Rhine Getaway

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Located where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel reflects a fascinating blend of traditions. The city straddles the Rhine at the river’s farthest navigable point, and an alluring cluster of old-town buildings huddles along the riverbank. Around Market Square, guild houses recall Gothic, Renaissance and baroque splendor; the red-sandstone Rathaus, or Town Hall, is the centerpiece. More than 40 museums of art and culture lend modern polish to its history-rich streets. And there is no more refined way to sample it all than over cheese fondue or croissants.

Breisach is a gateway to the fabled Black Forest region, built on a basalt rock outcropping in the Rhine plain. It is located in one of the warmest parts of Germany, across the river from French Alsace, famous for its wine growing. But Breisach, too, can boast about its wine: it is home to Europe’s largest cellars, with a storage capacity of more than 160 million liters. The most prominent landmark of Breisach is the Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, built between the 12th and 13th centuries. Its two towers are visible from throughout the city and from the Rhine.

Shore Excursions

THE BLACK FOREST

Admire the dense, lofty fir forests of Germany’s Schwarzwald, the fabled Black Forest. Embark with your guide on a scenic drive through a mythical land of cuckoo clocks, glassblowing and timeless fairy tales. Your panoramic route will take you through wine-producing villages, each of them cradled among the soft, undulating hills, bucolic woodlands and prolific vineyards of southwestern Germany. Your journey culminates in a winding ascent up to the beautiful Hofgut Sternen hotel, a loyal keeper of Black Forest traditions. During your visit, you may choose your immersion into Black Forest culture: take an invigorating forest stroll, attend a cuckoo clock demonstration, watch a glassblower at work, or learn to make the decadent Black Forest Cake for which this region is known. After, return to your ship via Freiburg, a major university and ecclesiastical center.

MEDIEVAL VILLAGE OF COLMAR

Stroll the charming medieval lanes and squares of Colmar and explore its “Little Venice” quarter. With its 9th-century streets, 13th-century Gothic churches and original Old Town, Colmar seems torn from a storybook. The city overflows with intact Alsatian homes and a colorful mix of French and German Renaissance architecture. You will accompany your guide to the city. Then, in the beautifully restored Quartier des Tanneurs, named for the tanners who worked in its 17th-century half-timbered houses, admire lanes of medieval houses and the Schwendi Fountain. This masterwork was sculpted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the Statue of Liberty. Later, stroll through the charming La Petite Venise and enjoy the picturesque views from the bridge across the Lauch River. You will have free time to peruse the fine art at the Musée d’Unterlinden (Museum under the Linden Trees) or shop for regional wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer.

THE COLMAR POCKET IN WORLD WAR II: MUSEUM & MEMORIAL

Visit the Colmar Pocket, where Allied forces pushed back Nazi troops during the brutal winter of 1944–1945. US forces fought alongside the French Army to overthrow the German occupation of this key region. The charming French countryside provided the backdrop for three months of fighting, until the Allied armies forced the German retreat. Travel with your guide to the Colmar Pocket Memorial Museum, where artifacts provide personal context to those difficult months. Stop at the US War Memorial on Mt. Sigolsheim to pay homage to those who laid down their lives to free France. You will also drive to Ostheim, the first village liberated in the campaign, and cross the Maison Rouge Bridge, following in the footsteps of US forces who freed the French village of Holtzwihr. At the Audie Murphy Memorial, honor one US soldier’s heroic stand that changed the course of this pivotal campaign.

INTO THE BLACK FOREST BY E-BIKE

Venture through the villages, through rolling fields and along the woodland trails of the Black Forest on a cycle tour. Considered one of the most beautiful trails of southern Germany, the route leads you past stunning scenery and through quaint towns. Pedal at ease on your e-bike as you follow your guide along the network of cycle trails and discover more about the history and culture of the Black Forest, including its famous cake. Stop for lunch and enjoy time at leisure to explore. Then, continue your cycle ride and enjoy a home visit in a typical Black Forest residence. Your hosts will welcome you with a refreshment and you may take a look around their house. Steeped in history, the house has retained many of its original features. Bid farewell to your hosts and transfer by motor coach back to your ship.

The largest port on the Upper Rhine, Strasbourg is the cultural center of France’s Alsace region. Thanks to its location at the border of France and Germany, it boasts a convivial mix of cultural influences. The well-preserved Old Town is enclosed on all sides by the little Ill River, with sites so compact that it is easy to explore the “island” on foot. And there is plenty to explore: cobblestone streets lined with wooden houses and intersected by picturesque canals. Indulging in Alsatian café culture is central to any visit here; enjoy coffee and cake amid lovely half-timbered houses.

Shore Excursions

STRASBOURG HIGHLIGHTS

Get to know this delightful city steeped in equal parts French and German culture. Join your guide for a drive through the German Imperial District and the European Quarter, home to institutions such as the European Union and the Council of Europe. Pass remarkable Renaissance architecture en route to the city center for a walk through picturesque Petite France, the former Tanners’ District surrounded by the Ill River and crisscrossed by charming canals. Here, you will see the Old Customs House and the bridges with their defensive towers. In Cathedral Square, view the magnificently restored Strasbourg Cathedral. One of Europe’s finest Gothic cathedrals, it was the world’s tallest building from 1647 to 1874. Enjoy free time to admire the great Gothic rosette window, beautiful red sandstone portal and remarkable astronomical clock.

ALSATIAN WINE TASTING

Explore the treasures of Alsace, from its Renaissance beauty and distinct culture to its crisp, clean white wines. World-renowned for its viticulture, Alsace is enriched with a dry mild climate, favorable soils and ideal exposure for its vineyards. Its location creates a blend of Germanic and Roman influences, and tells a story started by wine-producing Romans. The fine white wines produced here rival the crisp Rieslings of neighboring Germany. Enjoy a drive along the Alsatian Wine Route and a stop in one of its charming villages. At the winery, tour the cellar and, if the season permits, take a walk through the vineyards. The winegrower will introduce you to local wines and describe the history of harvesting and wine growing in the region. You will have the chance to taste several vintages, with ample opportunity to talk with your host about the skills required to produce French wines.

FLAVOURS OF ALSACE

Sample Alsatian and French flavors and pleasures as you meet food merchants, a French sommelier and a local chef. Accompany your guide, a passionate purveyor of all things Alsatian, on a shopping excursion through Strasbourg; you may sample regional specialties such as fine chocolates, pralines, kougelhopf cake, croissants, freshly made baguettes and pretzels, cheeses, and special regional meats or sausages. Save some samples for your next stop, where a professional sommelier will verse you in the art of pairing local foods with Alsatian and French wines. Later, tour the romantic, picturesque Petite France, Strasbourg’s canal-laced Old Town lined with half-timbered houses. Next, enjoy the cozy atmosphere of a typical winstub eatery, where the resident chef will teach you to make flammkuchen. Taste the results with a local beer. Finally, stroll to the impressive Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. Enjoy free time before returning to your ship.

STRASBOURG FROM THE TOP

View Strasbourg from the top of its cathedral and explore its historic, culture-rich center. Begin your tour with a tram ride to the center of the city. In its heart, you will find the towering Gothic cathedral, once the tallest building in the world. Admire its grand exterior before you begin your climb to the top. Ascend its spiral staircase of 322 steps for unrivaled views of the cathedral’s towers, the city of Strasbourg below, the Vosges and, weather permitting, the Black Forest region. Next, continue your tour to the Petite France area, located along the Grand Île. Home to tanners, millers and fishermen in the Middle Ages, in 1988 the Grand Île was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets, see typical Alsatian architecture and wander across the picturesque bridges that cross the river. Enjoy free time at your leisure to browse the artisan shops before returning to your ship.

The quiet German town of Speyer lies on the west bank of the Rhine. The city features a Romanesque imperial cathedral, burial place of eight emperors including some of the most famous Holy Roman Emperors. Speyer was once a major Celtic center that traded hands several times between the Romans and the Huns. The term Protestant originated here at the Diet of Speyer in 1529, when 14 free cities of Germany and six Lutheran princes protested the Edict of Worms that had banned the writings of Martin Luther and labeled him a heretic and enemy of the state.

Located in the heart of Germany’s Rheingau region, Rüdesheim is the area’s center of winemaking. The famed Drosselgasse, a cobblestone street lined with taverns that pour local vintages and spill music into alleyways, attracts locals and visitors alike. Half-timbered houses, narrow warrens and old inns lend the town a medieval flavor. Castles once provided security for the region, including the 9th-century Brömserburg Castle, the oldest on the Rhine. The Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet museum also houses an impressive collection of self-playing instruments.

Shore Excursions

SPEYER WALKING TOUR

Enjoy a fascinating stroll through Speyer, home to the largest of the three Romanesque imperial cathedrals. It is believed that the Protestants earned their name here in 1529 after citizens and royalty drafted the “Protestation at Speyer,” proclaiming their right to practice Christianity as they please. In 1689, Louis XIV’s troops plundered Speyer and left it in ruins; over many decades, it was artfully rebuilt. During your walk, you will marvel at the exterior of the red sandstone cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Eight emperors are entombed here, including some of the most notable Holy Roman Emperors. Reconstructed after Louis XIV’s invasion, its six towers dominate the skyline. Pass the Jewish courtyard, once home to one of the most important medieval synagogues, and Speyer’s Altpörtel, or Old Gate, the last remains of the town’s fortifications. There will also be time to stroll the city’s charming, shop-lined main thoroughfare.

PANORAMIC HEIDELBERG & LUNCH WITH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

See the castle and old medieval town so steeped in romance that they stood at the center of the German Romantic movement. Join your guide for a drive to Heidelberg, several miles up the Neckar River. You will ascend to the majestic Heidelberg Castle, a treasure trove of striking Renaissance-era buildings. Originally built during the early 13th century, it was the residence of the Palatinate monarchy through the 18th century. Descend into the Altstadt, or Old Town, for a walking tour toward the turreted Heidelberg University. Founded in 1386, it is Germany’s oldest. You can see the school’s tower in which unruly boys were incarcerated for misdeeds, and the Red Ox tavern in which they boasted to their mates about their imprisonment. You will pause to share a special lunch with a group of modern-day students and hear their views on attending Germany’s oldest university.

DINE IN RÜDESHEIM AM RHEIN

Raise your glass and give a hearty “Prost!” to a delicious and fun evening. Despite its growing popularity, Rüdesheim has retained its small-town riverside charms. Nowhere is this more apparent than along the Drosselgasse, a narrow pedestrian way overflowing with wines and oom-pah-pah tunes. Visit one of the town’s oldest restaurants, whose proprietors keep another tradition alive—the earth-to-table approach to dining that brings the rich and varied flavors of their beloved Rheingau straight to your plate. During this evening excursion, board a mini-train to the 15th-century Drosselgasse. Take in the medieval atmosphere during a stroll past cozy wine bars and lively taverns, then sample the bounty of Germany’s Rheingau region during a festive meal. Enjoy a full-course dinner with traditional music, and try the local Schnapps vom Brett as a digestif.

WINE TASTING & DINNER AT EBERBACH MONASTERY

Enjoy dinner in a former Cistercian monastery whose lush vineyards have produced wines for centuries. Drive to Kloster Eberbach, a monumental yet simple Romanesque and early Gothic monastery church renowned for its architectural heritage. Its vineyards have been maintained throughout its history, despite its secularization in 1803 and various incarnations since. Meet your host in the historic wine cellar, where grapes were once transformed into sweet Rieslings for centuries. Here, you will have the chance to sample some of the monks’ favorite wines. After, enjoy a guided tour of the church and the monks’ cloister, once strictly reserved for the use of ordained monks. Proceed to the restaurant, where you will enjoy a dinner prepared with the freshest ingredients from the Rhinegau. After a delicious meal in a hallowed setting, return to your ship.

WINE TASTING & DINNER AT SCHLOSS JOHANNISBERG ESTATE

Enjoy a delicious dinner of German specialties at the site of one of the Rheingau region’s most celebrated vineyards. Drive past gently rolling hills to Schloss Johannisberg, set amid Germany’s renowned wine-making region. Its vineyards skirt the estate’s grounds for acres and have been prolific for 900 years. Upon arrival, join your host for a tour through the vines, concluding in the estate’s wine cellar. Here, grapes grown on the grounds have been transformed into sweet Rieslings for centuries. You will have the chance to sample three of your host’s favorites and gain insight into the soil, climate and processing that produce the perfect glass. Proceed to the dining venue on the estate grounds overlooking the vineyards, where you will enjoy a meal prepared with the freshest ingredients from the Rheingau.

Cologne reveals its Roman heritage in its city layout and the ancient ruins that lie scattered through the town. Cologne’s modern plazas and Hohe Strasse host welcoming shops, enticing restaurants and cologne boutiques. Of note is the city’s 14th-century cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic artistry and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Having survived Allied bombs during World War II, the cathedral’s imposing twin spires are visible for miles and its stained glass windows fill the interior with brilliant coloured light. Its steps lead to a platform with astounding views.

Shore Excursions

COLOGNE WALKING TOUR

Learn about Cologne’s heritage and view its iconic cathedral, towering over the city in all its Gothic splendor. Step into a rich past, following the city’s preserved historic street patterns and hearing about its Roman and medieval history along the way. As you stroll, your guide will regale you with tales of local folklore figures, Tünnes and Schääl, and the city’s flourishing Jewish community. In Old Cologne, pass the elegant silhouette of St. Martin’s church and stop to view Cologne’s magnificent Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction of this towering structure began in 1248 and continued in stages over the next seven centuries. The largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, this magnificent church boasts two soaring spires and beautiful stained-glass windows, and survived the Allied bombings that ravaged the city and the rest of Germany during World War II.

TOP OF COLOGNE

Head up to the roof of Cologne’s astonishing cathedral and learn about ongoing excavation and restoration efforts. Start your backstage tour of a lifetime by ascending the outside wall on the same elevator used by the restoration crew. Entering the very ceiling of the cathedral through a rooftop door, you will see the vast tower spaces and massive iron structures holding up the roof, and visit the restoration workshops. Then, venture onto the roof itself for incredible, up-close views of the cathedral’s Gothic architecture. Beyond, gaze out over the rooftops and waters of the Rhine far below. At the end of your tour, you can choose to climb a 104-step spiral staircase to the top of the crossing tower, where your efforts will be rewarded with more epic views of the city and its surroundings. Afterward, you will descend by elevator back to street level.

COLOGNE’S BEER CULTURE & DINNER

Immerse yourself in Cologne’s lively brauhaus culture and sample the pride of the city. During this fun excursion into the heart of Cologne, you will stroll the Old Town’s cobblestone streets past historic houses. Pause along the way at three Kölsch brewhouses. Kölsch—a light, crisp beer—is brewed only in Cologne. Brauhaus servers, called köbes, will deliver Kölsch straight from the barrel to your table in 7-ounce glasses, small enough for you to finish the beer while it is still refreshingly cold. As you drink in the rich culture of Cologne amid the dark-paneled walls and stained glass windows of its Old Town brewhouses, learn the brewing “secrets” that give Kölsch its distinctive character. Afterward, you will enjoy dinner at a popular, local brauhaus before returning to your ship.

COLOGNE BY BICYCLE

Venture through the historic city of Cologne and see its sights on a bicycle tour. Meet your guide and receive a short safety briefing before donning your helmet and setting off to explore. Follow the Rhine River as you pedal through the city, your guide regaling you with stories of Cologne’s past and reconstruction following the heavy bombings it suffered during World War II. The city’s dominant landmark is its magnificent cathedral, which, despite the war, stood tall amid its flattened surroundings. Its twin spires were said to have been used as an easily recognizable navigational landmark by Allied aircraft. Your path will take you across the river and to a charming village, where you will enjoy a coffee break. En route back to your ship, follow the trail along the Rheinauhafen waterfront and past the Roman Castle, admiring the modern face of Cologne.

BRÜHL UNESCO PALACES

Peer into the life of royalty at an estate built for the prince-archbishops of Cologne. You will meet your guide at the dock and drive to Schlosspark, at the edge of the Naturpark Kottenforst-Ville nature reserve. Here, Augustusburg Castle sits at the center of beautifully landscaped grounds, a vast and splendid example of Germany’s early rococo architecture. During a tour, admire the grand staircase and some of its many extravagantly decorated rooms and chambers. Take a stroll through the park’s spacious gardens lined with hedgerows and trees before returning to your ship.

Kinderdijk is a village community in the Alblasserwaard province. This corner of South Holland, part of the scenic Waal and Merwede regions, has long been shaped by Rhine Delta waters. Kinderdijk is most known for its 19 remarkably preserved 18th-century windmills. The charming hamlet is located amid low-lying polders, tracts of land reclaimed from the sea by the power of the windmills and enclosed by embankments, or dikes. This legendary place calls to mind the 1865 novel Hans Brinker, in which a heroic boy plugs his finger into a ruptured dike.

Shore Excursions

KINDERDIJK WINDMILLS

See the picturesque Dutch countryside and the original technological marvels of historic Kinderdijk. You will walk with your guide into the serene polder lands of South Holland. As you cross the dike to the windmills, you will notice that they in fact are at a lower elevation than your ship, as much of this part of The Netherlands is below sea level. Built in the mid-18th century, these 19 windmills, the largest concentration in The Netherlands, stand like sentinels on a hushed landscape. You will learn why they were built and see firsthand how they work, even stepping into a working windmill to observe its mechanics and living quarters. Families who live in these mills are required to keep them in working order. This excursion provides a revealing look at these marvelous buildings that helped shape the legendary Dutch landscape.

KINDERDIJK WINDMILLS BY E-BICYCLE

Cycle through the grasslands of Kinderdijk and see the 19 historic windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don your cycle helmet, mount your e-bike and pedal with ease through stunning scenery. The route takes you through the polders, or low-lying lands, along the Lek River. Kinderdijk is famed for its windmills, which were built to pump the excess water from the polders that lie around 5 feet below sea level. As you cycle through this network of windmills, your guide will explain how this magnificent sight symbolizes Dutch water management today. During your ride, you will pass several of the windmills up close. At the Blokker Windmill Museum, stop and take a peek inside for a glimpse of the rustic life of a mill keeper. Journey through picturesque villages and admire the quaint old cottages and monuments, then begin the return cycle back to your ship.

KINDERDIJK BY VINTAGE BARGE

Go beyond the usual visitor experience on a Viking exclusive boat tour and visit the oldest Kinderdijk windmill. Board the Jantina, a 125-year-old restored cargo vessel, adapted to carry passengers to the Blokker Windmill, which dates back to 1630. Meet the miller and his family and tour the windmill. Take a peek at the vegetable garden and see the traditional outbuildings, such as the cooking shed and the outhouse. Learn everything there is to know about the life of a miller’s family in days gone by and also what it takes today to preserve these mighty machines. On your way through the canal and back, your expert guide will explain the history of water management in the region and the vital role of the magnificent mills in this endeavor. Return to the visitor center for more information or a memento of your visit.

KINDERDIJK WINDMILLS & DUTCH CHEESE MAKING

See the picturesque Dutch countryside as you explore The Netherlands’ world-famous cheeses and windmills. Visiting a cheese farm, get an in-depth look at how one of The Netherlands’ top products is made. Upon arrival, enjoy a walk around the farm with your hosts, busy farmers making their living off the earth. Later, meet the cheese makers who patiently create their product from fresh milk and learn the craft, process and history of cheese making, which dates back to pre-Christian times. By lesson’s end, there will be plenty of cheese for sampling. You will also visit Kinderdijk’s 19 historic windmills, the largest group in The Netherlands and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In South Holland’s polder lands, these windmills stand like sentinels. Learn why the mills were built and how they operate, even stepping into a working windmill to observe its mechanics and living quarters.

A city of charming canals, elegant gabled houses, splendid museums and abundant bicycles, the Dutch capital of Amsterdam is a delight to explore. Its patchwork of waterways forms about 90 islands connected by 1,500 bridges. The legacy of the Dutch Golden Age lives on in gilded manses and in the lush paintings of Rembrandt and other Dutch masters that adorn the Rijksmuseum, The Netherlands’ grand repository of art and cultural history. Discovering Amsterdam is a pleasure best pursued on foot; visitors line the tranquil canals and linger over Dutch pancakes, or take a stroopwafel to go. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.