Explore Castles & Cathedrals
River Cruise
This is just one example of a river cruise we can offer you. One of our clients have been on this cruise so we can highly recommend it.
While the itinerary of this particular cruise is already set in place, we can also help with your airfare, pre- and post-cruise travel, insurance and much more. Make sure to contact us if you are interested in this river cruise or any other you might be interested in.
8 Day Cruise – Amsterdam to BASEL
Overlook the Rhine from Germany’s best preserved medieval castle. Discover the rich culinary traditions of Alsace. Explore the Black Forest your way: join a guided coach tour or walk lush country trails to a farm. Fairy-tale castles, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns and spectacular scenery—little wonder that the Rhine is one of Europe’s best-loved rivers. From Amsterdam and Cologne to Basel, this 8-day journey reveals a wonderland of beauty and culture.
DAY 1: ARRIVE AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands
Arrive in Amsterdam, then transfer to your ship.* After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore the city on your own. If your arrival schedule permits, you may wish to visit the Rijksmuseum, or the van Gogh Museum next door. (Dinner)
*Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.
DAY 2: Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
This morning we 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 a working windmill for a tour of its mechanisms and living quarters. Return on board for lunch and an enjoyable afternoon of Dutch diversions: sample handcrafted Dutch cheeses and jenever, a distilled juniper liquor, and take in a culturally enriching presentation on the Dutch Golden Age. We cruise through the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 3: COLOGNE, Germany
Begin your day with a morning tour of Cologne, Germany’s fourth largest city. Stroll through Old Town past St. Martin’s Church and see the Dom, Germany’s largest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend your free time enjoying Cologne’s atmospheric waterfront, or perhaps join an optional excursion on which you ascend to the Dom’s roof for up-close views of the cathedral’s architecture and bird’s-eye vistas of Cologne. Afterward, return on board for dinner. Alternately, you may set off on an optional excursion to explore Cologne’s spirited beer culture, sampling Kölsch, a light, crisp beer brewed only in Cologne, and enjoying a brauhaus dinner. After, return to your ship for a late-evening departure. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 4: Koblenz & Rüdesheim, Germany
Proceed along the Rhine, disembarking for a walking tour of Koblenz. Alternately, choose an optional excursion to tour the 700-year old Marksburg Castle, or enjoy a lively and informative tour of Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. After lunch on board, sail the scenic Middle Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where turreted castles and fortresses overlook the river from their hilltop posts. 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 on board your ship, or in town if you prefer. You may also choose to experience one of our optional dinners on shore tonight. We depart after midnight. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Speyer, Germany
Cruise into midmorning as you enjoy the passing scenery. After lunch, enjoy an included tour to visit the historic town of Speyer and take in views of the imposing Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 11th century on the site of a former basilica, the building’s design influenced Romanesque architecture for centuries to come, and is the final resting place of eight German monarchs. Alternatively, after breakfast, you may choose to disembark for a full day tour of Heidelberg, the home of Germany’s oldest university, founded in 1386. Visit the beautiful sandstone ruins of imposing Heidelberg Castle and admire the Neckar River Valley. Continue with a walking tour through Old Town to Heidelberg’s renowned gates. After lunch, visit the historic town of Speyer on your way back to your ship. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 6: Strasbourg, France
We 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, resplendent churches, medieval covered bridges, verdant parks and handsome art nouveau and modernist architecture. Alternately, join our optional excursion into Alsatian wine country for an informative winery tour and tasting. Or, spend your full day exploring culinary Strasbourg on an optional excursion; as you explore the city and take in its sights, savor samples of the renowned Alsatian cuisine, from regional dessert specialties and meats to wine pairings with local foods. On board this evening, enjoy a Taste of Germany dinner event. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 7: Breisach, Germany
Arrive in Breisach this morning, 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 to see a cuckoo clock-making demonstration, and learn how Black Forest Cake is made. Return to your ship for lunch. This afternoon, perhaps join an optional excursion to the quaint Alsatian town of Colmar to discover the storybook charm of its streets lined with medieval, Gothic and Renaissance buildings, and visit a fine arts museum. Alternately, choose an optional excursion that explores Colmar’s World War II history. Dine on board this evening and cruise on through the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 8: Basel, Switzerland
After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 2 nights in Lucerne or Basel, or 3 nights in Lake Como. (Breakfast)
*Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.
Extend Your Cruise
More days means more time to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Maximize the value of your overseas flight and enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.
Each pre- or post-cruise extension package includes a Viking representative to meet you at the airport and a Viking host to assist with your special requests. For your convenience, costs such as hotel stays, transfers between hotel and ship, select meals are included. Some extensions include city tours. This is just one example of a pre- and post-extension for this cruise.
2 NIGHTS PRE-CRUISE IN AMSTERDAM
Start your journey in Amsterdam, where you will be centrally located near key sites like Museum Square and the Anne Frank House.
2 NIGHTS POST-CRUISE IN BASEL
Discover the city that stands at the point where France, Germany and Switzerland meet. See the lovely Middle Bridge, the Basel Cathedral and the winding cobbled streets lined with medieval houses and colorful fountains. Explore the many museums and art galleries, or take a day trip to Lucerne.
Pricing for this River Cruise
- Starting pricing from $2,399 per person, double occupancy
- Itinerary available in the reverse from Basel to Amsterdam
- Some sailings have a Reduced Airfare or Reduced Deposit offers so inquire for more details!
Ready to Book or Need More Information?
Email or call us at 425-608-0266!
Please note that this travel package can be customized with pre- and post-cruise options so please contact us to discuss your options! Emerald has several pre- and post-cruise options however, they do sell out quickly so make sure to reserve your space today. To expedite the booking process, please fill out our client paperwork and credit card form online.
Terms and conditions: Prices are per person, based on double occupancy accommodations. Some restrictions may apply.