Day 1 - Amsterdam Arrive in Amsterdam. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship. * After boarding, the afternoon is yours to explore the city on your own. If your arrival schedule permits, join a refreshing "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting orientated. (D)
Day 2 - Amsterdam This morning, take a glass-topped canal cruise past merchant houses and the famed Skinny Bridge. Your afternoon is free to explore more of Amsterdam's charming neighbourhoods or visit the Van Gogh Museum and see works by the famed artist and his contemporaries. Lunch and dinner aboard; feel free to experience a bit more of Amsterdam this evening before a late departure. (B, L, D)
Day 3 - Kinderdijk Sail to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, arriving just after breakfast for a tour of this ingenious network of windmills and other flood management devices. You learn why the windmills were built and see how they work, plus you enter an actual working windmill for a tour of its mechanisms and living quarters. Return aboard for lunch and an enjoyable afternoon of Dutch diversions; sample some of the many handcrafted Dutch cheeses and jenever, a distilled juniper liquor, and try your hand at sjoelen (Dutch table shuffleboard). Cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 4 - Cologne Cruise along the Rhine this morning; arriving just after breakfast in Cologne; disembark for a walking tour. Stroll through Old Town past St Martin's Church and spend some time inside Cologne's Dom, a remarkable Gothic cathedral. Just outside the church, we encounter the first of our Christmas markets along the Rhine, where you can shop for toys and decorations. Dinner is served aboard and we remain docked until midnight. Relax this evening or join an optional "Cologne by Night" cafe stroll. Late departure.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 - Koblenz & Rudesheim Have an early breakfast as we arrive in Koblenz, where you disembark for an excursion to Marksburg Castle. Rejoin your ship in Braubach and enjoy lunch and scenic afternoon cruising along the most scenic stretch of the Rhine, flanked by castles and charming towns - incredibly beautiful during the winter season. Arrive in Rudesheim in the late afternoon. Dine aboard, explore the restaurants and wine bars of the pedestrian only Drosselgasse, or visit Rudesheim's romantic Christmas market with its elaborate Nativity scene. Try the brandy-filled chocolates! We remain docked until the wee hours of the morning. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Heidelberg & Speyer Cruise through the morning enjoying brunch and the passing scenery. Arrive in Mannheim and disembark for a journey to Heidelberg to see Germany's oldest university, founded in 1386. Then visit the beautiful sandstone ruins of imposing Heidelberg Castle and take in the scenery of the Neckar River Valley and the city's many red rooftops from its hilltop location. Continue with a walking tour through the Old Town to Heidelberg's renowned gates. Rejoin your ship in Speyer late this afternoon. Dine aboard, then take a walk if you like. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Speyer Take some leisure time aboard your ship, or indulge in a serenely peaceful city walk in Speyer. The old city is situated around the massive Romanesque basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return aboard for lunch and departure; we sail through the holiday scene, arriving late in Kehl. Christmas Eve mass is available this evening.
(B, L, D)
Day 8 - Strasbourg Wake up this Christmas morning and have an early breakfast. Disembark at Kehl for a guided tour of Strasbourg where you will see the European Parliament and tour the interior of the city's famed cathedral. Spend free time this afternoon exploring this Alsatian city's blend of French and German cultures - fabulous churches, medieval covered bridges, beautiful parks and some lovely Art Nouveau and modernist architecture. Tonight, there is a festive Christmas dinner aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Breisach This morning, arrive in Breisach, gateway to the Black Forest. After breakfast, an excursion takes you through the area's mountain landscape, meadows and dense forests; also see a demonstration of cuckoo clock-making. Free afternoon to discover Breisach's charming downtown district and catch sweeping Rhine Valley views from the cathedral hill. You may wish to join our optional guided walking tour of Colmar, a quaint Alsatian town. Dine aboard and cruise through the evening toward Basel. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Basel After breakfast, disembark and we take you to the airport for your return flight. * Or, extend your journey with 2 nights in Lucerne. Enjoy the scenic landscape of the Swiss Alps with a view from your hotel, situated on the banks of beautiful Lake Lucerne. (B)
Note: Because this itinerary travels during Christmas, there may be sites and stores that close during the holiday period.
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
* Transfers are not included. Let us know if you would like help arranging your airport transfers.
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
Cabin Pricing
Ports
Amsterdam
Take a boat ride along Amsterdam’s charming canals past sturdy old houses and under quaint bridges. Visit one of the city’s superb museums housing many of the Dutch Masters’ most outstanding works or learn about Anne Frank and the city’s Jewish heritage. Or, journey into the countryside and see historic windmills and the fascinating porcelain works in Delft.
Country - Netherlands Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from port to Airport - 15kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Dam Square, Anne Frank's House, Volendam & Marken
Cologne
The city's very name bears witness to its Roman past as the town of Colonia. As well as the legacy from Roman times and the Middle Ages, particularly the world-famous cathedral, Cologne has an extremely lively arts and culture scene. And besides being a centre of carnival activity and the "capital of Rhenish joie de vivre", Cologne is also an extremely attractive trade fair centre. Open, friendly and uncomplicated: that's Cologne!
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 16kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Cologne Cathedral, Philharmonic Hall, Zoo
Koblenz
Situated in the picturesque landscape of the Rhine and Moselle and surrounded by four low mountain ranges is the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz. Its abundance of cultural monuments and historic buildings, its cosy lanes and narrow alleyways, the relaxed and happy atmosphere of its squares and river promenades make Koblenz a friendly town where guests feel right at home.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 116kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest German Corner, Empress Augusta Gardens, Theatre and Obelisk, Beethoven Memorial, Museum of Military Technology, The Wine Village
Rudesheim
Rudesheim sits at the entrance to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. If you come from the direction of Frankfurt or Mainz, it is one of the first major tourist towns you'll reach along the Rhine River. Rudesheim makes a good base for exploring the entire Rhine Valley, which is the home of famous wines, medieval villages and beautiful scenery.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 55kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Drosselgasse, Niederwald Monument, Rheingau Wine Museum, Asbach Brandy Distillery, Medieval Torture Museum, Bird of Prey Zoo, Jagdschloss, Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet
Heidelberg
Heidelberg is known for its famous castle, which overlooks the city's Old Town. A trip up to the castle affords a good view of the city and its photogenic bridge over the Neckar, whose form, with its multi-arch support structure, is reminiscent of a Roman aqueduct, and whose tower-flanked entrance was said to have inspired Walt Disney in his design of the Magic Kingdom. The Philosophenweg (Philosophers' Walk), across the river from the Old Town section, is another way to view the city and some of the older castles upriver.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 45kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Heidelberg Castle, Old Town, Museum of the Palatinate, Sculpture Park, Funicular Railway, Zoo, Philosopher's Walk
Speyer
The old imperial city of Speyer was a bishopric and boasts a Romanesque cathedral with six imposing towers and the finest and largest crypt in Germany. Four Holy Roman Emperors and four German Kings are buried in the impressive Royal Vault.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance to Airport - 98kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Great Romanesque Cathedral, City Centre
Strasbourg
The cosmopolitan, north-eastern city of Strasbourg is the intellectual, cultural and economic capital of Alsace. Stylish and atmospheric, it is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Situated just west of the Rhine, Strasbourg lies at the heart of the vital transport arteries that have linked northern and Central Europe with the Mediterranean since Roman times.
Country - France Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance to Airport - 10kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest The Grande Ile, Cathedrale Notre Dame, European Parliament
Basel
Basel is by far the art and architecture capital of Switzerland. Its 40 museums, covering an area of almost 37 km2, can be easily reached on foot, mostly by strolling through romantic lanes and alleys in the Old Town. The finest and oldest art collection is housed in the Kunstmuseum Basel, as is “Schaulager” - a space for modern art - which was opened in 2003. The Fondation Beyeler, which is well worth a visit, is famous far beyond the limits of Basel - not only for the highly acclaimed special exhibitions, but also for the impressive building designed by architect Renzo Piano.
Country - Switzerland Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance to Airport - 6.5kms Currency - Swiss Franc (CHF)
Places of Interest Market Square, Town Hall, Basel Zoo, Cathedral, Fondation Beyeler Art Museum, Old Town
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Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises itineraries journey along the rivers of Europe and Russia, allowing you to explore fascinating destinations up close and in comfort.
Better than an ocean cruise or bus tour, our river cruises show you the best of Europe from the large cosmopolitan cities to small quaint villages.
So come aboard, unpack just once, and see it all. Spend your time exploring Europe, not getting to it, and enjoy the best of Europe with Viking River Cruises.
A river cruise with Viking River Cruises is the best way to see the real Europe up close and in depth. Explore the best of Europe from an intimate perspective, spending your time being there, not getting there.
Unlike a bus tour where you spend more time on the bus than actually seeing the country, or a hotel-hopping trip where you constantly pack and unpack, Viking River Cruises offers you fine food, great service and scenic cruising along Europe's great rivers.
Viking River Cruises visits at least one port a day on virtually every itinerary and you can explore small villages off the beaten path that are inaccessible via an ocean cruise. Docking in the heart of town, you'll have more to time to see the cities, not just travel to the cities. You'll experience ever-changing riverside scenery as well as local nightlife when your ship overnights in port.
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Viking - Europe River Cruises
To visitors, Europe is a colorful world of picturesque landscapes, legendary rivers, lush vineyards and hilltop castles. As you travel through Europe with Viking River Cruises, its rich history is arrayed before your eyes—Roman ruins, magnificent monasteries, hallowed universities, rural villages and sophisticated cities, and a vibrant collage of food, music, dance, costumes and languages recalling thousands of years of human history. Traveling with Viking River Cruises gives you the opportunity to experience and learn about all these aspects of your cruise destinations. Throughout history, each great European river has played a crucial role, carrying goods and passengers from city to city and country to country. Today’s river cruises continue this proud tradition. The Rhine River, the Seine River, the Danube River, the Elbe River—their very names evoke a timeless beauty and grace. Viking River Cruises excels at giving travelers an authentic European experience on land and by river. Take one of our unforgettable river cruises along a legendary European river; these waterways cover the entire Continent, from the North Sea through the heart of Europe to the Black Sea. Enjoy natural wonders on our river cruises, like Austria’s Wachau Valley and Germany’s Rhine Valley—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites—and engineering marvels like the Main-Danube Canal. Hilltop castles, lush vineyards and gorgeous countryside are right outside your ship on our European river cruises. Experience Europe’s legendary history, contemporary life and bright future for yourself.
Viking River Cruises ships cruising the waterways of Europe are listed below. Click on the ship name for details about each specific ship.
