Trying to plan a multi-country European vacation can get overwhelming fast. Do you rent a car? How many hotels do you book? Is it even worth dragging your suitcase across cobblestone streets just to change cities every other day? That’s where a Viking comes in. With just one booking, you get a comfortable stateroom, guided tours, regional food, and a front-row seat to some of Europe’s most scenic rivers, including seeing the beauty of the rivers Main and Rhine with Viking River Cruises.
Disclosure: I was provided complimentary travel for the cruise below. All opinions are my own and I was not provided any other compensation for the trip.
What is a Viking River Cruise?
Viking’s river cruises are popular with travelers looking for a mix of comfort, culture, and convenience. On the Rhine and Main Explorer itinerary, you sail for 11 days aboard a Viking longship designed for around 190 guests. The ships have a modern, Scandinavian feel with spacious lounges, understated luxury, and a relaxed atmosphere. The rooms, while on the smaller side, are equipped with everything needed. One plus for those from the United States is that the cabins have a few 120V outlets in addition to 240V outlets.
Each day includes a guided shore excursion, and there are cultural lectures and port talks that help you understand the places you’re visiting. Meals are prepared with regional ingredients, and beer and wine are served with lunch and dinner. It’s an efficient, comfortable way to explore multiple cities without unpacking more than once.
One important thing to remember is that in this area of Europe, almost everything is closed on Sundays. That includes drugstores and souvenir shops. The exception? Breweries or beer gardens. Public transportation runs seven days a week.
Itinerary of Trip on Main and Rhine with Viking River Cruises
Viking’s newest itinerary explores the Main and Rhine with Viking River Cruises on an 11-day trip that goes mostly through southern Germany, exploring the Black Forest and Bavaria, along with the Alsace region of France. Guests can choose to start in Basel, Switzerland or Nuremberg, Germany; all stops in between remain the same.
Basel, Switzerland
The cruise begins in Basel, a cosmopolitan Swiss city where French, German, and Swiss influences meet. The Old Town has colorful buildings, historic squares, and a mix of modern and traditional architecture. It’s also home to dozens of museums. Since this trip spends two days in Basel, you’ll have plenty of time to explore.
Breisach, Germany
This small town near the edge of the Black Forest has plenty of scenic views and charming streets. You can join a tour into the forest or enjoy a pastry and coffee while soaking in the peaceful vibe. The region is also known for wine and fruit brandy. There is a church on a very high hill that the included excursion took us up to. It provided beautiful views of the area.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg’s La Petite France neighborhood looks like a storybook, with half-timbered buildings, flower boxes, and cobblestone lanes. A highlight is the Strasbourg Cathedral, an impressive Gothic structure with an astronomical clock. French pastries, Flammekueche (which resembles a very thin pizza without sauce) and Alsatian wines (including Riesling) are a must-try here. In the main square, behind the carousel, is a wine center that hosts local wine makers. For a small fee, you can sample their creations; it is well worth the time to stop in.
Karlsruhe, Germany
Karlsruhe stands out with its unique city layout and central palace. It blends historic landmarks with a modern feel. While not as quaint as some other stops, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Germany beyond the typical medieval towns. Stop to get a look at the Karlsruhe Palace, which was built in the early 1800s and head to the back – in the gardens area is a lovely little cafe upstairs where you can get a slice of yummy cake and a glass of wine or beer.
Frankfurt, Germany
The financial capital of Germany, Frankfurt, has a lot to offer. The skyline is modern, but the old town and museum district along the river give it character. The birthplace of Anne Frank, the Jewish Museum Frankfurt, is home to the Frank Family Center, which provides researchers access to her family history. There are also multiple places of remembrance for the teen throughout the city. If you’re a shopper, then Frankfurt is your spot! Don’t forget to bring your passport onshore, though, so you can get your VAT refund paperwork if you’re planning on spending a bit of money (this is the only time you’ll need to bring your passport off the ship during the trip).
The ship docks right in the middle of downtown Frankfort, which is excellent. My one complaint about our stop in Frankfurt, though, is that it was much too short, and only about four hours. Hopefully, Viking will provide future cruisers a little more time to explore this interesting city.
Marktheidenfeld and Lohr am Main, Germany
While the ship ports in Marktheidenfeld, the highlight was taking a bus on the Autobahn to Lohr am Main. This tiny village is the home of the original Snow White, on whom the fairy tale is based. The castle, Schloss Lohr, can be toured, and if you’re lucky, you can see a woman outside dressed like Snow White whom you can take photos with.
One of my favorite things about Lohr am Main was the quaint, tiny village feel it had to it. There were outdoor cafes, and I also finally got to experience the German dish of spaghetti ice cream! Soft serve vanilla ice cream pushed through a machine with small holes, it’s topped with strawberry sauce to represent tomato sauce and white chocolate shavings to replicate cheese. It’s a must try while in Germany.
Würzburg, Germany
Known for its baroque architecture and wine culture, Würzburg’s highlight is the UNESCO-listed Würzburg Residence, a grand palace with beautiful gardens, a spectacular mirror room and ceiling frescoes. One powerful room has photos of what the Residence looked like after the bombing of Würzburg in World War II. Seeing how it was rebuilt to spec was amazing.
While there, also look for the chapel, which is located outside and away from the central part of the building. Plan to spend at least several hours exploring this location.
I took the additional tour of the Juliusspital Winery. Not only was the wine tasting excellent, but learning about this winery, where proceeds go towards the local hospital and heading into the cellars that were also used as bomb shelters during World War II was fascinating.
Bamberg, Germany
Bamberg is famous for its smoked beer, but even if you’re not a beer drinker, the town’s medieval charm is worth the visit. With winding alleys, small bridges and historic buildings, it feels like stepping into the past. A great walking city, it is hilly, which can be challenging if you’re not used to it, but the views near the cathedral make it worth it.
If you are a beer lover, don’t miss enjoying the beer garden at the Schlenkerla, the brewery that created smoked beer. It’s a unique experience.
Nuremberg, Germany
Our cruise ended in Nuremberg, a city with a complicated but fascinating history. You can explore its castle, medieval streets, and World War II-era sites, including the site of the Nuremberg Trials. It’s a powerful and meaningful way to close out the journey, which might feel heavy but is important to remember.
Food and Drinks on Viking River Cruises
Food is a standout part of the Viking experience. You’ll find regional dishes and classics, served in a relaxed restaurant setting or outside on the Aquavit Terrace, when the weather is nice. Beer and wine flow freely with meals, and there are themed nights to match your surroundings. We were impressed with the variety of food options, and dessert at dinner was always a hit.
For an upgrade, the Silver Spirits package lets you sample local wines and spirits beyond the included offerings. With this package, you’re able to drink additional wines outside the suggested wine for the night without any extra charge. Honestly, though, the house wines and beers were good, so if you aren’t looking for mixed drinks or have particular wine tastes, going without the package won’t leave you feeling like you’re missing out.
Also, Viking allows guests to bring food and wine onboard. Each cabin has a mini fridge, and if you’d like to enjoy a bottle of wine you purchased at one of the ports during a meal, Viking doesn’t charge a corkage fee.
Who Should Take a Viking River Cruise
Viking River Cruises are for adults only, so if you’re traveling with anyone under the age of 18, this isn’t the cruise for you. On this trip, the guests were in their mid-40s and older, and the vibe was friendly but calm. You should also be comfortable chatting with new people since excursions often involve mingling and all meals are open seating.
If you have limited mobility, Viking does offer accessible staterooms and mobility-friendly excursions. However, electric scooters or wheelchairs may have problems on Viking’s river ships, not only because of the narrow hallways and lack of elevators to all levels, but also because some ports use angled gangways. Those using canes can navigate this if they take their time. Also, remember that some ports don’t have dockside transportation. If someone in your group has mobility issues, they should request mobility-friendly excursions. Although these excursions may not visit all the sites, they require less walking for those who struggle with long distances.
I took this trip with my mom, who is in her 80s and walks with a cane. Once we got her into the excursions that went a little slower, there weren’t issues, and she met some great people in her tour group (I chose to stay with the traditional tour group, which gave us a little space, and I could still see everything in town).
Not sure if your electric scooter will fit or if your travel partner will be comfortable? Call Viking ahead of booking to discuss with their team.
What’s Included in a Viking River Cruise
Viking River cruises are mostly all-inclusive. Here’s what you get:
- One guided shore excursion in each port
- All meals on board, with beer, wine, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner
- Complimentary WiFi (there is no option to upgrade from the basic level provided)
- Cultural programming, lectures, and enrichment activities
- Airport transfers (if you book air through Viking)
Viking River Cruise FAQs
What countries do you visit on the Rhine and Main Explorer cruise?
On this trip, you visit Switzerland, France and Germany, with the majority of the stops in Germany and one stop each in the other two countries
How long is the cruise on the Main and Rhine with Viking River Cruises?
The cruise is 11 days, which includes two days in the starting port and two days in the final port.
What is included in a Viking River Cruise fare?
The fare includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, sodas, juices, coffee, house wine or beer at lunch and dinner, onboard accommodations, WiFi and one guided shore excursion at each port.
Are Viking River Cruises all-inclusive?
Technically no. Guests are responsible for airfare and transportation to and from the airport, unless arranged through Viking. There are also additional add-ons available, such as liquor packages and other excursions before, during or after the cruise.
Is a Viking River Cruise good for people with limited mobility?
Generally yes. It is a moving ship, even if it’s slow, which may impact some. Also, the angled gangplanks may not be navigable by some. Also, the river ship only has one elevator that goes from the main level to the dining room. Anyone wanting to access the top deck or rooms on any other level must take the stairs. There are accessible rooms available and guests can even request a shower chair, if needed.
Can we relax on the top open-air deck of a Viking River Longship?
Yes, but, for this itinerary, only during some parts of the trip. The Main River has very low bridges, so on that portion of the cruise, the top deck is closed for safety purposes. On the Rhine River, the top level is open.
Will we get to see any locks on the Main and Rhine with Viking River Cruises?
Yes! You will go through 51 locks on the Main and Rhine rivers between Basel and Nuremberg. If you have a balcony room, it’s interesting to see how close you actually get to the walls of the locks. On the Rhine river, you can stay on the top of the open-air deck as you to through (grab an umbrella from one of the staff first!); on the Main, as noted above, you can’t be on the top deck so will have to watch from your room or the lounge area is also a great viewing spot.
What is the food like on a Viking River Cruise?
It was good! There is a set menu for each meal, as well as a rotating menu that changes daily. The rotating menu at dinner often follows the cuisine of the port that you visited that day, so we enjoyed a variety of dishes, including seasonal white asparagus soup and schnitzel.
Room service is not available on a Viking River Cruise. So, if you’re not in the mood to mingle after a long day, make sure that you have something to nosh on in your room.
Do Viking River Cruises have a dress code?
No! The dress code is quite casual. People don’t get dressed up for dinner and generally wear the same clothes they would wear while walking around the city. We didn’t see a lot of jeans, but slacks, sneakers, shorts and sundresses were all on display when we went.
Who is the typical passenger on a Viking River Cruise?
On this trip, we had people in their 40s and people in their late 80s. There were couples, groups, friends and even a brother and sister. Most guests on our trip were from the United States, but there were some British and Canadians as well. Personally I would feel very comfortable taking this trip as a solo traveler as well.
Do Viking River Cruises have a spa and pools?
Some of them do have a pool, but on this particular ship, the Viking Skirnir, there is not one. None of the Viking Longships offer spa services. Although music was played at night, there wasn’t much to do in the evening outside of the few times the crew hosted a trivia night. This worked fine for us because we were so tired after dinner, we would go back to the room to read or watch a movie. If you or your travel mates need a lot of things to feel occupied, this is not the trip for you. I had expected more onboard cultural talks by local experts, but I hope Viking will update this aspect as the itinerary progresses.
This Rhine & Main Explorer itinerary is an excellent mix of major cities and charming small towns across Switzerland, Germany, and France. You can enjoy the scenery from the top deck, learn something new every day, and eat well without lifting a finger to plan.
It’s not for everyone, but if you like thoughtful travel with a slower pace and good conversation, this might be the cruise for you.
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