Viking Partners With Downton Abbey, Offers Fabulous Sweepstakes Contest For Guests
Viking announced today that it has entered into a partnership with Focus Features, Universal Pictures, and Carnival Films ahead of the release of the full-length feature film, Downton Abbey: A New Era. The movie is a continuation of the first Downton Abbey film released in 2019, as well as the popular television series. The film makes its global premiere on April 25, in London and it will debut in U.S. theaters on May 20.
Viking is a past sponsor of the PBS series, and the extension of their partnership reaffirms the company’s commitment to enhancing cultural programming.
Viking Strikes New Downton Abbey Partnership
The newest film brings together the original core cast and follows the Crawley family as well as the staff of Downton Abbey. The new movie has the Crawley family traveling to the south of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa. This marks the first time that the audience sees the Crawley family outside of the U.K.
Karine Hagen is the Executive Vice President of Viking and she said, “Many of our guests were introduced to both Viking and Highclere Castle while watching the acclaimed Downton Abbey series. For more than a decade, we have been connected with Downton Abbey and the team at Carnival Films, through the television series and the first film, and we are proud to continue that partnership.”
Viking Celebrates Its Latest Downton Abbey Partnership
She added, “Offering Privileged Access to cultural treasures around the world is a key aspect in the Viking way of travel—and our experiences at Highclere Castle, developed in close collaboration with the Carnarvon family, have become cherished favorites among our guests.”
The castle is the home of the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and Viking began offering guests tours of Highclere Castle in 2013. These include Privileged Access® Pre/Post Extensions co-created by Karine Hagen and the Carnarvon family, and participants have the opportunity to view the Earl’s magnificent private collection of Egyptian artifacts.
Viking guests on select river and ocean voyages are able to enjoy two exquisite tours, the Oxford & Highclere Castle and Great Homes, and the Gardens & Gin extensions. Guests on the always popular Pharaohs & Pyramids Nile River cruise itinerary may also choose Viking’s five-day British Collections of Ancient Egypt Pre Extension, which includes retracing the steps of the world’s most famous Egyptologist, Howard Carter, and his benefactor, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon.
Viking Extends Its Downton Abbey Partnership
Lady Carnarvon said of the partnership extension, “Viking and Highclere Castle have been linked through Downton Abbey and my close friendship with Karine for more than a decade, and we are delighted to continue welcoming the extended Viking family to experience everyday life at our home.”
Lady Carnarvon also has an ongoing series, At Home at Highclere, which airs on Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, Viking.TV (www.viking.tv). In the past two years, she has led more than 20 virtual tours which offer an up-close look at life at the castle she calls home.
Viking River Itineraries in France
Viking offers eight river voyages for guests who would love to explore France like the Crawley family. These include Viking’s 8-day itinerary Lyon & Provence which offers guests the chance to explore the Roman history and sample renowned wines, as well as a 15-day voyage, France’s Finest. The two-week excursion allows guests the opportunity to travel between Paris and Avignon all the while experiencing the country’s art, cuisine, style, and history.
Viking’s other river voyages in France include Paris & the Heart of Normandy, Cities of Light, Chateaux, Rivers & Wine, Rhine Getaway, Paris to the Swiss Alps, and a new 8-day itinerary, Christmas on the Seine, a roundtrip tour from Paris during the holiday season.
Downton Abbey Sweepstakes
Now through June 30, 2022, Viking is offering two sweepstakes for U.S. and Canadian residents for a chance to win trips for two on Viking’s 8-day river voyage, Paris & the Heart of Normandy, and 3-night Privileged Access land extension program, Oxford & Highclere Castle. The lucky winners receive roundtrip international Business Class air for two.
Guests can enter now through April 30, 2022, for the current grand prize, and May 1 through June 30 for the second grand prize.
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