Name: Christmas on the Rhine
Brand: Viking River Cruises

Overview

The Viking Kara leaves Basel behind as she sets course for Northern Europe and Baltic Sea on this 7-night Viking River Cruises sailing. The itinerary features stops at 3 destinations, including Breisach and Rüdesheim am Rhein, before arriving in Amsterdam. The pacing of this itinerary is spot on: enough ports to feel adventurous, enough sea days to truly unwind. Prices for this cruise start from £2,795 per person.

Viking River Cruises

Viking is the largest river cruise line operators in the world, with a fleet of 76 ships running sailings across four continents on an army of award-winning ships. The river arm of Viking is just one of Viking's cruise options, the super-premium Norwegian ocean cruise line known for its superlative cruise experience, small ships with Scandi-chic interiors and fantastic destination and cultural enrichment programme.

On the river, Viking offers cruisers the chance to sail in Europe, Asia, Africa and the US, offering facilities like sundeck swimming pools, relaxing Aquavit terraces and well-stocked libraries. Continually making new additions and expanding, Viking has recently upped its Nile river cruise game with two new ships, and also sails the Mississippi river.

The cruise line also champions themed cruises, taking passengers to the likes of the Passion Play at Oberammergau and offering exclusive pre-and post-cruise land tours.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Basel

Basel is Switzerland’s gateway to the Rhine, combining medieval and modern charm. Its Old Town has narrow streets, Gothic spires and the impressive Basel Minster cathedral. With world-class art fairs and museums, including the Kunstmuseum and Fondation Beyeler, Basel is strong on culture. The city’s riverside promenade is lively in summer, with cafés and outdoor events.Basel is at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany, making it a fascinating mix of influences, ideal for art and history lovers.

Day 2

Breisach

Breisach is set on a hilltop, overlooking the Rhine and the vineyards of the Kaiserstuhl region. The town’s St Stephen’s Cathedral, with its striking tower, is a prominent landmark visible from the river.Breisach’s compact historic centre offers quiet streets, traditional wine taverns and small museums. The surrounding rolling vineyards produce some of Germany’s best white wines.

Day 3

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany, and its culture and architecture reflect a blend of both influences. The Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and canals often called “La Petite France”.The Strasbourg Cathedral, with its intricate pink sandstone façade and astronomical clock, dominates the skyline. Strasbourg also has a reputation as a European political centre, housing the European Parliament.

Day 4

Mannheim

Day 4

Rüdesheim am Rhein

Day 5

Koblenz

Koblenz occupies a strategic position where the Moselle River meets the Rhine, known as the Deutsches Eck (German Corner). The imposing Ehrenbreitstein Fortress overlooks the city, offering expansive views of the twin rivers and surrounding hills.The old town’s pedestrian streets have baroque churches, historic town halls and riverside promenades with cafés and markets. Visitors can take a cable car linking the Rhine to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for river and city views.

Day 5

Day 6

Cologne

Cologne has roots going back to Roman times. Dominating the skyline is the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s largest Gothic churches. Don’t miss a visit to see its soaring spires, intricate façades and stained-glass windows.Beyond the cathedral, Cologne’s Old Town features cobbled streets lined with colourful medieval houses, cosy beer halls and cafés where the local Kölsch beer is served. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with museums dedicated to Roman history, modern art and chocolate.The Rhine promenade is a good option for a relaxed walk and a chance to check out the city’s bridges.

Day 7

Dordrecht

Day 8

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ lively capital, famous for its historic canals and art museums. Cruising into the city reveals a network of waterways lined with tall, narrow houses with ornate gables, a hallmark of Dutch Golden Age architecture. The city’s past as a busy trading city can be seen in its harbour and historic buildings.Exploring on foot or by bike, visitors can check out world-class museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, alongside the poignant Anne Frank House. The city’s compact centre makes it easy to wander through charming neighbourhoods like Jordaan with its boutique shops, cafés and galleries.Despite its popularity, Amsterdam maintains a relaxed vibe with leafy canals and parks offering a peaceful break from the busy centre.

Day 1

Basel

Day 2

Breisach

Day 3

Strasbourg

Day 4

Mannheim

Day 4

Rüdesheim am Rhein

Day 5

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 7

Dordrecht

Day 8

Amsterdam

190

Passengers

Crew

2014

Launched

5000t

Tonnage

135m

Length

29m

Width

15kts

Speed

Decks

EUR

Currency

Viking Kara

Valkyrie & Swan Maiden

In Norse mythology Kara is one of the Valkyries who are also known as swan maidens or wish maidens.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Wonderful river cruise

First time on a Viking River cruise and we had a brilliant time. Stayed in a swan cabin and it was very comfortable. The underfloor heating in the bathroom was a lovely touch especially in the winter. The food and staff were excellent. We met some really nice people. Would certainly recommend. It was that good that book another river cruise and an ocean cruise.

Viking River Cruises Viking Vilhjalm

Reviews

Wonderful river cruise

First river cruise and it didn't disappoint. Had 2 days in Budapest arranged by Viking the hotel was brilliant. Transported to ship which was very efficient. We stayed in a swan cabin. Thought this might have felt small and a bit dark, but it was the opposite. It was bright and airy. The shelf by the swan window was great for putting stuff on. It also let in quite a bit of light. The cabin was very quite and the bed lovely and comfortable. I would certainly recommend a swan cabin for a winter cruise. We visited the Christmas markets which were great. Most of the excursions where good. There was only two walking tours that were a bit boring, but that was due to us as we had already took in most of the sights on our before joining the tour. Food and drink was very good.

Viking River Cruises Viking Vilhjalm

Reviews

Interesting number of countries

Very comfortable and food and cabin really good. Very intensive ports and if you love cathedrals etc you will be happy!

Viking River Cruises Viking Rinda

Reviews

Outstanding

My first Viking river cruise along the Danube and one that I’ll never forget. Perfect service, great stopovers and food and cabin fantastic. My only quibble was that most of the actual cruising was at night so missed much of the beautiful landscape, but a small price to pay for time in amazing places. I have become a Viking addict as a result of this magnificent holiday

Viking River Cruises Viking Embla

Reviews

Attentive always - a stress free holiday

Always great care & attention given to all passengers from the moment picked up from the destination airport. Coach transportation to the ship very comfortable. All crew made us feel very welcome. Cabins were more than comfortable, all facilities & amenities were always maintained to a very high standard. Extensive choice when dining - beverages various & food always plentiful. Crew attentive at all times. Willing to assist if necessary. Places to visit on the cruise - carefully planned for all passengers ability. Have been with Viking several times- a wonderful break away. Cannot fault anything. Will definitely go again.

Viking River Cruises Viking Beyla

Reviews

The tour guides are well versed in the knowledge of their cities.

The ship is an intimate group of travelers , all with the same goals of seeing another part of the world. The staff is impeccable the captain interacts with the guest . The food is absolutely our standing ! The chief is available for all thee meals to custom create them for you. The tour guides that Viking has hired are well versed in their cities . In the evening the cruise director has chosen fun activities and entertainment for our enjoyment.

Viking River Cruises Viking Atla

Reviews

Happy reunions

We enjoyed a quiet winters cruise from Passau to Budapest meeting old friends in Passau, Vienna and Budapest. We had a touch of overnight snow and a few drops of rain during the day in Passau but otherwise the weather was quite acceptable albeit chilly. We were upgraded to a veranda suite but had mixed views about the smaller bedroom versus the additional "sitting" room. We ate breakfasts in the Buffet as it was too cold to eat on the Aquavit Terrace. There, we enjoyed a personal service from a Romanian steward. For dinners we ate in the main restaurant and enjoyed a free silver service. We dined with different guests most days and enjoyed a good variety of discussions. The guides for our trips were well trained and we enjoyed all the free visits. It was an altogether enjoyable way to visit old haunts and meet old friends.

Viking River Cruises Viking Var

Reviews

Excellent Danube river cruise, especially with extension in Nuremberg

Excellent 8 day Danube river cruise, with a 2 day extension in Nuremberg. Visited medieval towns in Germany, faithfully reconstructed after World War 2. Travelled from Belfast to Budapest via London Heathrow. Enjoyed 2 days in Budapest, including a visit to the tragic memorial, of the shoes on the bank of the Danube. One 'bucket list' item achieved! The cruise included a part day visit to Vienna, Krems, Passau and Regensburg. Our two baggage cases had been delayed at London Heathrow on 11 July 2025. One of these cases had been found and delivered to Viking Tor at Regensburg on 17 July 2025! Our Danube cruise ended in Nuremburg, and we added a 2 day extension in Nuremberg, to experience the presentation of the Nuremberg trials after World War 2! A second 'bucket list' item fulfilled! We arrived home in Belfast on 20 July 2025, and our second baggage case was finally found and delivered to my house on 30 July 2025. In summary, a summer cruise holiday, never to be forgotten!

Viking River Cruises Viking Tor