My husband and I chose to arrive in Basel 2 days prior to departure but booked our air through Viking. On the short hop from Paris to Basel there were others who were leaving that night on another Viking ship. Our red luggage tags identified us and the Viking greeters were ready to take us to the ship until we explained that we had booked a hotel in Basel for 2 nights and would then make our own way to the ship. One of the greeters had his own car at the airport and, once the other travelers were all identified and being transported to the boat, he drove us to our hotel. Although this was totally unexpected it is one example of how Viking personnel go the extra mile.

We then walked the Streets of Basel for 2 days in the rain. When we boarded the Mani the Rhine was quite high and raging. It remained high and swollen all the way to Amsterdam but quieted a bit as we traveled north. Since river travel depends on water levels, clearance to pass through locks, and numerous other nautical niceties we did spend our first 2 nights unexpectedly docked in Basel.

George, our program director, worked ceaselessly to rearrange the schedule to assure the passengers had the opportunity to visit most of what was advertised for this trip. Yes, we were docked in Basel for 2 nights, and yes, we were taken to the Black Forest and Strasbourg by relatively long motor coach journeys. Those who did not want to spend 2 hours in the motor coach were invited to stay on board and hopefully, enjoy the cruise down river. Because no one was sure how far the Mani would be allowed to sail on Day 3 George arranged for lunch in Strasbourg and included everyone in the Alsatian Wine Tour and Tasting tour. Those who has signed up for this optional tour received a refund. By the time we reached Heidelberg (Day 4) I think we were pretty much back on schedule and on Day 5 enjoyed the scenic cruise on the Middle Rhine. Read more