Rhine & Main Explorer

Fly to Munich, where you will be met by your Viking Representative and transfer to Garmisch. After check-in, the remainder of your day is free to explore this beautiful setting in the heart of the Bavarian Alps. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in Garmisch-Partenkirchen so you can make the most of your visit.

After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive through alpine scenery to Innsbruck. Upon arrival, you will embark on a guided walking tour. See the Hofburg, the former imperial palace of the Hapsburg Dynasty, and the Goldenes Dachl, a striking gold-roofed balcony and Innsbruck’s most famous landmark. After time to explore the city on your own, head to Mittenwald, a charming village renowned for its crafting of exquisite string instruments. Following a stroll of its center, return to your hotel. (B)

This morning, drive to Ettal to visit the centuries-old Benedictine abbey, one of Bavaria’s architectural gems. Step inside to admire the elaborately painted ceiling, then continue to Oberammergau, a charming village best-known for its decennial event, The Passion Play. Learn about its origins and bear witness to the town’s long-standing traditions of wood carving and frescoes, found on many of the buildings. Afterward, return to your hotel before joining your fellow guests for dinner. (B, D)

Check out of your hotel and journey to Munich, the Bavarian capital. Drive down the royal avenue of Maximilianstrasse, gloriously lined with neo-Gothic architecture. On foot, head to Marienplatz, the city’s main square, and admire the Neues Rathaus, or New Town Hall, adorned with the famous Glockenspiel that springs to life at eleven o’clock each morning. After free time to explore the city on your own, board your motor coach and travel to Nuremberg, where you will board your awaiting ship. (B)

Transfer to your hotel. Upon arrival, embark on a guided walk through the Old Town and see the Chapel Bridge, iconic Water Tower and many burgher houses. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Alternatively, you can take an optional excursion to the summit of Stanserhorn Mountain for stunning alpine views. Ascend the mountain in style in a vintage funicular car, originally built in 1893. At the halfway point, embark an open air double-decker cable car and enjoy lunch at the top.

Today, enjoy free time in Lucerne as you explore this picture-postcard town independently. Alternatively, you may choose to join a full-day optional excursion including a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne and a cog railway trip to the top of one of the region’s spectacular mountains. At a local dairy farm, tour the facility and produce your own cheese. Complete your Swiss experience with a delicious fondue meal. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Disembark your ship in Basel and journey to Lucerne. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided walk with free time for lunch, before boarding your train for a scenic journey to Interlaken. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in the Jungfrau Region so you can make the most of your visit. This evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Today, you will board a train for Lauterbrunnen, changing here to embark a cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg, the gateway to the Jungfrau Region. Upon arrival, disembark the train and spend time admiring the views over the three mountain peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and savor lunch at the restaurant. Continue your scenic journey to Grindelwald, renowned for its picturesque setting. Afterward, return to your hotel for an evening at your leisure. (B, L)

Check out of your hotel and head to the railway station to board your train. Your journey along the GoldenPass route takes you to Gstaad. Board a cable car to the snowcapped Glacier 3000 winter park, where you may take in the views from one of its restaurants, and take a daring walk across the suspension bridge, offering spectacular views. Afterward, return to Gstaad to board a railcar to Montreux. Transfer to your hotel and check in for an evening at your leisure. (B, L)

Today, head to Lake Geneva and board a boat for a leisurely cruise. Admire the stunning scenery of your surroundings, with its mountain backdrop and steep terraced vineyards. Visit Chillon Castle, one of Europe’s most striking medieval castles, located on a rocky islet. View the 15th-century wall paintings, explore the underground vaults and hear about its longstanding winemaking tradition that began during the 13th century. Afterward, return to your hotel. (B) Please note: between late October and late April, Lake Geneva boat cruise will be substituted by a walking tour of Montreux.

This morning, check out of your hotel and head to the airport to begin your journey home. (B)