Paris & The Swiss Alps
Viking Riverboat Cruise
Day 1 — Paris, France
Arrive in Paris, the romantic capital of France. Transfer from the Charles de Gaulle airport to your hotel for a 2-night stay. After check-in, enjoy free time to explore this exciting city, or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and get oriented.
Day 2 — Paris, France
One of the most pleasurable activities in Paris is spending time in one of the city's outdoor cafés. Whether you are sipping a café au lait or a kir royal, there is no better way to feel like a Parisian. The hub of social and culinary life, cafés have been part of the city's fabric since the 1600s.
During the 20th century, literary and artistic figures—such as Ernest Hemingway, Colette, and Pablo Picasso—famously met over drinks to share their works and ideas. Today, thousands of cafés line the pavements and squares to connect with France's culture and history.
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Day 3 — Reims, France
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your journey to your embarkation city. Reims lies in the heart of France's renowned Champagne region. A testament to its rich history, which can be traced back to Gallo-Roman times, is its diverse collection of landmarks.
Among its most iconic are the Abbey of Saint-Rémi, the final resting place of the archbishop who baptized Frankish king Clovis and initiated Reims's long line of coronations; the Palace of Tau, an archiepiscopal residence constructed in the Middle Ages; and Reims Cathedral, where 25 kings of France were coronated. These three monuments were collectively inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
Cathedral Reims, France
Trier, Germany
One of Germany's most treasured cities for its rich history, Trier was once the regional capital of the Holy Roman Empire. After Emperor Constantine the Great had a vision of Christ, he and his mother Helena built great churches and cathedrals here. A few still stand, the magnificent Romanesque Cathedral of Trier among them.
The 20,000-seat amphitheater, the Roman Bridge, and the massive Porta Nigra, the ancient city gate, are further relics of that time. Today, Trier is a picturesque town surrounded by forests and vineyards. It is also known as the birthplace of Karl Marx and a vibrant university town. Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom.
Cathedral of Trier, Germany
Day 4 — Trier, Germany
The historic heart of Trier, the bustling and colorful Hauptmarkt is the city's main gathering place and a rich repository of architecture. Once the center of trade in medieval Trier, the square is anchored by an ornate fountain featuring St. Peter, the city's patron saint. In addition, the unmistakable white- and mustard-colored tower of St. Gangolf Church rises above the square, resplendent with late Gothic and baroque elements. Perhaps the Hauptmarkt's most distinctive building is the Steipe, named for its short pillars. Today, the pedestrian-only Hauptmarkt is a colorful canvas of baroque, Renaissance, and classicist styles that mingle seamlessly with modern shops and cafés.
Bernkastel, Germany
Nestled between soft rolling hills and the gently flowing Moselle River, Bernkastel, the "Pearl of the Moselle," boasts medieval squares laden with charming half-timbered houses and inviting lanes and alleys. For much of their history, Bernkastel and its sister town of Kues across the river stood worlds apart. A bridge united them in 1874, paving the way for actual unification in 1905. Today, Bernkastel plays the charming host with history to share while Kues pours the wine, more attentive to the sweet grapes of its fertile valley. Indeed, the twin towns produce some of Germany's finest vintages.
Cochem, Germany
Day 5 — Cochem, Germany
Schloss Stolzenfels In Koblenz, Germany
Day 6 — Koblenz, Germany
Koblenz is a traditional German city founded more than 2,000 years ago. This former trading settlement rests on a massif of the Middle Rhine Highlands. Its cobblestone streets, wood-beamed houses adorned with flowers, ancient markets, and square and medieval churches recall the fairy-tale Germany of old.
At the "German Corner," a massive equestrian statue of Prince William I observes the lovely riverside scene. The famed Teutonic Knights set up their first base here in 1216. The Romanesque Basilica of St. Castor, Koblenz's oldest building, dates to 836.
Mainz, Germany
Day 7 — Mainz, Germany
Mainz is part of the Rheinhessen wine region, Germany's largest wine region renowned for producing high-quality white wines, such as Riesling. Wine has long played a vital role in the city's economy and culture, with numerous wine festivals and events throughout the year, including the Mainzer Weinmarkt and the Mainzer Weinwoche.
The city is also home to the renowned Geisenheim University, which offers programs in viticulture and enology. Mainz's wine culture and history continue to thrive today, strongly emphasizing sustainability and innovation in winemaking.
Day 8 — Speyer, Germany
The quiet German town of Speyer lies on the west bank of the Rhine. The city features a Romanesque imperial cathedral and the 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, which had banned Martin Luther's writings and labeled him a heretic and enemy of the state.
Strasbourge France
Day 9 — Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is the largest port on the Upper Rhine and 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, and the sites are so compact that it is easy to explore the "island" on foot.
There is plenty to explore: cobblestone streets lined with wooden houses intersected by picturesque canals. Indulging in Alsatian café culture is central to any visit here; enjoy coffee and cake amid lovely half-timbered houses.
Day 10 — Basel, 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. After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to your destination.
Zürich, Switzerland
Day 11 — Zürich, Switzerland
Arrive and check in to your hotel. Overlooking Lake Zürich and spanning the banks of the Limmat River, Switzerland's largest city is often cited as one of Europe's most livable. It is the country's financial heart, but its residents also embrace their natural surroundings, from soaring alpine peaks to the lake's shimmering waters. Zürich is home to a lively and impressive arts culture. The avant-garde Dada movement was born here in 1916, and two of its most important churches boast stained glass windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti. More masterworks reside in the city's renowned Kunsthaus, including Monet's enormous water lily painting.
Day 12 — Zürich, Switzerland - After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the Zürich airport for your return flight. (B)
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