Cruising historic castles, vibrant scenery, comfortable lodging and mind-blowing excursions, all included as you float the Middle Rhine River through Germany. For the novice and seasoned traveler, we recommend the Historic Castles of the Middle Rhine River. A holiday you will remember. The video highlighted here, was captured on the Rhine Getaway which voyages between the ports of Basel, Switzerland and Amsterdam, Netherlands.
I don’t always take a river cruise, but when I do, I go Viking River Cruises!
Be sure to view in full screen, speakers on and in HD.
If you enjoy feeding on the finest of cuisine, imbibing in a variety of refreshments, being pampered by a host of attentive people, river cruising is for you! If you desire being exposed to worlds of adventure and observation, guided and educated through multiple countries, Viking River Cruises has your back. If you can endure having an amazing team looking after you every minute of a whirlwind, life enriching dream come true holiday, get on a long ship and see new worlds with Viking.
River cruising is Oh So Satisfying!
203 year old wine cask in Alsace, France
The eight day Rhine Getaway excursion introduced us to the wonders of Germany’s Black Forest, and tested our endurance with the sound of hundreds of Cuckoo, Cuckoo, and more Cuckoos in the clock factory. What a thrill to listen as our guide explained the history of the storks which flock to the city of Strasbourg, France, and watch them in their multitudes of protected tree top nests.
We spent an enjoyable afternoon wine tasting in the celebrated Alsace Region of France. It was full day so I caught a few winks on the return trip to the ship.
Cathedral of Cologne Spires
How fun it was to sit and enjoy a gourmet breakfast, while overseeing the captain as he docked our ship in Cologne. Amazing, he was able to pull it off without my help. Then it’s off for an inspiring adventure through the splendor of the Cathedral of Cologne. This magnificent Dom was built in the thirteenth century to house the “Shrine of the Three Holy Kings” (remains of the Biblical “Three Wise Men”). It boasts the tallest church spires in the world.
The Castles Have It
Our tour of Heidelberg and Marksburg Castles was first class all the way, complete with in-depth history lessons and plenty of time for photography. The guides provided by Viking were top notch and the choice of venues could not have been better.
The next morning it was refreshing to relax in the comfort of ship board seating, sipping coffee and nibbling snacks, as we drifted by quaint towns and the celebrated castles lining the river.
These are just a few of the amazing visions, sounds and escapades covered in this short eight days of our life. When I hear a fellow traveler refer to this voyage as a whirlwind excursion, or a voyage that will blow your socks off, I smile, give a knowing nod, and categorize it as an understatement.
Netherlands, Another Amazing Country
The windmills of Kinderdijk, Netherlands
We still have one last dock before we port in Amsterdam. A trip to the Netherlands is never complete without visiting Kinderdijk. This is home to Holland’s famous windmills, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shelli climbing through the windmill
What a treat to climb through one of the nineteen, well preserved, working pump stations. Each windmill is home to the family which maintains it. Then it’s on to our destination, Amsterdam. Here, we can be deposited in a comfortable hotel or delivered to the airport for the journey home.
After a trip of cruising historic castles, I recommend you take advantage of the extension package offered by Viking and spend a few extra days in this adventurous city. Home to saint and sinner alike, this historic city has captured our imagination and landed on our list of favorite cities.
When you go:
Nun Mary wants You!
Be sure to take sun screen, sun glasses and a high tolerance for fun and friendship. One of the unique advantages of the river ships is the comradery of the passengers. I danced with Nun Mary while enjoying the evening band.
Viking counselors will take their time and explain the entire process and coach you through the reservation procedure. Cruises can be booked through your travel agent, by telephone at 1.855.707.4837, or their web site http://vrc.com. Bon voyage! Have a wonderful journey.
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I would have liked to have seen you and Nun Mary dancing. lol 🙂
Renee,
The evenings we were on the ship were a great time. We met so many people from around the world. We hung out with a couple from New Jersey named Ron and Anita. I think he actually had a crush on Nun Mary. Ha! She was a blast.
Thanks for your comments,
Ron