Viking Annar sailing on May 17th, 2027

About Zurich

Switzerland's largest city is surprisingly compact, with a wealth of churches, museums, and cobbled streets. More than half of Zurich's 41 museums are free, from the wide-ranging Swiss National Museum, with treaures from prehistory to the present, to the tightly focused Beyer Museum of Time and the Museum Strauhof, strong on James Joyce artifacts and memorabilia. A free list of museums can be picked up at the tourist office.

Zurich's premier magnet is the Old Town, a maze of medieval streets on both sides of the Limmat River. Among the most ancient and charming byways in this part of town are Neumarkt, Rindermarkt, and Predigergasse--narrow streets with building, some of them more than 700 years old, housing galleries and small shops brimming with stylish jewelry, clothing, crafts, works of art, and books. Augustinergasse, lines with 17th- and 18th- century houses, curves up to St. Peter's, the city's oldest parish church, also notable for having the largest clock face in Europe. If you don't insist on top-name brands, it's possible to do well buying classy-looking Swiss watches (under $100) and chocolate at department stores such as ABM, EPA, and Migros. For gift boxes of beautifully packaged chocolate truffles ($9-$25), try Schurter, on Niederdorfstrasse, also a fine spot for relaxing over a cup of hot chocolate or coffee ($2.50) and slice of cake ($2-$4). Swiss Army knives (starting at $12.50--and generally about half the price of those sold in the States), jewelry, wooden toys, and cheese boards can be purchased at Heimatwerk, with shops throughout Switzerland, but value-conscious
shoppers flock to the Zurich store, where an entire room is devoted to sales merchandise.

Countryside is close at hand in Zurich. Every 30 minutes, a train departs from Zurich's Hauptbahnhof (train station) for the summit of Uetliberg Mountain, some 1,500 feet above the city. Plan your departure from Zurich so that you can have an early lunch in the train station, at Les Arcades (a plate of bratwurst is $12). Instead of boarding the train for the return trip after you've admired the view from Uetliberg, take the easy under-two-hour walk along the mountain ridge to Felsenegg, where you can then hop on a cable car for the quick trip back to Zurich.

About Zurich

Switzerland's largest city is surprisingly compact, with a wealth of churches, museums, and cobbled streets. More than half of Zurich's 41 museums are free, from the wide-ranging Swiss National Museum, with treaures from prehistory to the present, to the tightly focused Beyer Museum of Time and the Museum Strauhof, strong on James Joyce artifacts and memorabilia. A free list of museums can be picked up at the tourist office.

Zurich's premier magnet is the Old Town, a maze of medieval streets on both sides of the Limmat River. Among the most ancient and charming byways in this part of town are Neumarkt, Rindermarkt, and Predigergasse--narrow streets with building, some of them more than 700 years old, housing galleries and small shops brimming with stylish jewelry, clothing, crafts, works of art, and books. Augustinergasse, lines with 17th- and 18th- century houses, curves up to St. Peter's, the city's oldest parish church, also notable for having the largest clock face in Europe. If you don't insist on top-name brands, it's possible to do well buying classy-looking Swiss watches (under $100) and chocolate at department stores such as ABM, EPA, and Migros. For gift boxes of beautifully packaged chocolate truffles ($9-$25), try Schurter, on Niederdorfstrasse, also a fine spot for relaxing over a cup of hot chocolate or coffee ($2.50) and slice of cake ($2-$4). Swiss Army knives (starting at $12.50--and generally about half the price of those sold in the States), jewelry, wooden toys, and cheese boards can be purchased at Heimatwerk, with shops throughout Switzerland, but value-conscious
shoppers flock to the Zurich store, where an entire room is devoted to sales merchandise.

Countryside is close at hand in Zurich. Every 30 minutes, a train departs from Zurich's Hauptbahnhof (train station) for the summit of Uetliberg Mountain, some 1,500 feet above the city. Plan your departure from Zurich so that you can have an early lunch in the train station, at Les Arcades (a plate of bratwurst is $12). Instead of boarding the train for the return trip after you've admired the view from Uetliberg, take the easy under-two-hour walk along the mountain ridge to Felsenegg, where you can then hop on a cable car for the quick trip back to Zurich.

About Basel

Gateway to the Swiss Rhineland, Basel is ideally situated on the Rhine at the crossroads of France, Germany, and Switzerland. As you walk the cobblestone streets of the Old City, retrace the steps of the brilliant scholar Erasmus of Rotterdam. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, where you´ll see the paintings of Picasso, Dali, Kandinsky, and Mondrian, among others.

About Zurich

Switzerland's largest city is surprisingly compact, with a wealth of churches, museums, and cobbled streets. More than half of Zurich's 41 museums are free, from the wide-ranging Swiss National Museum, with treaures from prehistory to the present, to the tightly focused Beyer Museum of Time and the Museum Strauhof, strong on James Joyce artifacts and memorabilia. A free list of museums can be picked up at the tourist office.

Zurich's premier magnet is the Old Town, a maze of medieval streets on both sides of the Limmat River. Among the most ancient and charming byways in this part of town are Neumarkt, Rindermarkt, and Predigergasse--narrow streets with building, some of them more than 700 years old, housing galleries and small shops brimming with stylish jewelry, clothing, crafts, works of art, and books. Augustinergasse, lines with 17th- and 18th- century houses, curves up to St. Peter's, the city's oldest parish church, also notable for having the largest clock face in Europe. If you don't insist on top-name brands, it's possible to do well buying classy-looking Swiss watches (under $100) and chocolate at department stores such as ABM, EPA, and Migros. For gift boxes of beautifully packaged chocolate truffles ($9-$25), try Schurter, on Niederdorfstrasse, also a fine spot for relaxing over a cup of hot chocolate or coffee ($2.50) and slice of cake ($2-$4). Swiss Army knives (starting at $12.50--and generally about half the price of those sold in the States), jewelry, wooden toys, and cheese boards can be purchased at Heimatwerk, with shops throughout Switzerland, but value-conscious
shoppers flock to the Zurich store, where an entire room is devoted to sales merchandise.

Countryside is close at hand in Zurich. Every 30 minutes, a train departs from Zurich's Hauptbahnhof (train station) for the summit of Uetliberg Mountain, some 1,500 feet above the city. Plan your departure from Zurich so that you can have an early lunch in the train station, at Les Arcades (a plate of bratwurst is $12). Instead of boarding the train for the return trip after you've admired the view from Uetliberg, take the easy under-two-hour walk along the mountain ridge to Felsenegg, where you can then hop on a cable car for the quick trip back to Zurich.

About Strasbourg

The multicultural city of Strasbourg exhibits both French German influence due to its location along the Rhine River at the border of both countries. The old streets of "Petit France" with wooden houses and picturesque canals seem to make time stand still. The carefully restored Cathedral of Notre Dame contains a combination of architectural styles, and is most recognized for its 465-foot tall, graceful spires. Another landmark is the 18th century Chateau des Rohan, which houses three of the city's major museums.

About Speyer

The quiet German town of Speyer lies peacefully on the western bank of the Rhine. The city boasts a large imperial Romanesque cathedral, burial place of eight emperors including some of the most famous Holy Roman Emperors. Speyer was once a major Celtic center that has traded hands several times between the Romans and the Huns. Six majestic towers still dominate the city's skyline.

About Mainz

Located in the heart of the Rhine wine region, Mainz has played many historic roles. Due to its favorable location on the mouth of the Main River and being close to the mouth of the Nahe River, Mainz gained economic and political strength. Under Roman rule, it served a key part of the Roman Empire's northern defenses and during the Middle Ages, it served as a major trade center. Later, Mainz became home to printing pioneer Johannes Guttenberg.

Mainz Attractions

Learn more about the invention of the printing press with a visit to the World Museum of Printing or enjoy the Roman-Germanic Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Historical River Navigation. Visit beautiful St. Stephen's Cathedral featuring Chagall's world-famous stained-glass windows or enjoy a local wine in a cozy tavern.

About Koblenz

This 2,000-year-old city at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. History buffs can explore the Neoclassical Residence Schloss, the Prince Elector´s palace; the Deusches Eck, a settlement founded by the German Order of Knights in 1216; and Ehrenbreitstein, the oldest fortress in Europe.

About Cochem

Following the course of the Moselle river for more than 100 miles is the beautiful Moselle Valley. The prettiest town in this popular wine-producing region, Cochem occupies the site of one of the valley´s earliest settlements. The medieval-style Reichsburh Castle, which dominates the town from atop a hill, is worth seeing, as is the Old Town with its cobblestone streets and halftimbered houses.

Cochem Attractions

A favorite respite amid the splendor of the Moselle Valley, Cochem offers an idyllic setting amid vine-clad hills, and a neo-Gothic castle. The little town is graced by three fortified gates, quaint narrow alleys and half-timbered houses. Visit Reichsburg Castle, perched high above the town. Originally built in the 11th century, the castle was destroyed by French soldiers in 1689 and reconstructed in the 19th century.

About Bernkastel

A well known wine growing centre situated on the Mosel River. In the centre is the Market surrounded by color-washed half-timbered houses and the remains of medieval walls including the Ender Gate built in 1332. The well-restored castle which looms above the town was severely damaged in 1689 during the "Orleans War" of 1688-97.

About Trier

In the 4th century, Trier was the capital of Gaul. The 3rd century Porta Nigra is the finest Roman relic in Germany. There are the remains of an Amphitheatre and Baths. Later monuments include the Gothic Church of Our Lady and an early Romanesque Cathedral incorporating remains of a Roman structure.

About Reims

On May 7, 1945 the unconditional surrender of the German army was signed here. Located northeast of Paris, this city was an important city of Roman Gaul and has been the location of the coronation of French Kings.

About Paris

Paris, the romantic capital of France, is considered one of the world's most important and most attractive cities. Its cultural and historical significances are evident in its many noted landmarks, including the famous Eiffel Tower, Montmarte art district, the Louvre Museum and the commemorative Arc de Triomphe. The bustling atmosphere on the shop-lined Champs-Elysees, coupled with the many restaurants, taverns, and performances enhances the night-life in the "City of Lights".

Paris Attractions

Paris and the Eiffel Tower are synonymous. You see it from almost everywhere in the city. But don't miss the chance to go to the top. The view is breathtaking.

Paris Activities

Spend a day getting lost in the Louvre. This fabulous, maze-like museum is home to one of the greatest art collections in the world, including the Mona Lisa. Sail down the Seine in the shadow of the Notre Dame Cathedral. This famous cathedral is a beautiful example of gothic architecture and is where Napoleon and Josephine were crowned in 1804. Stroll along the Champs Élysées, stopping in some of the world's finest shops. Visit the Arc de Triomphe, built in 1806 to commemorate Napoleon's victories.

About Paris

Paris, the romantic capital of France, is considered one of the world's most important and most attractive cities. Its cultural and historical significances are evident in its many noted landmarks, including the famous Eiffel Tower, Montmarte art district, the Louvre Museum and the commemorative Arc de Triomphe. The bustling atmosphere on the shop-lined Champs-Elysees, coupled with the many restaurants, taverns, and performances enhances the night-life in the "City of Lights".

Paris Attractions

Paris and the Eiffel Tower are synonymous. You see it from almost everywhere in the city. But don't miss the chance to go to the top. The view is breathtaking.

Paris Activities

Spend a day getting lost in the Louvre. This fabulous, maze-like museum is home to one of the greatest art collections in the world, including the Mona Lisa. Sail down the Seine in the shadow of the Notre Dame Cathedral. This famous cathedral is a beautiful example of gothic architecture and is where Napoleon and Josephine were crowned in 1804. Stroll along the Champs Élysées, stopping in some of the world's finest shops. Visit the Arc de Triomphe, built in 1806 to commemorate Napoleon's victories.

About Paris

Paris, the romantic capital of France, is considered one of the world's most important and most attractive cities. Its cultural and historical significances are evident in its many noted landmarks, including the famous Eiffel Tower, Montmarte art district, the Louvre Museum and the commemorative Arc de Triomphe. The bustling atmosphere on the shop-lined Champs-Elysees, coupled with the many restaurants, taverns, and performances enhances the night-life in the "City of Lights".

Paris Attractions

Paris and the Eiffel Tower are synonymous. You see it from almost everywhere in the city. But don't miss the chance to go to the top. The view is breathtaking.

Paris Activities

Spend a day getting lost in the Louvre. This fabulous, maze-like museum is home to one of the greatest art collections in the world, including the Mona Lisa. Sail down the Seine in the shadow of the Notre Dame Cathedral. This famous cathedral is a beautiful example of gothic architecture and is where Napoleon and Josephine were crowned in 1804. Stroll along the Champs Élysées, stopping in some of the world's finest shops. Visit the Arc de Triomphe, built in 1806 to commemorate Napoleon's victories.