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Viking River Cruises:
Vineyards & Vistas
 
Introduction

Drink in the picturesque landscape of vineyard-clad hillsides on this scenic 8-day river cruise along the Moselle, Rhine and Main Rivers. Engage all your senses—see castles dotting the hillsides along the Rhine Valley, enjoy the bouquet of fine German wines and the smoky flavor of Bamberg’s Rauchbier, feel the gentle breeze on your skin as you wander among the shops and restaurants of Rüdesheim’s Drosselgasse, and hear cathedral bells chime the hours as you float by. And, marvel at the ingenious Main-Danube Canal—envisioned 1,200 years ago and completed in the 1990s—that makes your journey possible.
The best way to discover the heart of Europe is to travel along its great rivers. And there is no better way to do it than aboard the deluxe Viking Sky. Stroll the decks at sunset, linger in an elegant lounge, take in the splendor of Europe’s breathtaking scenery from panoramic windows in our elegantly appointed public areas, or from the privacy of your stateroom. The ships’ staterooms feature hotel-style beds and large picture windows that open. Carrying a maximum of 150 passengers, the Viking Sky offers an intimate atmosphere where passengers can really get to know fellow vacationers.

 

Itinerary (8 days/7 nights)

Day One: Luxembourg & Trier
Fly into Luxembourg. We meet you at the airport and take you to Trier to embark your ship.* After boarding, you can relax, explore Trier a bit on your own, or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented.

Day Two: Trier
Take a morning tour of Trier, Germany’s oldest city, set on the banks of the Moselle River. See the wonderfully preserved Roman Porta Nigra, Trier Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. Lunch aboard as we depart. Later this afternoon we arrive at Bernkastel, where we walk along this village’s cobbled streets to the Vinothek, Wine Library of St. Nicholas Hospital, and sample some of the 160 different wines from the Moselle and Saar Rivers’ wine-producing region. Return aboard for dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D)

Day Three: Cochem & Koblenz
A walking tour takes you through the quaint Moselle town of Cochem. Then, visit imposing Reichsburg Castle. Eat lunch while cruising the scenic Moselle to Koblenz, arriving in the late afternoon. Sample wines from this famous region during an optional wine-tasting excursion. (B, L, D)

Day Four: Rüdesheim
Cruise through the morning, arriving in Rüdesheim. The afternoon’s tour features the Niederwald Monument, high above the Rhine River. Take free time to enjoy the restaurants, bars and shops lining Rüdesheim’s Drosselgasse. Dine and cruise into the evening. (B, L, D)

Day Five: Heidelberg
After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to Heidelberg, an ancient city that is home to Germany’s oldest university. Tour the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, originally built in the 12th century but twice destroyed by lightning. Then, enjoy a guided walk through Heidelberg’s Old Town and marketplace. Lunch is in a local restaurant; dine aboard. (B, L, D)

Day Six: Würzburg
Disembark in Karlstadt and take a half-day excursion to the charming Franconian wine town of Würzburg where you tour the Bishops’ Residenz, a beautiful baroque palace with many paintings and frescoes. Join your ship in Würzburg; dine and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day Seven: Bamberg
Cruise through the Main-Danube Canal to Bamberg, founded in 902. Bamberg’s Old Town area is so beautifully preserved that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a walking tour and then take time to sample the town’s famous locally brewed smoky beer, Rauchbier. Dine aboard. Depart tonight. (B, L, D)

Day Eight: Nuremberg
Arrive in Nuremberg this morning. After breakfast aboard, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in Prague. Tour the famed Prague Castle, see the landmark Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral and discover more of this beautiful city. (B)

The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises.
Tour Features

Highlights
Daily Shore Excursions
6 included guided tours
All Meals 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners
Port Charges Included on all Itineraries
Air Taxes, Fees, Fuel Surcharges & Transfers Included with Airfare

Fine Dining
Fine dining consists of early bird breakfast, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests may choose between several courses during lunch and dinner.
Ship

viking sky category a

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—cushions are available. Seating just aft of the bridge is covered with a canopy for those who prefer shade. There is an access way from the sun deck to the bridge. The Sun Deck also features an unheated swimming pool (14 ft. x 28 ft. x 3.28 ft.) perfect for a refreshing dip. This deck is accessible to the upper deck via stairs and chair lift.

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.

Spa Facilities
Complete relaxation is yours in this onboard mini-spa facility, available by reservation. Enjoy private use of the sauna, whirlpool and solarium (tanning bed).

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 150 guests at 23 tables which vary in size, accommodating 4, 6 or 8 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. The room has a stereo system for playing quiet music during meals. The restaurant is accessible to the upper deck via staircase and elevator.

Reception/Lobby
The upper deck lobby area is your information center during your voyage. Your Cruise Manager’s desk is located here, so that you can easily ask questions or discuss the day’s activities. There is a public address system to announce events; there are also restrooms and an onboard souvenir shop. There is also an Internet station here, so you can check your email.

Observation Lounge/Bar
The Observation Lounge is a terrific place to meet old and new friends before and after meals. It boasts a large sitting area with chairs, small tables, sofas and a bar area with barstools; there is a 24-hour tea and coffee station with a fruit basket. 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.

FAQ

Can airfare be arranged?
Yes, we can arrange airfare from your home city.

Should I purchase insurance?
Yes, the purchase of medical and trip cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended.
Dates & Cruise Only Prices (Prices Reflect Early Booking Savings)

June 7, 2009 $1,749.00-$2,549.00 per person
July 5, 2009 $1,649.00-$2,449.00 per person
July 12, 2009 $1,649.00-$2,449.00 per person
July 19, 2009 $1,649.00-$2,449.00 per person
August 2, 2009 $1,649.00-$2,449.00 per person
August 9, 2009 $1,649.00-$2,449.00 per person
August 16, 2009 $1,649.00-$2,449.00 per person
August 30, 2009 $1,649.00-$2,449.00 per person
September 6, 2009 $2,149.00-$2,949.00 per person
September 13, 2009 $2,149.00-$2,949.00 per person
September 27, 2009 $2,149.00-$2,949.00 per person

Prices in USD.
Fares are based on double occupancy and include port charges. Limited single pricing is available; call for details. Additional fuel surcharges may be applied. Ocean Cruisers Savings: call for details. Offers listed above are valid on new bookings only as of December 20, 2008 and expire February 28, 2009. Offers are not combinable with any other offer except Referral Rewards travel credit. Must request offer code at time of reservation and pay in full at time of booking. Viking River Cruises reserves the right to correct or revise pricing or dates throughout the season

Tour Map

germany cruise map