viking.com | 59
E X P E R I E N C E S I S S U E 2 3
MATEUS PALACE, PORTUGAL
The house and gardens of Casa de Mateus are
fine examples of baroque Portuguese design
and thought to be the work of Italian-born
architect Nicolau Nasoni. Built in the 18th
century, the exterior is made up of the manor,
the enchanting winery and the chapel. Every
intricacy of the building, its spires and
surrounding lush greenery reflect elegantly onto
the garden's pond and make for the perfect
photo opportunity. Inside, the library is home to
one of the first illustrated editions of Luis Vaz de
Camoes' "Os LusÃadas," Portugal's most famous
poem among other fascinating finds and
treasures in the wine cellar.
The River of Gold journey in Portugal includes
an excursion to this beautiful palace.
CHRISTIANSBORG PALACE, DENMARK
Located in the heart of Denmark's capital,
Copenhagen, Christiansborg Palace enchants
with its 12th-century opulence, royal reception
rooms exhibiting precious tapestries, expansive
palace grounds, manicured gardens and public
galleries. At 115 yards tall, the palace has the
highest tower in the city-narrowly topping the
city hall tower and offering views of the city's
red rooftops. Visitors have the option to climb
the tower, which offers stunning views across
the city. Once home to monarchy, it is now the
seat of the Danish Parliament and the house of
the Queen's Royal Reception rooms.
Take in the exceptional views over the city
during an optional excursion to Christiansborg
Palace on a Viking Homelands journey.
MARKSBURG CASTLE, GERMANY
A romantic 13th-century castle perched high
above the sleepy Germanic town of Braubach,
Marksburg stuns tourists with its magical turrets
and spiralling towers. The castle's geographical
location along the Rhine River means visitors get
spectacular views as the river bends and arches
its way through sprawling German countryside.
Built in 1117, its hilltop location has proved
famously impenetrable ever since. A tour takes
you round its Gothic hall. Today, the castle
belongs to the German Castles Association,
which carefully preserves medieval fortifications
for future generations.
Learn more about this landmark during an
excursion on a Grand European Tour journey.
6
5
4
VIEW EXCURSION
