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Rhine & Main Explorer
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Rhine & Main Explorer
Explore three countries on this luxury cruise, which takes you through southern Germany and into neighboring Switzerland and France. Experience an unforgettable blend of history, culture, fine wines, and gourmet cuisine.
Discover cultural cities, including Frankfurt, Basel, and Strasbourg, and lesser-known historic towns in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Travel through a fairytale landscape of turreted castles, medieval charm, and the legendary Black Forest. The Rhine & Main Rivers have so much beauty & character.
Sail in style on an iconic Viking Longship with Al Fresco dining, spacious public areas, and a well-stocked library. Luxury suites and staterooms offer private verandahs and contemporary Scandi-design interiors.
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Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises -
Ship: Viking Skirnir, Viking Modi -
Duration: 10 Nights
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Departure: May - Nov
Rhine & Main Explorer Cruise Prices
Rhine & Main Explorer Gallery
Rhine & Main Explorer Cruise Itinerary
Experience three counties and discover the beautiful scenery of the Rivers Rhine and Main on this 10-night cruise, which showcases some of Europe’s finest cities and most historic towns. Relax in luxury aboard a legendary Viking Longship with award-winning cuisine served in a lavish restaurant or Al Fresco terrace. There is a choice of spacious suites and staterooms, all elegantly appointed with relaxing and contemporary Scandi-design interiors.
Day 1
Nuremberg, Germany
Step aboard your luxury river cruiser moored in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city and one with a long and fascinating history dating back to Roman times.
Day 2
Nuremberg, Germany
Despite the damage of World War II, Nuremberg still retains its medieval city walls, and at its heart is an Old Town frozen in time. Stroll amongst half-timbered houses, Gothic churches, and the Imperial Castle, straight from the pages of a fairy story.
Day 3
Bamberg, Germany
Founded in 902, Bamberg is a medieval city famous for its speciality smoked beer and symphony orchestra. Stroll the charming streets filled with Baroque architecture and visit the Old Town Hall on a twin-arched bridge over the Regnitz River.
Day 4
Würzburg, Germany
Würzburg suffered a lot of damage during World War II, yet little trace remains as you wander the Baroque streets of this university city. Visit the Bishops’ Residenz palace built in 1744. The city is also a key wine-making centre with Germany’s oldest vineyard.
Day 5
Marktheidenfeld, Germany
Marktheidenfeld is a charming Bavarian town with a long history that dates back to medieval times. Take a tour of the bustling marketplace and quaint streets and enjoy authentic Bavarian cuisine and beer before some scenic sailing time on the Main.
Day 6
Frankfurt, Germany
Sitting on both sides of the Main River, enjoy a tour of ‘Mainhattan,’ famous for its American skyline. Visit the Main embankment, a hub of culture with nine museums covering a vast range of genres, or wander the Roman Archaeological Garden.
Day 7
Karlsruhe, Germany
A gem in the cultural crown of southwest Germany, Karlsruhe is home to a magnificent palace that forms the centre of the city’s distinctive circular street layout. Modernity sits beside tradition with the renowned Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
Day 8
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is the largest port on the Upper Rhine on the border of France and Germany. Its location promises a fascinating history, and the Old Town is beautifully preserved, surrounded by water, and criss-crossed by picturesque canals.
Day 9
Breisach, Germany
The gateway to the Black Forest, Breisach is located across the river from French Alsace and is also famous for its wine and home to the largest cellars in Europe. Explore the cultural delights of this charming city with its striking 12th-century cathedral.
Day 10
Basel, Switzerland
At the meeting place of Switzerland, Germany and France, Basel reflects all their cultures and traditions. There is a charming Old Town and market square showcasing a plethora of different architectural styles. Pick from more than forty museums.
Day 11
Basel, Switzerland
Enjoy your final breakfast on board the ship and a last lingering look at the pretty cobblestone streets of Basel before disembarking and starting your journey back to the UK.
Day 1
Basel, Switzerland
Step aboard your luxury river cruiser moored in Basel.
Day 2
Basel, Switzerland
At the meeting place of Switzerland, Germany and France, Basel reflects all their cultures and traditions. There is a charming Old Town and market square showcasing a plethora of different architectural styles. Pick from more than forty museums.
Day 3
Breisach, Germany
The gateway to the Black Forest, Breisach is located across the river from French Alsace and is also famous for its wine and home to the largest cellars in Europe. Explore the cultural delights of this charming city with its striking 12th-century cathedral.
Day 4
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is the largest port on the Upper Rhine on the border of France and Germany. Its location promises a fascinating history, and the Old Town is beautifully preserved, surrounded by water, and criss-crossed by picturesque canals.
Day 5
Karlsruhe, Germany
A gem in the cultural crown of southwest Germany, Karlsruhe is home to a magnificent palace that forms the centre of the city’s distinctive circular street layout. Modernity sits beside tradition with the renowned Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
Day 6
Frankfurt, Germany
Sitting on both sides of the Main River, enjoy a tour of ‘Mainhattan,’ famous for its American skyline. Visit the Main embankment, a hub of culture with nine museums covering a vast range of genres, or wander the Roman Archaeological Garden.
Day 7
Marktheidenfeld, Germany
Marktheidenfeld is a charming Bavarian town with a long history that dates back to medieval times. Take a tour of the bustling marketplace and quaint streets and enjoy authentic Bavarian cuisine and beer before some scenic sailing time on the Main.
Day 8
Würzburg, Germany
Würzburg suffered a lot of damage during World War II, yet little trace remains as you wander the Baroque streets of this university city. Visit the Bishops’ Residenz palace built in 1744. The city is also a key wine-making centre with Germany’s oldest vineyard.
Day 9
Bamberg, Germany
Founded in 902, Bamberg is a medieval city famous for its speciality smoked beer and symphony orchestra. Stroll the charming streets filled with Baroque architecture and visit the Old Town Hall on a twin-arched bridge over the Regnitz River.
Day 10
Nuremberg, Germany
Despite the damage of World War II, Nuremberg still retains its medieval city walls, and at its heart is an Old Town frozen in time. Stroll amongst half-timbered houses, Gothic churches, and the Imperial Castle, straight from the pages of a fairy story.
Day 11
Nuremberg, Germany
Enjoy your final breakfast on board the ship before disembarking and starting your journey back to the UK.
RHINE & MAIN EXPLORER CRUISE SHIPS
Viking Skirnir
Viking Modi
European Rivers Cruise Deals
Explore Three Countries and the Legendary Rhine and Main Rivers with Crui.se
Viking 
Departure:
Apr – Nov 2025
VISITING: Nuremberg Bamberg Würzburg Marktheidenfeld Frankfurt Karlsruhe Strasbourg Breisach Basel
AVG PER PERSON*
£
2,995
Viking Departure:
March
VISITING: Basel Strasbourg Speyer Mainz Koblenz Middle Rhine Scenic Sailing Bernkastel / Trier Trier
AVG PER PERSON*
£
2,395
Viking Departure:
March
VISITING: Amsterdam Basel Breisach Cologne Kinderdijk Koblenz / Rüdesheim Speyer Strasbourg
AVG PER PERSON*
£
1,695
Viking Departure:
Jan – Mar 2025
VISITING: Amsterdam (EMBARK) Amsterdam Nijmegen Cologne Mainz Speyer & Heidelberg Strasbourg Breisach Basel (DISEMBARK)
AVG PER PERSON*
£
1,995
Rhine & Main Explorer FAQ
Can children travel with Viking River Cruises?
All our guests must be 18 years old on or before the day their cruise starts. Viking cruises and ship facilities are not suitable for children or younger passengers.
Do you supply a deck plan with the layout of a Viking Longship?
A virtual 360-degree tour of your Viking Longship is available, where you can see the public spaces and staterooms. There are also detailed deck plans and stateroom layouts for the Viking fleet in the Ships section on the website.
Is there internet access on board the ship, plus do you have computers for guests?
All our European sailings offer free Wi-Fi, and you are welcome to bring your own laptop or device or use one of our guest computers. We use a cellular or satellite terminal which offers the best service for river cruising. However, sometimes, terrain and weather may interrupt the signal, so speeds can vary and may not be as fast as you are used to at home. Our experienced staff can help you with your device settings once you are on board.
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