Cruising the Rhine: Rick Steves: Rhine River

Schedule

LEGENDS OF THE RHINE

This journey provides a window into some of the historic eras and events that have shaped northern Europe. Cruise through the Middle Rhine Valley, lined with dozens of medieval castles, and take walking tours of castles and cobbled streets. Marvel at the soaring carved interiors and stained-glass windows of Cologne’s iconic Gothic cathedral, and sample the local beers. Stop in Remagen, the site of World War II’s Operation Market Garden, and Nijmegen for a guided visit to the Overloon War and Resistance Museum. Spend a full day enjoying the delightful Golden Age city of Amsterdam, including a canal boat tour. Hear the echoes of history on this 8-day itinerary. (Historical highs and lows shown - check below for long-range forecast)

DAY 1 May 3| FRANKFURT, GERMANY 65/47°

Arrive in Frankfurt, also known as Frankfurt am Main, Germany’s fifth-largest city. Transfer from the airport to embark your ship.* After boarding, relax and get settled in, or spend some time exploring the city, a stunning blend of traditional charm and modern elegance, on your own. After dinner, relax and enjoy musical entertainment in the Lounge. (D)

DAY 2 May 4| HEIDELBERG & RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY 68/51°

Wake up in Mannheim and disembark for a tour of Heidelberg to see Germany’s oldest university, founded in 1386. Then, visit the beautiful sandstone ruins of imposing Heidelberg Castle and take in the scenery of the Neckar River Valley and the city’s many red rooftops from this hilltop post. Afterward, set on a walking tour through Old Town to Heidelberg’s renowned gates. Return to your ship for afternoon cruising. Arrive in Rüdesheim in the early evening, then spend free time in the pedestrian-only Drosselgasse and sample a glass of locally produced wine at one of the restaurants or wine bars. Dine aboard your ship or spend more time exploring in town if you prefer. We remain docked overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 3 May 5| BRAUBACH & KOBLENZ, GERMANY 59/47°

This morning, sail along the most scenic stretch of the Rhine, where castles overlook the river from their hilltop locations. This part of the Middle Rhine Valley is so impressive that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mid morning, disembark for a tour of 700-year-old Marksburg Castle, the only fortress in this region that has remained untouched by turmoil. Catch sweeping views of the Rhine Valley from this castle’s vantage point. Return to your ship for lunch and a short cruise to Koblenz. Spend some time exploring this charming town at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine Rivers. (B, L, D)

DAY 4 May 6| COCHEM, GERMANY 59/47°

Enjoy scenic morning cruising on the Moselle River, a hidden gem lined with steep vineyards, pastoral towns and stately castles. After lunch aboard your ship, arrive in the quaint town of Cochem, where you disembark for a walking tour of the city and a visit to the imposing Reichsburg Castle. Return to your ship at dinnertime before we sail through the night. (B, L, D)

DAY 5 May 7| COLOGNE & REMAGEN, GERMANY 65/49°

Continue along the Rhine to Cologne and disembark for a walking tour. Stroll through Old Town past St. Martin’s Church, then spend some time inside Cologne’s Dom, a massive Gothic cathedral whose construction began in 1248 and was only completed in 1880. Return aboard for lunch while sailing toward Remagen, historically known for the battle at Ludendorff Bridge. A Peace Museum is what remains of the bridge today, with numerous photographs and artifacts on display for you to observe. After your visit, spend some time exploring Remagen, then return aboard for dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 6 May 8| NIJMEGEN, THE NETHERLANDS 62/46°

Located on the Waal River near the German border, Nijmegen is known as the oldest city in The Netherlands. Founded in Roman times, it flourished under Charlemagne and later became a free imperial city and a member of the Hanseatic League. Take part in a guided tour of the Overloon War and Resistance Museum, located on the site of the Battle of Overloon, a World War II tank-and-infantry battle between Allied and German forces that occurred right after Operation Market Garden in 1944. Return to your ship for the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner as you cruise on to Amsterdam. (B, L, D)

DAY 7 May 9| AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS 60/48°

After breakfast, embark on a canal tour by glass-topped boat to see architecture from the city’s Golden Age. Return aboard for lunch; then your afternoon and evening are free to visit the Anne Frank House, see the Van Gogh Museum or explore the city’s charming neighborhoods. We remain docked overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 8 May 10| AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS 60/48°

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, you can extend your time in the Low Countries with 2 additional nights in Amsterdam, or 3 nights in beautiful Bruges, Belgium. (B)

About the Eistla

Eistla – in Norse mythology one of the nine mothers of god Heimdallr – “the guardian of the gods”.

Ship Builder: Neptun Werft GmbH (Rostock, Germany)

MMSI: 269057466
Callsign: HE 7466

Year of built: 2014

Cruising Speed: 15 knots (17 mph / 28 kph)

Flag: Switzerland

Length: 135 m
Width: 11m

Draught: 1.7 m

Max Passengers: 190

Crew Capacity: 50

Passenger decks: 4

The Viking ship Eistla represents the line’s latest Longship-class river boat design. Viking Cruises longships feature energy-efficient hybrid engine technology, solar panels and an interior design by “Yran & Storbraaten” (Norway). The patented “longship” design (“Rottet Studios”, USA) allows much larger passenger accommodations with full-size balconies. The additional cabin space is created by 1 m (3,3 ft) off-center shifting of the deck’s corridor.