The Cruise for People Who Don't Do Cruises

We started the trip in Amsterdam, staying at the Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium before boarding the ship, which was the perfect way to ease into the trip before the more relaxed pace of the river took over. From there, the route goes all the way to Basel, stopping at some of the most beautiful towns and cities along the Rhine: Kinderdijk, Cologne, Koblenz, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Colmar, and Basel. Each stop is different enough that the trip never feels repetitive, and one of the best parts is that you can choose which excursions to join and which days to simply stay on the boat and watch the world go by. Viking's routes vary by season, so it's worth reaching out to me to see what itinerary is currently available.

The boat

The Viking longship is beautiful. The design is sleek and modern, and because of the shape and scale of the boat, it never feels crowded or overwhelming. There was always somewhere comfortable to sit, always space to breathe. The stateroom with a veranda was one of the best decisions I made: waking up every morning with the Rhine right outside my window, watching the landscape change while still in bed, is one of those simple travel pleasures that's hard to describe until you've experienced it. The beds are extremely comfortable, the rooms are generous in size, and the service throughout is exceptional.

The observation deck is one of my favorite things about the boat: glass panels all around so you can watch the scenery without anything interrupting the view. Taking a glass of wine up there in the afternoon sun while the river moves past you is the kind of moment that makes you understand why people do this trip again and again. The food on board was varied, well done, and genuinely good every single day.

The stops

Colmar was my favorite. Walking through it felt like being inside a fairy tale: colorful half-timbered houses, flower boxes on every window, canals running through the streets. If you've ever seen Beauty and the Beast, that's the visual. I did one of the excursions into the Black Forest, which was beautiful, very accessible, and not at all strenuous. The glasswork in the region is also worth noting: I bought a stunning centerpiece that remains one of my favorite souvenirs from any trip. I also stopped at Colmar's covered market, a beautiful iron and wood structure with organic produce, cheese, and flowers from local Alsatian farms. One thing that caught my eye there: pomegranates from Peru, sitting right among the French produce. A small detail that made the world feel very small.

Heidelberg was breathtaking—one of those cities that stops you in your tracks. I visited in the height of summer and the heat made it hard to explore as much as I wanted, which is my only regret of the whole trip. I'd go back just for Heidelberg.

Cologne's cathedral is one of those things you see in photos and think you understand, and then you stand in front of it and realize you didn't at all. It's enormous and extraordinary in a way that photos simply don't capture. Right on the Rhine and a short walk from the cathedral, the Chocolate Museum is one of Cologne's most fun stops: a nearly 10-foot-tall chocolate fountain filled with 440 pounds of Lindt chocolate, a glass factory where you can watch production in real time, and a shop where you can stock up on chocolate to take back to the boat.

And then there are the hours in between, when you're not in any city at all: just on the boat, moving through the Rhine valley, watching castles appear on hilltops and vineyards roll past the windows. Those moments are as much a part of the experience as any stop on the itinerary.

Who is this trip for

This is perfect for couples and groups of friends, particularly those who appreciate comfort, good food, and a relaxed pace over high-intensity sightseeing. My brother and I were among the youngest on board and had a wonderful time, but I'll be transparent: the experience is designed with a slightly older traveler in mind, probably 50 and up. If that's your travel companion, or if you're a couple looking for something romantic and unhurried, this is one of the best trips you can do in Europe.

Late July and early August are high summer and the heat can be intense at some stops, particularly inland cities like Heidelberg. Late spring or early fall would be my recommendation for more comfortable temperatures and equally beautiful scenery. Viking's routes and stops vary by season and itinerary, so the cities mentioned in this report reflect my own trip and may not match exactly what's offered today. The cruise is all-inclusive in terms of meals and many excursions, which makes budgeting very straightforward. Pack light layers for evenings on the deck, which can get cool once the sun goes down. If you're curious about this trip or want help finding the right itinerary and dates, reach out to me directly.

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