Embark on a journey along the Rhône and Rhine, through lands steeped in history, winemaking, and artistry. This itinerary invites you to experience the best of two iconic European rivers, from their winding banks to their bustling cities and charming villages. Immerse yourself in the region’s rich history, art, and culture, and indulge in its world-class cuisine.
Itinerary highlights include:
Avignon, France
Avignon’s winding streets are flanked by churches and imposing medieval buildings. This “City of Popes” was the when the pope fled Rome and established his court here. The massive Palais des Papes, or Palace of the Popes, a church-fortress, was the center of the Christian world during this tumultuous time. It remains a Gothic masterpiece.
Another of Avignon’s notable cityscapes is the 12-th century bridge, the Pont d’Avignon which juts out into the Rhône River.
Viviers, France
Viviers, a charming town in the Ardèche department of southern France, is a great place to visit for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious food.
The town is perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Rhône River, and its narrow streets are lined with medieval buildings, including the 12th-century Saint-Vincent Cathedral. Viviers was once the capital of the Vivarais region, and its former importance is evident in its many well-preserved historical monuments.
In addition to its historical attractions, Viviers is also known for its delicious food. The town is surrounded by vineyards, and its restaurants serve up some of the best wines and cuisine in the region. Visitors to Viviers can enjoy a variety of traditional dishes, such as aïoli, ratatouille, and châtaignes (chestnuts).
Viking offers a complimentary walking tour of the charming village.
Lyon, France
Lyon is a city with something to offer everyone. From its world-renowned cuisine to its rich history and culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city. Viking River Cruises offers a complimentary excursion that has you exploring the highlights of the city from bus and by foot.
For foodies, Lyon is a must-visit. The city is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, serving up a variety of traditional and innovative dishes. Visitors can enjoy everything from classic Lyonnaise cuisine, such as quenelles and andouillette, to more modern fare.
In addition to its culinary delights, Lyon is also a city with a rich history. The city was founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC, and its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the city’s many historical landmarks, such as the Fourvière Basilica and the Croix-Rousse hill.
Lyon is also a city with a vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Fête des Lumières, a world-renowned light festival. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of museums and art galleries, as well as a thriving theater scene.
Burgundy, France
Nestled in the heart of France, Burgundy is a region renowned for its stunning scenery, rich history, and world-class wines. From the picturesque vineyards of the Côte d’Or to the charming villages of the Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy has something to offer everyone.
Visitors can explore the region’s many medieval castles and abbeys, stroll through its charming villages, and sample its delicious cuisine. Burgundy is also home to some of the most famous wines in the world, including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Breisach, Germany
Breisach is a picturesque town located on the Rhine River in southwestern Germany. It is known for its well-preserved medieval old town, its stunning views of the Vosges Mountains, and its proximity to the Black Forest.
Visitors to Breisach can explore the town’s many historical landmarks, such as the St. Stephan’s Cathedral and the Martins Gate. They can also stroll through the town’s charming streets, lined with half-timbered houses and boutiques. And no visit to Breisach would be complete without sampling the local cuisine, which is known for its hearty dishes and delicious wines. A favorite excursion from Viking River Cruises is the e-bike through the Black Forest!
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is a charming city with a rich history and culture. Located on the Rhine River, Strasbourg is known for its beautiful architecture, its delicious food, and its Christmas market. Visitors to Strasbourg can explore the city’s many historical landmarks, such as the Strasbourg Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Petite France district, a charming neighborhood with half-timbered houses and canals.
Strasbourg is also a city of foodies. The city is home to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as many traditional Alsatian restaurants serving up dishes such as choucroute garnie and tarte flambée. This is a favorite Viking River Cruise excursion to do when visiting Strasbourg – meet with a local chef and enjoy local delicacies as well as wines!
In winter, Strasbourg is home to one of the largest and most famous Christmas markets in the world. The market is held in the city center and features over 300 stalls selling everything from Christmas decorations to food and drinks.
Speyer, Germany
The city is home to the Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Romanesque cathedrals in the world. The cathedral is known for its impressive size and its beautifully preserved architecture.
In addition to its cathedral, Speyer is also home to a number of other historical landmarks, such as the Altpörtel city gate and the Gedächtniskirche (Memorial Church). Visitors to Speyer can also explore the city’s many museums, including the Technik Museum Speyer, which houses a collection of over 3,500 vehicles and technical devices.
Cologne, Germany
Cologne is a vibrant city in western Germany, known for its iconic landmark, the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Viking offers an optional excursion to climb to the top of the cathedral and get a close look at the ongoing restoration efforts. The city is also home to a number of other historical landmarks, such as the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Romanesque churches of St. Gereon and St. Ursula.
Visitors to Cologne can enjoy a variety of cultural attractions, including the Museum Ludwig, which houses a collection of modern and contemporary art, and the Schokoladenmuseum, which tells the story of chocolate. The city is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Cologne Carnival, one of the largest carnivals in the world.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The final stop o the cruise is in Amsterdam, he capital of the Netherlands, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with something to offer everyone. From its iconic canals and bridges to its world-class museums and art galleries, Amsterdam has something to amaze and inspire.
For visitors interested in history, Amsterdam is home to a number of museums and historical landmarks, such as the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum. Do be sure to book your tickets to Anne Frank’s
What an incredible voyages, where you can sample complex reds and crisp whites grown on terraced vineyards that trace their roots to the Roman Empire, explore Avignon’s majestic Palace of the Popes and Cologne’s awe-inspiring cathedral, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and savor Lyon’s renowned culinary heritage and the Rhineland’s hearty fare, while admiring the landscapes that captured van Gogh’s brushstrokes in the Netherlands and Provence.
