Join us in September 2024 as we explore one of Europe’s best-loved rivers. Discover the turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns and stunning scenery of the Middle Rhine—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste the region’s renowned white wines, the roots of its terraced vineyards reaching back to Roman times. Savor the various culinary traditions of Alsace. With calls in Amsterdam, Cologne and Basel, this journey reveals a rich landscape of beauty and culture.
Tour Inclusions
- Round Trip Airfare
- Round Trip Motor Coach Transportation
- Deluxe Hotels
- All meals As Indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Tours As Indicated
- Siouxland Travel Tour Guides
- Local Guides In Each Country
- Baggage Handling
- All Gratuities
Day 1: Lucerne
Transfer from the airport to your hotel, located on the shore of Lake Lucerne—minutes from the city center, Old Town and main railway station. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the breathtaking alpine scenery. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Lucerne so you can make the most of your visit.
Day 2: Chapel Bridge & Lake Lucerne
Set out on a guided walk through Old Town and see the Chapel Bridge, iconic Water Tower and many burgher houses, then spend the rest of your day at leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to join a full-day optional excursion including a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne and a cog railway trip to the top of one of the region’s spectacular mountains. At a local dairy farm, tour the facility and produce your own cheese. Complete your Swiss experience with a delicious fondue meal. (Breakfast)
Day 3: Swiss Countryside & Lake Lucerne
Today, enjoy free time in Lucerne as you explore this picture-postcard town independently. Alternatively, you can take an optional excursion to the summit of Stanserhorn Mountain for stunning alpine views. Ascend the mountain in a vintage funicular car, built in 1893. At the halfway point, board an open air double-decker cable car with lunch at the top. Descend the mountain, then transfer to your ship late this afternoon to begin your river cruise. (Breakfast)
Day 4: Basel, Switzerland
Welcome to Basel, on the Rhine River in northwest Switzerland. Transfer from the airport to your ship.* After boarding, enjoy time on your own getting acquainted with the city. Dinner is served on board. (D)
Day 5: 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. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Strasbourg, France
Disembark this morning for your guided tour of Strasbourg. See the European Parliament and tour the interior of the city’s famed cathedral. Free time allows you 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. Return to your ship for dinner and departure. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Speyer & Rüdesheim, Germany
This morning, disembark for an included tour to visit the historic 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 and after lunch, rejoin your ship in Rüdesheim. This evening, you can dine on board your ship or choose to experience one of our optional dinners on shore tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Koblenz, Germany
This morning, sail along the most scenic stretch of the Rhine, where turreted castles and fortresses overlook the river from their hilltop posts. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this part of the Middle Rhine Valley is so beautiful. Arrive in Koblenz this afternoon and disembark for a guided exploration of Koblenz on foot. You may also join an optional excursion that offers a lively and informative tour of Ehrenbreitstein Fortress; or, choose to journey into Moselle wine country on an optional excursion, stopping for a tour and tasting at a local winery. Return to your ship for lunch. Later, enjoy some time in this charming town at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine Rivers. (B, L, D)
Day 9: 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. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
We sail along the Rhine during the morning hours. Admire scenic views and enjoy a morning of enjoyable Dutch diversions: sample Dutch cheeses and jenever, a distilled juniper liquor, and take in a culturally enriching presentation on the Dutch Golden Age. This afternoon, your ship arrives in Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Disembark for an afternoon 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. Board your ship for departure and dinner. Arrive in Amsterdam around midnight. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Amsterdam, Netherlands
After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 2 additional nights in Amsterdam; take time to explore the city’s neighborhoods, museums and exciting nightlife. (B)
Tour Price
Coming Soon!
Optional Travel Insurance Available
Itinerary Subject to Change