Treasures of the Rhine 2010

A 15-Day Viking tour starting from $2,962

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Starting Price: $2,962 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 15 Days
Countries Visited: Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands
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More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
 Escorted Tour
Tour Category: European River Cruise
Tour Operator: Viking
Tour Code: VKRHI
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Cities Visited:
Antwerp, Arnhem, Cochem, Rudesheim, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel

This 15-day cruise is a leisurely celebration of five countries along the storied Rhine River, with many highlights. Sail past Germany’s castle-studded landscapes and famous Rhine wine region, stopping in quaint Rüdesheim and Cologne, known for its thriving art scene. To the south lie the Black Forest area, Switzerland’s fascinating Basel and the Alsatian capital Strasbourg; to the north, Holland’s Amsterdam and the windmills at Kinderdijk, and Belgium’s medieval Flemish capitals of Ghent, Brugge and Antwerp. Whether you are familiar with this part of the world or not, our Treasures of the Rhine itinerary lets you see it from a wonderful new perspective.

 
  • Heidelberg excursion with guided Heidelberg Castle tour

  • Marksburg Castle excursion and museum


  • WWII Battlefield tour and free time


  • Cheese farm visit and city tour


  • Tour Kinderdijk windmills, a UNESCO site

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  • Daily Shore Excursions

  • 13 included guided tours

  • Included Meals

  • All meals: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches & 14 dinners

  • Port Charges Included on all itineraries

  • Air Taxes, Fees, Fuel Surcharges & Transfers Included with airfare

  •  
    Day 1 Antwerp Welcome to Antwerp. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, enjoy free time to explore the city—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

    Day 2 Antwerp
    This morning, tour Antwerp. See the Town Hall, Steen Castle and Our Lady Cathedral, with its four magnificent altarpieces painted by Peter Paul Rubens. After lunch aboard, the rest of your day is free to explore Antwerp’s wonderful shops and cafés. Dinner aboard before evening departure. (B, L, D)

    Day 3 Brugge & Ghent
    This morning we dock in Ghent. From here, take a morning tour to Brugge. See the medieval Béguinage courtyard and gardens, the Church of Our Lady, beautiful canals and Simon Stevin Square. Stay in Brugge for lunch on your own, or return to Ghent for lunch aboard and an afternoon exploring the charming capital of East Flanders. Dine aboard and depart this evening. (B, L, D)

    Day 4 Rotterdam & Dordrecht
    You have the morning free to explore Rotterdam, Holland’s second-largest city—or take an optional journey to Delft, famous for its blue-and-white pottery. Stop at one of the last Delftware factories for a demonstration. Return aboard for lunch; sail to Dordrecht. This afternoon’s excursion takes you to see the 18th-century windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and tour a working windmill. Dinner served aboard. (B, L, D)

    Day 5 Gouda & Amsterdam
    After breakfast, take a journey to Hoogerwaard Cheese Farm for a guided tour and a demonstration of the craft of artisanal cheese-making. Continue to Gouda to see the Town Hall and St. John’s Church, both Gothic in style. Return to your ship in Utrecht for lunch aboard and sail to Amsterdam, arriving late afternoon. Dinner is served aboard, or you may choose to explore Amsterdam’s terrific restaurants and nightlife. (B, L, D)

    Day 6 Amsterdam
    This morning, enjoy a glass-topped canal cruise past merchant houses and the famed Skinny Bridge. Your afternoon is free to enjoy more of Amsterdam’s charming neighborhoods or visit the Van Gogh Museum and explore works by the famed artist and others. Lunch and dinner aboard; feel free to enjoy a bit more of Amsterdam this evening before a late departure. (B, L, D)

    Day 7 Arnhem
    Arrive during breakfast in Arnhem and enjoy an excursion to the Dutch Royal Family’s former summer residence, Paleis Het Loo†. Tour the palace’s lavish rooms; then stroll through the picture-perfect gardens fashioned after those of Versailles. Return to your ship for lunch, then take the opportunity to explore Arnhem, a quaint town rich in World War II history. Dine aboard. Evening departure. (B, L, D)

    Day 8 Cologne
    Your morning walking tour takes you past St. Martin’s Church to Cologne’s Old Town and includes a visit to the magnificent Gothic cathedral. Lunch and dinner are served aboard, but dockside there are many taverns, cafés and shops to explore. Depart late tonight. (B, L, D)

    Day 9 Cochem
    Spend the morning enjoying the scenery along the Rhine. Arrive in Cochem after lunch and take a walking tour of this quaint village. See its medieval town gate and marketplace, then visit a winery and taste some local vintages. Return to your ship for dinner and an evening departure. (B, L, D)

    Day 10Koblenz & Rüdesheim
    Wake up in Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. This morning’s excursion takes you to the 700-year-old Marksburg Castle and tour its museum. Lunch aboard; this afternoon we sail through the glorious Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing charming villages, many castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Enjoy dinner aboard as we arrive in picturesque Rüdesheim, where you can spend a pleasant evening in the city’s Drosselgasse, a pedestrian-only street lined with shops and pubs. (B, L, D)

    Day 11 Heidelberg & Speyer
    After breakfast, take a journey to Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university founded in 1386. A guided tour features imposing Heidelberg Castle, a red sandstone ruin overlooking the Neckar River. Continue with a walking tour through the Old Town and marketplace. Return aboard for lunch and afternoon cruising to Speyer. Enjoy some free time in this quiet German town before we depart this evening. (B, L, D)

    Day 12 Strasbourg
    After breakfast, take a guided tour of Strasbourg. See the European Parliament and enjoy a guided visit inside the city’s famed cathedral. Free time allows you to further explore the old section of this French-German city steeped in traditions that defy shifting international borders. Dinner aboard; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

    Day 13 Breisach
    This morning, arrive in Breisach, gateway to the Black Forest. After breakfast, enjoy an excursion through the area’s mountain landscape, meadows and dense forests and see a cuckoo clock-making demonstration. Free afternoon to discover Breisach’s charming downtown district and catch sweeping Rhine Valley views from the cathedral hill. You may wish to participate in a painting workshop—create your own masterpiece to take home. Or, join our optional guided walking tour of Colmar, a quaint Alsatian town. Dine aboard and cruise through the evening. (B, L, D)

    Day 14 Basel
    After breakfast, join a tour of this multicultural city. See its historic Middle Bridge, cathedral and steep winding streets. Take the afternoon to explore one of the city’s many outstanding art museums. Lunch and dinner are served aboard; remain docked overnight. (B, L, D)

    Day 15 Basel
    After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the Basel airport for your return flight.* Or extend your time in Switzerland with a 4-night stay, enjoying stunning Alpine views. (B)

     
             
    Touring Date
    Land Only
    Land + Air
    Single
    (Land Only)
    Single
    (Land + Air)
    9/19/2010 - 10/3/2010
    $4,162
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    11/14/2010 - 11/28/2010
    $2,262
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    4/3/2011 - 4/17/2011
    $2,962
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    4/17/2011 - 5/1/2011
    $2,962
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    6/12/2011 - 6/26/2011
    $3,662
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    6/26/2011 - 7/10/2011
    $3,662
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    8/7/2011 - 8/21/2011
    $3,162
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    8/21/2011 - 9/4/2011
    $3,762
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    10/30/2011 - 11/13/2011
    $2,262
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    11/13/2011 - 11/27/2011
    $2,262
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    Airfare Disclaimer
    A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

    Documents
    TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

    Viking Sun

    Overview

    Viking Sun and Viking Helvetia, built in 2005/2006, are specially designed for sailing on the Rhine in comfort and elegance. Higher ceilings give all 198 guests a spacious feeling, and the entire ship is set up for optimal viewing of scenery. In addition to hotel-style beds, French balconies and large picture windows in staterooms, guests can enjoy the sundeck and other open air decks while sailing. The observation deck and restaurant have huge panoramic windows, and the ship’s soaring lobby atrium has a seating area with observation windows as well.

    Life Aboard Viking Sun

    • 99 comfortable outside staterooms (89 deluxe, 10 standard)
    • Sun deck with 360-degree views
    • Bar
    • Restaurant
    • Onboard boutique
    • Library
    • Free shipwide wireless internet service
    • Laundry service
    • Enriching onboard lectures and demonstrations
    • Local evening entertainment
    • Birthday and anniversary policy - cake served in the restaurant or a bottle of champagne placed in stateroom
    Viking Sun

    Staterooms (Click thumbnails to see full size image

    Category A - D Stateroom
    Category A - D Stateroom

    Category A - D Stateroom

    Features

    • Stateroom size: 155 sq. ft.
    • Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds
    • Panoramic window 3.28 ft. x 6.56 ft. (Category A - C can be opened) (Category D can not be opened)
    • Private bathroom with shower
    • TV, telephone, safe & hair dryer
    • Individual climate control
    • Hotel-style beds 6.56ft. x 5.25 ft. x 1.48 ft. (can be separated)
    • Height under bed for suitcases: 1.15 ft.
    • Closet space: 6.30 ft. x 2.69 ft.
    • Converter in the bathroom outlet
    • TV: several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel

    Category E Stateroom
    Category E Stateroom

    Category E Stateroom

    Features

    • Stateroom size: 120 sq. ft.
    • Standard staterooms with 1 Pullman bed and 1 sofa bed
    • Half-high picture window 2.13 ft. x 4.76 ft. (cannot be opened)
    • Private bathroom with shower
    • TV, telephone, safe & hair dryer
    • Individual climate control
    • Bed sizes: Sofa bed 6.23 ft. x 2.62 ft. / Pullman bed 5.56 ft. x 2.62 ft.
    • Height under bed for suitcases: 1.15 ft.
    • Converter in the bathroom outlet
    • TV: several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel

    Ship Facts:

    • Inagurated: 2005
    • Length: 205m (433feet)
    • Width: 11.39m(37.4 feet)
    • Decks: 3
    • Staterooms: 99
    • Passenger Capacity: 198
    • Voltage: 120/240volts

    Ship Amenities:

    Atrium/Reception Lobby

    The atrium is a large, airy space with a grand staircase to the upper lobby and direct access to the restaurant. The middle deck lobby is where you enter the ship, and serves as your information center throughout your voyage. Your Program Director’s desk is located here, so you can easily ask questions or discuss the day’s activities. There is a public address system to announce events; there are restrooms and an onboard boutique.

    Atrium/Seating Area

    This is the upper part of the grand atrium. It features a large, comfortable seating area with panoramic windows, so you can relax, read or watch the scenery go by. There is a 24-hour tea and coffee station with a fruit basket, and some showcases displaying items available at the onboard boutique just downstairs. The middle deck lobby (reception lobby) is accessible via the grand staircase.

    Sun Deck

    Enjoy sunshine and fresh air while you take in 360-degree views of the scenery as you sail past castles, towns, villages, trees and vineyards. Stand at the railings or relax in a comfortable deck chair. Some of the seating has a canopy for those who prefer shade. There is an access way from the sun deck to the bridge, as well as to the library via staircase at the ship’s stern.

    Restaurant

    The restaurant is where all meals are served during your cruise. Because it features panoramic windows, you will not miss any of the scenery while you are dining. It seats all guests at tables which vary in size, accommodating 6, 8 or 10 guests per table. The dining room is open seating, so you are free to sit where you like—a great way to make new friends. The atmosphere is casual but elegant, with high-quality table linens, china, cutlery and glassware.

    Our chefs create a variety of tasty offerings for you, with freshly prepared seasonal local vegetables, European specialties adapted for American tastes, and homemade soups prepared daily. For breakfast, choose from our selections of pastries, cereals, breakfast meats, fresh fruit and selected cheeses. Or you may prefer a hot dish, such as an omelet prepared to order. At lunch, select from the soup and sandwich bar, or a choice of entrées and dessert. And for dinner, you are treated to a five-course gourmet menu with regional specialties. You can also select from our regional wines to perfectly complement your meal. And wherever you sail, you will find enhancements reflecting your itinerary—it is all part of experiencing the local culture.

    Observation Lounge/Bar

    Located at the fore of the upper deck, the observation lounge is a terrific place to meet friends before and after meals. It offers a large sitting area with chairs, small tables and a bar area with barstools. The lounge has a projector and screen installed in the ceiling, so slides can be shown, and there is a stereo system and dance floor.

    Library

    The library has comfortable seating and excellent reading light. Our ships’ libraries carry approximately 80 books, in various languages but mostly English, and several games such as chess, backgammon and playing cards. The library does have a bar facility and can be used for private functions by prior arrangement.

     

  • Prices listed are based on CAT E cabin -early booking rates



  • Upgrades available at an additional cost for categorys A-D.

    Cruise operates from Basel to Antwerp: Apr 3; Jun 12; Aug 7; Oct 30

    Cruise operates from Antwerp to Basel: Apr 17; Jun 26; Aug 21; Nov 13

    Pre and Post packages available:
    Lucerne: 2 night pre-extension in Lucerne - $599 pp
    Brussels: 3 night post extension in Brussels - $649 pp

    Travel Protection
    You are looking forward to your trip, and we are looking forward to welcoming you aboard. But sometimes illness or an emergency at home may create the need to postpone or cancel your vacation. If that happens, make sure you are protected. Our new, updated travel protection plan provides 100% protection if you must cancel or interrupt your trip for any reason, including a pre-existing medical condition.

    Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy and include non-commissionable fares. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. and Canadian residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings only as of January 1, 2010, are subject to availability, may not be combinable with other offers except Past Guest Travel Credit and Referral Rewards Credit, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. 2-for-1 fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the Passenger Ticket Contract which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to economy, roundtrip flights only from select Viking River Cruises U.S. and Canadian gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call 800-942-3301. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking River Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the Passenger Ticket Contract.

    2011 SPECIAL OFFER: On all sail dates the discount is per stateroom based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. The 2-for-1 cruise, international air discount and complimentary wine are considered a single offer. Single stateroom pricing is 50% off brochure fare. Complimentary wine (with dinner on board) is included with cruise purchase; international air does not have to be purchased to get cruise offer. Some itineraries are new or were featured aboard other ships in 2010; in this case discounted pricing is new for 2011. Must request offer EBD at time of booking. Book and make your deposit by March 31, 2010, and pay the balance in full by May 25, 2010.

     
     

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    All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.