Viking River Cruise-8 Day Rhine

No comment on the places I list, but I recommend you spend one night in Basel at the end. too many cruisers head from the boat straight to the airport or the Alps, and miss out Basel.

P.S. Amsterdam to Basel is up the Rhine (upstream), not down.

I did that trip but from Basel to Amsterdam. Are you looking for activities for the 3-4 hours a day after the Viking daily excursion? There are optional excursions tho my husband and I didn't do any.

I am quite a planner. The Viking Cruise is the only trip that we've done that was a tour. For every trip to Europe, I've created a packet of info in a ziplock bag for every destination. It includes maps, restaurant ideas, sights, walking tours and things to do. If we are going to a major sight, I'll copy pages from RS or Eyewitness travel that describe history and what to look for while exploring that sight. I did the same for the Viking cruise. That way when we had free time, I was set to go. We arrived a day early to Basel and enjoyed a couple walking tours of the city. We really enjoyed the rathuis on the marketplatz and the munster, especially the view of the Rhine behind it. We crossed a bridge and walked along the Rhine on the other side. Beautiful views! In Breisach, after the trip into the Black Forest, we walked around Breisach. We walked up to St. Stephansmunster and then walked across the town and up a bluff through wine grapes to a wonderful view of the town and the munster. Breisach does have a champagne winery in town where we did some tasting. In Strasbourg, there was a morning tour. After lunch we went back to the old town and did more walking. Plenty to see and do! In Heidelberg we used our free time to explore the town below the castle and walked along the river. In Ruedesheim, we wandered the town and Drosselgasse. We walked up to the Niederwald Monument for spectacular views. I think from there you could take a cable car to Assmannhausen which when I saw it from the river, I wished we had made a brief visit. In Koblenz we walked around the town. A guidebook will give you suggestions where to stop. I highly recommend you look for the Historiensalle. In Koblenz, you can take a cable car across the Rhine to another castle, Ehrenbreitstein. In Cologne after the morning tour and lunch we went back into the town to the cathedral, shopped for Birkenstocks and then used the Love Locks bridge to cross the river for views from the other side. We also went to a beer hall for a break and some Kolsch. Some took a tour of beer halls instead of the regular ship dinner. I believe they went to beer halls and had a dinner somewhere. The reports were good. For us, it was far cheaper and enough to go taste the kolsch on our own. There are several wonderful museums by the cathedral/train station. One was art and the other was history with a 220 AD mosaic that had been unearthed. In Kinderdijk we did the regular tour and not the combo windmills/ cheese tour. I was glad we made that decision because we were able to sit on top the ship as the boat cruised thru the Netherlands. Everything we did in Amsterdam was on our own. We especially enjoyed the Anne Frank house (get tickets well in advance) the Van Gogh museum (you can purchase tickets online from your smart phone while about 100 people stand in line to buy from a cashier) and a rice table restaurant. I hope this was what you were looking for and not too much. I am happy to respond to additional questions.

Oh, I thought we were going to Speyer but at some point it disappeared from the itinerary. Make sure Viking knows its your anniversary. I don't know if the travel agent paid for it or if it was Viking, but I celebrating my birthday during the cruise and they left a bottle of champagne in our room. I ended up bringing it home because plenty of alcohol is served on the ship and this will be something to enjoy at home.

In Ruedesheim, we wandered the town and Drosselgasse. We walked up to
the Niederwald Monument for spectacular views. I think from there you
could take a cable car to Assmannhausen which when I saw it from the
river, I wished we had made a brief visit.

From Rüdesheim, the uphill trip is possible on foot or by aerial cable car. On this map you can see the location of this lift (Kabinenbahn) and the chairlift (Sesselbahn) that leads to Aßmansshausen. Regular trains connect Aßmannshausen with Rüdesheim when you are ready to return.

From Koblenz: It's €4.90 and only 10 minutes by train from Koblenz' main station to old-world Braubach, the home of Marksburg Castle, an intact medieval castle situated above town with guided tours all day long (1 pm and 4 pm in English.) Walk up (20-30 minutes) or take the shuttle if it's running when you arrive. Use this map to find the locations of Braubach station (DB) and the trail up to Marksburg ("Fußweg zur Marksburg.")

Thanks for the details, Russ!

Just so OP is aware, the Viking Cruise excursion for the Koblenz day is the trip to Marksburg.

Be advised that the Drosselgasse in Rüdesheim am Rhein is wall to wall people, just inundated with tourists. The Niederwald Denkmal in Rüdesheim is one of the 5 "big" Prussian monuments in Germany, it commemorates the war and victory over France in 1871.

I would also suggest going to the Ehrenbreiten fortress in Koblenz. It was originally a Prussian fortress to guard against a possible French "resurgence" across the Rhine when Koblenz as part of the Rhineland was agreed to by the Great Powers to be absorbed by Prussia, ie the Prussian Rhineland. From Ehrenbreiten you get a fantastic view of the Deutsches Eck, ie, where the Rhine and the Moselle merge.

@Fred, you are absolutely correct. We found all of Rudesheim pretty busy, especially since it was the weekend and there seemed to be some kind of festival going on. The main "drag" along the river was shops all selling the same stuff. I did find it kind of touristy. I was just looking at my photos, I shot a great pic of the Drosselgasse, but it was over the heads of people. I think we were even lucky as far as crowds because we were in that area around 4/5 on a Sunday so many people had already left. This is why I regret not going over to Assmanhausen. I think I may have enjoyed that more. We found some peace and lovely views on a walking trail above the city center that I think goes over to the Niederwald. There was a lot to love about Rudesheim, it just was really busy.

We did that trip, but the opposite direction.

Have you been on a river cruise before? It was our first cruise of any type.

Be aware that you will not have as much free time as you are led to expect. If you want to strike out on your own, you will have to forego the scheduled tour and your provided lunch. For instance, there is a morning tour of Cologne, which we found informative. It ends in time to get everyone back to the boat for lunch. You can then return in the afternoon for your free time. You can elect to not return for lunch and eat on your own. I think Cologne was one of the cities where you have to return to the boat for dinner because they cast off and start sailing to the next destination while you are eating. There's no chance for an evening exploration.

Your schedule may be different at Koblenz, since we arrived shortly after noon from cruising through the most scenic portion of the Rhine that morning. We had two options for added trips, one to tour the castle and the other to go to a wine tasting up the Moselle. Based on our experience with the wine tasting and the reports of others who took the castle tour, I'd just explore Koblenz instead of taking their expensive extra trips.

The wine tasting tour was a big disappointment. The listing mentions "two wine tastings". Based on prior experience, I took that to mean we would visit two different wineries and attend a wine tasting at each. Instead, we were taken to a small town where we visited a wine shop. Our two "tastings" meant we got to sample two of the wines they sold, which I found overpriced and not very good. We were hustled in and out of the cellar where they held the tasting because there was another tour hot on our heels. We were given a lot more time in the retail section so we could make purchases. We spent far more time on the bus getting to and returning from our wine tasting.

Lastly, brace yourself for an onslaught of catalogs and phone calls upon your return, trying to get you to take more cruises. We finally got on their no call list after having to get aggressive, but we still get a couple of catalogs and/or brochures every week, even though we have been asked to be removed from their mailing list.

I would agree with what Doug is saying, though I feel like I enjoyed the cruise probably more than he did. I don't think they are for everyone. I have never taken any tour or cruise before. We are still in our mid 50s and quite able to get around places on our own. It was a treat to not be switching accommodations frequently and having someone else be responsible for getting somewhere. I also thought it was fun to get to know people from around the country (and the world. We met people from Canada, Hong Kong and Chile) I don't think I'd do cruises that often but my husband and I decided that we'd use them when it becomes harder to get around or to a place where we might be a little concerned about safety and logistics. (I'm interested in the river cruise in Russia) I also think at some point, I'd like to do the Danube cruise. You won't have that much free time. Maybe 2-3 hours in each city. We always liked to spend a bit of time on the top deck with a cocktail before dinner. We had a credit as part of a promotion that more than covered any additional alcohol, but you can always bring your own aboard, you will have a refrigerator. I think Viking makes a ton of money on the optional tours. People seemed to like them for the most part. I felt like we were already paying for meals and wine on the ship and to go off and pay for other food/wine alternatives seemed silly to us. The cruise covers a fair amount of area efficiently. For us, we'd like to go back to Koblenz and use that as a home base to explore the Moselle and there are smaller Rhine towns that we'd consider for day trips that looked lovely. One of my very favorite parts of the trip was the two days we sat on the trip deck and enjoyed the Middle Rhein. it was chilly those days, but it was very sunny and warm drinks (with some warming booze) and blankets were offered. I don't think we were the typical Viking cruiser. People were surprised when we said that we arrived to the cruise via public transportation and that I wasn't going to take a cab from the ship in Amsterdam to city center. They like to sell it all as a package and tout how they cover the transfers from the airport to the ship. In most of the cities, one could easily and inexpensively get to the ship or hotel. I got cheaper air and added on days at both ends of the trip by making my own arrangements. I think OP will have a great time on the cruise and is starting off right, by doing some research.

We had two options for added trips, one to tour the castle and the
other to go to a wine tasting up the Moselle. Based on our experience
with the wine tasting and the reports of others who took the castle
tour, I'd just explore Koblenz instead of taking their expensive extra
trips.

Marksburg really is a unique option. I assume the cost/value relationship was weak. The optional outing takes maybe 3-4 hours altogether from Koblenz. What's the charge per person?

On your own, it's perhaps €10 round trip to reach Braubach, €7 for the castle tour. If you use the shuttle, that's €5 (round trip.) The Zum Goldenen Schlüssel inn will serve you a "Schnitzel Wiener Art" for €10. If Viking charges upwards of €35 for this little trip, you're money ahead going on your own, even if you skip dinner on the ship. And as long as the ship doesn't sail without you, I would think having a meal locally might be a genuine treat.

I agree with Jules in that river cruises are not for everyone. We went on a different Viking river cruise. While there were some really good aspects, we got tired of having most of our time planned out for us. The Viking tours were nice, but when there are 5 or 6 other cruise boats in port at the same time, and each with 5 or 6 tour groups, you only run into other tourists (all the tours seem to be in the morning) and the small towns got very crowded. Also, by eating almost all your meals on the boat, you don’t get to go local. For us, we prefer to travel on our own rather than going on cruises or organized tours. It’s the difference between seeing a location or experiencing a location. Our cruise was in 2015 and we still get Viking information in the mail 3 or 4 days a week.

@Russ, typically Marksburg is included on the Rhine trip. I have never seen it not included. It is a nice tour of a very historic castle. I know the wine tasting was optional on my tour, mainly geared towards folks that were going to struggle with Marksburg (some uphill, some brick, uneven walkways) I am fairly certain, that Ehrenbreitstein was not offered as an extra option. However, the ship was docked right next to it. A gondola goes across the river right up to it.

I'm feeling a little sad for OP, who is planning the trip for a special occasion. I have run into very few people who did not really enjoy their Viking Cruise. As I've said its not something I'd do often, but it was a lovely treat. I think on this forum you are going to find people that have learned to be very independent travelers. I would put myself in that category. When I travel I take trains and public transportation, always stay city center, and stay at more local, even budget properties. I took my girls to Europe for a month, and they were actually quite surprised at the very charming places and areas I found for us to stay, even in bigger cities, and how I could manage metro and train travel. I have never taken a taxi in Europe. I travel with a small carry on that I can lift into an overhead bin, that's the way I am. But, lucky for the travel industry we are all different. OP, research your trip, watch the videos on the Viking website, keep an open mind and enjoy your trip!

"we got tired of having most of our time planned out for us"

And this proves Jules's point. For some people, having everything planned out by someone else is their idea of the ideal vacation. For others, it's a nightmare scenario. And others are in between, enjoying having some things planned out, but not every detail.

I'm definitely in the "I want to plan everything myself" group (at least in Europe), so I don't think river cruises are for me. But for an anniversary, I definitely see the appeal of what used to be called a "turnkey operation" (meaning, you just show up, everything else is handled for you).

I stand corrected, I now remember the castle tour is included at no extra charge.

Also, I want to point out that I think VRC did a really good job overall. Our room was comfortable and housekeeping kept it impeccably clean. Meals were above average and varied. There were some disappointments, but this is not the time to discuss them.

Really it is mostly not a good fit for us. This was made all the more apparent by two spectacular trips we had on either side of the cruise. We planned our trip to Tuscany that we took 7 months before and had a marvelous time. Last Fall I went with my wife on a business trip to London and Paris. We planned all our extra time and again the trip was magical.

Well said, Harold, though I just want to point out that for me, what made a difference was the research I did ahead of time. I figured out where we'd have extra time and then made sure I did some reading to prioritize what I wanted to see and had maps for each area. This way I was able to make the cruise more of my own. I pretty much felt like we adequately covered each stop, except, I could have used some more time in Koblenz. I had all the information I needed to take a train to a little wine village on the Moselle, very close to Koblenz, but there wasn't time there. Also I would have liked more time in Ruedesheim, but I would have spent it in Assmanhausen. I know for a lot of people on the cruise, they did very little research and were completely happy with the plans Viking made for them. I think that's great. For me, I needed more involvement. But, you're right, its pretty much turnkey and its nice to be pampered every once and a while.

I have not taken a Viking Cruise, though it interests me, I have spent a good amount of time in Germany though.

From my perspective, only a couple points:

Wine Tastings: I would not pay a great deal (20 euro P/P or more) for a wine tasting. you would be better off heading into town and finding a Wein Keller, have a few free sips of what is available, then buy a bottle to have in the garden or at a table, order a meat and cheese plate as well. Wines will be limited to Rieslings, maybe a rare red, all to the sweet side, and the proprietors will be glad to tell you all about the wines.

Cologne: I assume the Cathedral is on the tour, but aside from that, we had the best time just wandering the downtown Ped Mall on a sunny day and stopping for multiple small glasses of Kolsch beer, and a good lunch.

I suppose I can add a nitty comment, Yes, while describing the Rhine River it would be common to describe it as going "up" the River, but going Amsterdam to Basel could, geographically be described as going "down" to Basel (North to South), especially since Amsterdam is not on the Rhine. Regardless, I assume the OP will not get lost.

Paul , totally agree with you. Re. Cologne--Cathedral is very beautiful and interesting. We had a nice tour which also including other highlights around the cathedral. However, sadly most of Cologne was destroyed during WWII and not rebuilt in the most interesting of architecture. We don't love the Kolsch style though it is a nice summer beer. Totally agree that it makes more sense budget-wise to visit some kolsch pubs independently. Wineries--People paid a lot for those extra trips. Most places I've tasted in Germany are free and then you just buy a bottle. If you like reisling, its lovely wine and inexpensive. In terms of up or down river, the captain of our ship told my husband that if you choose a cruise that goes "down" river or with current, it is more likely that things will occur on schedule. Going against the current might cause some delays. Still, I don't think its a huge deal.

If you book your flights through Viking and can add extra days to your vacation, request a "flight deviation". For $100 you can add days before and/or after the cruise. The cruise schedule allows little time in Amsterdam (where you will be adjusting to the time difference so day 1 may be a bit of a fog!) and even less time in Basel-a city well worth extra exploration. Also be sure to let Viking know you are celebrating your milestone anniversary so they can add some special surprises:). In Cologne, find out if a tour of the Cathedral is included. If not, an English tour is available; if it's still the same (we were there in 2015) you will be guided into some areas not accessible to "general" visitors. At what time of the year are you traveling? (I ask as that can make a difference in suggestions other travelers may have.) Congrats on your anniversary!

I would also check out how Viking deals with things like the river is too low, too high, locks broken, etc. Do they fly you home at their cost, bus you around the country, refund everything, and so on. Right now, the Rhein is too low and the ships are stuck. Cruise passengers are being bused around Germany and staying in hotels instead of on the ship.

Check on Cruise Critic about how Viking has handled this kind of problem.

@ jules m....Good that you got the photos you wanted. When I saw the Drosselgasse from afar, it was wall to wall people, so I decided to skip it. That was the last time in Rüdesheim, in 2014 when I went there as a day trip to see and get the photos of the Niederwald Denkmal. The scaffolding was over all it.

@Den, you also don't need to book air with Viking. My airfare was $50 more than Viking's for a much better itinerary and we added days before and after the cruise. The people that got airfare thru Viking were leaving the ship as early as 4am! I don't think I'd ever book my air through Viking. @Ms. Jo, being bused and stuck in hotels does totally change the whole nature of the vacation, doesn't it! You bring up some very important points.

Wow!! Lots of great points and discussion. Thank you everyone, and please don't take this as a prompt to stop posting/responding.

We leave Atlanta 3rd week of September. My last trip to Europe (Budapest) was same time frame and I recall temperatures/weather was ideal.

Unfortunately our personal work schedules won't allow extended days on either end of our trip. Which will only be motivation to return to Europe again soon.

sclewis1, I haven't been on a Viking cruise in some years. But I thought their business model was that almost all excursions were included with the price of the trip. Did you mean that you want to do something independent and special in each of those cities?

I'd note that Cologne and Koblenz are especially walkable given the large number of attractions they have. Cologne has more than you can do in a day just withing walking distance of the HBF. Where will the ship dock? That brings up the question of whether you need a shuttle to town, and whether you want to pay for lunch or go back to the ship. I found the Viking food a little bland.

sclewis1, look at the schedule carefully, to see exactly how much time you actually have at each stop. I think the the ship drops a group in Koblenz, then keeps moving up the river to Rudesheim, so if you were on your own, you'd have to travel further to catch up.

When we looked at this trip, we thought we'd decide on the ship if we wanted to add additional excursions. Weather and tiredness are always a factor.

The schedule is a great resource in determining how much time you have at each city. For us, the ship docked right by the old town of Cologne and Koblenz. We were bused to Heidelberg and Strasbourg. Things differ whether you go up river or down river. Our cruise went down river (Basel to Amsterdam) However, I'd be incredibly surprised if passengers were dropped off at Koblenz while the ship continued to Rudesheim. The passengers would be missing the most beautiful part of the river, the Middle Rhine.

jules m, I think the ship stops in Koblenz, does the morning excursion, then after the buses return, the ship goes on to R-heim. The point being that if you get off and do your own thing there, you might have to catch up up-river. I can't confirm that right now, but the general idea is that you need to be aware of port times if you're excursion-ing on your own.

yes, I went to Viking site and confirmed what I said. Ship stops in Koblenz for the morning, then dinner in R-heim.