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Explore with Viking—Rhine

Explore the Rhine, one of Europe’s best-loved rivers. From the Netherlands to Germany and France to Switzerland, discover turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns and the stunning castles of the Middle Rhine—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste the Rheingau region’s cherished white wines at a local tavern along the Drosselgasse—a narrow, pedestrian-only street in Rüdesheim—and discover glassblowing traditions in Germany’s fabled Black Forest. Learn about the technology behind Kinderdijk’s remarkably preserved 18th-century windmills and tour the iconic Cologne Cathedral, a fine example of Gothic architecture. With additional calls in ports including Amsterdam, Koblenz, Basel and more, a Rhine River journey reveals a rich landscape of beauty and culture.

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Rhine Getaway
Basel to Amsterdam
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
8 days
6 tours
4 countries
£1,695 from
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Grand European Tour
Budapest to Amsterdam
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
15 days
12 tours
4 countries
£3,995 from
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  • Request a Quote
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Paris to the Swiss Alps
Paris to Zürich
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
12 days
10 tours
4 countries
£2,790 from
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  • Request a Quote
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Cities of Light
Paris to Prague
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
12 days
10 tours
3 countries
£2,590 from
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  • Request a Quote
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Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland
Avignon to Amsterdam
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
15 days
14 tours
4 countries
£4,190 from
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NEW! Rhine & Main Explorer
Nuremberg to Basel
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
11 days
9 tours
3 countries
£2,495 from
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Holland & Belgium
Amsterdam to Antwerp
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
10 days
8 tours
3 countries
£2,995 from
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Tulips & Windmills
Roundtrip Amsterdam, The Netherlands
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
10 days
8 tours
2 countries
£2,445 from
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European Sojourn
Amsterdam to Bucharest
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
23 days
19 tours
8 countries
£6,895 from
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NEW! Castles, Vineyards & Villages
Nuremberg to Amsterdam
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
8 days
6 tours
2 countries
£2,690 from
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Christmas on the Rhine
Amsterdam to Basel
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
8 days
8 tours
4 countries
£2,495 from
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Christmas on the Rhine & Moselle
Paris to Zürich
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
12 days
10 tours
4 countries
£3,295 from
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NEW! Christmas on the Rhine & Main
Nuremberg to Basel
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
11 days
9 tours
3 countries
£3,895 from
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Christmas on the Main & Moselle
Paris to Prague
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
12 days
10 tours
4 countries
£3,295 from
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Rhine & Viking Shores & Fjords
Basel to Bergen
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
15 days
12 tours
6 countries
£5,785 from
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Grand European & Viking Fjords
Bergen to Budapest
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
22 days
18 tours
6 countries
£7,485 from
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Rhine & Moselle Discovery
Trier to Basel
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
8 days
6 tours
3 countries
£2,395 from
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A Tale of Three Rivers
Bamberg to Trier
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
8 days
6 tours
1 country
£2,195 from
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NEW! Rhine, Main & Danube Odyssey
Budapest to Basel
ONBOARD GRATUITIES INCLUDED
18 days
13 tours
5 countries
£4,990 from
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Explore other cruises

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions—Rhine

Enjoy additional days before or after your voyage to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or visit a new destination. Our knowledgeable local Viking hosts will be available to help you make the most of your time with tailored cultural and dining recommendations.

  • Amsterdam

    2 Nights

    More Information
    Find this Extension on:
    • Rhine Getaway
    • Grand European Tour
    • Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland

  • St. Moritz, Lombardy & Alpine Train

    4 Nights

    More Information
    Find this Extension on:
    • Rhine Getaway
    Fully Guided

  • Lucerne

    2 Nights

    More Information
    Find this Extension on:
    • Rhine Getaway
    • Rhine & Main Explorer
    • Rhine & Viking Shores & Fjords

  • Best of Belgium

    3 Nights

    More Information
    Find this Extension on:
    • Rhine Getaway
    • Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland
    Fully Guided

  • Italian Lakes

    3 Nights

    More Information
    Find this Extension on:
    • Rhine Getaway
    Fully Guided

Extend Your Cruise with 2 Nights in Amsterdam

Navigate Amsterdam’s picturesque canals while discovering its cultural and architectural treasures. Witness the legacy of the Dutch Golden Age that lives on in the city’s gilded manses and stroll through the Jordaan district, passing historic sites such as Wester Church and the Anne Frank House.

Note: The Anne Frank House is very popular. If you plan to visit it, we advise purchasing your tickets well in advance online at the museum’s website.

Find this Extension on:
  • Rhine Getaway
  • Grand European Tour
  • Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland
Dutch painting, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Day 1 - Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam. Transfer from the airport to your hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure to explore Amsterdam’s charming neighborhoods and sample some treats. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Amsterdam so you can make the most of your visit.

Relax on a scenic canal cruise

Day 2 - Amsterdam

After breakfast, embark on a walking tour through the charming streets of Amsterdam. Your afternoon and evening are free to enjoy Amsterdam’s wonderful restaurants and many attractions; explore the city’s art or historic museums; or take a stroll along the picturesque canals. This evening, dine in a local restaurant—Amsterdam offers many establishments in the “grand café” style and is also known for excellent Indonesian cuisine—and enjoy the city’s lively nightlife. (B)

Dutch clogs, Amsterdam

Day 3 - Amsterdam

Today, you have additional time for touring or shopping. Later this afternoon, transfer to your ship to begin your river cruise. (Dinner is served on board your ship as part of your cruise itinerary.) (B)

Your Accommodations

Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre

Located only a few steps away from the historic city center in the heart of Amsterdam, this contemporary hotel offers sweeping views over the city and the Ij River. Guests can relax in well-appointed rooms, then savor international specialties in the hotel’s Our Silk Road Restaurant.

All this is included:

  • 2 hotel nights in Amsterdam (as shown or similar)
  • 2 meals: 2 breakfasts (B)
  • 1 guided tour: Amsterdam Walking Tour
  • Services of a Viking Host
  • All transfers

UPGRADE TO OUR PREMIUM HOTEL: The Pulitzer Amsterdam hotel, located in the heart of Amsterdam’s canal district, is comprised of 25 historic houses and boasts premium amenities. This Premium experience includes a guided small-group walking tour so you can explore the city intimately.

NOTE:
Optional Shore Excursions: a selection of additional excursions may be available to enhance your extension experience. Optional excursions will be bookable in MVJ when your cruise shore excursions open for sale.

Extension is not available on all departure dates; confirm availability & seasonal pricing when booking. Pricing may vary by departure or activity date. Activity order may vary. Accommodations are subject to change depending on availability; if advertised hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be confirmed. Any included flights are economy class. Luggage restrictions may apply on intra-country flights. Specific details will be provided once program is confirmed. Shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

The following meals are included for all days as listed: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

Extend Your Cruise with 4 Nights in Milan & Saint Moritz

Board the Bernina Express for a stunning rail journey along a UNESCO World Heritage Site route through the majestic Alps and Northern Italy. Explore the old town of Chur and admire striking views from atop an alpine mountain in Saint Moritz. Experience Milan, the cultural center of Northern Italy.

Find this Extension on:
  • Rhine Getaway
Piazza del Duomo, Milan

Day 1 – Milan

Fly into Milan, then transfer to your hotel for check-in. Relax or choose to explore Italy’s second-largest city and the cultural hub of the north at your leisure. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in Milan so you can make the most of your visit. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome drink before enjoying dinner at your leisure.

Sempione Park, Milan

Day 2 – Milan

This morning, embark on a guided walking tour of Milan. The capital of the Lombardy region is renowned for its impressive architecture. Highlights include the monumental facade of its cathedral or Duomo—the largest Gothic-style church in the world, which took several centuries to complete construction—and the Teatro alla Scala, the impressive 18th-century neoclassical opera house. This evening, you may choose to dine in a local restaurant and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife. (B)

Bernina Express by a lake, Swiss Alps

Day 3 – Saint Moritz

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive by motor coach along the shores of Lake Como, stopping along the way to explore independently. After, transfer to Tirano, where you will board the Bernina Express for your picturesque journey to St. Moritz. Marvel at this feat of engineering and the striking high-mountain landscapes all around you as your train crosses from Italy to the northern Swiss Alps. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. (B, L)

Muottas Murgal viewpoint, Swiss Alps

Day 4 – Saint Moritz

Today, board a cable car and ascend to the top of a mountain, watching as trees give way to an alpine landscape. From your vantage point, see sweeping views of the Engadin region below, scenery which has inspired artists for centuries. After free time to explore on your own, return down the mountain via the cable car and transfer to your hotel. This evening, savor local dining options at your leisure. (B)

Day 5 – Chur & Basel

This morning, check out of your hotel in Saint Moritz and transfer to the railway station, where you will board the train for a scenic rail journey to Chur, Switzerland’s oldest town situated in the heart of the country. Enjoy a guided walk through its charming, car-free town and time for lunch on your own before driving by motor coach to Basel. Upon arrival, board your awaiting ship to begin your cruise. (B)

Your Accommodations

St. Moritz Region

Set between the Bernina Alps to the south and the Albula and Silvretta Alps to the north, St. Moritz and the Upper Engadine valley is an idyllic wellness area which hosts boutique properties and inviting accommodations. With its roots as a spa town, St. Mortiz offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rejuvenation.

Rosa Grand Milano

Located in the heart of Milan’s Fashion District and steps from the Duomo and the Teatro alla Scala, the Rosa Grand Milano is an elegant property featuring chic accommodations. Guests can enjoy delicious Italian fare, from long-leavened pizza to traditional cuisine with a creative twist, as well as imaginative cocktails in the Grand Lounge and Bar.

All this is included:

  • 2 hotel nights in the Saint Moritz area; 2 hotel nights in Milan (as shown or similar)
  • 5 meals: 4 breakfasts (B); 1 lunch (L)
  • 4 guided tours: Historic Milan by Foot; Bernina Express & Scenic Lake Como; The Mountains of the Eastern Alps; Chur by Foot
  • Fully escorted by your Viking Tour Director
  • Scenic Journey on the Bernina Express from Tirano to Saint Moritz
  • Scenic Journey on the train from Saint Moritz to Chur
  • All transfers

NOTE:
Optional Shore Excursions: a selection of additional excursions may be available to enhance your extension experience. Optional excursions will be bookable in MVJ when your cruise shore excursions open for sale.

Extension is not available on all departure dates; confirm availability & seasonal pricing when booking. Pricing may vary by departure or activity date. Activity order may vary. Accommodations are subject to change depending on availability; if advertised hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be confirmed. Any included flights are economy class. Luggage restrictions may apply on intra-country flights. Specific details will be provided once program is confirmed. Shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

The following meals are included for all days as listed: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

Extend Your Cruise with 2 Nights in Lucerne

Explore this traditional Swiss town along the banks of Lake Lucerne, with its dramatic alpine backdrop. See the 14th-century Chapel Bridge, baroque churches and medieval Old Town.

Find this Extension on:
  • Rhine Getaway
  • Rhine & Main Explorer
  • Rhine & Viking Shores & Fjords
Chapel Bridge, Lake Lucerne
Lucerne Church

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.

Kapellburcke Bridge, Lucerne

Day 2 - 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. (B)

Stans Lake

Day 3 - 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. (B)

Your Accommodations

Radisson Blu, Lucerne

Located a short distance from Old Town and along the banks of Lake Lucerne, this contemporary hotel offers sweeping views of Switzerland’s famed mountains, including the Rigi, also known as Queen of the Mountains. Guests can enjoy modern rooms, dine on Mediterranean fare at LUCE or enjoy a casual bite at LUCE Wine Lounge.

All this is included:

  • 2 hotel nights in Lucerne (as shown or similar)
  • 2 meals: 2 breakfasts (B)
  • 1 guided tour: Lucerne Walking Tour
  • Services of a Viking Host
  • All transfers

NOTE:
Optional Shore Excursions: a selection of additional excursions may be available to enhance your extension experience. Optional excursions will be bookable in MVJ when your cruise shore excursions open for sale.

Extension is not available on all departure dates; confirm availability & seasonal pricing when booking. Pricing may vary by departure or activity date. Activity order may vary. Accommodations are subject to change depending on availability; if advertised hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be confirmed. Any included flights are economy class. Luggage restrictions may apply on intra-country flights. Specific details will be provided once program is confirmed. Shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

The following meals are included for all days as listed: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

Extend Your Cruise with 3 Nights in Brussels

Experience the rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant culture of Belgium during visits to three of its most captivating cities. Immerse yourself in the picturesque UNESCO-listed charms of Brussels and medieval Bruges, and explore bustling Antwerp, Europe's renowned diamond capital.

Find this Extension on:
  • Rhine Getaway
  • Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland
Grote Markt, Antwerp

Day 1 – Antwerp & Brussels

This morning, disembark your ship and transfer to the train station, where you will board a high-speed train to Antwerp. After lunch on your own, take a guided walk through the lively old town. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, where you will admire its collection of art, including paintings by Peter Paul Rubens. After, continue to Brussels and check in to your hotel. This evening, savor dinner on your own at one of the city's elegant restaurants and perhaps experience the nightlife.

Grand Place, Brussels

Day 2 – Brussels

This morning, set out on a guided walk through the old town of Brussels. Stop to admire the flower garden in Petit du Sablon, including its many statues of historical figures. You will also view the medieval Anneessens Tower, the iconic Manneken Pis statue and the ornate Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, enjoy a taste of Belgian chocolates and waffles. This afternoon, relax or choose to join an optional tour before spending the evening at your leisure. (B)

Canal in Bruges

Day 3 – Bruges & Brussels

After breakfast, travel to medieval Bruges, a UNESCO Site. Upon arrival, take a guided walk featuring the romantic Lake of Love, stately Béguinage “Ten Wijngaerde,” St John’s Hospital, Gruuthuse and market square with its iconic belfry. After a visit to the Gothic-style Church of Our Lady to admire Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child, enjoy lunch followed by a panoramic canal cruise. Or you may choose to explore on your own. This afternoon, return to Brussels for an evening at leisure. (B, L)

Day 4 – Brussels

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and your Viking Representative will escort you to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Your Accommodations

NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon

Centrally located in one of Brussels’s most picturesque squares, the hotel is close to the city’s deluxe boutiques, antique shops and award-winning chocolatiers. Guest rooms are spacious and elegantly appointed, and the hotel restaurant offers casual Spanish fare and avant-garde fine dining under Michelin star Chef Marcos Morán.

All this is included:

  • 3 hotel nights in Brussels (as shown or similar)
  • 4 meals: 3 breakfasts (B) & 1 lunch (L)
  • 3 guided tours: Antwerp Walking Tour; Brussels on Foot; Highlights of Bruges
  • Fully escorted by your Viking Tour Director
  • First-class train from Paris to Antwerp
  • All transfers

NOTE:
Optional Shore Excursions: a selection of additional excursions may be available to enhance your extension experience. Optional excursions will be bookable in MVJ when your cruise shore excursions open for sale.

Extension is not available on all departure dates; confirm availability & seasonal pricing when booking. Pricing may vary by departure or activity date. Activity order may vary. Accommodations are subject to change depending on availability; if advertised hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be confirmed. Any included flights are economy class. Luggage restrictions may apply on intra-country flights. Specific details will be provided once program is confirmed. Shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

The following meals are included for all days as listed: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

Extend Your Cruise with 3 Nights in Lake Maggiore

Discover the Italian Lakes as you explore Lake Maggiore’s islands and Orta’s medieval town. Immerse yourself in a bygone era as you visit the Borromean Islands, owned by Milanese nobility since the 16th century. Visit Orta San Giuilo and take a guided excursion to the Basilica of San Giulio.

Find this Extension on:
  • Rhine Getaway
Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore, Italy

Day 1 - Lake Maggiore

Arrive in Milan and transfer to beautiful Lake Maggiore, where you will check in to your hotel for a three-night stay. Located south of the Alps, its shores are divided between the Italian regions of Lombardy and Piedmont, and Switzerland’s canton of Ticino. Spend the remainder of your arrival date at your leisure. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time at Lake Maggiore so you can make the most of your visit.

Garden Facade Statues, Isola Bella

Day 2 - Lake Maggiore & Borromean Islands

Take a private boat ride across the lake to the Borromean Islands, owned by the Borromeo family for centuries. On Isola Bella, visit the baroque-style summer palace. Walk its grand halls and view exquisite collections of paintings, armor and silk tapestries. Enjoy free time for lunch on Isola dei Pescatori. Afterward, you may return to your hotel or head to Isola Madre to visit the Palazzo Borromeo and stroll its botanical garden. This evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure. (B)

Basilica of San Giulio, Isola San Giulio

Day 3 - Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta

Transfer to Orta San Giulio, a picturesque village with streets that retain their medieval charm. Explore its center during a guided walk, and sail across Lake Orta to its quaint isle. Enjoy a guided tour of the Basilica of San Giulio, built on the remains of a 9th-century church, and admire its Romanesque facade. Step inside to view the ornate interior, including the medieval pulpit, and the frescoes painted between the 14th and 19th centuries. Return to Lake Maggiore for dinner. (B)

Old Town, Lucerne, Switzerland

Day 4 - Basel

This morning, check out of your hotel and enjoy a scenic drive, crossing the Swiss border to Lucerne. Stop in the city to enjoy free time, perhaps strolling across the Chapel Bridge or having lunch along the river, before continuing your drive to Basel, where your ship awaits. (B)

Your Accommodations

Grand Hotel Dino

Situated a short walk from the shores of Lake Maggiore and just five minutes Baveno’s center, the Grand Hotel Dino is ideally located. Onsite facilities include outdoor and indoor swimming pools and a wellness center complete with Turkish baths. The hotel’s restaurants serve delicious local cuisine, many of which offer lakeside views.

All this is included:

  • 3 hotel nights at Lake Maggiore (as shown or similar)
  • 3 meals: 3 breakfasts (B)
  • 2 guided tours: Borromean Islands; Lake Orta
  • Fully escorted by your Viking Tour Director
  • All transfers

NOTE:
Optional Shore Excursions: a selection of additional excursions may be available to enhance your extension experience. Optional excursions will be bookable in MVJ when your cruise shore excursions open for sale.

Extension is not available on all departure dates; confirm availability & seasonal pricing when booking. Pricing may vary by departure or activity date. Activity order may vary. Accommodations are subject to change depending on availability; if advertised hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be confirmed. Any included flights are economy class. Luggage restrictions may apply on intra-country flights. Specific details will be provided once program is confirmed. Shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

The following meals are included for all days as listed: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

Shore Excursions—Rhine

Enjoy a complimentary shore excursion in each port of call. Or, choose from a wide selection of optional onshore experiences designed to immerse you in your destination. To learn more, browse some of our most popular shore excursions or explore our cruise itineraries below.

  • Dine in Rüdesheim am Rhein

    Raise your glass and give a hearty “Prost!” to a delicious and fun evening.

    More Information
    Find this Excursion on:
    • Rhine Getaway
    • Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland
    • Christmas on the Rhine

  • Cologne’s Beer Culture & Dinner

    Immerse yourself in Cologne’s lively brauhaus culture and sample the pride of the city.

    More Information
    Find this Excursion on:
    • Rhine Getaway
    • Grand European Tour
    • Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland

  • Medieval Marksburg Castle

    Visit Marksburg Castle, the only medieval-era stronghold in the Rhine Valley to have never been destroyed.

    More Information
    Find this Excursion on:
    • Rhine Getaway
    • Grand European Tour
    • Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland

  • Alsatian Wine Tasting

    Explore the treasures of Alsace, from its Renaissance beauty and distinct culture to its crisp, clean white wines.

    More Information
    Find this Excursion on:
    • Rhine Getaway
    • Paris to the Swiss Alps
    • Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland

  • Medieval Village of Colmar

    Stroll the charming medieval lanes and squares of Colmar and explore its “Little Venice” quarter.

    More Information
    Find this Excursion on:
    • Rhine Getaway
    • Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland
    • Rhine & Main Explorer

Dine in Rüdesheim am Rhein

Duration: 3 hours      

loading Sightseeing
loading Meal
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Get Into the Local Spirit of Wine and Song

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.

Find this Excursion on:
  • Rhine Getaway
  • Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland
  • Christmas on the Rhine
* Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.

Cologne’s Beer Culture & Dinner

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes      

loading Local Life
loading After Dark
loading Meal
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Sip Kölsch Fresh from the Barrel at Three Brew Houses

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.

Find this Excursion on:
  • Rhine Getaway
  • Grand European Tour
  • Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland
* Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.

Medieval Marksburg Castle

Duration: 3 hours      

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Well-Preserved Portrait of Life in Medieval-Era Castle

Visit Marksburg Castle, the only medieval-era stronghold in the Rhine Valley to have never been destroyed. This mighty castle has watched over the town of Braubach since the 13th century; due to its strong fortifications, it was never besieged by enemies. Its butter-churn tower, so named because the upper reaches have a smaller diameter than the lower, is a beloved landmark with its distinct profile. Upon arrival, enjoy striking views of the surrounding countryside from its 300-foot perch, before following your guide across the rough-hewn stone passageways as you tour the citadel. Navigate narrow, winding staircases to view the wine cellar, a bedroom, dining area and the impressive kitchen of the Gothic Hall building. Cap your visit studying the Gimbel Collection, including its life-size figurines detailing changes to armor and weaponry through the ages, then return to your ship.

Find this Excursion on:
  • Rhine Getaway
  • Grand European Tour
  • Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland
* Demanding - Physically challenging activities, including extensive walks, hiking, riding, water sports, and high altitude activities. Activities by foot may contain difficult, unpaved surfaces and/or multiple stairs and steep inclines. Total time walking or standing may exceed 3 hours.

Alsatian Wine Tasting

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes      

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France’s Other Region of Spectacular Wines

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.

Find this Excursion on:
  • Rhine Getaway
  • Paris to the Swiss Alps
  • Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland
* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.

Medieval Village of Colmar

Duration: 4 hours      

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A Canal-Lined Medieval Gem

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.

Find this Excursion on:
  • Rhine Getaway
  • Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland
  • Rhine & Main Explorer
* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.

Rhine

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Pay only £25pp deposit ("Promotion") -
Terms & Conditions of this offer:

  1. The Promotion only applies to bookings that are accepted by Viking River Cruises UK Limited ("Viking") between 1 October 2025 and 31 October 2025 ("Promotion Period").
  2. Bookings will only be regarded as accepted by Viking upon (1) payment of the £25 per person deposit and (2) the issue of Viking's Confirmation Invoice and/or an ATOL Certificate in respect of the relevant booking.
  3. The balance of the total price of the travel arrangements booked with the benefit of the Promotion is payable 70 days prior to the date of departure.
  4. The Promotion does not apply to bookings with a date of departure within 70 days of the date of acceptance of the booking.
  5. The Promotion does not apply to cruises marketed by Viking as "World Cruises" or "World Voyages" or "World Discoveries".
  6. Viking's standard Booking Conditions apply in full to any bookings accepted during the Promotion Period (including any additional fees payable in respect of amendments to bookings or flight upgrades), save as otherwise provided in these terms and conditions.
  7. Viking reserves the right to withdraw the Promotion at any time but such withdrawal shall not affect any bookings accepted prior to such withdrawal.

Choose your offer - Terms & Conditions of this offer:
Choose a saving of £150pp or a free drinks package. Offer is valid on new 2026-2028 river, ocean and expedition bookings made between 1-31 October 2025 only. Free drinks package offer excludes Egypt itineraries. If booking online on the Viking website, enter offer code D150 to save £150pp on your cruise fare or enter offer code SSB1 to receive a free drinks package package. To book via telephone with the Viking Reservations Team quote "October offer".