Viking River Cruises: Paris to Swiss Alps in 12 Glorious Days

Join us as we recollect our 12-day fairy tale aboard a Viking River Cruise, beginning through the romantic streets of Paris and winding down to the snow-kissed peaks of the Swiss Alps. If the travel bug bites you and you daydream about cruises that take the scenic route, buckle up; this one’s for you.

If you have been looking for a great cruise itinerary with the best of both worlds (cruising and land trip), this Paris to the Swiss Alps cruise may be the one for you. Let me show you what Viking River Cruises is all about and what this trip entails. 

Thanks to Viking River Cruises for hosting my travel arrangements and stays. As always, opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased. 

A Journey Begins in the City of Lights

Paris, the city that sparkles, was our first stop. Soon after our arrival, greeted by the warm Viking team, we found ourselves unwinding at the Marriott Paris Rive Gauche – our cozy haven for the next few days.

High-quality service? Check. Oh-so-comfy beds? Double-check.

Eager to kick things off, my husband, Eddie, and I hopped aboard the metro straight to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Pro Tip: meander around the base and capture those Insta-worthy snapshots—Paris in all its iron-laced glory! 

Opting for a scenic Seine River cruise was a no-brainer. We floated by Parisian treasures like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre Dame, whose architectural splendor during the golden hour is a photographer’s dream.

Cherished Moments and a Brush with History

Viking knows how to charm its guests—a guided tour skipping the queues at Notre Dame (a day before the fire, mind you) was a poignant moment we’ll never forget.

Post-tour, we rummaged through quirky souvenir shops and indulged in the ultimate French sandwich, the Croque Monsieur, perfectly complemented by a rich Parisian hot chocolate.

Starting the day right, Viking laid out an array of breakfast options in a room inside the Marriott hotel, including fresh bread, cheeses, delicious cold cuts, and more, with a fabulous selection of brews and juices to wash it all down.

A Palace Straight Out of a Fairytale

Are you craving more culture? Us too! That’s why we didn’t think twice about the extra excursion to Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sees over six million visitors annually.

It’s worth every penny of the $150, trust me. Viking whisked us away, and just like that, we bypassed the long lines to step into the opulence of the Palace of Versailles. 

King-size luxury, intricate details, and glistening chandeliers – even among the throngs, the Hall of Mirrors caught our breath in its shimmering reflection.

Luxembourg – A Delightful Detour

With Paris bidding us adieu, we ventured onto Luxembourg City. Just a short scenic drive and voilà—local guides were at the ready, sharing insights and hidden gems. “Un café et pain” (a cafe, meaning coffee, and bread) soon became our go-to phrase, savoring coffee breaks with a side of the local pastry du jour.

We discovered that Luxembourg City wasn’t just easy on the eyes but kind to our wallets regarding shopping and dining. And get this: mine and Eddie’s first date, 31 years ago, was to Chi-Chis, where we saw one in the city.

A Tribute to Heroes in Luxembourg

Our expedition took an unexpected turn as we ventured beyond the urban charms of Luxembourg City and stumbled upon a place of profound honor – the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial. We were moved to silence and tears among the thousands of white crosses marking the bravery of WWII heroes like General George S. Patton. 

The place’s serenity contrasted with its tumultuous history, leaving us awestruck. By the way, this cemetery is maintained by America.

Trivia Fact: 5073 WWII service members from Battle of the Bulge are buried here. 

Climbing back aboard the magnificent Viking Kvasir, the welcome couldn’t have been warmer. Stateroom cards in hand, our belongings whisked to our cabins, we were soon clinking glasses in a toast with newfound friends, the prelude to a scrumptious dinner, which follows nightly.

Germany Welcomes Us with History and Wine

In the warmth of our fourth morning, Trier awaited us. Trier isn’t just any German city — it’s brimming with history as the oldest in the nation and was once the Holy Roman Empire’s capital.

Our eager bodies followed the cobblestone paths to Roman gates and baroque palaces, each step a footprint in time. The Porta Nigra (ancient city gate) was the best photo op.

Our cruise to Bernkastel-Kues was a sequence of picturesque vignettes in the Moselle Valley. Remember to glimpse the circa 1608 Renaissance Rathaus and the St. Michael Fountain — moments in stone that captured our imaginations.

This was my favorite port on the entire cruise.

Snack Tip: Pick up an ultimate cheesy pretzel or pizza spargel from a street vendor.

Sipping Riesling in Bernkastel-Kues

Opting for a ‘Tour & Tasting,’ we savored the robust Rieslings of the region at Dr. Pauly Bergweiler, memories of honey and apricot dancing on our tongues. There’s something special about enjoying a vintage right where it’s born. They also had a tasty ice wine. 

Other optional excursions unfurled the historic tapestries of Mainz and Strasbourg. Whether following in the steps of Martin Luther or sipping more wine while gazing at Alsatian vineyards, each opportunity was a gem waiting to be uncovered.

Once the wine had settled into pleasant recollections, we ventured to dine at Gasthaus Burkard. The evening highlight? A succulent Pork Jagerschnitzel paired with handmade Spaetzle.

It doesn’t get much better than this.

Mesmerizing Moselle Valley

Our Viking Kvasir glided into Cochem, and we couldn’t resist the allure of exploring on our own during the five-hour window. Half-timbered houses seemed to whisper tales of yore as we wandered through the picturesque streets.

A ride on the Cochem Chairlift confirmed what our hearts already knew—this land is spellbinding. We grabbed amazing photos from this vantage point, and it cost less than ten euros each.

We skipped the guided steps up to 11th-century Reichsburg Castle, instead choosing to meander on our own, allowing us to absorb Cochem at our pace, a decision as rewarding as the panoramic views.

Scenic cruising unveiled the expansive Moselle Wine Country — a carpet of 22,000 miles of terraced hillside vineyards unfurling before us in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.

Day six led to Koblenz, a trove of German wonders from shopping in the Four Towers to the historic fort of Festung Ehrenbreitstein. Here, find a corner under a covered table, fill up your coffee cup, and marvel at the mouthwatering pastries — a pleasure for the senses.

People-watching is supreme.

Jewels Along the Rhine

With the whispers of legendary sirens of the Lorelei rock still in our ears, Wiesbaden beckoned. A spontaneous discovery led us to margaritas and chips & salsa as delightful as the city itself, followed by a fountain McDonald’s Diet Coke, which had us rejoicing to no end.

Here, in the heart of savory experiences and cobblestoned mazes, we celebrated the luxury of choice and the thrill of discovery that a Viking River Cruise offers.

Wiesbaden Nights and Mainz Mornings

Day seven dawned in Mainz, a major trade center in the Middle Ages, with its stellar attractions—the Gutenberg Museum and Mainz Cathedral. Viking cruises have their magic, granting us a private peek into the celebrated museum on a day it is typically closed.

The museum vividly depicted Johannes Gutenberg’s groundbreaking press. Today, only 49 copies of the 180 original Gutenberg Bibles exist.

The quiet beauty of Marc Chagall’s blue-stained glass windows in St. Stephen’s Church (built in 990AD) was a sobering counterpoint to the jubilant sweet flavors we later savored from a nearby cafe. We are holding our own on keeping up with daily pastries and coffees.

Speyer – Where History and Taste Collide

Speyer, a storied name etched into the UNESCO annals, brought us face-to-face with the monumental Speyer Cathedral. Its echoing halls and soaring organ note our symphony for the day, with eight emperors of old in their eternal sleep beneath, meaning they are buried here.

Peppered boutiques and cafes dotted the town we explored before we surrendered to the siren call of fresh pretzels and flavored teas at Maximilian Cafebar Restaurant. We then indulged in a hearty baked Italian dish from Restaurant Porta Nuova. 

A Technik Museum visit rounded off our tale in Speyer, treating our eyes to a fabulous collection of vintage cars and planes of yesteryear.

A Feast of Sights and Flavors

Returning on board meant not just rest but a celebration, with Captain Patrik and Chef Jakub conjuring a barbecue that turned lunch into a feast under open skies, setting the tone for the mélange of experiences that Viking River Cruises represent.

Our meal on the Aquavit Terrace featured four types of sausages, mustards for dipping, potato salad, and several side dishes.

Strasbourg, France – An Easter Day of Discovery

On the ninth day of our cruise, we bid farewell to our floating home with a day in the storybook town of Strasbourg. This gem in France’s Alsace region greeted us with its fairy-tale charm. Imagine – half-timbered houses, winding cobblestone streets, and a relaxed morning tour that was just a teaser of the town’s beauty.

Post-lunch, adventure-seekers had the option of a wine-tasting tour, but we couldn’t resist the pull of Strasbourg a moment longer. We ventured back on our own, meandering through Petite France, where cafes and souvenir shops welcomed us even on Easter Sunday.

Notre Dame Cathedral Strasbourg beckoned, but a snaking line guided us towards a delightful plan B – indulging in sweet and savory crepes at La Cigogne Bar & Creperie. Who knew defeat could taste this delicious?

Viking didn’t forget it was Easter; we returned to find luxurious Lindt chocolates and colored eggs waiting to add sweetness to our staterooms and breakfast tables. Such thoughtful delights!

And if you haven’t been to Europe on or during Easter, be prepared for white asparagus to be on your plate daily and at every vegetable stand you see.

Hello Basel, Switzerland – An Escapade with Grandeur

Transitioning from cruise to land, we discovered the vibrant spirit of Basel, our first Swiss encounter. The architectural splendor of Market Square captivated us during our short walking tour, with the city’s bustling rhythm starkly contrasting our tranquil days on the river.

Despite the holiday (Good Monday), Viking masterfully orchestrated an excursion to Rheinfall – Europe’s largest waterfall. Here, we were given the precious gift of time – 90 minutes to immerse ourselves in the majesty of cascades that rivaled the grandiosity of New York’s Letchworth.

Last Stop: Zürich – A Tale of Two Worlds

On our 10th day, we dawned at the Sheraton Zürich Hotel, a modern retreat that served as our base camp for exploring. Swiss efficiency shone through as we were whisked away on a tram to begin our Zürich escapade.

The day unfolded with marvels like the Grossmünster Church, the Limmat River, and a surprising backdrop on our Lake Zürich cruise – the proud, snow-draped Swiss Alps. Fair warning, though; the boat tour, while a photographer’s dream, did have its lulls.

Eddie and I played explorers in the heart of the city, absorbing the stained-glass beauty of the Grossmünster and the Fraumünster’s green spire, adorned with Marc Chagall’s touch.

Amidst sightseeing, our palates embarked on their own voyage – from a hearty Thai buffet at the Blue Monkey to savoring traditional cheese fondue and dreamy raclette, each a Swiss culinary rite of passage.

With costs on the steeper side – dinners and simple refreshments averaging above 25 USD and 6 USD respectively – Switzerland reassured us that some experiences are truly priceless.

Revitalized, Recharged, and Reconditioned

Our voyage with Viking River Cruises culminated in a trove of memories, new friendships, and an expanded gallery on our phones. Yet, what stayed with me was the tranquility amidst the nonstop thrill—a testament to the truly immersive and well-crafted experience that Viking offers.

Having set sail on over 40 cruises, my unwavering affinity for Viking speaks volumes of their devotion to stitching together exceptional adventures for travelers like us.

Does the allure of a river cruise tempt you? Should any questions or musings set sail in your mind, I am all ears and more than happy to guide you through the tides.

Read more of our cruising posts at:

Viking’s Passau Cruise Port

Why Bratislava, Slovakia is a Favorite Danube River Cruise Port

Cruise Europe at Discounted Prices with Costa