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Viking River Cruises%lt;br%gt;Treasures of the Rhine%lt;br%gt;Basel to Antwerp

Viking River Cruises
Treasures of the Rhine
Basel to Antwerp

Ship: Viking - Europe River Cruises
Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises
Departures: 
Duration: 14 Nights
Ports: Basel, Breisach, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Cochem, Cologne, Arnheim, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Ghent, Brugge, Antwerp
Airport gateway (Arrival) : Basel
Airport gateway (Departure) : Amsterdam

Itinerary

Day 1 - Basel

Arrive in Basel, then transfer to your ship.* After boarding, enjoy free time and get acquainted with the city—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2 - Basel

After breakfast, join a guided walk of this multicultural city. See its historic Middle Bridge, cathedral and steep winding streets. Take the afternoon to explore one of the city’s many outstanding art museums—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Lunch and dinner are served aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Breisach

This morning, arrive in Breisach, gateway to the Black Forest. After breakfast, enjoy an excursion through the area’s mountain landscape, meadows and dense forests and see a cuckoo clock-making demonstration. Afternoon is free to discover Breisach’s charming downtown district and catch sweeping Rhine Valley views from the cathedral hill. You may wish to participate in a painting workshop—create your own masterpiece to take home. Or, join our optional guided walking tour of Colmar, a quaint Alsatian town. Dine aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Strasbourg

After breakfast, take a guided walking tour of Strasbourg. See the European Parliament and enjoy a guided visit inside the city’s famed cathedral. Free time allows you to further explore the old section of this French-German city steeped in traditions that defy shifting international borders. Dinner aboard; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Heidelberg & Rüdesheim

After breakfast, take a journey to Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university founded in 1386. A guided tour features imposing Heidelberg Castle, a red sandstone ruin overlooking the Neckar River. Continue with a walking tour through the Old Town and marketplace. Return aboard for afternoon cruising, lunch and a delightful introduction to Rüdesheimer coffee. Arrive late in Rüdesheim; enjoy free time in the Drosselgasse, a pedestrian-only street lined with restaurants, bars and shops. Dock overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Rhine River & Koblenz

This morning we sail through the glorious Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing charming villages, many castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. This afternoon, take an excursion to the 700-year-old Marksburg Castle. Return to your ship in Koblenz at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle and relax before dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Cochem & Cologne

After breakfast, take a walking tour through the quaint village of Cochem. See its medieval town gate and marketplace. Then, visit a winery and taste some local vintages before returning to your ship for lunch. This afternoon we continue cruising along the Rhine. We arrive in Cologne late tonight. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Cologne

Your morning walking tour takes you past St. Martin’s Church to Cologne’s Old Town and includes a visit to the magnificent Gothic cathedral. Lunch and dinner are served aboard, but dockside there are many taverns, cafés and shops to explore. Depart late tonight. (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Arnhem

Arrive during breakfast in Arnhem and enjoy an excursion to the site of Operation Market Garden and the Airborne Museum. After lunch aboard, explore this quaint town rich in World War II history on your own. Dine aboard. Evening departure. (B, L, D)

Day 10 - Amsterdam

This morning, enjoy a glass-topped canal cruise past merchant houses and Amsterdam’s famed Skinny Bridge. Enjoy free time to explore the city; you may wish to visit the Van Gogh Museum and explore works by the famed artist and others. Lunch and dinner aboard; dock overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 11 - Gouda & Rotterdam

After breakfast, take a journey to Gouda to see the Town Hall and St. John’s Church, both Gothic in style. Continue to Hoogerwaard Cheese Farm for a guided tour and demonstration of the craft of artisanal cheese-making. Return your ship in Schoonhoven for lunch aboard. Enjoy afternoon free time exploring this delightful medieval town known for its silversmiths. Sail through dinner to Rotterdam. (B, L, D)

Day 12 - Rotterdam & Dordrecht

You have the morning free to explore Rotterdam, Holland’s second-largest city—or take an optional journey to Delft, famous for its blue-and-white pottery. Stop at one of the last Delftware factories for a demonstration. Return aboard for lunch; sail to Dordrecht. This afternoon’s excursion takes you to see the 18th-century windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and tour a working windmill. Return aboard for dinner and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 13 - Ghent & Brugge

This morning we dock in Ghent. From here, take a morning tour to Brugge. See the medieval Beguinage courtyard and gardens, beautiful canals and Simon Stevin Square. Stay in Brugge for lunch on your own, or return to Ghent for lunch aboard and an afternoon exploring the charming capital of East Flanders. Dine aboard; we sail this evening from Ghent, arriving in Antwerp after midnight. (B, L, D)

Day 14 - Antwerp

This morning, tour Antwerp. See the Town Hall, Steen Castle and Our Lady Cathedral, with its four magnificent altarpieces painted by Peter Paul Rubens. After lunch aboard, the rest of your day is free to explore Antwerp’s wonderful shops and cafés. Stay docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 15 - Antwerp

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the Brussels airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights exploring the city of Brussels, the administrative center for many international organizations. (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 ship operating this itinerary:
Viking Sun

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

 

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

 

Viking Sun

2012 Check-In Dates
  French Balcony (A) Deluxe (B) Deluxe (C) Standard (D) Standard (E)
Apr 1, 15
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$7,599
$6,849
$7,099
$6,349
$6,999
$6,249
$6,399
$5,649
SOLD OUT
Jun 24
Jul 8
Brochure Price
Discount Price
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
$7,199
$6,449
$6,699
$5,949
Oct 28 - Viking Sun
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$7,199
$6,449
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
$5,999
$5,249
SOLD OUT
Nov 11 - Viking Sun
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$6,899
$6,149
$6,399
$5,649
$6,299
$5,549
$5,699
$4,949
$5,199
$4,449
 
 
Available Ships   
Basel to Antwerp     Antwerp to Basel
Viking Sun Apr 1; Jun 24; Oct 28     Apr 15; Jul 8; Nov 11

 

 

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Ports

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

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

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

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

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

Cochem

Cochem is a town in western Germany and is the capital of the district Cochem-Zell. It is situated in the valley of the Mosel, at the foot of a hill surrounded by a feudal castle, the Reichsburg, dating from 1051. The town is surrounded by vineyards.

Country - Germany
Distance from port to City - <1km
Distance from port to Airport - 100kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Reichsburg Castle, wine tasting, Senfmühle mustard mill, Pinnerkreuz Mountain, Mosel-Wein-Express train, Klotten Wildlife and Leisure Park, Schlagkamp-Desoye Win Museum, Senheim Sculpture Park

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

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

Rotterdam

One of the world's largest ports, Rotterdam is the perfect starting point for excursions into Holland. Few cities rebounded as quickly as Rotterdam following the Nazi invasion, which leveled the medieval heart of town, burning down most of it. Today, some of Europe's most bold contemporary architecture can be found amid classic 18th- and 19th-century buildings in this gateway to the Netherlands.

Country -  Netherlands
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 6kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Gouda, Aalsmeer Flower Auction, Delftware

Dordrecht

Look, that's where the ships from Bordeaux used to arrive... And, there, the rafts with the Rhine wood! Although the cranes and carts have been replaced by cosy little shops and terraces, it is easy to imagine how lively this port of Holland used to be.


Country - Netherlands
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from Port to Airport - 58kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Museum

Ghent



Country -
Distance from port to City -

Distance to Airport -
Currency -

Places of Interest

Brugge

At its city centre, Bruges remains a medieval city of stunning beauty and charm. It is rich in architectural and artistic treasures, graced by quiet canals and waterways and a favorite to visitors.

Country - Belgium
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance to Airport - 95kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
The Belfry, The Straffe Hendrik Brewery, The Minnewater, Tanners' House

Antwerp

The capital of Belguim, Antwerp is renowned for its importance and place as one of the three primary centers of the global diamond industry.  Antwerp is situated on the right bank of the river Scheldt and is one of the largest ports in the world. Admire the grand archeitecture of Central Station featuring two monumental neo-baroque facades, topped by a large metal and glass dome. Dont forget to sample one of many Belgium beers in a tradtional Belgium pub and accompany it with a side of chips with mayonaisse, a local delicacy.

Country - Belgium
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 6kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Rubenshuis, Plantin Moretus Museum, Old Market Square

 

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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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