The Rhine is considered one of the best river cruises for first-time cruisers for several reasons:
1. Scenic Beauty: The Rhine River offers stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and historic castles, providing a visually appealing experience for first-time cruisers.
2. Historical and Cultural Attractions: Cruising the Rhine allows passengers to visit iconic cities such as Amsterdam, Cologne, and Basel, with numerous cultural and historical attractions to explore along the way.
3. Ease of Navigation: The Rhine is a relatively easy river to navigate, with calm waters and well-developed infrastructure, making it a comfortable experience for first-time cruisers.
4. Diverse Itinerary Options: The Rhine River offers a range of itinerary options, from short cruises to longer journeys, catering to different preferences and time constraints for first-time cruisers.
5. A Variety of Activities: The region along the Rhine River offers a diverse range of activities, including wine tastings, guided tours, and opportunities for outdoor exploration, providing something for every type of traveler.
Overall, the Rhine River cruise provides a perfect balance of beautiful scenery, cultural experiences, and ease of navigation, making it an excellent choice for first-time river cruisers.
Day 1: Amsterdam
- Arrive in Amsterdam and board the Viking river cruise ship
- Settle into your stateroom and explore the ship
- Optional walking tour of Amsterdam's famous canals and sites
Day 2: Kinderdijk and Cologne
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kinderdijk, known for its 19 windmills
- Cruise to Cologne, Germany
- Evening stroll through the Old Town and visit the Cologne Cathedral
Day 3: Koblenz and Rüdesheim
- Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge
- Stop in Koblenz and take a walking tour of the historic city
- Continue to Rüdesheim and enjoy wine tasting at a local vineyard
Day 4: Heidelberg
- Explore the beautiful city of Heidelberg, known for its historic university and castle
- Optional excursion to the Heidelberg Castle and Old Town
Day 5: Strasbourg
- Cross into France and visit the picturesque city of Strasbourg
- Optional guided tour of the city and its Gothic cathedral
Day 6: Breisach and Black Forest
- Discover the charming town of Breisach
- Optional excursion to the Black Forest for a cuckoo clock-making demonstration and a scenic drive through the forest
Day 7: Basel
- Arrive in Basel, Switzerland
- Optional walking tour of Basel's charming Old Town and visit the Basel Minster
Day 8: Disembark in Basel
- Disembark the Viking river cruise ship and transfer to the airport for your journey home or continue your travels in Switzerland
Standard Room from $2,674 per person includes $125pp Group Savings PLUS Exclusive Group Amenity of $100pp shipboard credit!