There is something truly special about experiencing Europe from the river – the cities and nature unfold from a new perspective, and the calmness on board makes the journey part of the experience itself. With Viva Cruises, you get stylish comfort and an itinerary filled with culture, history, vineyards, and charming towns. Yes, I had a prejudice that only older people went on river cruises. And that’s true – but there were also families traveling together and some younger couples on board too.
Start in Amsterdam – a day full of canals and art
Before departure, there’s time to enjoy Amsterdam, where a morning stroll along the iconic canals gives the perfect first impression. Art lovers can visit the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum, while shopping enthusiasts can find unique design treasures in De Negen Straatjes. A must-see is also the Bloemenmarkt – the world’s only floating flower market – where tulips in every color brighten the scene.
Amsterdam swept me off my feet – I loved strolling and sailing around the city in canal boats, just exploring all the little streets with houses in different colors and shapes. Amsterdam by night has a particularly sexy vibe, with people dancing on the quays, lovers on romantic canal rides, and yes, the scent of pot and the Red Light District, which all tourists pass through. Visit the area during the day, and you can enjoy the architecture with houses dating back to the 1600s.
Nijmegen – the oldest city in the Netherlands
Late in the afternoon, the journey toward Basel begins, with everyone on deck waving goodbye to Amsterdam. Early the next morning, you wake up in Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands. Here, cobblestone streets, a cozy walk along Waalkade, and charming shops await. Lange Hezelstraat, the country’s oldest shopping street, offers small specialty shops, fashion, and delicacies.
I ended up shopping quite a bit at De Gastvrouw, which had many beautiful, unique dresses and shirts. And if you like cowboy boots, you should definitely visit Silverado. You could easily spend more time here, but at 1:30 p.m., the ship sails onward toward Germany.
Düsseldorf – art, architecture, and modern atmosphere
Arrival happens late at night, and the next day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. there’s time to explore Düsseldorf. The city’s modern face is seen in Medienhafen, where internationally known architects have left their mark with futuristic buildings – though the area still feels like it hasn’t quite found its rhythm yet.
From here, you can walk to the 240-meter-high Rheinturm, offering an impressive view over the Rhine. The shopping street Königsallee is famous for its luxury boutiques, but the small side streets hide design shops, vintage stores, and cafés. You also have to visit the bar street, where beer flows endlessly. A mark is made on your beer coaster for each one, and when you’re done, the marks are counted and you pay.
Koblenz – sparkling cultural heritage
Early in the morning, Viva Cruises docks in Koblenz. From 9 a.m. to noon, there’s a tour of the Koblenzer Sektmuseum, where the history of sparkling wine and old cellars set the mood – and after a very generous guide, spirits are quite high. I had to buy a couple of Deinham bottles to take home. At 12:30 p.m., the ship sails on – and now begins one of the most spectacular stretches of the journey.
The cruise toward Rüdesheim – vineyards and castles
On this part of the Rhine, the landscape opens up with steep vineyards and castles guarding the river. You pass Burg Katz, Burg Maus, and the legendary Lorelei Rock, which according to legend lured sailors to their doom with her beauty. It’s pure fairytale atmosphere from the deck.
The sun shines from a clear sky, and it’s nothing short of fantastic to sit with your feet in the small pool on deck, enjoying the view. It must be admitted that once you dive into the drinks menu, the staff happily bring trays of delicious cocktails – and yes, the Piña Colada might be an 80s drink, but hello, it still works wonders! Not to mention a Gin Basil Smash or a Negroni…
Rüdesheim – wine and festival atmosphere
In the evening, Rüdesheim awaits – a town buzzing with wine and music. We were lucky to arrive during a wine festival that filled the streets with the scent of local grapes, while live music played in the charming Drosselgasse late into the night.
Besides wine experiences, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum or take the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument for a panoramic view over the Rhine Valley.
Speyer and excursion to Heidelberg
After a night of sailing, you reach Speyer at 1 p.m., but the day starts already at 8 with yoga on deck – a peaceful way to feel the tranquility of the river. From here, the trip continues by bus to Heidelberg, where the romantic Heidelberg Castle towers above the city. A highlight is the castle’s giant wine barrel, which can hold 219,000 liters of wine.
Time is unfortunately short here, so I sit by the river near the bridge and enjoy the view. Back in Speyer, the ship departs again at 7 p.m.
Strasbourg – French charm and delicacies
Early the next morning, the ship arrives in Strasbourg. I love Strasbourg – it’s the perfect size, with cozy neighborhoods, a huge and beautiful cathedral, a charming canal lovingly encircling the city, and small, welcoming restaurants everywhere.
Especially La Petite France – a quarter filled with half-timbered houses, canals, and French charm at its best – completely won my heart. Local specialties like spiced gingerbread, cheese, and sausages are must-tries before departure at 2 p.m.
On board, you can once again enjoy the pool with a Piña Colada in hand before the evening ends with a festive gala dinner.
Basel – the final stop of the journey
The trip ends in Basel, but the memories of the river, the cities, and the atmosphere on board live on.
Life on board – three restaurants and top-level comfort
Viva Cruises’ ship is as much an experience as the destinations themselves. On board, you’ll find three restaurants:
- Riverside – classic dishes with an international touch.
- Moments – the calmest setting, perfect for breakfast. Here they serve a healthy version of banana split with yogurt and fresh fruit – a hit for early risers.
- The Bistro – relaxed atmosphere and light dishes, ideal for an informal lunch.
The cabins are designed in a modern style with large windows offering direct views of the river. Comfort levels are high, and the intimate atmosphere makes you feel at home – even in the middle of Europe
✨ A Viva Cruises river cruise is not just a trip – it’s a floating cultural and nature experience where you can combine relaxation, adventure, and gastronomy all at once.
Tryp.com & GoTraveling were invited by United Spirit Nordic and Viva Cruises.
See more about river cruises here : https://www.viva-cruises.com/en/river-cruises
