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Viking River Cruises%lt;br%gt;Rhine Getaway%lt;br%gt;Amsterdam to Basel

Viking River Cruises
Rhine Getaway
Amsterdam to Basel

Ship: Viking - Europe River Cruises
Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises
Departures: 
Duration: 7 Nights
Ports: Amsterdam, Kinderdijk, Cologne, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Heidelberg, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel
Airport gateway (Arrival) : Amsterdam
Airport gateway (Departure) : Basel

 

Itinerary

Day 1 - Amsterdam

Arrive in Amsterdam, then transfer to your ship.* After boarding, the afternoon is yours to explore the city on your own. If your arrival schedule permits, your Program Director can organize a trip to the Anne Frank House. (D)

Day 2 - Kinderdijk

Sail to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 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 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 3 - Cologne

Continue along the Rhine this morning; arrive in Cologne and 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 whose construction was begun in 1248 and which was only completed in 1880. Explore the dockside taverns, cafés and shops on your own—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Dinner is served aboard and we remain docked until late evening. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Koblenz & Rüdesheim

Proceed along the Rhine, disembarking to tour 700-year-old Marksburg Castle and its museum. Lunch aboard as you enjoy this scenic passage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where castles overlook the river from their hilltop locations.

Arrive in Rüdesheim in the late afternoon. Spend free time in the pedestrian-only Drosselgasse and sample a glass of locally produced wine at one of the restaurants or wine bars—dine aboard or in town if you prefer. Ship departs after midnight. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - 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 this afternoon and take some time to look around. You dock in full view of the imposing Romanesque cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 11th century on the site of a former basilica, the building’s design was highly influential upon Romanesque architecture for centuries to come, and is the final resting place of eight German monarchs. Its soaring interior features graceful rows of sandstone columns and a large stained glass window installed in the western façade during a later Gothic period. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Strasbourg

Dock this morning in Kehl and disembark for a guided tour of Strasbourg. See the European Parliament and tour the interior of the city’s famed cathedral. The afternoon is free to further explore 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. Dine aboard and enjoy free time this evening in the quaint little city of Kehl. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Breisach

After cruising through the night you arrive during breakfast in Breisach, gateway to the Black Forest. Take a scenic excursion through the area’s renowned mountain landscape, rolling meadows and dense forests. Once there, visit a local workshop and see a cuckoo clock-making demonstration. Return to Breisach for some free time before an early evening departure. Or, choose an optional excursion to the quaint Alsatian town of Colmar, or an optional walking tour of a working vineyard. Dine aboard while you cruise on to Basel, arriving around midnight. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Basel

After breakfast, disembark and proceed 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)

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 transfer

Cruise ships operating this itinerary:
Viking Helvetica, Viking Sun

* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected

Save $750 per person
Book and pay in full by 30 April 2012—ask for offer A10.
All pricing is in AUD; details appear below.

 


Viking Embla

2012 Check-In Dates
   Explorer Suite (ES) Veranda Suite (AA) Veranda (A) Veranda (B) French Balcony (C) French Balcony (D) Stnd (E) Stnd (F)
Jul 8 - Viking Embla
Brochure Price
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
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Viking Sun | Viking Helvetia
 
2012 Check-In Dates
   French Balcony (A) Deluxe (B) Deluxe (C) Standard (D) Standard (E)
Mar 25
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$4,099
$3,349
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
Apr 1, 8
Brochure Price
SOLD OUT
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Apr 15, 22
Brochure Price
SOLD OUT
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Apr 29
May 6, 13, 20, 27
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$4,999
$4,249
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
$3,999
$3,249
Jun 3, 10, 17, 24
Brochure Price
SOLD OUT
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Jul 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Aug 5, 12, 19, 26
Brochure Price
Discount Price
SOLD OUT
$4,599
$3,849
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
Sep 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Oct 7
Brochure Price
SOLD OUT
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Oct 14, 21, 28
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$4,599
$3,849
$4,399
$3,649
$4,299
$3,549
$3,999
$3,249
$3,599
$2,849
Nov 4, 11
Brochure Price
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
Nov 18, 25
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$3,699
$2,949
SOLD OUT
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Dec 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$3,799
$3,049
$3,599
$2,849
$3,499
$2,749
$3,199
$2,449
SOLD OUT


Viking Sky

2012 Check-In Dates
   Deluxe (A) Deluxe (B) Deluxe (C) Standard (D) Standard (E)
Mar 31 - Viking Sky
Brochure Price
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
Apr 7, 14
Brochure Price
Discount Price
SOLD OUT
$4,199
$3,449
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
Apr 21 - Viking Sky
Brochure Price
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
 

 

 
Available Ships
 Amsterdam to Basel Basel to Amsterdam
Viking Embla   Jul 8
Viking Helvetia Mar 18; Apr 1, 15; May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2, 16, 30; Oct 14, 28; Nov 11, 25; Dec 9, 23 Mar 25; Apr 8, 22; May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9, 23; Oct 7, 21; Nov 4, 18; Dec 2, 16
Viking Sky Mar 31; Apr 14 Apr 7, 21
Viking Sun Mar 25; May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9, 23; Oct 7, 21; Dec 2, 16, 30 Apr 29; May 13, 27; Jun 10; Jul 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2, 16, 30; Oct 14; Nov 25; Dec 9, 23

 

 

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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 - Europe River Cruises Cabin Info

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Viking River Cruises

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.

 

Ship info

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.

Viking Aegir
Viking Embla
Viking Odin
Viking Njord
Viking Idun
Viking Freya
Viking Danube
Viking Europe
Viking Fontane
Viking Helvetia
Viking Legend
Viking Neptune
Viking Prestige
Viking Pride
Viking Primadonna
Viking Schumann
Viking Spirit
Viking Sky
Viking Sun




 

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