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.
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 3.3% discount. Additional restrictions may apply.
Overlooking Lake Zürich and spanning the banks of the Limmat River, Switzerland’s largest city is often cited as one of Europe’s most livable. It is the country’s financial heart, but its residents also embrace their natural surroundings, from soaring alpine peaks to the lake’s shimmering waters. Zürich is home to a lively and impressive arts culture. The avant-garde Dada movement was born here in 1916 and two of its most important churches boast stained glass windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti. More masterworks reside in the city’s renowned Kunsthaus, including an enormous water lily painting by Monet.
Zürich’s oldest Christmas market is set along the medieval streets of the lively Niederdorf neighborhood. Centrally located next to the main train station, more than 140 stalls comprise the Christkindlimarkt, where the air is heavy with the aroma of mulled wine and spices. The scene is dominated by a looming Christmas tree decorated with thousands of Swarovski crystals. Nestled between the elegant Zürich Opera House and the shores of Lake Zürich, the Wienachtsdorf creates an enchanting Christmas village where a mug of glühwein can be enjoyed while browsing for seasonal mementos.
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.
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).
Located in the heart of the Rhine wine region, Mainz has been an important cultural center for thousands of years. Every winter, the city transforms itself into a cozy winter wonderland with one of Germany’s prettiest Christmas markets. The 10th-century Cathedral of St. Martin becomes a dramatic backdrop for vendors selling handmade crafts, as well as candied almonds, chestnuts and mulled wine. Smaller WinterZeit markets dot the city, and concerts and traditional stage productions of fairy tales play regularly during the yuletide season.
The holiday season transforms the squares and narrow cobblestone alleyways of Cochem’s Old Town into a wintery fairy tale. Festive lights line the streets and the promenade along the Moselle River, giving the city a cozy, yuletide atmosphere, and vendors display local handicrafts from the shelves of their wooden stalls. Visitors can savor a Riesling stollen, a traditional German Christmas bread, as well as yeast dumplings, pastries, white mulled wine—a Moselle specialty—or regional delicacies made from the renowned red vineyard peach.
Paris’s landmarks come alive during the Christmas season as twinkling lights adorn the city’s streets. Shop windows are a grand affair, depicting scenes from fairy tales, Santa Claus and his workshop, or a snowy winter wonderland. While it rarely snows in Paris, there is always the chance of a dusting, adding to the magical atmosphere. From November on, leading department stores, including Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, present their seasonal displays, often featuring clever animation; their grand openings are hotly anticipated each year.
Paris’s landmarks come alive during the Christmas season as twinkling lights adorn the city’s streets. Shop windows are a grand affair, depicting scenes from fairy tales, Santa Claus and his workshop, or a snowy winter wonderland. While it rarely snows in Paris, there is always the chance of a dusting, adding to the magical atmosphere. From November on, leading department stores, including Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, present their seasonal displays, often featuring clever animation; their grand openings are hotly anticipated each year.
12 Days 10 Guided Tours / 4 Countries
Daily Shore Excursions: 10 included guided tours
Port Charges: Included on all itineraires
We had a great time seeing all the castles and cathedrals on our river cruise from Paris to Zurich.
Viking River Cruises was first class all the way. The staff, food, accommodations, tours, etc. were all great.
Always enjoy traveling with Viking.
We could not have been more pleased with Viking. They genuinely care about their customers and their satisfaction. The Cruise Director was outstanding as well. The room was perfectly fine. It was not large but well organized and extremely comfortable.
only issue was lack of Air conditioning, a compressor was out and all public areas were not cool. Temperatures were in the 80-90's. We would go to meals and not enjoy them due to sweating during the entire meal.
The whole expieeence from beginning to end greatly exceeded my expectations.
Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com
Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-342-0019. No robots here!
Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!
Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!
Knowing you got a great deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!
Viking may cost a little more, but they offer a complete package that is worry free.