Rhine Getaway: Your Journey BASEL TO AMSTERDAM X 8 Days Fairy-tale castles, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns and spectacular scenery—the Rhine is truly a legendary river. From Basel to the Black Forest and Cologne to Kinderdijk, this enchanting 8-day journey takes you along one of Europe’s most scenic rivers. DAY 1 Basel Arrive in Basel to embark your ship. The afternoon is yours to explore the city on your own. (D) DAY 2 Breisach This morning, arrive 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. Dine on board and then cruise through the night toward Strasbourg. (B, L, D) X Handcrafted cuckoo clock DAY 3 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—exquisite churches, medieval covered bridges, beautiful parks and some lovely art nouveau and modernist architecture. Return to your ship for dinner and an evening departure. (B, L, D) DAY 4 Speyer & Rüdesheim Today you will tour Speyer, a quiet German town set on the Rhine’s west bank. A highlight of your guided walk is visiting the stunning Romanesque imperial cathedral, a UNESCO Site and burial place of eight emperors. Pass the Jewish courtyard and the Altpörtel, or Old Gate. During free time, you can stroll the city’s charming shop-lined main street. X Explore Koblenz After scenic afternoon cruising, arrive in Rüdesheim. Spend free time in the pedestrian-only Drosselgasse and sample a glass of locally produced wine at one of the restaurants or wine bars. Or, join an optional Dine in Rüdesheim am Rhein tour. Dine on board or spend more time exploring in town as we remain docked overnight. (B, L, D) DAY 5 Koblenz This morning, sail along the scenic Middle Rhine, a UNESCO Site, where castles overlook the river from their hilltop locations. Arrive in Koblenz this afternoon and disembark for a tour of Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Return to your ship for lunch. Later, you have free time to enjoy this charming town that sits at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle <strong>River</strong>s. (B, L, D) 42 For complete itinerary details and videos, visit vikingcruises.co.uk
DID YOU KNOW? Medieval Tollbooths The castles along the Rhine Valley were originally constructed as fortified residences to protect the land from marauders — but castle owners also utilised their strategically advantageous positions to impose tolls on passing merchants. This may explain why you will see so many castles while cruising the 35-mile stretch of the Rhine between Mainz and Bonn, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Call a <strong>Viking</strong> Expert on 020 8780 7900 or see your Travel Agent 43