Arriving in Zurich, I was escorted to a hotel so that I could explore this beautiful Swiss city.
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, located between two forested chains of hills, about 40 miles from the northern foothills of the Alps.
On our first full day, we took a motor coach tour of the city, a boat ride on Lake Zurich, and a walk in the old town.
Old Town boasts an architectural legacy, including the Romanesque Grossmünster Protestant Church, built by Charlemagne in the 700s; the 13th-century St. Peter’s Church; and elegant guild houses and lovely residences. The Fraumünster (Minster of Our Lady) features stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall.
I spent the next day in the Alps, exploring tiny villages, taking a train to a mountaintop, and riding a tram along snow-capped peaks. This was my only optional tour. In all other cases my excursions were included.
After a long day of exploring, I arrived at Longship Freya in Basel, Switzerland.
My stateroom is spacious, with a veranda for watching little villages, vineyards, and wildlife pass by. Passengers can also enjoy the scenery between ports from the sundeck, restaurant, lounge, and Aquavit Terrace.
The ship is classic Scandinavian, with lots of blonde wood and simplicity. It is peaceful and elegant, the perfect surroundings for relaxing.
Viking offers a warm and friendly atmosphere. No matter what the situation, the crew is friendly and helpful.
On the Rhine
Our first stop is Strasbourg, France, which has French and German cultures in equal parts. The city dates back to a Roman camp, first mentioned in 12 B.C.
As we walk through the old city, we pass the Old Customs House and the bridges with their defensive towers. Tour highlights include Rhineland’s black-and-white timber buildings and the sandstone Cathedral Notre-Dame of Strasbourg. It is one of Europe’s finest Gothic cathedrals and was the world’s tallest building from 1647 to 1874.
The astronomical clock in the cathedral is the third on that spot and dates from the time of the first French possession of the city (1681–1870). The main attraction is the procession of the 18-inch-high figures of Christ and the Apostles, which occurs every day at solar noon, while the life-size cock crows thrice.
Speyer, Germany is next. Founded by the Romans, it features the largest Romanesque imperial cathedral. Protestants earned their name here in 1529 after citizens and royalty drafted the “Protestation at Speyer,” proclaiming their right to practice Christianity as they please.
One of the ShUM-cities that formed the cultural center of Jewish life in Europe during the Middle Ages, Speyer, and its Jewish courtyard are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I walked along the main street past a few shops. Speyer also claims to be the originator of the German pretzel, so naturally, I had one before making my way back to the ship.
Mainz, Germany, has two highlights: the Mainz Cathedral, a soaring landmark that is more than 1,000 years old and has six magnificent towers, and the Gutenberg Museum honoring Johannes Gutenberg’s genius.
In addition to explaining how Gutenberg used his printing press to create the famous Gutenberg Bible, there is a copy of the Gutenberg Bible—a fascinating look at the past.
On our way to Koblenz, Germany, we sail through the Middle Rhine and the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We pass castles on both sides of the river, and the cruise director tells us about each castle as we sail by.
You may think a tourist would tire of cathedrals and castles. However, if you admire architecture, appreciate the lengths men went to build it, and love history, you will enjoy every village, city, and site along your journey.
Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, is known as the “German Corner.” It symbolizes Germany’s unification and features an equestrian statue of Emperor William I.
After walking through the old town, I took a gondola ride across the Rhine River for spectacular views of the city and rivers.
The Moselle River
Our cruise now follows the Moselle River to Cochem, Germany, and the Reichsburg Castle perched on a hill overlooking the town.
Our guide takes us on a 1,000-year castle journey from 1151, when King Konrad III occupied the castle, to 1868, when Berlin businessman Louis Fréderic Jacques Ravené bought it for 300 Goldmark and reconstructed it in the Gothic Revival style.
The tour includes several rooms with original furnishings, artwork, and decor from when the businessman lived here more than a century ago.
One of my favorite ports was Bernkastle-Kues. We docked just before sunrise, and I walked through this medieval town alone.
It was Sunday. Church bells, dog walkers, and residents hurrying to bakeries for their breakfast greeted me as I strolled the city streets.
The community, known for its wine production, has one of the most beautiful squares in Germany.
I roamed around the town for several hours, and all too soon, it was time to sail to Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Vestiges of Rome’s power are everywhere, seamlessly mingling with a vibrant and active modern city. The Roman city gate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once served as the formidable entrance to the town.
The Cathedral of Trier, built under the direction of Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, and the Church of Our Lady, one of the earliest Gothic churches in Germany, stand side by side.
Leaving the ship behind
On our motor coach trip to Paris, we stopped at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, where 5,073 US soldiers who died in the Battle of the Bulge and General George S. Patton are buried.
Our journey continues to Reims, France, and a visit to the Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Gallery of Kings features an imposing sight composed of 56 statues standing above the central portal and stunning stained-glass windows dating from the 13th through 20th centuries, including windows designed by Marc Chagall.
Our final destination, Paris, includes a motor coach and a walking tour with all the highlights of the City of Lights, including the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame. Castles, cathedrals, and medieval communities; beautiful accommodations, excellent food, and an accommodating crew; this is culture, history, and fun; this is Viking River Cruises.
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