Viking has announced that its new river journey Rhine & Main Explorer is now open for booking. The new itinerary set to commence in April 2025, combines two of Europe’s most historic rivers, sailing between Basel, Switzerland and Nuremberg, Germany, exploring storybook castles and UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way.
The 11-day voyage visits three countries, allowing guests the opportunity to experience the rich cultures of southern Germany and neighbouring Switzerland and France. The itinerary boasts nine included tours offering guests a deep discovery of two of Europe’s most storied rivers with charming old towns, medieval castles and one of Europe’s high-powered business hubs.
“The Rhine and Main rivers offer guests a constantly changing view of hilltop castles, historic towns and steep terraced vineyards. It is a region that will always be best explored by the river,” said Michelle Black, ANZ Managing Director, Viking.
“The Rhine River is a popular region with travellers, with many of our guests having already sailed it, so we are pleased to offer this exciting new itinerary combining the best the Rhine and Main rivers have to offer.”
The Rhine & Main Explorer itinerary allows clientss to visit Basel to immerse in the Swiss capital of culture with its charming old town steeped in tradition. Clients can savour the culinary traditions of the Alsace region while admiring the terraced vineyards dating back to Roman times and taste the region’s renowned red and white wines. Travellers can visit Frankfurt, one of Europe’s high-powered business hubs, and the lesser-known historic towns in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, filled with turreted castles and a fascinating history that exudes a rich tapestry of medieval charm.
Viking’s Rhine & Main Explorer Itinerary Highlights:
- The rich Bavarian heritage of Marktheidenfeld.
- Frankfurt, a major financial centre and rich hub of culture, history and architecture, straddling the Main River and nicknamed “Mainhattan” for its skyline that resembles Manhattan.
- Germany’s fabled Black Forest region and verdant hills amid stunning scenery.
- The various culinary traditions of Alsace.
- Strasbourg’s convivial mix of cultural influences on the border of France and Germany.
- Bishops’ Residenz in Wurzburg, a large, ornate baroque palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Sampling medieval Bamburg’s distinctive Rauchbier and visiting its Town Hall.
- Nuremberg’s Palace of Justice, Old Town and Market Square in this history-filled city.
Hosting just 190 guests in 95 staterooms, the award-winning fleet of identical Viking Longships® offers a variety of stateroom categories and true, two-room suites with full-size verandas. Onboard amenities include a restaurant, bar and lounge, library and expansive sun deck. The ships feature al fresco dining on the revolutionary Aquavit Terrace, elegant Scandinavian design and environmentally considerate features, such as solar panels, an onboard organic herb garden and energy-efficient hybrid engines for a remarkably smooth ride.
Booking Details
Rhine & Main Explorer has 45 scheduled departure dates, beginning from 13 April 2025 and running through 19 November 2025 with included economy flights if booked before 28 March 2024*.
For additional information, contact your Viking commercial manager, Viking at 138 747 (AU) or 0800 447 913 (New Zealand) or visit viking.com.
