Enjoy An Elegant Dinner And Tour At Schloss Ehreshoven
Built in the 14th century and later expanded in the grand style of a Baroque manor house, Schloss Ehreshoven is surrounded by gracious 18th-century French gardens and a castle park. For nearly a century the castle has been the heart of a charitable foundation whose main mission includes providing a home for unmarried aristocratic ladies without means in their golden years. Frequently used as a location for movies and TV shows, the Schloss provides an elegant setting for Taucks exclusive cocktail reception and dinner, hosted by a member of the family.
Also Check: What Cruise Lines Depart From Charleston Sc
Day : Cruise Through The Dutch Countryside Stop In Kinderdijk
In all honesty, the Rhine is less scenic in the Netherlands than it is in Germany. Youre no longer surrounded by hills, vineyards, and castles. Instead, the riverbanks are flat and sandy here.
Our final shore excursion ended up being a really fascinating one: a guided tour of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the outskirts of Rotterdam famous for its windmills. Our tour guide did an excellent job of introducing us to the history and purpose of mills in the Netherlands.
The landscape here is so pretty, and one of the highlights of this visit was being able to see the inside of a mill. All in all, a short visit to Kinderdijk was a great way to wrap up our final full day on the Viking Hermod.
Viking Mani Ship Related Cruise News
-
Viking Cruises on September 30 marked the company’s 25th anniversary with a celebration in Amsterdam .For the first time ever, to…
October 4, 2022
-
Viking Mani, one of Viking Cruises’ Longships, sustained minor damage after being hit by a cargo ship last week while sailing on Rhine River.The…
June 8, 2016
Don’t Miss: When Is Best Time To Go On Alaskan Cruise
Basel Switzerland With Viking River Cruises
We had the opportunity to sail on the Viking River Cruises Rhine Getaway over Thanksgiving. The cruise took us from Basel, Switzerland and down the Rhine to Amsterdam, Netherlands. Well be doing posts on each port, so youll get to experience them with us!
Since we had never been to Switzerland, we decided to do the pre-extension for the Rhine Getaway. So instead of being transferred from the airport straight to the Viking Alruna longship we were taken to the Hyperion Hotel where we would stay for two nights.
While in Basel we had a dedicated Viking rep, AnnMarie, within the hotel that was there to answer all of our questions, make dinner reservations, etc. She also served as the guide for our included tour, which we had on our first full day in Basel. AnnMarie was such a sweetheart and was willing to do anything to make sure our stay was as extraordinary as possible.
It was beyond our wildest dreams.
The Hyperion Hotel is the most gorgeous and luxurious hotel weve ever stayed in. If we couldve lived in that hotel room, we would have. No doubt.
If you want to see a more visual and vlog-style representation of our trip, you can watch our days one and two vlogs.
Day : Disembark In Amsterdam
The Netherlands is a small country, and Kinderdijk is only about 95 kilometers away from Amsterdam. As such, the Hermod was already passing through Utrecht by bedtime. We docked at Amsterdam very early in the morning on our final day.
There were no day tours of Amsterdam organized by Viking on Day 8, but we were allowed to stay on the boat until the late afternoon . However, we did have to vacate our staterooms by 8:00 a.m. so that the cleaning crew could start preparing for the next cruise.
After checking out, guests are free to go on their way. I assume that most people flew out of Amsterdam within a day or two of ending the cruise. However, we stayed for five extra days in Amsterdam and met up with a few more family members there! I had mixed feelings about this bustling Dutch metropolis, which Ive written about in a separate blog post.
Read Also: Are Kids Allowed On Viking Cruises
Visiting Five Countries Without Lugging Our Bags
As independent travelers, we lug around our bags a lot. As a result, we sometimes suffer from tired backs and sore feet.
What a treat it was to not have to worry about luggage for twelve straight days! This may not seem like a big deal, but it was a game-changer for us.
As an extra bonus, we loved unpacking our bags and feeling at home during the length of the Viking Rhine River cruise. Since we use packing cubes when we travel, it only took us a few minutes to settle into the room and start enjoying the cruise.
You May Like: Where Do Galapagos Cruises Depart From
Private Charter Of Avalon Panorama
A Legendary River. An Extraordinary Voyage. One Unforgettable Pride.
One of Europes most iconic rivers awaits you on this epic journey along the Rhine River, which begins in Switzerland and visits France, Germany, and Holland! Best of all, Source has curated this itinerary to deliver you to Amsterdam Pride with its signature Canal Boat Parade. Experience why this is truly one of the most extraordinary Pride celebrations in the world!
This private LGBTQ+ voyage is aboard the Panorama, one of Avalons luxurious Suite Ships, featuring its one-of-a-kind open-air balconies. Youll also have the luxury of cruising your way. From biking and hiking to sightseeing or wine-tasting, its your choice.
Back aboard, its all included. Enjoy fine dining, free-flowing wine, and spirits. Dance under the stars, enjoy Source signature entertainment, and theme parties. Stay fit with yoga and fitness, enrich yourself with Source talks at sea, or just enjoy the front-row seat as you sail past ancient castles, the Black Forest, and the dramatic Rhine Gorge.
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS & AMENITIES:
Recommended Reading: Can You See Northern Lights From Alaska Cruise
Day : Cruise Through The Rhine Gorge Stop In Koblenz
As you leave Rüdesheim, the Rhine River goes from picturesque to spectacular. This day of voyaging through the Rhine Valley is the centerpiece of the entire trip. The surrounding landscape becomes more dramatic. I loved seeing the patchwork of vineyards on the steep mountainsides, but the coolest part of the day is seeing all the castles.
There are so many of them! You truly pass one castle every few minutes once you enter the Rhine Gorge. Our cruise Program Director also provided a running commentary on all of the things we were seeing as we sailed by. Theres something incredible about seeing these archaic stone structures from various angles as you move along the water.
Since we spent the first half of Day 5 cruising, the city of Koblenz was another half-day stop. However, our time here didnt feel as rushed as the whirlwind tours on Day 4. Koblenz is a tourist hub thats noticeably bigger than Speyer and Rüdesheim. I walked all over the Altstadt , which is right next to the Viking River Cruises Dock.
The other main activity in Koblenz is taking the cable car to the other side of the river. Here youll find Festung Ehrenbreitstein, a sprawling nineteenth century fortress that overlooks the town. Visiting the fortress was interesting, but there didnt seem to be much signage in English, so I dont feel like I learned a lot about its history while I was there.
What Happens On A Viking River Cruise
We had a fabulous timeit was worth absolutely every pennyand we met some wonderful people, some of whom we still keep in touch with.
Here is our cruise as we saw it. We want you to know what you can expect and get an idea of all the wonderful places youll visit on a Rhine river cruise.
TIP:Though youll get a taste for the Rhine itinerary, what you wont see here are all of Dans amazing photos. The best shots are in our related posts about each destination, so read on and then head over to our photo galleries for even more shots.
You May Like: Where Is Crystal Serenity Cruise Ship Now
Basel To Amsterdam On A Viking Rhine River Cruise
Wanting to learn more about the different options for river cruises, I decided to take part in an Educational Journey on the Viking Var, one of Viking River Cruises new Long Ships.
The ship is like most others except, I would say, more sleek in design. Every inch has been optimized to its potential and therefore accommodates roughly 25 to 30 more passengers than either the more upscale AMA Waterways or Uniworld river cruise ships. The staterooms are modern in design and have what is necessary to be comfortable. The Suites, Junior Suites and Deluxe Staterooms are on the Upper and Middle Decks all with Verandas.
As do most European river cruises, Viking River Cruises offers complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner service. Bottled water and complimentary cappuccino, coffee and tea are available at their 24-hour hot beverage bar. You do have a choice of breakfast, lunch and dinner with open seating.
The Aquavit Terrace is a wonderful outdoor seating area at the bow of the ship where you can have meals al fresco or just enjoy the scenery and read a book. Onboard Internet service is also complimentary, as are most daily shore excursions which include must-see highlights and delightful surprises.
CologneWhat can I say
Chocolate lovers should not miss the Schokoladen Museum, a shrine to the art of Chocolate making.
Next Stop-River Cruising the Danube!
Castles And Vineyards Of The Rhine: Basel To Amsterdam
Day 1 UK to Basel
Fly to Basel and transfer from the airport to the port where you will embark your ship, Spirit of the Rhine.
Enjoy dinner on board this evening as you spend the night cruising towards Breisach.
Day 2 Breisach
Arrive in the early hours with a day to explore Breisach, an important medieval town of the Holy Roman Empire during the 16th century. Its overlooked by a 12th-century cathedral St Stephansmünster set high on a hilltop above.
Its also known as the gateway to the Black Forest and youll have the chance to join an optional excursion to picturesque Colmar with its well-preserved old town, and the wine town of Riquewhir.
Another optional tour visits Lake Titisee, in the Black Forest for a short cruise.
Depart later tonight and cruise to Strasbourg.
Day 3 Kehl
Youll arrive in Kehl before breakfast, with the whole day to discover Strasbourg, the beautiful capital of Alsace, with its cobbled streets, picturesque half-timbered houses and magnificent cathedral.
This morning an included city tour and canal cruise will help you get your bearings, then this afternoon you can explore further independently.
Alternatively, you might like to join an excursion to the pretty walled city of Obernai, where you can stroll along the ramparts and admire attractive 13th-century buildings with flower-filled balconies.
Your ship departs for Mannheim this evening.
Day 4 Mannheim to Mainz to Rüdesheim
Day 5 Rüdesheim to Koblenz
Day 6 Cologne
Recommended Reading: Does Viking Cruises Go To Alaska
Middle Rhine Castle Corridor
When we were done exploring the castle, we went back to the ship to enjoy the most scenic sailing day of the trip!
This stretch of the Rhine is filled with castles perched high in the hills. Most have been turned into luxury hotels! There are tons of castles on both sides of the river.
We sailed past this spectacular 430 foot Lorelei Rock where legend has it that the beautiful maiden Lorelei sunk the ships of distracted sailors.
A little wind and rain didnt dampen our spirits! The upper deck of the ship has a clear overhang making it perfect for being able to take in the sights while staying dry. Viking handed out a map of the castles and Sara, our Program Director, gave commentary over the loud speaker. If you want to see the castles up close and personal, pack a pair of binoculars.
Tip: Pack layers! We traveled in October and some days called for heavy coats while other days, a long sleeve shirt was all that was needed. Also, pack a small travel umbrella !
Also Check: What Cruises Go To Alaska
Helpful Cruise Line Information
If youve cruised before you probably have a favorite cruise line. Here at CruiseExperts.com we make it easy for you to sort through the cruise line of your choice for the best cruises at the best discounts on your favorite cruise line. Choose from the best cruise lines in the world including Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Holland America, Celebrity, Crystal, Azamara, Oceania, Viking, Avalon, and Disney. You can be confident that youll get the cheapest cruise price possible with concierge like service from our cruise experts here at CruiseExperts.com. View information on your favorite cruise line.
You May Like: Cruise Line Not Requiring Vaccination
You May Like: Where Does Norwegian Cruise Leave From Nyc
Day Viking River Cruise From Basel To Amsterdam 2020
Notice/home/cruiseex/public_html/river-cruises/wp-content/themes/cruiseexperts/functions.php954Notice/home/cruiseex/public_html/river-cruises/wp-content/themes/cruiseexperts/functions.php954Notice/home/cruiseex/public_html/river-cruises/wp-content/themes/cruiseexperts/functions.php968Notice/home/cruiseex/public_html/river-cruises/wp-content/themes/cruiseexperts/functions.php974Notice/home/cruiseex/public_html/river-cruises/wp-content/themes/cruiseexperts/functions.php974Notice/home/cruiseex/public_html/river-cruises/wp-content/themes/cruiseexperts/functions.php981Notice/home/cruiseex/public_html/river-cruises/wp-content/themes/cruiseexperts/functions.php1020Notice/home/cruiseex/public_html/river-cruises/wp-content/themes/cruiseexperts/functions.php1031Notice/home/cruiseex/public_html/river-cruises/wp-content/themes/cruiseexperts/functions.php1031
Day : Breisach And The Black Forest
Our first full day aboard began with a breakfast buffet, complete with cooked-to-order items. Our morning was spent on a picturesque bus tour through the rolling hills and dense forests of the scenic Black Forest. We stopped to visit a very old, historic abbey, and then drove to a local workshop and see a cuckoo clock-making demonstration and visit the restaurant. I made it a special point to get the recipe for Black Forest cake as a memorable souvenir.
You May Like: Princess Cruise Lines Phone Number
Final Thoughts On Our Viking Rhine River Cruise
Clearly, we loved a lot more about the Rhine cruise than we didnt love. Does this mean that weve crossed over to being cruise people? Well, we wouldnt go that far, but were very open to taking another cruise to help us with that transition.
Get a discounted quote for travel insurance to protect your trip from things like injuries, theft and cancelations. We never travel without protection!
What Its Really Like On A Viking River Cruise
January 25, 2020 Travel& vert Uncategorized
Want to know if a Viking River Cruiseis right for you? Im spilling all the details, including what they dont tell you in the brochure, so you can make an informed decision. Ill take you from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland along the Rhine River with lots of stops at charming old towns and villages in between. This Viking River cruise Rhine review is chock full of information that is helpful in planning your own cruise.
I took 8 million photos so its impossible to share them all in one post. Ill break up this trip into two posts so stay tuned for part two next weekend.
When Viking invited me to set sail with them, I immediately packed my bags! Who wouldnt want to sail to all the charming little European towns that dot the riverside? We traveled in October and I highly recommend Europe during this time of the year because not only do you get to experience the beautiful foliage and cooler temps, but its much less crowded and its cheaper too!
What I love about the Viking Longships is that they are just the right size to float down the river and get up close and personal to all of the little towns. Plus there are only 90 staterooms which means its easy to get to know the crew and passengers. I love that you only have to unpack once instead of changing hotels every couple of days.
Recommended Reading: Where Do Cruises Leave From Seattle
Day : Cruise Through The Rhine Gorge Stop In Koblenz
As you leave Rüdesheim, the Rhine River goes from picturesque to spectacular. This day of voyaging through the Rhine Valley is the centerpiece of the entire trip. The surrounding landscape becomes more dramatic. I loved seeing the patchwork of vineyards on the steep mountainsides, but the coolest part of the day is seeing all the castles.
There are so many of them! You truly pass one castle every few minutes once you enter the Rhine Gorge. Our cruise Program Director also provided a running commentary on all of the things we were seeing as we sailed by. Theres something incredible about seeing these archaic stone structures from various angles as you move along the water.
Since we spent the first half of Day 5 cruising, the city of Koblenz was another half-day stop. However, our time here didnt feel as rushed as the whirlwind tours on Day 4. Koblenz is a tourist hub thats noticeably bigger than Speyer and Rüdesheim. I walked all over the Altstadt , which is right next to the Viking River Cruises Dock.
The other main activity in Koblenz is taking the cable car to the other side of the river. Here youll find Festung Ehrenbreitstein, a sprawling nineteenth century fortress that overlooks the town. Visiting the fortress was interesting, but there didnt seem to be much signage in English, so I dont feel like I learned a lot about its history while I was there.
Places To Eat In Basel
We ate at three restaurants in Basel all of which were different and tasty in their own way.
On our first day, aka tour day, we had lunch at Tapas Del Mar. We wound our way through the many streets that come off of the city center. Nothing was really hitting that yum yum button, so we finally stumbled into Tapas Del Mar. It wasnt authentic Swiss or German, were not sure it was authentic anything. But it was pretty tasty.
We ended up ordering some ham and cheese croquettes and some roasted potatoes with spicy sauce. Just like all of the food in Basel, it was pricy. Very, very pricy for the size of the dishes . This is the norm. The roasted potatoes with the sauce were on the strange side, but still pretty good. The croquettes were to die for and honestly we couldve gone for another order of those!
That night for dinner we wanted authentic Swiss cordon bleu. The main restaurant in Basel that serves up a ridiculous variety of the dish was completely booked for the night. AnnMarie had been calling around all over Basel to find reservations for fondue , but was still nice enough to call around for our cordon bleu. She ended up making us reservations for this tiny local place about halfway between our hotel and the city center. It was a 5-7 minute walk, which was beautiful at night! You could take the metro one stop from the Hyperion to get there as well.
We also enjoyed some delicious street pretzels!
A very special thank you to Viking for allowing us to adventure with you!
Don’t Miss: How Far Is Rome Airport To Cruise Port