Viking Rhine: 11 nights from Paris with Viking Longship Herja
Nov 29, 2025

Le Havre

Le Havre is worth a visit, not only as a stopover on the way to Paris or other inland destinations, but also as one of the great examples of post-war planning. It is a strange and strangely fascinating city, listed by
Unesco as a World Heritage Site.
Wandering through the streets of the seaside town of Le Havre, one might think one had stumbled upon a forgotten outpost of the Eastern Bloc. Obliterated by World War II bombings, the city was completely rebuilt by the Belgian architect Auguste Perret and, what emerged from the ashes of old Le Havre, is a kind of love letter to concrete: endless rows of blocks of buildings, straight avenues stretching out from the central square, dominated by the 100 m high 'Stalinist Baroque' style cathedral, looks like something straight out of the pages of '1984'.

Walking through the streets of the seaside city of Le Havre, you might think you've stumbled into a forgotten outpost of the Eastern Bloc. Erased by the bombings of the Second World War, the city was completely rebuilt by the Belgian architect Auguste Perret and, what emerged from the ashes of old Le Havre, is a kind of love letter to concrete: endless rows of blocks of buildings, straight avenues that extend out of the central square, dominated by the 100 m high cathedral in 'Stalinist Baroque' style, looks like something directly from the pages of '1984'.

Reims

Mehring bei Trier

Cochem

Cochem is located about 40 km south-west of Koblenz, between the Eifel and Hunsrück mountains, in the heart of the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer wine region. In this romantic village of 5000 inhabitants, on the banks of a meander of the superb Moselle valley, you will feel like you are living in a fairy tale.

With half-timbered houses, narrow and winding streets and its beautiful promenade on the banks of the Moselle, where you can taste the wines of the region, it owes its charm to the traces left by the Middle Ages. From the market square, made up of narrow angular stairs, you find yourself at the Capuchin convent built on a ledge of a mountain dominated by 1630. The castle of Chochem, which is not only well preserved from the outside, reveals the treasures of its history inside. This fortress is a popular attraction for tourists, but also a testament to the history of the region and the city. It was in 1000 that the site was built during the reign of Count Ezzo Palatine. After the count lost his rank, King Konrad III used it as a military base in 1151. It was destroyed in 1689 by a fire during a battle against the French, for the conquest of the Moselle and left in ruins. In 1868 it was bought by Louis Ravene and finally in 1978 the city took possession of it, creating the SARL Reichburg Cochem cultural and tourist site. The most popular attraction of the fortress is the visit to its particular places, of course, in addition to its restaurant which offers a refined and highly appreciated cuisine. The entertainment in medieval attire with combat weapons are very popular with the public, some of which are used every year. After crossing the fairy-tale castle of Reichburg, you can visit the town hall and then pass through the city gate of Balduinstor and finally the Church of San Martino, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, accompanied or followed by a walk on the banks of the Moselle.

Koblenz

Magonza

Mannheim

Strasbourg

Prosperous and cosmopolitan Strasbourg is a large metropolis in north-eastern France and is the intellectual and cultural capital of Alsace. Located a few kilometers west of the Rhine, the city is rightly entitled “city of roads”, its vital transport arteries that have linked Northern Europe with the Mediterranean since the Celtic era.

Strasbourg continues to serve as an important European crossroads thanks to the presence of the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, the Eurocorps, and a student population of approximately 48,000. Strasbourg is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in Europe. In the lively old city you will find restaurants, Winstub (traditional Alsatian restaurants), and the oldest pubs, a splendid area to explore on foot is the cathedral, a medieval wonder in pink sandstone. Nearby you will find one of the most beautiful ensembles of French museums.

Basel

The city of Basel is a Canton of Switzerland and crosses the Rhine. Its borders are a triple border, together with those of Germany (Land of Baden-Württemberg) and France (Alsace).

Rich in both parts, the area appears very particular. The dialect is still deeply immersed in the mixture of cultures. Surrounded by the hills of the Jura, the Vosges lakes and the fir trees of the Black Forest, Basel is a city immersed in greenery. The Botanical Garden and the numerous parks along the Rhine invite you to long walks. In the zoo, the Etoscha house gives spectacular wildlife insights.
With forty world-famous museums, the city has the highest concentration in the country. The large market square, the richly decorated town hall, and the Roman-Gothic cathedral are the historical symbols of the city. During a trip to the historic center you will discover small boutiques, antique bookshops, but also modern design businesses. We recommend a stop at the "Läckerli Huus" and taste the traditional honey sweets, which are really delicious.
In winter, the whole city warms up by participating in the carnival ("Fasnacht"), the most famous in all of Switzerland, opening the Lenten celebrations. Every Monday, after Ash Wednesday, the participants compete with each other for the best mask, accompanied by deafening "Guggenmusik" (popular carnival bands), together with the carnival Napoleonic armies. Basel is today the third largest city in Switzerland, made up of Zurich and Winterthur with the "golden triangle" of the Swiss economy.

Zurich

A mix of tradition and modernity, Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, has a rich and fascinating history that is visible in its architecture, traditions and culture. Founded by the Romans 2,000 years ago, the city has gone through eras of economic prosperity and cultural development becoming an important European financial and cultural center. Its ancient historical monuments blend harmoniously with modern infrastructure, creating a unique atmosphere that captivates visitors.

Mild and pleasant climate: The climate of the city is ideal for exploring Zurich on foot or by bycicle. Summers are warm and sunny, while winters are cold but not overly harsh. This temperate climate allows visitors to enjoy the city's many attractions in any season.

Attractions not to be missed in Zurich: Zurich is full of places to visit and offers a wide range of attractions for visitors of all interests such as the picturesque old town with its cobblestone streets and old buildings and Lake Zurich that offers beautiful scenic views and water activities. Its renowned art museums, such as the Kunsthaus Zurich, and the vibrant dining and shopping scene round out the city's tourist offerings.

History of Zurich: A Mix of Tradition and Modernity

Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, boasts a rich and fascinating history that is reflected in its architecture, traditions, and vibrant culture. Founded by the Romans more than 2000 years ago, Zurich has gone through eras of economic prosperity and cultural development, becoming today an important European financial and cultural center. Its ancient historical monuments blend harmoniously with modern infrastructure, creating a unique atmosphere that fascinates visitors.

Mild and Pleasant Climate: Ideal for Exploring

Zurich enjoys a mild and pleasant climate for most of the year, making it an ideal destination to explore on foot or by bike. Summers are warm and sunny, while winters are cold but not excessively harsh. This temperate climate allows visitors to enjoy the numerous attractions of the city in every season.

Attractions not to be Missed in Zurich

Zurich offers a wide range of attractions for visitors of every interest. From the picturesque old town with its cobbled streets and ancient buildings, to Lake Zurich which offers splendid panoramic views and water activities, the city is full of places to visit. Renowned art museums, such as the Kunsthaus Zurich, and the vibrant gastronomic and shopping scene complete the city's tourist offer.

Local Gastronomy: Swiss Culinary Delights

Zurich cuisine is a feast for the palate, offering traditional Swiss dishes such as fondue, raclette, zürcher geschnetzeltes (sliced veal in sauce), accompanied by sweet delicacies such as bircher muesli. The local markets offer fresh products such as artisan cheeses, Swiss chocolate, and freshly baked bread that will delight gourmets.

Live a Unique Experience with a Cruise from Zurich

To enrich your visit to Zurich with a special touch, consider the opportunity to book a cruise that departs directly from the city. Sailing on the waters of Lake Zurich or along the Limmat River offers breathtaking views of the city and its main attractions. By booking a cruise from Zurich, you can experience an unforgettable experience that will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the city from a unique perspective.

Zurich

A mix of tradition and modernity, Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, has a rich and fascinating history that is visible in its architecture, traditions and culture. Founded by the Romans 2,000 years ago, the city has gone through eras of economic prosperity and cultural development becoming an important European financial and cultural center. Its ancient historical monuments blend harmoniously with modern infrastructure, creating a unique atmosphere that captivates visitors.

Mild and pleasant climate: The climate of the city is ideal for exploring Zurich on foot or by bycicle. Summers are warm and sunny, while winters are cold but not overly harsh. This temperate climate allows visitors to enjoy the city's many attractions in any season.

Attractions not to be missed in Zurich: Zurich is full of places to visit and offers a wide range of attractions for visitors of all interests such as the picturesque old town with its cobblestone streets and old buildings and Lake Zurich that offers beautiful scenic views and water activities. Its renowned art museums, such as the Kunsthaus Zurich, and the vibrant dining and shopping scene round out the city's tourist offerings.

History of Zurich: A Mix of Tradition and Modernity

Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, boasts a rich and fascinating history that is reflected in its architecture, traditions, and vibrant culture. Founded by the Romans more than 2000 years ago, Zurich has gone through eras of economic prosperity and cultural development, becoming today an important European financial and cultural center. Its ancient historical monuments blend harmoniously with modern infrastructure, creating a unique atmosphere that fascinates visitors.

Mild and Pleasant Climate: Ideal for Exploring

Zurich enjoys a mild and pleasant climate for most of the year, making it an ideal destination to explore on foot or by bike. Summers are warm and sunny, while winters are cold but not excessively harsh. This temperate climate allows visitors to enjoy the numerous attractions of the city in every season.

Attractions not to be Missed in Zurich

Zurich offers a wide range of attractions for visitors of every interest. From the picturesque old town with its cobbled streets and ancient buildings, to Lake Zurich which offers splendid panoramic views and water activities, the city is full of places to visit. Renowned art museums, such as the Kunsthaus Zurich, and the vibrant gastronomic and shopping scene complete the city's tourist offer.

Local Gastronomy: Swiss Culinary Delights

Zurich cuisine is a feast for the palate, offering traditional Swiss dishes such as fondue, raclette, zürcher geschnetzeltes (sliced veal in sauce), accompanied by sweet delicacies such as bircher muesli. The local markets offer fresh products such as artisan cheeses, Swiss chocolate, and freshly baked bread that will delight gourmets.

Live a Unique Experience with a Cruise from Zurich

To enrich your visit to Zurich with a special touch, consider the opportunity to book a cruise that departs directly from the city. Sailing on the waters of Lake Zurich or along the Limmat River offers breathtaking views of the city and its main attractions. By booking a cruise from Zurich, you can experience an unforgettable experience that will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the city from a unique perspective.