There are few vacations more magical than harnessing the cozy charm of the Rhine River than sailing through the Netherlands, Germany, and France on this unique eight-day Viking Cruise. The "Rhine Getaway" affords behind-the-scenes access to some very exclusive historic locations. The adventure begins in Amsterdam and offers some once-in-a-lifetime experiences with access to notable historic landmarks you cannot easily encounter otherwise.
In the Netherlands, opt for the tour of the Kinderdijk, by vintage barge. You will explore the heart of the Kinderdijk, an Idyllic World Heritage Site village, famed for its iconic windmills. Guests arrive on the Jantina, a 125-year old restored cargo vessel, adapted to transport visitors to the Blokker Windmill, the oldest Kinderdijk windmill, dating back to 1630. The miller and his family will welcome you and provide a unique look at what it would have taken to keep this windmill running in the 17th century, including a peek at the vegetable garden, cooking shed, and the outhouse. During your cruise, the tour includes an explanation of water management in the region and the vital role it played historically in windmills of this era.
After exploring 17th century Holland, drift back further through the years to the medieval city of Cologne, Germany. Dating back to the 1st century CE, by the Middle Ages it developed into the Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire. It was one of the largest European cities in medieval and renaissance times and remains a major cultural center for Rhineland. The medieval Cologne Cathedral, also known as Kölner Dom, is the tallest cathedral in the world. It is a globally recognized landmark and one of the most visited sights in Europe. On the Viking Rhine getaway, you will have the privilege of heading up to the roof the Dom with a local guide who is part of the Dom's excavation and restoration crew. Ascend the outside wall on the same lift that is used by the current restoration crew and enter the very ceiling of the cathedral through a rooftop door. This experience allows you an unprecedented tour of the vast tower spaces and massive iron structures supporting the roof. The journey allows for access to restoration workshops and close-up views of the cathedral's Gothic architecture. Not for the faint of heart, the opportunity is best suited for those who are not afraid of heights and in good physical condition to negotiate the tight spaces and 104-step spiral staircase.
If you would rather visit the more expected and iconic stops on your Rhineland tour, Viking has you covered. The "Rhine Getaway" includes renowned museums and notable landmarks, such as the full day tour of Heidelberg; a guided tour of Strasbourg, including medieval-covered bridges, churches, parks, art nouveau and modernist architecture; a morning getaway to the Black Forest, followed by a cuckoo clock-making demonstration; a walk through Colmar to discover its storybook charm of streets lined with medieval, gothic and renaissance buildings.
Based in Los Angeles, Viking provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world.
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