never see. Join Karine as she explores Verona’s architectural landmarks, along with Lake Como’s inspiring panoramas and quaint villages.

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Pisa’s Leaning Tower: A Galileo Laboratory?

Climb up this iconic landmark with Karine and learn about the bell tower’s intriguing history, including the legend of Galileo and his test of a key hypothesis from the top of this slanted structure.

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Restoring Michelangelo’s David

Get closer to Michelangelo’s towering David, a masterpiece both revered and reviled by Florentine citizens over the centuries. Join Karine in Galleria dell'Accademia as she meets the woman behind the restoration of this remarkable sculpture.

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Vesuvius: Italy’s Slumbering Giant

Explore the history of the notorious Mt. Vesuvius with Karine, from its myths and folklore to the part the volcano played (or did not play!) in the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

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Discover Venice

Whether you are interested in art, architecture, music or history, romantic Venice has it all. Once the center of the cultured Venetian Republic, it retains an unrivaled old-world charm.

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Antoni Gaudí’s Architecture

Step into the mind of Antoni Gaudí, the colorful Barcelona artist whose passion for nature led him to create astounding biomimetic architecture and seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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Venice’s Most Unusual Bookstore

Join Karine at Libreria Acqua Alta, a Venetian hidden treasure. This extraordinary shop is run by the charismatic Luigi Frizzo, who believes that books “make your soul come alive.”

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Love and Drama at the Acropolis

Every culture has its tale of fated lovers. In Greece, it is Mimikos and Mary, whose romance took an unexpected turn in the shadow of the Acropolis, a story that shook Greek society.

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Brettos, Athens Locals & Ouzo

Mix colorful bottles of ouzo and other spirits, oak casks full of brandy and a colorful owner, and you get Brettos, an Athens bar like no other. Join Karine at this local treasure.

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Baci: the Original Chocolate Kiss

Karine joins Chocolate Master Massimiliano Guidubaldi at the Perugina School of Chocolate to learn to make Baci, Italy’s original chocolate “kiss,” invented on Valentine’s Day in 1922.

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The Amalfi Coast’s Tasty Limoncello

This tangy liqueur has long been one of Italy’s favorite after-dinner drinks. Join Karine to discover how simple it is to make this refreshing and iconic Sorrento digestif at home.

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Beneath Naples, Mystery Awaits

Step below the historic streets of Naples into its ancient past. Explore a vast labyrinth where relics from the early Greeks and impressive Roman architecture remain amazingly intact.

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The Origins of Opera

What has made opera such a popular and enduring art form? Join Karine as she takes you behind the scenes of this distinctly Italian creation at its source—the opera houses of Italy.

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The Proud People of Catalonia

For centuries, the people of Catalonia have pursued independence. Follow their search for this elusive goal and learn about the determination of Catalans to keep their culture alive.

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Inside Italy’s Coffee Culture

If you cannot tell your macchiato from your espresso corto or you do not know why you should drink your coffee standing, join Karine and friends to explore Italy’s thriving coffee culture.

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Italy’s Fabled Vespa Scooter

As iconic as Rome’s Colosseum or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy’s fabled Vespa is central to Italy’s cultural identity. Learn the history of this perennial Italian motor scooter.

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Fresh Pasta: Fast, Fun and Easy!

Venture into the Tuscan countryside to learn the art of making fresh pasta. Under the watchful eye of a delightful Italian mama, Karine learns the secrets of this Italian favorite.

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Turkish Carpets

Learn about the tradition of Turkish carpets with roots stretching back to the Ottoman Empire. These handmade masterpieces have played an important role in Turkish life for centuries.

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Spain’s Civil War

Join Karine for a look at the Spanish Civil War. Lasting three years, it pulled Italy, Germany, the Soviet Union and luminaries like George Orwell and Ernest Hemingway into the fight.

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Istanbul’s Mysterious Basilica Cistern

Hidden beneath the streets of Istanbul is the hauntingly beautiful Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century relic. Step into its shadowy depths with Karine to explore its many secrets.

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Hammam: A Traditional Turkish Bath

Step into a world of relaxation designed to soothe body and mind. Explore this much-loved aspect of Turkish culture that has been a favored therapy since the days of the Ottoman Empire.

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Beyond Venice’s Gondolas

Gondolas are icons of Venice, but countless other boats and people keep this car-free city running smoothly. Join Karine for a glimpse at the city’s diverse water-oriented infrastructure.

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Barcelona’s Palau de la Música

Look beyond Barcelona’s grand icons and you will discover the unusual music venue of Palau de la Música. Join Karine inside this architectural masterpiece and tribute to Catalonia.

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Opening Doors to Armagnac Cellars

Go behind closed doors in Gascony with Karine to learn the essential steps involved in the creation of Armagnac, a process that dates back to the 14th century.

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Catch the Fire of Flamenco

Ignite your soul with flamenco, Spain’s most intriguing dance. Gain an insider’s perspective on what drives the artists to deliver their fiery footwork in this centuries-old tradition.

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Montserrat: Catalonia’s Spiritual Treasure

Ascend into Spain’s rugged mountains and enter the sacred world of Montserrat Abbey. Meet a Benedictine monk who shares his knowledge of the monastery’s religious and cultural significance.

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Tapas: The Creative Taste of Spain

Barcelona chef Oscar Manresa shares the city's most loved tapas with Karine and explains how this Spanish creation became an inseparable part of Spain's culture and social scene.

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Inside the “Blue Mosque”

Join Karine for a tour of the landmark 17th-century Sultan Ahmed Mosque, often called the “Blue Mosque,” one of the world’s most famous places of worship.

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The Fundamentals of Wine

Join world-renowned Master of Wine Susie Barrie and Karine to learn about the fundamentals of enjoying fine wine, from opening and pouring to decanting and storing.

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Discover Barcelona

From the passion of flamenco to the genius of Gaudí, Barcelona is a city of grand statements. Join Karine to uncover its vibrant cultural and architectural treasures.

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Turkey’s Whirling Dervishes

The semazens (whirling dervishes) from the Mevlevi Order complete as many as 2,000 turns in a ceremony named by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

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Traditional Olive Oil from Croatia

Join Karine in the tiny village of Orašac, Croatia, as she learns centuries-old techniques to make organic extra virgin olive oil at a 250-year-old mill, a living museum.

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Franciscan Monastery

A testament to the city’s heritage, Dubrovnik’s fascinating Franciscan Monastery is home to one of the oldest pharmacies in the world and one of the most valued libraries in Croatia.

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The Venetian Lagoon

Follow Karine as she explores the fascinating Venice Lagoon, stopping to visit Torcello, San Giorgio Maggiori, Sant’ Erasmo, Burano, Lazzaretto Nuovo and Murano.

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Turkish Delights

Known as the milk of artists, chess players and thinkers, Turkish coffee was a favorite of Ottoman royals. Still popular today, its unique brewing method produces a delicious aroma.

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Dubrovnik Oysters

In the pristine waters off the coast of Croatia, just outside Dubrovnik, Karine introduces you to Pero Sare and his family-run oyster farm.

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Discover Istanbul

Istanbul is the ultimate enigma. A bridge between Europe and Asia, it has drawn from both for centuries. Join Karine as she explores this fascinating and colorful tapestry of cultures.

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Discover Dubrovnik

Croatia’s crystal clear waters have attracted travelers for centuries. But this pristine coast is also known for a shining gem: Dubrovnik, the remarkably preserved medieval walled city.

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Cooking with Karine: A Real Contessa

In her centuries-old Palazzo Tiepolo on the Grand Canal, Contessa Lelia Passi teaches Karine to make risi e bisi, a risotto of rice and peas.

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Croatian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Croatian words and phrases with Ivana, your Viking tutor. Živjeli!

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Portuguese Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Portuguese words and phrases with Maria, your Viking tutor. Saúde!

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Italian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Italian words and phrases with Elena, your Viking tutor. Salute!

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Scandinavia & Northern Europe

Tutankhamen and Highclere Castle

Uncover the fascinating history behind the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb by archaeologist Howard Carter and George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, and get an exclusive look at Highclere Castle’s collection of Egyptian relics.

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Explore Britain’s Great Homes, Gardens and Gin

Step inside the iconic British estates well known to PBS viewers, including Highclere Castle, the “real Downton Abbey”; Wolf Hall’s Broughton Castle; and Chavenage House, better known as Trenwith in Poldark. Beyond these impressive homes, learn the story behind the legendary Bombay Sapphire gin at its historic distillery.

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Norwegian National Romanticism

Trace Norway’s inspiring journey to full independence—a pursuit that gave rise to the Norwegian National Romanticism, a movement that came to define what it means to be Norwegian.

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Churchill’s Britain

Discover the remarkable life and times of revered British statesman Sir Winston Churchill. During this 5-night London extension with Viking, gain Privileged Access to Cabinet War Rooms; visit Churchill’s private Chartwell estate and his birthplace at Blenheim Palace; learn how the British broke the Nazis’ secret code at Bletchley Park and much more.

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The Distinctive Bunad, A Statement of Norwegian Pride

The traditional Norwegian bunad is one of the country’s most iconic expressions of cultural identity. Join Karine as she explores the history behind this unique attire.

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Follow in the Path of the Vikings on Scotland’s Orkney Islands

The Vikings ruled these rugged landscapes from the 9th to 13th century. Join Karine and learn more about their presence, as well as other Neolithic civilizations that date back 5,000 years.

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The Northern Lights Explained

Join Dr. E.C. Krupp, the director of Los Angeles’s Griffith Observatory, on a journey into a deeper cultural and scientific understanding of the surreal aurora borealis, the natural phenomenon known as the northern lights.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Gwyn, “The Butterfly Lady”

Join Karine to meet one of the longest serving residents on the Highclere Castle estate. And join them on a journey of joy and firsts, taking delight in the smaller things in life.

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At Home at Highclere

Join Karine as she speaks with the Countess of Carnarvon about her new book, At Home at Highclere. Learn about what it is like to live in this stately castle, and its history, delicious food and dedicated staff.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Mike the Beekeeper

Join Karine and Finse as they explore the world of bees with Mike Withers, a thirty-year member of the Highclere staff, whose passion for these hard-working, misunderstood insects spans 60 years.

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Highclere Behind the Scenes: Pat the Painter

Meet Pat Withers, one of the castle’s favorite, most colorful characters, who came to Highclere as a teenager and never left. As the longest serving staff member at Highclere, she’s worked for three generations of the Carnarvon family.

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Dale of Norway

Learn more about our Norwegian heritage and pride at the Dale knitwear factory. Meet the people behind the iconic Viking Dale knitted sweaters and find out what inspired this unique garment.

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Fish On! Norway

Majestic vistas and tranquil waters. Norway is home to some of the world’s best fishing and there are many ways to test your skill. Join Karine as she shares a few of the ways locals practice their craft.

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Shetlands! The World’s Favorite Ponies

Join Karine as she gets up close and personal with the iconic little horses that call the rugged Shetland Islands home.

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Chairman’s Choice: Norwegian Salmon

Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and Corporate Executive Chef Anthony Mauboussin as they compete in a cucumber salad cook-off in The Kitchen Table, our onboard cooking school.

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Family Fish Farming

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at a most unusual profession: Norwegian aquaculture, once a small industry in the 1970s, is now one of its greatest exports. Join Karine for an introduction to this fascinating world.

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Explore 100 Years of the Nobel Prize

Browse the extensive collection of Stockholm’s Nobel Museum and gain insight into the inspired thinking, courage and perseverance of the Nobel laureates who have changed our world.

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Armagnac: Cognac’s Cousin

Join Karine in the fertile Gascony region, where Armagnac is home to France’s oldest brandy. Learn more about this delightful spirit and its ties to the Torshavn venue on our ocean ships.

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World War II Danish Heroes

One of the most inspiring stories of World War II heroism is one few people know. Learn how Danish fishermen risked everything to help Denmark’s Jewish citizens escape the Nazis.

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Aquavit: A Taste of Norway

Aquavit means “water of life” and is Norway’s national spirit. Join Karine to learn more about this old favorite and find out which vegetable is a key ingredient.

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Norway’s Penny Loafers

Join Karine as she explores the origin of this much-loved shoe known as Weejuns in America, so named in honor of its Norwegian ancestry. Learn how it made its way to America and how it played a role in Norway’s World War II history.

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Composer & Violin Virtuoso Ole Bull

Hear the mesmerizing sounds of violin virtuoso Ole Bull. Join Karine to learn more about the life of an icon whose performances left audiences spellbound across the globe.

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Discover Bergen

So many treasures await in the colorful, historic port of Bergen, from the old harbor steeped in Hanseatic history to the home of Norway’s greatest musician, violin virtuoso Ole Bull.

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Husmanskost: A Taste of Norway

Over the centuries, Norwegians created national dishes based on the seasonal availability of ingredients. Karine and the manager of Frognerseteren share some typical husmanskost dishes.

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Friele: The Taste Norwegians Love

Go behind closed doors with Karine for an insider’s look at the process that brings Friele, Norwegians’ favorite coffee, to life and learn about the fascinating art of “cupping.”

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Gjetost: Norwegian Goat Cheese

Meet some of Norway’s four-footed locals, and learn about this quintessential Norwegian brown goat cheese as Karine shares the story behind gjetost.

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The World of Edvard Munch

Join Karine on a journey into Oslo’s renowned Munch Museum, where you will enter the world and mind of master expressionist Edvard Munch, painter of The Scream and more than 40,000 pieces of art.

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The Essence of Norway: Edvard Grieg

Edvard Grieg composed some of Norway’s most beautiful music, including the much-loved Peer Gynt. Visit his home, listen to his music and admire the natural beauty that inspired him.

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Discover Copenhagen

Journey by water and over land to learn about Copenhagen’s must-see sights from the colorful Nyhavn (New Harbor) to Amalienborg Palace, the winter home of the Danish royal family, Carlsberg Brewery and more.

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The Queen of Smørrebrød

Taste Denmark’s famous open-faced sandwich and perhaps try Hans Christian Andersen’s favorite variety. Watch as Copenhagen’s celebrity chef Ida Davidsen prepares these delicious treats.

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Shrimp Peeling in Bergen

Join two shrimp-peeling experts as they demonstrate their different methods. Try both and see which technique works for you. Then savor your hard-earned meal with white bread and a glass of chilled white wine!

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Discover Stockholm

Set amid 14 islands, Stockholm is a mosaic of natural beauty, fascinating history and timeless traditions. Enjoy a glimpse of this remarkable city rich in a maritime past and vibrant culture.

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Shakespeare & Co.

Peruse this literary haven in Paris, a favorite of book lovers and renowned authors since 1919. Browse its stacks and learn about the “tumbleweeds” who work and reside here.

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A Russian Hero

Meet Mikhail Bobrov, the “Most Honored Citizen of St. Petersburg.” The legendary Russian adventurer stopped Nazi warplanes and saved countless lives during the siege of Leningrad by putting his own life on the line.

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Hermitage Access

Experience St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, the unrivaled art collection of Catherine the Great, as you never imagined: with personalized, after-hours tours by expert curators.

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Hermitage Cats

Since 1747, a stealthy army of cats has protected the treasures of St. Petersburg’s famed Hermitage Museum from rodents. Karine heads into the museum’s basement to seek them out.

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The Mariinsky’s Own Maya Krivchenia

Meet soprano Maya Krivchenia and learn what it is like to sing for one of the best opera companies in the world and hear her perform.

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Explorer Leif Eriksson

Join Viking as we chronicle the story of Leif Eriksson, the Norse navigator who set out to explore the seas west of Greenland and discovered America, 500 years before Columbus.

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French Language Lesson

Learn a few useful French words and phrases with Maaike, your Viking tutor. À votre Santé!

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German Language Lesson

Learn a few useful German words and phrases with Rebecca, your Viking tutor. Prost!

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Russian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Russian words and phrases with Paulina, your Viking tutor. Spasibo!

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Dutch Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Dutch words and phrases with Johan, your Viking tutor. Proost!

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Norwegian Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Norwegian words and phrases with Rikke, your Viking tutor. Skål!

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Asia & Australia

Flavors of the Mekong

History, culture and friends—all rolled into one delicious and creative feast. Explore the floating markets along the Mekong Delta and master the culinary art of rolling your very own Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Karine.

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Yuyuan Garden

Chosen by the wealthy Pan family as the location of their retirement home, the Yuyuan Garden is a serene example of a traditional Chinese garden—juxtaposed against the backdrop of Shanghai.

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Chinese Porcelain

Join Karine as she learns about the history of Chinese porcelain, an art form created during the Han Dynasty and shaped by artisans from the Song, Ming and other dynasties.

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Beijing Hutongs

To experience an authentic slice of real Chinese life, step into the hidden corners of the hutong alleyways, an ancient maze of traditional courtyard houses linked by narrow corridors.

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Forbidden City

Karine helps reveal the heart of China’s greatest mystery. Once closed to all but royalty, now this legendary “treasure box” is open to guests like us.

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Chinese Medicine

For millennia, the Chinese have balanced their energy with tai chi, acupuncture, herbal medicine and more. Join Karine and learn more about their approach to healthy living.

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Shanghai Acrobats

Dexterity and strength, passion and focus. Join Karine backstage as she watches some of the world’s most courageous artists perfect their gravity-defying acrobatics.

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Chinese Language Lesson

Learn a few useful Mandarin words and phrases with Jessica, your Viking tutor. Nĭ hăo!

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The Wonders of China

Home of the iconic Great Wall, China embodies a rich history set against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.

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Secrets of Chinese Tea

Legend has it that tea was discovered 5,000 years ago. Learn about the beloved beverage’s place in Chinese culture, lore and medicine.

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