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Rhine Getaway Viking River Cruise Review | 8 Day Travel Itinerary

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Rhine River from Marksburg Castle | Viking Rhine River Cruise Itinerary
Rhine River from Marksburg Castle

The Rhine Getaway Viking Cruise explores the medieval towns, castles, and cathedrals of the Rhine River. The spectacular scenery of the Rhine is a highlight of the voyage. On the journey you will sail past European villages, vineyards, and turreted fortresses on a Viking Long Ship.


Faehrmann Hol Ueber | Speyer, Germany | Viking Rhine River Cruise
Faehrmann Hol Ueber | Germany

The cruise embarks in Amsterdam, Netherlands and disembarks in Basel, Switzerland. The Viking Rhine River itinerary includes stops at ports in the Netherlands, France, and Germany. This Working Joe Travel cruise review includes all the essential information you will need to decide if this river cruise is right for you.


In Port | Rhine River | Viking Long Ship
In Port | Viking Long Ship

While there is much to see and do, Randy and I found the cruise to be well-paced. After unpacking, our work for the week was done. Viking expertly coordinated every detail of the daily Viking Rhine River excursions. On this cruise we experienced minimal wait times, comfortable transport, and quality guides.


Overall Impression: As working-joes, we found this travel itinerary to be a great blend of discovery and relaxation. Highly recommended.


Castle on the Rhine River | Viking Rhine River Cruise | Travel Itinerary
Castle on the Rhine River
Rhine Getaway Viking | 8 Day Travel Itinerary | Viking Rhine River Cruise

For more information on cruising and travel to Europe read our blog posts on:


Rhine Getaway | Viking River Cruises
Rhine River Cruising

RHINE GETAWAY VIKING TRAVEL TIPS

Ship

The 190- passenger long ship never felt crowded. It was beautifully appointed and had ample indoor and outdoor common areas that were designed to take in the landscape. The ship is categorized as a small ship. It often docked within walking distance of port cities or within a short bus ride (there was no tendering into port). Onboard rocking was minimal and there was little-to-no seasickness.


Cruising on the Rhine River | Viking Rhine River Cruise
Cruising on the Rhine River

Passengers

The passenger list was primarily made up of working professionals and retirees. There were many people traveling in groups (some large), but also many couples.


Tanner's District in Strausburg, France on a Viking Rhine River Cruise | 8 day Itinerary
Tanner's District | Strausburg, France

Dining

There was one main dining room, The Restaurant, that served three meals a day. Beer and wine were included with lunch and supper. There were set dining hours, but no assigned seating. We found that without assigned seating if you did not arrive early, you were apt to be ‘stuck’ at a table of folks traveling in a group. We quickly found a few other couples to make up a table, and these became our dining companions for the rest of the trip.


Other dining options included the Aquavit Terrace that served lighter fare food, and the Lounge which had drinks and snacks available all day. In-room refrigerators were stocked with bottled water daily. The food was excellent.


Heidelberg, Germany | Rhine Getaway River Cruise on a Viking Long Ship
Heidelberg, Germany

Veranda Stateroom

Spacious. Comfortable. Many amenities. The stateroom had floor to ceiling sliding glass doors with a full-sized veranda (so busy we hardly used it). We had a mini-fridge and 42” TV with free movie channels, cruise information, and ship board cameras. There was a safe in the room.


Dress Code

No formal nights – yeah! Dress is casual in the day; dressy-casual at night. Bring comfortable walking shoes. Some excursions include cathedrals. Men and women should have knees and shoulders covered. And, at many sites only small purses and bags are allowed. Check online ahead.


Armament Room in Marksburg Castle, Germany | Viking Rhine River Cruise Basel to Amsterdam
Armament Room | Marksburg Castle

Entertainment

Low key. A highlight of the day is a lecture about the next port of call. There was an on-board historian. In the evening, Viking would bring on local musicians for mini-concerts. There was a lounge, sundeck, and library to mingle. The in-room TV had free movies and we loved the real time onboard video cams.


Canal in Amsterdam, Netherlands | Viking Rhine River Cruise Itinerary, Cruise Review and Travel Itinerary
Canal in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Viking Rhine River Excursions

There is one free excursion per port included in the cruise fare. It tends to be a 2-3 hour morning overview of an area, often a walking tour. The tour guides are top quality. The ports were all walkable, accessible, and interesting. Optional Viking Rhine River excursions are also available for an extra charge. Or, passengers can book their own excursions (in Europe we often use GetYourGuide).


Here is a sampling of some the excursions passengers can book outside of the cruise line on a Rhine River cruise:

Heidelberg Highlights and Castle Tour


Strasbourg Cathedral, Germany | Viking Rhine River Cruise
Strasbourg Cathedral, Germany

Service

While onboard, the Viking River Cruise staff makes you feel like an honored and respected family member. Leaving for excursions, staff gave out water, and umbrellas if needed. While taking in the scenery on the sun deck, staff would bring around hot/cold drinks and warm cookies. Tipping was not allowed; no ‘nickel and diming’ onboard – so nice! Great attention was taken to making transfers to and from the airport go smoothly. Exceptional service.


Touring Bus | Rhine Getaway | Viking Rhine River Excursions
Touring Bus | Viking Excursion

VIKING RHINE RIVER ITINERARY

Day 1 Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Check-in at the ship is 3 pm. If you arrive early lunch is available. Unpack, and head outdoors. The pier is within walking distance of Amsterdam’s historic district. Take a walk along the boardwalk to Amsterdam Centraal Railway Station. Pick up a city map. From here it is a short walk to the historic district and Dam Square. Meander about the area. Then, make your way to a Amsterdam canal boat tour. They are plentiful and easy to locate.


Walkway to Amsterdam Centraal Station
Walkway to Amsterdam Centraal Station

Most canal boat cruises operate with a hop-on, hop-off approach. The boats run different routes around the UNESCO-protected concentric canal rings. This is a wonderful way to see the city. You will float past the tall, narrow facades of Amsterdam’s building, its houseboats, and intricate bridges. The canals are scenic in the day, evening, and in the rain. If time permits visit the Anne Frank House or take a Red Light District Tour.


Amsterdam Historic District and Canals | Viking Rhine River Cruise and UNESCO World Heritage site
Amsterdam Historic District

Day 2 Kinderdijt

After breakfast, join the shore excursion to the Kinderdijk windmills. You will be bussed a short distance to a ridge of windmills. There, you will tour the interior of a working windmill at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Spend the afternoon settling into your room, and discovering the ship. In the evening there is a welcome reception and dinner.


Day 3 Cologne, Germany

In the morning, visit the city of Cologne, Germany for a walking tour. The highlight of the tour is the magnificent gothic Cologne Cathedral in the Old City. After the guided walking tour, you can return to the ship for lunch or stay in the city to explore on your own. Try this Cologne Panoramic City Tour or a Cologne Local Brewery Tour.

Cologne Cathedral | Rhine Getaway Cruise and Viking Rhine River Excursions
Cologne Cathedral

Randy and I had reserved a bike tour for the afternoon, but it was cancelled. Instead, we found a German pub for lunch. Then, we walked the city and saw remnants of a medieval wall and Romanesque churches. We also had great fun wandering around a department store, and a bridal shop.


Medieval Wall | Cologne, Germany | Viking Rhine River Itinerary
Medieval Wall | Cologne, Germany

Late in the day, we returned to the ship where it was docked next to a boardwalk and city park. We sat on our veranda and people watched. It was wonderful.


Day 4 Koblenz, Middle Rhine & Rudesheim


This was our favorite day of the cruise.


The ship docked in Koblenz, Germany. The included shore excursion was a trip to Marksburg Castle. The well-preserved castle overlooks the town of Braubach, and the Rhine. The tour took in many areas of the castle including its armament room, music room, cannons, and ramparts. It was fascinating. Many other passengers enjoyed a local wine tour.


Marksburg Castle | Viking Rhine Getaway Cruise
Marksburg Castle

After lunch on the ship, we made our way to the sun deck for an afternoon of scenic cruising. On the way to Rudesheim, Germany we floated past villages, vineyards, and castle after castle sitting high on nearby hills. We enjoyed drinks and snacks against the spectacular backdrop. It was a photographer’s dream and a wonderful time to get to know the other cruisers.

Village on the Rhine River | Viking River Cruise on a Viking Long Ship
Village on the Rhine River

That evening we left the ship and trekked into Drosselgasse. The German village’s cobblestone streets were lit up by shops, restaurants, and pubs. Most of the pubs featured live German bands.


Day 5 Heidelberg and Speyer

This morning the included shore excursion is a tour of the 13th century Heidelberg Castle. The neighborhood leading up to the castle is lovely. The castle itself is a complex of buildings; some crumbling, others well-preserved. After touring the complex, there is a short bus ride to charming Heidelberg Town where the tour continues.


Heidelberg Castle | Viking River Cruise on a Viking Long Ship
Heidelberg Castle

Later in the day, you will travel to the town of Speyer, Germany. There is free time to explore the city, and its Imperial Cathedral as well as many ancient Jewish sites, sculptures, and gardens.


Imperial Cathedral | Speyer, Germany on a Viking Rhine River Cruise
Imperial Cathedral | Speyer, Germany

Day 6 Strasbourg, France

Today, you will be bussed to the city of Strasbourg, France. After a guided walking tour of the picturesque Tanners District and Strasbourg Cathedral, you will have free time to shop and wander about. We loved the bakeries and Renaissance architecture at this stop. In the afternoon, try a guided bike tour.


Canal in Strasbourg, France | Rhine Getaway Viking Cruise
Canal in Strasbourg, France

Day 7 Breisach & Black Forest, Germany

The included shore excursion this morning is a scenic coach ride through Germany’s Black Forest Region. You will motor past quaint villages, farms, and forests on your way up into the mountains.


Black Forest, Germany | Rhine Getaway Cruise
Black Forest, Germany

The tour stops at a compound with an inn and little stores, including a cuckoo clock shop. There is time for a short hike, to grab a bite to eat, and to shop. This was our longest shore excursion. It was a gorgeous ride and region.


Day 8 Basel, Switzerland

Breakfast, disembark, transfer to airport.


Gute Reise (have a good journey)! Laura and Randy

For more information on cruising and travel to Europe read our blog posts on:

Working Joe Travel on a Rhine River Cruise
Working Joe Travel on a Rhine River Cruise


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