The Journey To Switzerland

8 days
Museum Visits

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Experience the majestic Rhine River on an unforgettable journey from Düsseldorf to Basel. Begin your voyage through the heart of Europe in the charming town of Rüdesheim, known for its rolling vineyards, the famous Drosselgasse, and its picturesque old town, where local delicacies and fine wines await.

Continue on to Mannheim, where baroque grandeur meets modern innovation. Explore the magnificent Mannheim Palace, one of Europe’s largest baroque castles, and enjoy the energy of the city’s unique grid layout. Your journey then takes you to the romantic city of Strasbourg, where half-timbered houses, the stunning cathedral, and the quaint canals of "La Petite France" create a magical atmosphere.

In Breisach, perched high above the river, marvel at the panoramic views over the Kaiserstuhl, a haven for nature lovers and wine connoisseurs. Embrace the tranquility of this scenic region before arriving in Basel, a vibrant city that harmoniously blends art, culture, and history. Discover world-class museums, a historic old town, and striking contemporary architecture in this cultural hub.

This Rhine journey is a voyage through the diverse facets of Europe – from quaint wine-growing areas to historic cities and bustling cultural centers. A truly memorable experience that will touch your soul and enchant your senses.

Itinerary

day 1 | Düsseldorf

Rhenish lifestyle between tradition and modernity - Düsseldorf inspires with diversity! Here art and culture lovers get just as enthusiastic as shopping enthusiasts, here the Media Harbor impresses with contemporary architecture as well as the historic Old Town. The old town makes Düsseldorf with more than 250 cozy pubs to the "longest bar in the world". The traditional Altbier is not the only tasty thing here! A stroll along the Königsallee, the world-famous strolling mile, is something one does not want to miss - or rather a visit to one of the numerous sympathetic flea markets? And in the middle of it all: lots of Green and the Rhine with its riverside promenade to breathe easy . No wonder the VIVA Cruises family feels right at home here!

Rhenish lifestyle between tradition and modernity - Düsseldorf inspires with diversity! Here art and culture lovers get just as enthusiastic as shopping enthusiasts, here the Media Harbor impresses with contemporary architecture as well as the historic Old Town. The old town makes Düsseldorf with more than 250 cozy pubs to the "longest bar in the world". The traditional Altbier is not the only tasty thing here! A stroll along the Königsallee, the world-famous strolling mile, is something one does not want to miss - or rather a visit to one of the numerous sympathetic flea markets? And in the middle of it all: lots of Green and the Rhine with its riverside promenade to breathe easy . No wonder the VIVA Cruises family feels right at home here!


day 2 | Niederlahnstein

Niederlahnstein is a district of the city Lahnstein in the Rhineland-Palatinate state of Germany. It is situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Lahn rivers, approximately 6 kilometers south of Koblenz. Historically an independent town, it merged with Oberlahnstein in 1969 to form the modern city.


day 2 | Lorelei, Germany

Ithroned in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valleyon a slate rock the bronze statue of the Loreley and sparkles seductively in the evening sunshine. The myth described by Clemens Brentano to Heinrich Heine goes with a natural phenomenon that was the undoing of many lakepeople in earlier times: The rock reefs are getting closer, The Rhine begins to gush and sets course for a sharp curve. Numerous ruins, castles and wine villages observe this impressive spectacle, which to this day is unsurpassed in drama and romanticism.


day 2 | Rüdesheim

The picturesque town of Rüdesheim is located directly on the Rhine in Hesse and has many attractions, such as the famous Drosselgasse, where there are numerous wine bars, but also a castle and a torture museum, where medieval torture instruments and the history of the Inquisition are exhibited. A cable car goes up to the Niederwald Monument, which is located above the town. From here you can take a beautiful hike through pristine woodlands and then come to the chairlift that leads directly to Assmannshausen. This is also located on the Rhine.

The picturesque town of Rüdesheim is located directly on the Rhine in Hesse and has many attractions, such as the famous Drosselgasse, where there are numerous wine bars, but also a castle and a torture museum, where medieval torture instruments and the history of the Inquisition are exhibited. A cable car goes up to the Niederwald Monument, which is located above the town. From here you can take a beautiful hike through pristine woodlands and then come to the chairlift that leads directly to Assmannshausen. This is also located on the Rhine.


day 3 | Rüdesheim

The picturesque town of Rüdesheim is located directly on the Rhine in Hesse and has many attractions, such as the famous Drosselgasse, where there are numerous wine bars, but also a castle and a torture museum, where medieval torture instruments and the history of the Inquisition are exhibited. A cable car goes up to the Niederwald Monument, which is located above the town. From here you can take a beautiful hike through pristine woodlands and then come to the chairlift that leads directly to Assmannshausen. This is also located on the Rhine.


day 3 | Mannheim

The city of Mannheim is located on the Rhine, directly opposite Ludwigshafen in Baden-Württemberg. The castle is the landmark of the city and is located not far from the river. But also the water tower and in February the street carnival are known for the city, which is located only a few kilometers from Heidelberg. Particularly attractive are the squares in which the city center is laid out. The city center is large with numerous shopping opportunities and enough cafes to stop.

Mannheim, Germany, is a dynamic city known for its distinctive grid layout and vibrant cultural scene. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, it features the impressive Mannheim Palace and the lush Luisenpark. The city's modern architecture contrasts with its historical roots, while its thriving arts scene includes theaters, museums, and music festivals. Mannheim is also a key industrial and commercial hub, making it a blend of cultural richness and economic vitality.


day 4 | Mannheim

Mannheim, Germany, is a dynamic city known for its distinctive grid layout and vibrant cultural scene. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, it features the impressive Mannheim Palace and the lush Luisenpark. The city's modern architecture contrasts with its historical roots, while its thriving arts scene includes theaters, museums, and music festivals. Mannheim is also a key industrial and commercial hub, making it a blend of cultural richness and economic vitality.


day 5 | Strasbourg

From the first minute, the French Strasbourg enchants with colorful half-timbered idyll, Wilhelminian splendor architecture,new trendy neighborhoods and exciting museums. Even a short visit has a long-term effect thanks to the many inspirations! In the picturesque district of La Petite France, the moment can be enjoyed perfectly with a tarte flambée, before the imposing cathedral with stained glass windows and archways invites you to travel back in time to the Gothic period. Those who are free from giddiness should definitely take the 332 steps up to the viewing platformhere to see the Vosges and the Black Forest in the distance.

From the first minute, the French Strasbourg enchants with colorful half-timbered idyll, Wilhelminian splendor architecture,new trendy neighborhoods and exciting museums. Even a short visit has a long-term effect thanks to the many inspirations! In the picturesque district of La Petite France, the moment can be enjoyed perfectly with a tarte flambée, before the imposing cathedral with stained glass windows and archways invites you to travel back in time to the Gothic period. Those who are free from giddiness should definitely take the 332 steps up to the viewing platformhere to see the Vosges and the Black Forest in the distance.


day 6 | Breisach

Although large parts of the city were almost completely destroyed during the Second World War, Breisach has a variety of beautiful sights. St. Stephen's Minster, the symbol of the city, fascinates with its well-known treasures. The vivid Rhine Gate, which has been modified into a museum, convinces with the historical town history. If that doesn't convince, an extensive tour visiting romantic and historic churches will. Culture lovers come here at their expense.

Breisach is a town located in Southwest Germany on the French border. The town is situated in the Rhine Valley on the banks of the river Rhine and dates back over four thousand years. Breisach and its history can be experienced through the City History Museum, which houses a permanent exhibition taking you from Stone Age through the Celtic, to the Romans and Middle Ages, right up to modern day. St Stephen's Cathedral is home to the city’s famous art treasures, the wheel wells, which are housed in the neighbouring Radbrunnenturm with the forty one metre deep water well. The cathedral is also home to many other treasures including the High Altar of Master HL and wall paintings by Martin Schongauer as well as High Gothic and Roman architecture. A visit to the Blue House, the former Jewish Community Centre, is highly recommended. Now owned by the Friends of Former Jewish Community House Breisach it exhibits memorials to Breisach’s Jewish heritage.


day 7 | Basel

Basel is a city of particular contrasts. In the city on the border of Switzerland with Germany and France, visitors experience the unique combination of more than 2000 years of history with modernity. In the cityscape of Basel, historical buildings from the 15th century complement each other with the most modern architecture to form an exciting, yet harmonious overall picture. The city's main landmark is the 800-year-old Basel Cathedral. Directly behind the cathedral, one can enjoy a magnificent view of the old town and the famous Mittlere Brücke (Middle Bridge) over the Rhine from the Palatinate. The Red Town Hall and the Spalentor are also not to be missed during a visit to the city. Last but not least, the approximately 40 museums of Basel are an attraction for art and culture lovers from all over Europe..

Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city's Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a river crossings over the River Rhine by non-motorised ferries. During the summer months, time is spent outdoors, either swimming in the River Rhine, dining al fresco, enjoying open air concerts, cinema, street parties and festivals. Basel is home to over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards, and boasts Switzerland's largest collection of theatre shows, including modern contemporary dance, touring and puppetry theatre.


day 8 | Basel

Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city's Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a river crossings over the River Rhine by non-motorised ferries. During the summer months, time is spent outdoors, either swimming in the River Rhine, dining al fresco, enjoying open air concerts, cinema, street parties and festivals. Basel is home to over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards, and boasts Switzerland's largest collection of theatre shows, including modern contemporary dance, touring and puppetry theatre.


What's included

VIVA All-Inclusive

  • Diner

    Full board with breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner (multi-course gourmet menus, served at the table) and snacks with free choice of table and flexible meal times.

  • Soda

    All day high quality hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of alcoholic beverages; have a look at our bar menu

  • High Tea

    High Tea: once per trip a selection of sweet and savory treats such as scones, sandwiches, cupcakes, chocolates and macarons. A variety of teas are offered to match

  • Minibar

    daily freshly stocked minibar and reusable water bottle in the cabin

  • Sekt

    A warm welcome with a welcome champagne - here's to a wonderful stay on board

  • Beauty

    Selected beauty products from RITUALS

  • Wifi

    Free WLAN on board - for undisturbed reception

  • Service

    Tips for the entire crew


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