Videos

Name: Privileged Access: Highclere Castle
Uploaded: 2025-09-02T23:22:49.552Z
Duration: PTM30S
Description: With Viking's exclusive Privileged Access, experience Highclere Castle, the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and the iconic filming location of Downton Abbey.

View Video Transcript

BACK TO ARTICLE

Privileged Access: Highclere Castle

With Viking's exclusive Privileged Access, experience Highclere Castle, the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and the iconic filming location of Downton Abbey.

Video Transcript

For curious travelers, every doorway offers a path toward discovery.
At Viking, we are proud to open doors for our guests that few others can.
With our exclusive privileged access, you are invited into Highclere castle, the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, and the iconic filming location of Downton Abbey.
Learn more at Viking.com.

More Why Viking Videos

2026 New Year’s Message from Torstein Hagen

Join Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen as he reflects on the milestones of 2025 and shares his hopes for the future in a New Year’s message to the Viking family of guests and crew.

NOW PLAYING

Privileged Access: Highclere Castle

With Viking's exclusive Privileged Access, experience Highclere Castle, the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and the iconic filming location of Downton Abbey.

NOW PLAYING

One Viking

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen shares his thoughts on being curious and connecting with the world.

NOW PLAYING

Viking Guest Testimonials: “Quiet Season” Mediterranean

Hear from Viking guests who have explored the Mediterranean with us during the “quiet season”—which spans from fall to spring. Discover their favorite moments enjoying more temperate weather and experiencing fewer crowds at historic landmarks, from ancient Pompeii to the well-preserved city of Ephesus.

NOW PLAYING

Three Values

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen shares his thoughts on three important values for human beings—and why travel is good for the world.

NOW PLAYING

Tor’s Travels

In this new video diary about his December 2022 voyage to Antarctica, Viking Chairman Tor Hagen invites viewers to join him on the trip of a lifetime. Filmed by his Oslo neighbor, Lene, the home videos showcase the incredible wildlife, scenery and scientific research that Tor and his fellow travelers experienced while exploring the “White Continent.”

NOW PLAYING

The Viking Difference: Ocean Voyages

Learn more about what it is like to explore the world from the comfort of an elegant award-winning small ship.

NOW PLAYING

Viking is #1 for Rivers, Oceans and Expeditions | Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards

The results of Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards have been announced, and we are delighted to share that Viking was voted #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions. This is the first time a travel company has been voted the best across all three of these categories simultaneously, and the third consecutive year we have won for both rivers and oceans. Where do we go next? Onwards.

NOW PLAYING

Be Curious

Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen shares three things his family encouraged while growing up in Norway: kindness, honesty, and hard work. And the fourth that he has come to add over time: be curious.

NOW PLAYING

Named "World's Best" for Oceans, Rivers & Expeditions

In a special recorded message, Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen thanks our extended Viking family of guests and colleagues, following the July 11, 2023 announcement that Viking has been voted to the top of our categories for oceans, rivers and expeditions by the readers of Travel + Leisure in the 2023 World's Best Awards.

NOW PLAYING

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen discusses his trip to Antarctica

Discover what a journey to Antarctica is really like during this exclusive conversation between Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and award-winning British photographer Alastair Miller. Learn more about the magnificent landscapes and majestic wildlife Tor encountered during his own expedition to the “White Continent” on board the Viking Polaris. Follow along as our chairman shares the intriguing story of how his lifelong passion for travel and interest in far-flung destinations began during his childhood, when he sent a letter to Ushuaia from his home in Norway.

NOW PLAYING

Viking’s 26th Anniversary

In this informative video message recorded in 2023, Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen reflects on our 26th anniversary and the destination-focused approach that has helped make us the world’s leading exploration company. Learn more about our offerings on all seven continents, as well as the historic recognition we have received from the readers of  Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.

NOW PLAYING

An Invitation to Join Tor in Antarctica

Enjoy a brief preview of Tor’s Travels, a new video diary in which Viking Chairman Tor Hagen shares highlights from his December 2022 voyage to Antarctica on board the Viking Polaris. Filmed by his Oslo neighbor, Lene, the home videos showcase the incredible wildlife, scenery and scientific research that Tor and his fellow travelers experienced while exploring the “White Continent.”

NOW PLAYING

Onwards

Viking has been voted the world’s #1 for both rivers and oceans by Travel + Leisure as well as Condé Nast Traveler. Our 2022 national television commercial, “Onwards,” celebrates these prestigious awards.

NOW PLAYING

Viking Guest Testimonials: Northern Lights Voyages

Hear from Viking guests who have experienced our seasonal northern lights itineraries. Discover their favorite moments on these winter voyages that explore Norway and the Arctic Circle in search of the elusive aurora borealis.

NOW PLAYING

An Unforgettable Viking World Cruise: Epic Destinations

Discover the convenience of unpacking once to explore iconic cities, charming small towns and stunning natural wonders on a Viking World Cruise. Guests share highlights of their extended journey around the globe, including remarkable experiences in Africa.

NOW PLAYING

Viking: 25 Years of Exploration

In celebration of our 25th anniversary in 2022, learn more about Viking’s history and some of the key partners who have contributed to our success.

NOW PLAYING

Viking: Celebrating Exploration and Growth

First, Viking invented modern river cruising in 1997. Then, in 2015, we reinvented ocean cruising. In 2022, we began perfecting expedition cruising with journeys to the ends of the earth and closer to home on board the Viking Polaris and the Viking Octantis. Learn more about our company's growth and our determination to create meaningful travel experiences for our guests.

NOW PLAYING

Advice

Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen as he shares his insights on travel and the benefits of engaging with new cultures.

NOW PLAYING

Time

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen shares his philosophy on time and the importance of spending it wisely.

NOW PLAYING

Viking: Reinventing Ocean Cruising

We launched Viking Ocean Cruises to reinvent the category. And it didn’t take long for us to rise to the top. If you prefer an elegant, serene ship ambiance, more time in each port and an inclusive experience complete with exquisite dining and thoughtfully curated shore excursions, the world’s best ocean cruise line was created for you.

NOW PLAYING

Jørn Henriksen: Recommended Reading

Jørn Henriksen, Director of Expedition Operations, shares his favorite book selections related to Svalbard and our Arctic itineraries.

NOW PLAYING

Viking’s 25th Anniversary

In this uplifting video message recorded in 2022, Chairman Torstein Hagen marks Viking’s 25th anniversary and reflects on key milestones since the company was founded on August 5, 1997.

NOW PLAYING

Named #1 for Both Rivers & Oceans

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen thanks our extended Viking family of guests and colleagues, following the July 12, 2022 announcement that Viking has been voted the world’s #1 for both rivers and oceans by Travel + Leisure as well as Condé Nast Traveler. Where do we go next? Onwards.

NOW PLAYING

Viking: Our Norwegian Heritage

Centuries ago, the birth of the Viking Age gave rise to the Norwegian tradition of exploration. Today, Viking proudly carries on this tradition, providing a glimpse into the spirit of Norway with elegant ships built for discovery. Join Karine Hagen, Viking’s Executive Vice President of Product, as she reveals Norwegian influences thoughtfully integrated throughout our ocean ships.

NOW PLAYING

Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

NOW PLAYING

Viking Voyager App’s Viking Art Guide

The Viking Voyager App’s Viking Art Guide allows you to discover your ship’s onboard art collection. Once on board, you can listen to insightful commentary from your host, Executive Vice President Karine Hagen, and a variety of experts. Together, they offer a self-guided tour of our Nordic art collection—the finest at sea.

NOW PLAYING

Viking Curated Libraries

Learn the story behind our onboard libraries, specially curated by London bookshop Heywood Hill to enrich and enhance your experience both at your destination and on the ship.

NOW PLAYING

Cruising for Explorers

Join us as we usher in a new era of ocean cruising by taking the innovative thinking behind our award-winning river cruises and bringing it to the epic setting of the sea.

NOW PLAYING

The World of Viking

Immerse yourself in intriguing cultures and awaken your senses. Discover new horizons as you spend more time in port, giving you more opportunities to explore. This is the World of Viking.

NOW PLAYING

The Viking Way

Go beyond the expected and experience The Viking Way. Engage in Local Life, learn about the Working World and enjoy Privileged Access to people and places otherwise difficult to visit.

NOW PLAYING

Enriching Shore Excursions

Viking creates excursions that enhance your understanding of everyday life in the destinations along your ocean voyage. Go beyond the familiar and the iconic to explore the hidden secrets of intriguing lands and cultures.

NOW PLAYING

Cultural Enrichment

Experience your destination right on board. Our cultural enrichment program features acclaimed guest speakers, regional menus developed by master chefs and engaging entertainment.

NOW PLAYING

Listen to “The Traveler”

The National Symphony Orchestra of London records Viking’s beautiful music score at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios. Written by Debbie Wiseman, Classic FM Composer in Residence and Viking godmother, “The Traveler” was created to celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary in 2017, and its spirited theme reflects the exploration and discovery found on Viking voyages.

NOW PLAYING

Curated Libraries & Recommended Reading

January 2020: We are pleased to partner with the iconic London bookshop Heywood Hill in the creation of our onboard libraries and Expeditions Recommended Reading lists. Chairman Nicky Dunne explains the history of this literary institution and the value of reading carefully selected books before embarking on your journey.

NOW PLAYING

Europe

Africa & Middle East

North America

Caribbean & Central America

South America

Asia

Australia & New Zealand

Videos

Videos

Privileged Access: Highclere Castle

Video Transcript