Treasues of the Rhine
Storybook castles, lush valleys, medieval towns and grandiose cities await you on this wonderful cruise along the romantic Rhine.
DAY 1: UK - Zurich - Basel.
Fly to Zurich where you will be met by our representative and transferred to Basel to embark your river cruise ship, Viking Helvetia. Your cruise includes full board from dinner this evening until breakfast on day 8. (D)
DAY 2: Basel - Strasbourg.
This morning, we set sail for Strasbourg, arriving after lunch. This afternoon, why not take an optional tour of this charming city, which boasts half-timbered houses, quaint cobbled streets and a soaring Gothic Minster? The tour provides the perfect introduction, taking in the European parliament, atmospheric lanes and canals of the Old Tanners' quarter: once the home of tanners, fishermen and millers, and many other highlights. Enjoy free time afterwards to delve further into the city, perhaps shopping for souvenirs or relaxing at a pavement café. (B, L, D)
DAY 3: Speyer - Rüdesheim.
This morning, arrive in the German city of Speyer, famed for its four-towered cathedral, for an optional excursion to Heidelberg Castle. Set above the pretty university town of Heidelberg, this imposing edifice houses the world's biggest wine barrel and commands stupendous views. Afterwards, a tour of Heidelberg's medieval old town lets you admire its fairytale cobbled streets, gateway and charming central square, which managed to survive heavy bombing during World War II. Later, cruise to Rüdesheim, a picturesque town overlooked by the ruins of Ehrenfels Castle. If you wish this evening, enjoy an optional after-dinner excursion by mini-train to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: Rüdesheim - Braubach - Koblenz.
Cruise north this morning to Braubach for an optional excursion to Marksburg Castle, perched on a rocky crag above the Rhine. From here, cruise to the historic city of Koblenz, considered the epicenter of German wine production and situated at the confluence of three rivers and three mountain ranges. This afternoon, why not take an optional trip to Cochem, a beautiful town scenically located in the wine-growing Moselle Valley. Your tour of Cochem takes in its main attractions including the goat fountain, medieval gates and famous 'Hanging Gardens', arranged in the cliffs above the town. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Cologne - Düsseldorf.
This morning, get acquainted with Cologne, one of Germany's largest and liveliest cities, on an optional guided walk around its centre. The undoubted highlight is a visit to its soaring cathedral, a vast Gothic church with a breathtaking interior. Afterwards, enjoy a glass of Cologne's local beer, 'Kölsch', in a traditional brewery. In the afternoon, continue cruising to Düsseldorf, the capital of Westphalia, arriving in time for an optional tour of the old town with its tree-lined main square, cobbled alleyways and medieval churches. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Arnhem.
Arrive in the Dutch town of Arnhem, made famous by the battle that occurred here late in World War II. Enjoy an optional morning visit to the splendid Palace of Het Loo: the summer residence of the Royal House of Orange from the 17th to the 20th centuries, before rejoining your ship. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: Amsterdam.
A wonderful day of scenery and interest lies ahead, starting with an optional canal cruise and tour of Amsterdam. Glide along the waterways, past picturesque merchants' houses, and admire landmarks such as the 17th century Royal Palace and famous double drawbridge of 'Skinny Bridge'. In the afternoon, join an optional tour either to Keukenhof Gardens (until 19th May) or Zaanse Schans Windmill and Edam (from 20th May onwards). Keukenhof Gardens is a floral extravaganza, ablaze with 7,000,000 brightly coloured tulips and other blooms, as well as fascinating gardening displays. On our trip to Zaanse Shans you'll see five beautifully preserved Dutch windmills, before visiting Edam, famous for its hard yellow cheese. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: Amsterdam - UK.
After breakfast, transfer to Amsterdam airport for your flight to the UK.
Viking Helvetia 4 star
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The Viking Helvetia was recently built in 2005 and offers an excellent standard of service, comfort and amenities. The ship can accommodate 198 passengers in 99 comfortable outside cabins.
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