Viking River Rivers - Rhine Cruise, 9 Nights From Amsterdam, Viking Tialfi, January 22, 2024 | iCruise.com (2023)

• Amsterdam, Netherlands

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. A city of charming canals, elegant gabled houses, splendid museums, and many bicycles, the Dutch capital of Amsterdam is a delight to explore. Its patchwork of waterways forms about 90 islands connected by 1,500 bridges. The legacy of the Dutch Golden Age lives on in gilded manses and in the paintings of Rembrandt and other Dutch Masters that adorn the Rijksmuseum, a grand repository of art and cultural history of the Netherlands. Discovering Amsterdam is a pleasure best pursued on foot; visitors line the canals and linger over Dutch pancakes, or take a stroopwafel to go. ...
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• Amsterdam, Netherlands

In Amsterdam, the bicycle is as much a cultural treasure as any museum. The city's flat terrain makes it ideal for getting around on two wheels. Bikes first pedaled onto the city's streets during the late 19th century; in the 1960s, the first bike-share program was invented here, founded by members of the anti-establishment Provo movement-short for "provocateur"-whose aim was to reduce air pollution created by cars. The program did not last, but the bicycle did, and cycle lanes were soon added to the street. Today, the city is home to hundreds of thousands of bikes. ...
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• Arnhem, Netherlands

A picturesque town nearly destroyed during World War II, Arnhem is graced with an array of beautiful parks and gardens. Its location earned it the nickname "Green City on the Rhine". Unusual among Dutch cities, one of its districts is built on hilly terrain, a rare landscape to find in the Netherlands. In 1443, Arnhem joined the Hanseatic League, the powerful merchant conglomerate that dominated the medieval trade world in Northern Europe. Later, in the 19th century, it evolved into a more leisurely town, renowned for its scenic landscapes. Today, nearby De Hoge Veluwe National Park is praised for its natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna, as well as the Kroller-Muller Museum, which boasts the world's second-largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh. ...
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• Cologne, Germany

Cologne reveals its Roman heritage in its city layout and the ancient ruins that lie scattered through the town. Cologne's modern plazas and Hohe Strasse host welcoming shops, enticing restaurants, and cologne boutiques. Of note is the city's 14th-century cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic artistry and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Having survived Allied bombs during World War II, the cathedral's imposing twin spires are visible for miles and its stained-glass windows fill the interior with brilliant colored light. ...
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• Mainz, Germany

The Rhine River flows through one of Germany's most scenic regions. As you sail its most picturesque stretch, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Middle Rhine, you will pass vineyard-blanketed hills whose steep slopes require vintners to pick grapes by hand, keeping a centuries-old tradition alive. Splendid castles line the banks, all of which have stories to share, and the Lorelei Rock presides at a dramatic curve in the river. Mainz is part of the Rheinhessen wine region, Germany's largest wine region that is renowned for producing high-quality white wines, such as Riesling. Wine has long played a key role in the city's economy and culture, with numerous wine festivals and events throughout the year. Mainz's wine culture and history continue to thrive today, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation in winemaking. ...
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• Speyer, Germany

Germany's oldest university town, Heidelberg is situated in the Neckar Valley just east of the Rhine. Known as the cradle of the German Romantic movement, it also boasts beautiful Baroque architecture. Heidelberg is most famous as the site of the imposing Heidelberg Castle. A magnificent red sandstone ruin perched 330 feet above the river, it was home to the Palatinate princes until it was partially destroyed by fire in the 17th century. The quiet German town of Speyer lies on the west bank of the Rhine. The city features a Romanesque imperial cathedral, burial place of eight emperors including some of the most famous Holy Roman Emperors. Speyer was once a major Celtic center that traded hands several times between the Romans and the Huns. The term Protestant originated here at the Diet of Speyer in 1529, when 14 free cities of Germany and six Lutheran princes protested the Edict of Worms that had banned the writings of Martin Luther and labeled him a heretic and enemy of the state. ...
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• Strasbourg, France

The largest port on the Upper Rhine, Strasbourg is the cultural center of France's Alsace region. Thanks to its location at the border of France and Germany, it boasts a convivial mix of cultural influences. The well-preserved Old Town is enclosed on all sides by the little Ill River, with sites so compact that it is easy to explore the "island" on foot. And there is plenty to explore: cobblestone streets lined with wooden houses and intersected by picturesque canals. Indulging in Alsatian cafe culture is central to any visit here; enjoy coffee and cake amid lovely half-timbered houses. ...
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• Breisach, Germany

Breisach is a gateway to the fabled Black Forest region, built on a basalt rock outcropping in the Rhine plain. It is located in one of the warmest parts of Germany, across the river from French Alsace, famous for its wine growing. But Breisach, too, can boast about its wine: it is home to Europe's largest cellars, with a storage capacity of more than 160 million liters. The most prominent landmark of Breisach is the Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral, built between the 12th and 13th centuries. Its two towers are visible from throughout the city and from the Rhine. ...
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• Basel (Saxon), Switzerland

Located where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet, Basel reflects a fascinating blend of traditions. The city straddles the Rhine at the river's farthest navigable point, and an alluring cluster of old-town buildings huddles along the riverbank. Around Market Square, guild houses recall Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque splendor; the red-sandstone Rathaus, or Town Hall, is the centerpiece. More than 40 museums of art and culture lend modern polish to its history-rich streets. And there is no more refined way to sample it all than over cheese fondue or croissants. ...
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• Basel (Saxon), Switzerland

A delightful blend of old and new, Basel is Switzerland's best-kept secret. Amid the medieval Old Town, cobblestone streets are lined with pastel-colored buildings that date back to the 15th century. In the heart of the city lies the Jean Tinguely-designed Carnival Fountain. Its mechanical sculptures are in constant motion, seemingly conversing with each other like the mime artists and performers who graced the stage of the old city theater that once stood in the same spot. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home. ...
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