Want to avoid crowds and save money? Cruise Europe’s rivers in winter
Winter in Europe has a magical quality. River cruising companies know it – their Christmas itineraries, running November through to new year, are hugely popular, carrying guests between brightly decorated villages, to cities overtaken by the festive spirit and to Christmas markets twinkling in the frosty air. Onboard, there’s mulled wine and seasonal menus as the river ships meander snowy landscapes.
Cologne on the Rhine. Winter is a quieter and more affordable time to cruise Europe’s rivers.
But come January, most river cruising vessels go into dry dock, undergoing maintenance and upgrades until March.
Viking River Cruises is bucking that trend, introducing a new Middle Rhine winter itinerary that will run throughout the winter and starts January 13, 2024.
“Viking has long promoted cruising during the Mediterranean’s quiet season which can often be the best time to visit the region thanks in part to its mild and pleasant winters which are appealing for many,” says Viking spokeswoman Michelle Black.
“Travelling in the low or off season is often a more cost-effective time to explore a destination and maximise your travel dollar. It allows for a much more authentic experience on shore – with far fewer travellers and less crowds and queueing, it is easier to access and enjoy the iconic landmarks or reserve a table at a popular restaurant.
“Plus, the ability for more meaningful interactions and conversations with the locals who are happy to give you more of their time which for many is an important part of getting to understand and appreciate a destination.
Strasbourg, eastern France.
“And of course, air fares cost less during this time too, and there is usually greater availability particularly if you are looking for premium economy or business class seats.”
The 10-day Treasures of the Rhine itinerary featuring the UNESCO site of the Middle Rhine, includes stops in Alsace, Amsterdam, Basel and Cologne.
It’s a route that dedicated river cruisers will likely have done before. Viking chairman Torstein Hagen acknowledges that but says he expects many will welcome “a new option for … experiencing Europe during a quieter time of year.”
Heidelberg, Germany.
Adds Black, “The cities, towns and villages along the rivers are different during each season and there is something truly magical about a northern hemisphere winter.”
Viking isn’t just relying on nature to offer something different. In creating the winter itinerary, it focuses on offering significant differences to the cruises during warmer months.
“To that end we’re including full days in Amsterdam and Basel rather than just embarkation/disembarkation,” says Black.
“That allows us to offer an included Amsterdam Canal Cruise, which is not offered on any of our other cruise itineraries, as well as optional excursions such as Amsterdam’s Golden Age and Cheeses of Edam & Beemster, and an included Basel Walking Tour as well as the optional Highlights of the Alps. The latter offers guests the opportunity to explore the Swiss Alps on a full-day excursion from Basel.
“We are also going to Arnhem instead of Kinderdijk, where we will include a tour of the newly renovated Paleis Het Loo, and offer optional excursions such as Kroller-Muller Museum & Sculpture Garden and Operation Market Garden: Arnhem.”
Additionally, we are swapping Koblenz for a visit to Mainz, where we offer the included Mainz Walking Tour & Gutenberg Museum.”
Viking’s 10-day Treasures of the Rhine includes eight guided tours across four countries and costs from $2995 a person. See vikingcruises.com.au
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