Rhine Getaway
Rick & Laura McCain
Your Rhine River Journey
Basel, Switzerland
Amsterdam
Booking Summary
Mrs. Laura McCain
Embarkation: Board Viking Alruna in Basel, Switzerland on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Plan to arrive at the pier by 3:00 PM.
Disembarkation: Disembark in Amsterdam, Netherlands on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Travel Protection: Both guests have declined Viking's Travel Protection Plan. Consider purchasing third-party travel insurance before departure to protect your investment.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Experience the timeless beauty of the Rhine River on this eight-day journey from Basel to Amsterdam — sailing through a UNESCO World Heritage river valley where medieval castles crown hilltops and charming villages line the banks.
- 1 Jun 6 · SatBasel, Switzerland — Embarkation
Board Viking Alruna at 3:00 PM and settle into Veranda Stateroom 311. Enjoy a welcome dinner as your Rhine River adventure begins.
- 2 Jun 7 · SunBreisach, Germany
Gateway to Germany's Black Forest. Choose excursions to the Black Forest with a traditional cuckoo clock workshop, or explore Alsatian wine country including picturesque Colmar, France.
- 3 Jun 8 · MonStrasbourg, France
Discover the capital of Alsace, where French and German cultures blend seamlessly. Explore the enchanting La Petite France quarter and the stunning Gothic cathedral.
- 4 Jun 9 · TueSpeyer, Germany / Heidelberg Excursion
Visit romantic Heidelberg with its famous castle ruins, or explore Speyer's impressive Romanesque cathedral — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 5 Jun 9 · TueRudesheim, Germany — Rhine Wine Region
Experience the heart of Germany's Rhine wine region. Ride the cable car to the Niederwald Monument for panoramic views, or stroll the famous Drosselgasse lined with wine taverns.
- 6 Jun 10 · WedMiddle Rhine Scenic Sailing / Koblenz
Cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge passing medieval castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Explore Koblenz's Deutsches Eck where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet.
- 7 Jun 11 · ThuCologne, Germany
Discover Cologne's magnificent Gothic cathedral — one of Europe's greatest architectural masterpieces. Explore the Old Town or enjoy a local Kolsch beer in a traditional brewery.
- 8 Jun 12 · FriKinderdijk, Netherlands
Visit Kinderdijk's iconic UNESCO-listed windmills on a scenic morning stop before continuing toward Amsterdam.
- 9 Jun 13 · SatAmsterdam — Disembarkation
Arrive in Amsterdam for disembarkation. Consider extending your stay to explore this vibrant city of canals, world-class museums, and Dutch culture.
Destination Guides
Featured highlights are curated by Explore Travelworks. Tap any destination to expand. Use the TripAdvisor links to explore current traveler reviews.
Basel straddles the Rhine at the point where Switzerland, Germany, and France converge — a cultural crossroads known for world-class art museums, a medieval old town, and the famous annual Art Basel fair. With its elegant riverside promenade, vibrant market square, and superb dining scene, Basel makes an ideal gateway to your Rhine journey.
Featured Highlights
| Attraction | Description | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Munster Cathedral | Striking red sandstone cathedral dating to 1019, with crypt, cloisters, and panoramic Rhine views from the twin towers. | Map |
| Marktplatz | Vibrant heart of Basel dominated by the iconic red Gothic Town Hall. Daily market with local produce, flowers, and crafts. | Map |
| Kunstmuseum Basel | One of Europe's oldest public art collections spanning Old Masters, Impressionists, and contemporary work across three buildings. | Map |
| Klein-Basel Rhine Promenade | Scenic riverside walk on the lesser-known side of the river, with lovely views of Greater Basel and historic guild houses. | Map |
| Spalentor Gate | Best-preserved medieval city gate in Basel, dating to 1370 — a stunning example of Gothic architecture with original portcullis and tower. | Map |
Dining
| Restaurant | Price | Cuisine & Notes | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zum Braunen Mutz | $ | Traditional Swiss, cozy tavern atmosphere, hearty local dishes | Map |
| Gifthuttli | $ | Old Basel specialty dishes, historic setting, local favorite | Map |
| Restaurant Kunsthalle | $$ | Brasserie-style Swiss-French, excellent patio, central location | Map |
| Cheval Blanc (Les Trois Rois) | $$$ | Modern French, Rhine views, hotel restaurant ⭐⭐ Michelin Two Stars |
Map |
| Stucki | $$$ | Modern Swiss cuisine, elegant villa setting ⭐⭐ Michelin Two Stars |
Map |
| Oliv | $$$ | Contemporary Mediterranean, acclaimed tasting menus ⭐ Michelin One Star |
Map |
Shopping & What to Bring Home
What to Buy: Swiss chocolate (Laederach, Confiserie Schiesser), fine watches and jewelry, Swiss cheese (Gruyere, Appenzeller), Swiss army knives, local Alsatian Riesling wines, Swiss linen.
Import Notes: Chocolate travels well. Cheese must be commercially packaged under 10 lbs. Watches over $800 must be declared at U.S. customs. Swiss army knives (non-locking) allowed in carry-on or checked baggage.
Breisach sits dramatically atop a basalt outcrop above the Rhine, its hilltop cathedral visible for miles. This small but historically strategic town serves as the gateway to the Black Forest and Alsatian wine country — offering some of the richest excursion options of the entire cruise.
Featured Highlights
| Attraction | Description | Map |
|---|---|---|
| St. Stephan's Minster | Impressive Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with a magnificent carved altarpiece and sweeping Rhine Valley views from its hilltop terrace. | Map |
| Rhine Promenade | Scenic riverside walkway with views of the Rhine and Vosges Mountains. Perfect for strolling and watching river traffic. | Map |
| Colmar, France (nearby) | Enchanting Alsatian town 30 minutes away, with colorful half-timbered houses, canals, and the famous "Little Venice" quarter. | Map |
| Black Forest | Legendary forest region nearby, famous for cuckoo clocks, scenic drives, hiking trails, traditional villages, and Black Forest cake. | Map |
Dining
| Restaurant | Price | Cuisine & Notes | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasthaus zur Krone | $ | Traditional German, hearty portions, local wines | Map |
| Munster Stuble | $ | German regional specialties, cozy atmosphere, local crowd | Map |
| Restaurant am Munsterberg | $$ | German-French fusion with Rhine views and terrace dining | Map |
| Kapuzinergarten | $$$ | Modern European, excellent wine pairings, garden setting | Map |
No Michelin-starred restaurants in Breisach proper. For a starred experience nearby, Colmar (France, 30 min) has several celebrated establishments.
Shopping & What to Bring Home
What to Buy: Black Forest cuckoo clocks, Black Forest ham (vacuum-sealed), Kaiserstuhl region wines, Alsatian wines if visiting Colmar.
Import Notes: Cuckoo clocks import freely — pack carefully in checked luggage. Ham must be vacuum-sealed and commercially packaged. Wine counts toward 1-liter duty-free allowance.
Strasbourg is one of Europe's most captivating cities — where French and German cultures have blended for centuries. The UNESCO-listed Grande Ile forms a perfect historic island, crowned by the soaring Gothic cathedral and laced with canals through the fairy-tale La Petite France quarter.
Featured Highlights
| Attraction | Description | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Cathedrale Notre-Dame | Extraordinary Gothic cathedral with an intricate facade, famous astronomical clock, and a panoramic viewing platform. | Map |
| La Petite France | Picturesque medieval quarter with half-timbered houses reflected in canals. UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most photographed area in Strasbourg. | Map |
| Palais Rohan | Magnificent 18th-century baroque palace housing three outstanding museums: Decorative Arts, Fine Arts, and Archaeology. | Map |
| Ponts Couverts | Medieval covered bridges and watchtowers at the edge of La Petite France — best viewed from the Barrage Vauban lookout terrace. | Map |
Dining
| Restaurant | Price | Cuisine & Notes | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winstub Le Tire-Bouchon | $ | Classic Alsatian winstub — choucroute, tarte flambee, local Riesling | Map |
| La Maison des Tanneurs | $$ | Iconic half-timbered house in La Petite France, classic Alsatian cuisine, canal views | Map |
| Buerehiesel | $$$ | Classic French-Alsatian, beautiful park pavilion setting ⭐ Michelin One Star |
Map |
| Umami | $$$ | Creative contemporary French, acclaimed tasting menus ⭐ Michelin One Star |
Map |
Shopping & What to Bring Home
What to Buy: Alsatian wines (Riesling, Gewurztraminer), pain d'epices, foie gras in sealed jars, traditional Alsatian pottery from Soufflenheim, bredele Christmas cookies.
Import Notes: Sealed foie gras (commercially packaged) is generally allowed. Ceramics are fragile — pack carefully in checked luggage.
This day offers a choice between two of Germany's most historically significant cities. Romantic Heidelberg captivates with its famous ruined castle and lively university town. Speyer, one of Germany's oldest cities, anchors its appeal on a magnificent Romanesque Imperial Cathedral.
Featured Highlights
| Attraction | Description | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Heidelberg Castle | Iconic ruined Renaissance castle overlooking the city and Neckar River. Access by cable car or hiking path. | Map |
| Heidelberg Old Town | Charming pedestrian Hauptstrasse with cafes, shops, and the lively Marktplatz. Germany's most visited city after Munich and Berlin. | Map |
| Speyer Cathedral | UNESCO World Heritage — the largest surviving Romanesque church in the world, with an imperial crypt containing royal tombs. | Map |
| Technik Museum Speyer | World-class technology museum with a Boeing 747, U-boat, Space Shuttle replica, and vintage cars. Fascinating for all ages. | Map |
Dining
| Restaurant | Price | Cuisine & Notes | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zum Roten Ochsen(Heidelberg) | $ | Student tavern since 1703 — quintessential Heidelberg atmosphere, hearty German fare | Map |
| Backmulde(Speyer) | $ | Traditional German, popular with locals, generous portions | Map |
| Kulturbrauerei(Heidelberg) | $$ | Brewery restaurant, regional specialties, garden terrace, central location | Map |
| Oben(Heidelberg) | $$$ | Contemporary European, panoramic castle views ⭐ Michelin One Star |
Map |
Rudesheim is the quintessential Rhine wine town — a cheerful, sun-drenched village in the heart of the Rheingau wine region. The Drosselgasse alley buzzes with wine taverns and live music, while the cable car to the Niederwald Monument delivers breathtaking panoramas over vine-terraced slopes.
Featured Highlights
| Attraction | Description | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Cable Car & Niederwald Monument | Gondola ride over vineyards to a national monument with sweeping Rhine Valley panoramas — one of the river's most memorable experiences. | Map |
| Drosselgasse | Famous narrow alley packed with wine taverns, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Lively day and evening atmosphere. | Map |
| Rheingau Wine Museum | Housed in the medieval Bromserburg Castle — one of the oldest Rhine castles — with a comprehensive wine history collection. | Map |
Dining
| Restaurant | Price | Cuisine & Notes | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zum Grunen Kranz | $ | Traditional German tavern, local wines, Drosselgasse location | Map |
| Rudesheimer Schloss | $$ | Vineyard estate restaurant, seasonal regional menu, courtyard garden | Map |
| Breuer's Rudesheimer Schloss | $$$ | Upscale Rheingau cuisine, estate wines, elegant historic setting | Map |
No Michelin-starred restaurants in Rudesheim itself. For starred dining in the Rheingau, Geisenheim and Eltville (short drive) have acclaimed options.
What to Bring Home
What to Buy: Rheingau Riesling wine direct from vineyard estates, Asbach Uralt brandy (the Asbach distillery is based here), wine-themed gifts and glassware.
Import Notes: Wine counts toward 1-liter duty-free allowance. Pack bottles in checked luggage wrapped in clothing or a padded wine travel bag.
Koblenz stands at the legendary Deutsches Eck — the "German Corner" — where the Moselle meets the Rhine beneath a towering equestrian monument. The approach through the Rhine Gorge, passing the Lorelei Rock and dozens of castle ruins, is one of the most spectacular scenic stretches in all of Europe.
Featured Highlights
| Attraction | Description | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Deutsches Eck | Symbolic confluence of Rhine and Moselle rivers, marked by an enormous equestrian statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I. Essential photo stop. | Map |
| Ehrenbreitstein Fortress | One of Europe's largest preserved fortresses, 118 meters above the Rhine. Accessible by cable car with panoramic views of both rivers. | Map |
| The Lorelei | Legendary 132-meter slate cliff — the Rhine's narrowest historically treacherous point. Rich in legend and German song. | Map |
| Koblenz Old Town (Altstadt) | Beautifully restored historic center with the Liebfrauenkirche, Jesuitenplatz, and a charming Rhine-side promenade. | Map |
Dining
| Restaurant | Price | Cuisine & Notes | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wirtshaus Hubertus | $ | Traditional German, local favorite, hearty regional dishes | Map |
| Cafe Miljoenr | $ | Casual riverside cafe, snacks, coffee, Rhine views | Map |
| Weinhaus Hubertus | $$ | Wine-forward regional menu, cozy historic setting, Moselle and Rhine wines | Map |
| Da Vinci | $$$ | Contemporary European fine dining, elegant atmosphere, central Koblenz | Map |
Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest city and home to one of the world's most awe-inspiring Gothic cathedrals — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that took over 600 years to complete. Beyond the Dom, Cologne offers a wonderfully livable old town, a vibrant museum scene, and its own unique beer culture built around the local Kolsch lager.
Featured Highlights
| Attraction | Description | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Cologne Cathedral (Dom) | Extraordinary Gothic cathedral begun in 1248, completed in 1880. Climb 533 steps for stunning city views. UNESCO World Heritage Site. | Map |
| Museum Ludwig | World-class modern art museum with one of Europe's largest Picasso collections, plus Pop Art and German Expressionism. | Map |
| Old Town (Altstadt) | Lively historic quarter along the Rhine featuring the Hohenzollern Bridge (covered in love locks), riverside promenades, and traditional breweries. | Map |
| Fruh am Dom Brewery | Cologne's most celebrated traditional brewery, serving authentic Kolsch by blue-aproned Kobes waiters in the traditional style. | Map |
Dining
| Restaurant | Price | Cuisine & Notes | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruh am Dom | $ | Iconic Cologne brewery, traditional Kolsch and German food, cathedral views | Map |
| Sion Brauhaus | $ | Historic brewery restaurant, authentic Cologne atmosphere, Rheinisches Sauerbraten | Map |
| Hanse Stube | $$ | Classic German brasserie, wide menu, central location | Map |
| La Societe | $$$ | Elegant French-European, longtime Cologne fine dining institution ⭐ Michelin One Star |
Map |
| Ox & Klee | $$$ | Modern European tasting menus, seasonal ingredients, Rhine views ⭐⭐ Michelin Two Stars |
Map |
What to Bring Home
What to Buy: Eau de Cologne — the original 4711 brand, founded here in 1792; Kolsch beer glasses; Lindt chocolates; Cologne Cathedral replicas and souvenirs.
Import Notes: Cologne and perfume products travel easily under 3.4 oz in carry-on, or any quantity in checked luggage.
Kinderdijk is the Netherlands at its most iconic — a UNESCO-listed network of 19 historic windmills built in the 1740s to drain a vast polder. Strolling along the dike paths with windmills stretching into the horizon is a uniquely Dutch experience that will linger long after the cruise ends.
Featured Highlights
| Attraction | Description | Map |
|---|---|---|
| 19 Historic Windmills | UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk or cycle dike paths alongside working windmills. Interior of one windmill open for visits — see how a mill family actually lived. | Map |
| Visitor Center | Interactive exhibits on Dutch water management — the extraordinary engineering that created and continues to sustain the Netherlands. | Map |
Kinderdijk is a scenic nature stop with limited dining. Plan to eat aboard ship before or after. A small cafe at the visitor center is available for light refreshments.
Amsterdam is one of the world's great cities — a living masterpiece of 17th-century urban planning with 165 canals, 1,500 bridges, and a UNESCO-listed canal belt. Whether you have a few hours before heading home or are extending your stay, the city rewards wandering: world-class museums, the Jordaan neighborhood's boutiques and cafes, and the singular energy of a city built on water.
Featured Highlights
| Attraction | Description | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Rijksmuseum | Netherlands' premier art museum featuring Rembrandt's Night Watch and the world's greatest collection of Dutch Golden Age painting. Book in advance. | Map |
| Van Gogh Museum | World's largest Van Gogh collection with 200+ paintings. Amsterdam's most visited museum — book tickets online well before arrival. | Map |
| Canal Cruises | Essential Amsterdam experience — explore the UNESCO canal belt by boat. Options from 1-hour tours to evening dinner cruises. | Map |
| Jordaan District | Charming neighborhood with narrow streets, independent boutiques, cozy cafes, art galleries, and weekly outdoor markets. | Map |
Dining
| Restaurant | Price | Cuisine & Notes | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moeders | $ | Traditional Dutch home cooking, beloved neighborhood institution | Map |
| Pancakes Amsterdam | $ | Dutch pancakes sweet and savory — a quintessential local experience | Map |
| De Kas | $$ | Farm-to-table in a stunning 1926 greenhouse, daily-changing seasonal menu | Map |
| The Seafood Bar | $$ | Fresh seafood, oysters, casual atmosphere — arrive early, always busy | Map |
| Rijks (at Rijksmuseum) | $$$ | Contemporary Dutch cuisine in the museum. Combine with a museum visit. ⭐ Michelin One Star |
Map |
| Ciel Bleu | $$$ | French haute cuisine, 23rd-floor panoramic city views — reserve far in advance. ⭐⭐ Michelin Two Stars |
Map |
Shopping & What to Bring Home
What to Buy: Delftware blue ceramics, Dutch Gouda or Edam cheese (vacuum-sealed), tulip bulbs (USDA phytosanitary certificate required — reputable vendors provide this), stroopwafels, Dutch Jenever gin, diamond jewelry.
Where to Shop: Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) for boutiques; Albert Cuyp Market for food and souvenirs; Bloemenmarkt (floating flower market) for tulip bulbs.
Import Notes: Tulip bulbs require USDA certificate. Cheese under 10 lbs if commercially packaged. Delftware is fragile — bubble wrap in checked luggage. Gin in checked luggage. Diamonds require certificates and must be declared at U.S. customs.
Weather & Packing Guide
June along the Rhine is generally lovely — long days with sunsets near 9:30–10:00 PM, warm afternoons, and mild evenings. Light layers are the key.
Basel, Switzerland
Temp: 62–77°F (17–25°C)
Conditions: Generally sunny, low rain chance
Sunrise/Sunset: 5:30 AM / 9:20 PM
Breisach, Germany
Temp: 59–75°F (15–24°C)
Conditions: Mostly sunny — great for Black Forest
Sunrise/Sunset: 5:30 AM / 9:25 PM
Strasbourg, France
Temp: 57–73°F (14–23°C)
Conditions: Pleasant, ideal for walking tours
Sunrise/Sunset: 5:35 AM / 9:30 PM
Speyer / Heidelberg
Temp: 59–75°F (15–24°C)
Conditions: Warm and sunny — excellent for castle visits
Sunrise/Sunset: 5:20 AM / 9:25 PM
Rudesheim, Germany
Temp: 61–77°F (16–25°C)
Conditions: Warm Rhine Valley — ideal for cable car
Sunrise/Sunset: 5:20 AM / 9:30 PM
Koblenz, Germany
Temp: 59–75°F (15–24°C)
Conditions: Mostly clear — great Rhine Gorge sailing
Sunrise/Sunset: 5:20 AM / 9:30 PM
Cologne, Germany
Temp: 57–73°F (14–23°C)
Conditions: Mild and pleasant for city exploration
Sunrise/Sunset: 5:25 AM / 9:35 PM
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Temp: 55–70°F (13–21°C)
Conditions: Pleasant early summer, occasional light rain
Sunrise/Sunset: 5:15 AM / 10:00 PM
Packing Recommendations
Clothing: Layers are essential. Lightweight pants and casual shorts, a light jacket or cardigan for evenings, one dressier outfit for a captain's dinner, and a compact rain jacket or travel umbrella. Cobblestone streets are everywhere — broken-in walking shoes are non-negotiable.
Footwear: Your most important decision. Well-worn walking shoes for days ashore, sandals for the ship and warm evenings, one nicer pair for dinner. Leave brand-new shoes at home.
Accessories: Sunglasses, sun hat, small daypack, camera, European power adapters (Type C and F plugs), reusable water bottle. With sunsets near 10 PM, sunscreen matters more than you'd expect.
Aboard Viking: Casual elegant is the norm. No formal nights, but dinner is a nice occasion — one or two smart-casual outfits are plenty.
Currency & Tipping
Payment Tips
Credit Cards: Widely accepted in cities and tourist areas. Notify your bank of European travel dates to prevent fraud blocks.
ATMs: Best exchange rates come from ATM withdrawals. Avoid airport currency exchange booths — rates are poor.
Cash: Useful for markets, small cafes, and tips. Get some Euros before departure. Swiss Francs only needed if shopping in Basel — most tourist spots accept Euros.
Onboard Viking: Cashless system. All purchases charged to your stateroom and settled at cruise end.
Tipping Guide
| Country | Restaurants | Taxis | Hotel Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Service included — round up or add 5–10% | Round up or add 10% | CHF 2–5 per service |
| Germany | Round up or add 5–10% for good service | Round up fare | €1–2 per bag |
| France | Service compris (included) — leave small change | Round up or add 10% | €1–2 per service |
| Netherlands | Service included — round up or add 5–10% | Round up fare | €1–2 per service |
Viking Gratuities: Viking includes gratuities in your cruise fare for ship staff. Optional additional tips for exceptional service are always appreciated. Shore excursion guides typically appreciate €2–5 per person for excellent tours.
Travel Preparation
Essential Documents Checklist
U.S. Customs — Returning Home
Duty-Free Allowance:$800 per person · Alcohol: 1 liter per person (ages 21+) · Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars
Food: No fresh fruits, vegetables, or raw meats. Commercially packaged products generally allowed. Cheese must be commercially packaged and under 10 lbs.
Declare: All purchases over $100. Jewelry, watches, and diamonds must be declared.
Prohibited: Absinthe, unpasteurized cheeses, fresh produce, plants without phytosanitary certificates, counterfeit goods.
Important: Travel rules change frequently. Verify current entry requirements, health regulations, and customs rules with Viking Cruises and official government sources before departure. Information current as of November 2025.
Emergency Contacts & Resources
Emergency Numbers by Country
| Country | All Emergencies | U.S. Embassy |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Police: 117 · Fire: 118 · Medical: 144 | Bern: +41 31 357 7011 |
| Germany | 112 (all emergencies) | Berlin: +49 30 8305 0 |
| France | 112 (all emergencies) | Paris: +33 1 4312 2222 |
| Netherlands | 112 (all emergencies) | Amsterdam: +31 70 310 2209 |
Helpful Resources
U.S. State Department: travel.state.gov
CDC Travel Health: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
U.S. Customs (CBP): cbp.gov
Live Currency Rates: xe.com
Viking Cruises: vikingcruises.com · Booking #9326419