Christmas on the Rhine & Main - Basel to Nuremberg - 2027
Please see below brochure cabin pricing
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- Cat. B
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$7999
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Your Choice Sale, up to $2000 Credit or Free Beverage Package & Tips
Your Choice Sale, up to $2000 Credit or Free Beverage Package & Tips
Promotion Details
Your choice of shipboard credit (SBC36) or a FREE beverage package & included gratuities (BEV36). Shipboard credit based on cruise length. Up to 8 days: $500 per couple ($250 per person); 9 to 12 days: $750 per couple ($375 per person); 13+ days: $1,000 per couple ($500 per person). No beverage package on Egypt ships. Excludes World Cruise itineraries. A limited-time $25 per person deposit is due at time of booking for all featured itineraries; remaining deposit is due with final payment (excludes World Cruise itineraries). Oceans: Save up to $4,000 per couple ($2,000 per person) based on select departures and categories of Viking Homelands; British Isles & Ireland; South America & the Chilean Fjords; Australia & New Zealand and Australia, Asia & Alaska; other itineraries, dates and categories may vary. FREE roundtrip international airfare based on select departures of Grand Australia Circumnavigation. FREE roundtrip airfare based on select departures of Panama Canal & Central America. Rivers: Save up to $4,000 per couple ($2,000 per person) based on select departures and categories of Grand European Tour, Cities of Light and Rhine & Main Explorer. FREE roundtrip international airfare based on select departures of Grand European Tour; Magnificent Mekong; France’s Finest; London, Paris & D-Day; Capitals of Eastern Europe; European Sojourn and Pharaohs & Pyramids. FREE roundtrip airfare based on select departures of featured Mississippi River itineraries. Expeditions: Save up to $4,000 per couple ($2,000 per person) based on select departures and categories of Antarctic Explorer. FREE roundtrip international airfare based on select departures of Antarctic Explorer, Chilean Fjords & Scenic Shores and Panama Canal & the Americas. FREE roundtrip airfare based on select departures of Niagara & the Great Lakes, Great Lakes Treasures and Canada & East Coast Explorer. FREE Airfare offer available from most gateways and is subject to change: Based on inventory availability at time of purchase and may be withdrawn at any time. Additional restrictions may apply. 2027–2028 Viking World Cruise: A limited-time reduced deposit of 10% is due within 7 days of booking; pay in full by May 15, 2027. 2028 Arctic to Antarctic Explorer: A limited-time reduced deposit of 10% is due within 7 days of booking; pay in full by February 15, 2028.

Exclusive, $400 Off + up to $1000 Onboard Credit
Exclusive, $400 Off + up to $1000 Onboard Credit
Promotion Details
Offer applies to new bookings deposited from April 9, 2024 and is capacity controlled which may be removed at any moment without notice. Promotion is not combinable with Viking vouchers. Offer is combinable with all Viking offers Additional restrictions apply. Onboard credit amount varies by length of cruise and has no monetary value and is non-refundable and non-transferable, may not be used toward service charges, cannot be redeemed for cash, and unused portions will become void after sailing is complete.

Exclusive, $200 Onboard Credit on All Sailings
Exclusive, $200 Onboard Credit on All Sailings
Promotion Details
Shipboard Credit: $100 shipboard credit offer is per person and is only valid on new FIT bookings reserved February 1- March 31, 2026. This shipboard credit is only eligible for bookings made within the booking window provided above. No cash value. Booking must be deposited for offer to be valid. Valid for departure dates of river and ocean voyages. Not applicable to Viking Tours or any other Viking itineraries or products. Shipboard credits are not applicable on group bookings or any bookings sailing within 60 days. Viking hotel stays during cruisetours and pre- or post-cruise extension packages are not eligible. Additional terms and conditions apply; contact your Travel Advisor for details. Promotion expires February 28, 2026. Viking reserves the right to correct errors and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time.

Save 2% On Your River Cruise!
Save 2% On Your River Cruise!
Promotion Details
You may use echeck to pay for your Viking cruise or cruisetour, and for airfare. Every dollar paid for cruise, air, taxes, fees or surcharges can be paid by echeck, including regular-priced itineraries and airfare, any special offers or Viking Air Plus services to receive a 2% discount. Additional restrictions may apply.

Spring Sale, Reduced Air + Special Fares & $400 Off
Spring Sale, Reduced Air + Special Fares & $400 Off
Promotion Details
2026-2028 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES: Offer applies to bookings made from March 1-31, 2026. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn, Capitals of Eastern Europe, London, Paris & D-Day, Pharaohs & Pyramids, Magnificent Mekong. Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2026: Pay in full by May 7th, 2026. 2027: Pay in full by July 31st, 2026. 2028: Pay in full by February 15, 2027. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Offers Expires March 31, 2026. $25 DEPOSIT: For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to June 2026 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to August 2026 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details. AIR UPGRADE: Upgrade to Premium Economy or Business at additional cost based on select gateways and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit Airline Luggage Restrictions. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the Viking Air Plus page. AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS: Offer expires March 31, 2026. GENERAL RESTRICTIONS: Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the Passenger Ticket Contract which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the Passenger Ticket Contract. NOTE: U.S. flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.
- Day 1BaselFri, Dec 10, 2027
A delightful blend of old and new, Basel is Switzerland's best-kept secret. During the holiday season, the medieval Old Town is transformed into a magical yuletide affair. Cobblestone streets are lined with wooden chalet-style huts selling all manner of festive treats and gifts. Visitors to the Christmas market can enjoy a warming cup of aromatic glühwein in a decorated boot-shaped mug. Hand-carved tree decorations, cheerfully painted ceramics and delicious food are sold from stalls throughout the city.
- Day 2BaselSat, Dec 11, 2027
Located where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel reflects a fascinating blend of traditions. The city straddles the Rhine at the river's farthest navigable point, and an alluring cluster of old-town buildings huddles along the riverbank. Around Market Square, guild houses recall Gothic, Renaissance and baroque splendor; the red-sandstone Rathaus, or Town Hall, is the centerpiece. More than 40 museums of art and culture lend modern polish to its history-rich streets. And there is no more refined way to sample it all than over cheese fondue or croissants.
- Day 3BreisachSun, Dec 12, 2027
In the heart of Breisach's old town with a backdrop of the Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen's cathedral, the Weinachtsmarkt is a highlight of the season. Steaming aromatic glühwein served in decorated mugs, alongside tasty yuletide treats, is sold from festive wooden huts and taverns, keeping visitors warm as they browse market stalls for gifts and handicrafts. The nearby Black Forest provides a fairy-tale atmosphere; its towering, snow-covered spruce trees resemble a winter wonderland.
- Day 4StrasbourgMon, Dec 13, 2027
Strasbourg is said to be the capital of Christmas in France, with the city's cathedral square taking center stage as it is transformed into a winter wonderland. The city's Christkindelsmärik is the oldest in France, dating back to 1570. Hundreds of stalls are brimming with colorful wares, fine food and mulled wine, bringing festive cheer in abundance. Alsatian specialties feature an array of hearty classics, from bretzels (soft, bread-like pretzels) to bredele (star-shaped spiced cookies), and knacks (sausages) to pain d'epices (gingerbread).
- Day 5Baden-BadenTue, Dec 14, 2027
Set in southern Germany, Baden-Baden lies between the verdant Black Forest and the sun-soaked vineyards of the Rebland. With origins dating back to the Roman times-when it was known as Aquae, or "the waters”-this town has long been prized for its abundant hot springs, which rise from depths around 6,500 feet. Today, it holds UNESCO World Heritage status as a part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. Beyond its mineral-rich waters, Baden-Baden boasts historic architecture, including Roman bath ruins, and a scenic arboretum that winds through its heart.
- Day 6FrankfurtWed, Dec 15, 2027
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the oldest and largest holiday markets in Germany, dating back to 1391. Extending across several squares around the historic city center, its stalls offer a variety of goods, such as wooden toys, handicrafts, candles, ornaments and more. The sounds of Christmas carols and church bells fill the air, as does the delicious aroma of glühwein (mulled wine), roasted chestnuts, grilled sausages and gingerbread. The market also features a giant Christmas tree, illuminated by thousands of lights, ribbons and bells.
- Day 7MarktheidenfeldThu, Dec 16, 2027
In Marktheidenfeld, the Christmas season centers around the Marktplatz, or market square. Located in the heart of the old town and set against a picturesque backdrop of half-timbered homes and a medieval bridge over the Main River, it exudes charm and tradition. Live music and performances entertain visitors as they stroll past wooden stalls packed with handcrafted nutcrackers, elaborate music boxes, glühwein (mulled wine) and other traditional German delicacies. The highlight of the market is the arrival of the Christ Child, who greets the children and hands out presents.
- Day 8WürzburgFri, Dec 17, 2027
In the heart of Würzburg's Old Town with a backdrop of the historic Falkenhaus and Gothic Marienkapelle, the Advent Market showcases a range of mouthwatering traditional food and sweets that are customary in Bavaria for the festive season. The scent of spices fills the air with stalls providing tasty treats, including Christmas cookies and roasted almonds. Local artisans can be seen in action, creating decorative pieces for the holiday season, from glass, straw, pewter and pottery to wooden toys.
- Day 9BambergSat, Dec 18, 2027
During the holidays, Bamberg is transformed into a winter wonderland, when the city's Advent market takes centerstage. Maximiliansplatz, in the heart of the pedestrian district, features a large Franconian half-timber nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. At Bamberg im Sand, the Elisabeth Church plays host to an array of artists showcasing traditional arts and crafts, including a blacksmith who provides a demonstration of his creations for visitors.
- Day 10NurembergSun, Dec 19, 2027
The medieval city of Nuremberg hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. Its streets are lined with wooden huts, offering a variety of homemade treats, including lebkuchen or gingerbread. Specially selected dealers showcase Christkindlesmarkt souvenirs, from cookie cutters to decorative mugs. The air is filled with the scent of grilled Bratwurst; the Nuremberg Bratwurst has been a longstanding culinary tradition of the city for more than 700 years.
- Day 11NurembergMon, Dec 20, 2027
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.
Countries Visited
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019
Inclusions
11 Days 9 Guided Tours / 3 Countries
Daily Shore Excursions: 9 included guided tours
Port Charges: Included on all itineraires
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019
Ship Information
Cabins
Life on Board
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Travel agent Soazeg Vadel very supportive.
Darlena, Thank you for being so helpful during our booking and marvelous Viking Grand River Tour. All of the material in our travel package was spot on with the step by step explanations. You always returned my call promptly. We will recommend your services on our next Viking trip. Respectfully, Alan
I like Viking. I am already booked for 3 more future cruises.
Delightful trip with wonderful staff. Was a trip of a life time and hope I can go again
The agent that put our trip together was outstanding. Complete knowledge and understanding of the Viking Cruise policy and procedures. She was very helpful when a couple of minor issues came up with Viking and she quickly helped us resolve them. Would definitely book another trip through Affordable Tours.
The Viking River Cruise, European Grand tour, was exceptional. The cruise staff were wonderful, attending to every detail once we boarded the ship to arrival at the airport for our return trip home. The staff that greeted us at the airport upon arrival needs training. They did not actually greet us. They were in a cluster talking among themselves and the Uniworld rep directed us to them. We then stood around for 45 minutes without a rep telling us what was happening. I finally went to find out what the delay was. They then told us three people were missing luggage so we had to wait for them.
Our first Viking river cruise was an excellent experience. Well-organized itinerary, friendly and hard-working staff, delicious and plentiful food and beverage choices, and customer service orientation assured us of a positive and happy vacation.
This was our first cruise and we chose river cruise because of small number of guests and proximity to land. Viking Skirnir Tour director met us on the dock in Amsterdam, welcomed us and assured us Viking would care for us the entire trip. Every staff member from crew, housekeeper, waiters, chef, etc always addressed us and were there to please. The included tours were excellent. The French balcony room 270 was small, but comfortable. The sliding glass door enabled us to open, enjoy the views and the cool river breezes, and even touch the walls of the 68 locks traveled through from Amsterdam to Budapest. The upper deck was enjoyable for relaxing, or walking around 12.75 times for 1 mile of exercise. There were adequate seating, but not all covered. We did experience unseasonably warm temperatures and only 1 day of rain. The cafe for relaxed dining was nice for lunch. The main dining room was fantastic for all 3 meals. The Chef and his staff prepared 5 star meals every night for dining with 3 choices as well as some standbys as steaks if you preferred. The desserts were to die for. I wish he and his staff would come to my home. My only negative was the upper deck had to be closed around 5 days as we proceeded on Main River where there were many LOW bridges. There was a bar area with sofas and comfortable seating which was available whether you had drinks or not. There was a daily review by Tour director of the day and the upcoming activity along with the Chef describing your upcoming meal. Yum, Yum, Yum. Your daily included tours were separated into various groups to accomodate smaller tours and always one for gentle tour for those requesting. The tour ended on Sunday night with a river cruise of Budapest city lights where everyone was on upper deck celebrating an OUTSTANDING experience of a lifetime.

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Wonderful experience overall.