viking river cruises 2
Rhine River Cruise & Romantic Europe Tour
Itinerary
Amsterdam Day 1 Start of Rhine River Cruise
Arrive in Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, and transfer to your ship for the start of your Rhine river cruise. After checking in to your cabin you are free to explore the city on your own. If your arrival schedule permits and you are interested, you may wish to visit the Anne Frank House. (D)
Kinderdijk Day 2
Sail to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a 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 an actual working windmill for a tour of its mechanisms and living quarters. Return aboard for lunch and an enjoyable afternoon of Dutch diversions: sample handcrafted Dutch cheeses and jenever, a distilled juniper liquor, and try your hand at sjoelen (Dutch table shuffleboard). Cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Cologne Day 3
Continue along the Rhine during the morning; arrive in Cologne and disembark for a walking tour. Stroll through Old Town past St. Martin’s Church, and spend some time inside Cologne’s Dom, a remarkable Gothic cathedral whose construction was begun in 1248 and which was only completed in 1880. Explore the dockside taverns, cafés and shops on your own—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. (B, L, D)
Koblenz & Rüdesheim Day 4
Proceed along the Rhine, disembarking to tour 700-year-old Marksburg Castle and its museum. Lunch aboard as you enjoy this scenic passage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where castles overlook the river from their hilltop locations.
Arrive in Rüdesheim in the late afternoon. Spend free time in the pedestrian-only Drosselgasse and sample a glass of locally produced wine at one of the restaurants or wine bars—dine aboard or in town if you prefer. Ship departs after midnight. (B, L, D)
Heidelberg & Speyer Day 5
Cruise through the morning enjoying brunch and the passing scenery. Arrive in Mannheim and disembark for a journey to Heidelberg to see Germany’s oldest university, founded in 1386. Then visit the beautiful sandstone ruins of imposing Heidelberg Castle, and take in the scenery of the Neckar River Valley and the city’s many red rooftops from its hilltop location. Continue with a walking tour through the Old Town to Heidelberg’s renowned gates.
Rejoin your ship in Speyer in the afternoon and take some time to look around. You dock in full view of the imposing romanesque cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 11th Century on the site of a former basilica, the design influenced romanesque architecture for centuries to come, and is the final resting place of eight German monarchs. Its soaring interior features graceful rows of sandstone columns and a large stained glass window installed in the western façade during a later gothic period. (B, L, D)
Strasbourg Day 6
You will disembark in Kehl for a guided tour of Strasbourg. See the European Parliament and tour the interior of the city’s famed cathedral. The afternoon is free to further explore this Alsatian city’s blend of French and German cultures—fabulous churches, medieval covered bridges, beautiful parks and some lovely Art Nouveau and modernist architecture. Dine aboard and enjoy free time in the evening in the quaint little city of Kehl. (B, L, D)
Breisach Day 7
After cruising through the night you arrive during breakfast in Breisach, 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 and see a cuckoo clock-making demonstration. Return to Breisach for some free time before an early evening departure. Or, choose an optional excursion to the quaint Alsatian town of Colmar, or an optional walking tour of a working vineyard. Dine aboard while you cruise on to Basel. (B, L, D)
Basel Day 8
After breakfast your Rhine river cruise comes to an end. Disembark and proceed to the train station for the continuation of your tour to Lucerne. (B)
The following meals are included: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Lucerne Day 8 Start of 'Romantic Europe' Land Tour
After arrival in Lucerne walk across the famous Kapellbruecke (Chapel bridge) and into the old historic centre. In the evening enjoy atraditional Swiss dinner in the restaurant of your hotel.
Lucerne Day 9
Take the cable car up to Mount Pilatus. The views from that height will absolutely take your breath away. Enjoy a hike on the top of the mountain and walk down, depending on conditions, or just take the cable car down again.
If possible, and condition permit, take the boat across the lake, then go up to Mount Rigi with the cogwheel train.
Lucerne – Como Day 10
You will be heart-broken to leave beautiful Lucerne but a spectacular train journey across the Alps is in store for you.
A total change of scenery awaits you at Lake Como. Your hotel, the historic Palace Hotel, is located right on the shore of this famous lake. Spend the afternoon walking around the lake shore or explore the old inner city and its silk weaving workshops. Or take the funicular railway up to Brunate which at 2000 feet elevation provides you with spectacular views over the lake. In the evening watch the sun set over the lake as you dine on the terrace of your lakeside restaurant.
Lake Como Day 11
Spend the day criss-crossing the lake by boat and visiting its tiny waterside villages, in particular Bellagio, the pearl of the lake. The boats leave from a pier in front of your hotel.
Lake Como - Venice Day 12
You will arrive in the early afternoon at the Santa Lucia train station right in the centre of Venice. Nothing can prepare you for that first moment when you see Venice and the Canale Grande spread out before you.
On arrival cross the plaza between the train station and Grand Canal and take Vaporetto (water bus) No 1 along the Canal Grande, under the Rialto bridge to the Lido island. Your hotel is within 50 m of the Vaporetto stop. Within 10 minutes you can travel back and forth to St. Mark square and you have the peace and quite and the fantastic views from your hotel and the terrace across the lagoon. You have a canal boat and water bus pass for the duration of your stay in Venice that allows you unlimited travel. In the evening enjoy ascumptious meal in the waterfront restaurant of your hotel with views over the lagoon to St Mark’s.
Venice Day 13
After breakfast join a 2-hour walking tour of Venice to see San Marco Square, Santa Maria Formosa, the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Basilica. Learn the history of the buildings you pass and enter the backstreets to see little-visited parts of Venice. Then stroll around the tiny cobble-stoned alleyways, canals, bridges and piazzas. You might get lost and have absolutely no idea were you are, in particular when walking away from the major tourist areas. But you will always find your way back very easily. Once you are tired of walking around just follow the signs that point to ‘St. Marco’, which you will see everywhere and in a few minutes you are back at St. Mark’s square.
In the afternoon take the vaporetto to Murano and Burano islands to visit glass bloweing factories and lace making artisans. If you want to do something a bit more ‘off-the-beaten-path’ then take the motoscafi route that starts at Fondamenta Nuove in Venice, stops in Murano, and then calls at the untouristed islands of Vignole and San Erasmo.
Optional: Gondola ride with serenade or followed by a dinner. See full details for Venice.
Venice – Florence Day 14
In just a couple of hours of train journey through the delightful Tuscan countryside you will arrive in the midst of artistic splendour in Florence.
In the afternoon explore this splendid city ina small group guided bicycle tour. Duck and weave through the narrow streets of Florence. Or see all of the major sites including the Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria and Piazza della Repubblic by hop-on/hop-off bus.
Florence – Tuscany excursion Day 15
Your all day excursion into Tuscany will take you on a scenic route through Monteriggioni and your first stop is Gothic Siena, famous for its medieval streets Join a guided tour through the city and visit the Cathedral or alternatively, explore the sights of Siena at your own pace, followed by Chianti for a stroll in the vineyards and olive groves before indulging in a traditional Tuscan lunch (included) amongst the Sienese hills. A wine-tasting class will be held during lunch including free samples of wine and olive oil.
After lunch you will visit San Gimignano where you can roam the maze of cobbled streets and small squares, grab a gelato and walk between San Gimignano's famous 14 towers. Your final stop is Pisa, with its famous tower as well as the Campo dei Miracoli, considered by many to be the most beautiful square in the world, and the Duomo.
Florence – Sorrento Day 16
Your train journey through picturesque Tuscany takes you via Rome to Naples. In Naples you change to the quaint local train, the Circumvesuviana or take the Hydrofoil boat to Sorrento for a great travel experience. After checking in to your hotel take the bus towards Positano to explore the Amalfi coast. The Amalfi Drive is one of the most spectacular coastal roads in Europe and passes through some absolutely stunning scenery. Starting from Sorrento, it winds its way along the cliff edge offering breathtaking views. Visit the little town of Positano on foot to appreciate its pretty narrow streets, pastel-coloured houses and endless steps carved out of the rock.
Sorrento Day 17
Take the Circumvesuviana line to Pompeii. A thrilling archaeological journey unfolds as you walk through the ancient ruins which were buried in ashes after Mount Vesuvius erupted almost 2000 years ago. You'll discover the everyday life of Rome's Imperial age at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and imagine the panic felt by the people in those last few minutes before the city was so disastrously buried.
In the afternoon take the ferry to the beautiful Isle of Capri and let yourself be rowed by one of the local Napoli oarsmen into the magic and famed Blue Grotto.
Sorrento – Rome Day 18
A train ride of less than three hours will take you to Rome. In Rome you will be staying right in the heart of the city, close to the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Your hotel is located close to the colourful ‘Monti’ quarter, which has a vibrant nightlife and many artisan shops. Celebrate your arrival in Rome with a traditional Roman meal at one of the local trattorias.
Rome Day 19
Explore the city and some of Rome's best known ancient sites, such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona with a 'hop-on/hop-off bus' or with a guided 3-hour 'Classic Rome' tour.
During your days in Rome you will have the 'Roma Pass', which entitles you to priority admission into the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Villa Borghese.
Rome Day 20
You will be taken directly from your hotel to your departure terminal at the Rome airport.
Tour Prices 2024
From AUD $5,850 per person twin share for the land component of your tour.
Prices for the cruise component of the tour vary and depend on the choice of cabin, optional excursions or extensions. At times discounts or special offers are available. Click here for further cruise information, departure dates, itinerary and price details.
Inclusions River Cruise
Accommodation
- Deluxe river-view stateroom
Meals
- All onboard meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners
- Complimentary beverages - wine, beer & soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner
Shore excursions
- 6 included guided tours as per itinerary
Other
- Port charges
- Shipboard gratuities
Inclusions Land Tour
- 12 nights in first class, 4 hotels, some in historic buildings
Travel
- 1st class train tickets between destinations in continental Europe. Seat reservations where required
- Shared shuttle transport to airport from hotel on departure
Meals
- 12 full breakfasts
- 2-course dinner in Lucerne featuring Swiss cuisine
- Dinner in Venice with spectacular views over Venice
Sightseeing and Excursions
- Tickets for Mount Pilatus lift in Lucerne
- Sightseeing tour with local English speaking guides in Florence
- Full day excursion into the Tuscan countryside to visit to Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa, including lunch and wine tasting
- 3-day pass for all transport in Rome
- Admission into the Colosseum (priority entry ticket), Roman Forum and the Galleria Borghese
- 2-day Venice canal boat pass
- Canal boat excursion to Murano and visit to glass blowing artisans
Not all inclusions will be available at all times and the tour price will be reduced accordingly. Inclusions can be opted out of and the tour price reduced, unless they are part of a package arrangement with a hotel.
Not included
Some city tourist taxes
Train ticket from Naples to Sorrento and return. (Private train)
Upgrades to superior luxury hotel accommodation can be arranged on request at extra cost.
For any other tour itineraries and personalized inclusions prices are by application.
Click here for more details regarding the Romantic Europe Tour.
Surcharges apply if travelling during Easter and Christmas holidays, New Years Eve, Venice Carneval,
Single and triple share travellers please note that some changes to inclusions are necessary in particular at peak holiday times. Please contact us for details.
These prices and tour information are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
