Sailing the Rhine with Viking

(106 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Mandy Kusilek

River Falls, WI
Eat, Drink and Be Married

So you are planning on getting married, let me help you plan your dream honeymoon or how about a fabulous destination wedding. From the sunsets in Hawaii to the fiestas in Mexico, I can help you find the perfect destination to make all your dreams...

 


In November 2024, I explored one of Europe’s most iconic rivers — the Rhine River. Renowned for its fairytale castles, vineyard-covered hills, medieval towns, and grand cathedrals, the Rhine offers a magical blend of natural beauty and rich history. 


Our cruise was with Viking River Cruises, and from start to finish — including flights, transfers, guided tours, and onboard service — every detail was flawlessly executed. I highly recommend Viking for anyone considering a luxury river cruise in Europe. 


Basel, Switzerland: The Perfect Starting Point
Our Rhine River cruise began in Basel, Switzerland — a true gem. With more than 40 museums, art galleries, and vibrant architecture, Basel is a dream for culture lovers. After disembarking the ship, we enjoyed a guided walking tour through the historic city center. 


Exploring the Black Forest: A Must-See Excursion
One of the most memorable excursions was our visit to the Black Forest region of Germany — a tour that’s an absolute must for first-time visitors. We took a scenic drive through charming wine-producing villages, admired the rolling vineyards, and chose from a variety of hands-on activities:



  • Stroll through the forest trails

  • Attend a cuckoo clock-making demonstration

  • Watch a glassblower in action

  • Learn to make authentic Black Forest Cake (don’t miss tasting a slice — it’s yummy!) 


Wine Tasting in Alsace, France: A Delight for Wine Lovers
For wine enthusiasts, the Alsace Wine Route is a dream. We joined a tour of a local winery to explore the vineyard, tour the cellars, and taste several award-winning white wines. You can ship your purchases back to the states so don't stop at just one bottle. 


Cologne, Germany: Christmas Markets & Kölsch Beer
I absolutely fell in love with Cologne. We were lucky to visit during the early setup of the city’s world-famous Christmas Markets. These festive markets feature handmade crafts, unique ornaments, delicious sweets, warm winter accessories, and more — all set against the backdrop of the stunning Cologne Cathedral.  This glimpse solidified the fact that I need to experience a full Christmas Market cruise.  

Another highlight? A local beer tasting tour where we sampled multiple varieties of Kölsch, a crisp, refreshing beer native to Cologne. The tour was both educational and a ton of fun! 


Why I Recommend a Rhine River Cruise with Viking
Our Rhine River cruise with Viking exceeded every expectation. The onboard experience was luxurious and stress-free, the excursions were enriching and well-organized, and the scenery from vineyard-covered hills to ancient castles was breathtaking. 


Whether you're interested in European Christmas markets, historic landmarks, culinary adventures, or wine tasting experiences, Viking’s Rhine itinerary offers something for every traveler. 


If you're ready to explore the Rhine River in style, I’d love to help you plan your European river cruise. Let’s turn your dream trip into a reality! 


 

See more travel stories
Return to my The Wonders of Europe page
©  Travel Leaders Group