Cruising the Rhine with Viking
There’s something special about seeing Europe from the water. Instead of airport queues, constant packing and rushing between destinations, you simply wake up each morning somewhere new, with another postcard-perfect village waiting outside your window.
I recently experienced Viking’s Rhine Getaway itinerary aboard Viking’s Mani Longship, cruising from Basel to Amsterdam through Switzerland, Germany, France and the Netherlands. It’s easy to see why this is one of Viking’s most popular journeys.
What stood out most was the pace. River cruising feels very different to ocean cruising – it’s slower, more immersive and centred around the destinations rather than big onboard entertainment. Days are spent wandering through charming towns, enjoying beautiful scenery and soaking up the local culture, while the onboard atmosphere felt relaxed, elegant and incredibly personal.
One of my favourite experiences was in Germany’s Black Forest, where I joined an e-bike tour through the stunning countryside. Riding through picturesque villages, lush forest landscapes and rolling hills gave me a completely different perspective of the region and was such a fun way to experience the scenery.
One of the things many people don’t realise about river cruising is how easy it is. Ships often dock right in the heart of town, making it simple to step off and explore. There’s no constant packing and unpacking, the scenery changes throughout the day, and with smaller ships the experience feels far more personal and social.
For me, the Rhine Getaway was a wonderful reminder that travel doesn’t always have to be fast-paced to be memorable. Sometimes the best experiences come from slowing down and simply enjoying the journey along the way.