FLIGHTS
TBD - PREMIUM ECONO
Expect 14 to 17 hours from Nashville to Basel
INSURANCE
BASEL AIRPORT - EuroAirport Photos
The city is served by three airports. One of the main airport near Basel is EuroAirport (BSL) which is located entirely within French territory. But, it is operated jointly by both France and Switzerland. EuroAirport is also near the borders of Germany.
For international arrivals, it usually takes around an hour to clear Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport’s (terminal map) passport control and claim your baggage if you checked any in.
MONEY ISSUES
ON-BOARD
Typically, riverboats do not have ATMs. Viking will charge everything to our CC or eCheck. Add Beverage Package, Pre-Paid Gratuities, and Excursions to Payments in My Viking Journey
SWITZERLAND
Warning: Switzerland uses SWISS FRANCS not Euros
Tipping: not expected - a service charge will normally be added to our bill.
These are ATMS in Basel There are also ATMs at the airport.
GERMANY, FRANCE, HOLLAND
Currency is Euros.
In Europe, tipping is seen as a reward for exceptional service rather than a compulsory practice.
GERMANY
Tipping in Germany is not required, but it is customary and a sign of appreciation for good service. The amount you tip depends on the service and the location, but here are some general guidelines:
Restaurants and cafes: A 5–10% tip is reasonable, and 15% is considered generous. For small purchases, you can round up the bill.
Hotels: Tip the porter €2–3 per bag, and leave €2–4 per night for the cleaning staff. If the hotel doesn't include a room service charge, add a 15–20% tip.
Taxis: Tipping your taxi driver is not required, but half of Germans do.
FRANCE
Tipping in France is optional, but it is appreciated in some situations:
Restaurants: A 15% tip is customary for good service, but you can leave a few euros per person for a pleasant experience. You can leave less or nothing for coffee or a drink.
Bars and cafes: A few coins left on the table or in addition to the bill is acceptable.
Hotels: Tips are appreciated for porters, housekeepers, and concierges.
Taxis: Round up to the nearest euro or 5-10% of the fare.
Tour guides: A 10% tip or more is customary, or $5–$15 per person for a full-day tour.
Tipping isn't needed in self-service restaurants or cafes, retail stores, or for small transactions like buying a snack or drink.
These are ATMS in Strasbourg
HOLLAND
Tipping in the Netherlands is not required, but it is considered polite to show appreciation for good service:
Restaurants, bars, and cafes: A tip of around 10% is generally expected, but you can tip more for exceptional service. It's customary to tip your waiter or waitress more than your bartender, as they likely share their tip with the kitchen staff.
Hotels and serviced apartments: Tips are appreciated in these places.
Taxis: You can round up to the nearest euro or leave a small tip. However, if the driver takes a longer route without a good reason, you shouldn't tip them.
Here are some other things to keep in mind about tipping in the Netherlands:
Check your bill first, - there might already be a service fee included.
The amount you tip depends on the establishment or service and the amount you're willing to pay.
You can round your bill to the nearest 5 or 10 euros.
The Dutch are a pretty laidback bunch, so don't stress too much if you overtip or undertip.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION IN BASEL
- Shuttle bus from airport to the city centre: every 7 minutes
- 15-minute ride from airport to the city centre
The local taxi drivers at the airport usually use a taximeter to calculate the cost of our journey. However, for the ride from Basel airport to the city centre, the drivers often give a set-rate fare. The average cost is around €45, based on the driver’s discretion.
If we’re looking for a set-rate fare we can rely on, we recommend pre-booking your Basel airport transfer with Welcome Pickups (around €59)
In early December along the Rhine River, expect cold weather with temperatures typically hovering around freezing (0°C), with occasional rain or light snow, and potentially foggy mornings; be sure to pack layers of warm clothing, including a thick coat, hat, scarf, and gloves as the weather can change quickly.
Key points about the Rhine weather in early December:Temperature range: Generally between 0°C and 5°C (32°F - 41°F).
Precipitation: Mostly light rain, with a chance of snowfall, especially in higher elevations.
Wind: Moderate winds, potentially making it feel colder.
Important considerations:
Christmas markets: Early December is a prime time to visit the famous Christmas markets along the Rhine, which can be a major draw for tourists.
River conditions: While the Rhine is generally navigable in winter, extreme cold can occasionally affect river traffic.
Clothing preparation: Pack for cold weather with multiple layers, including thermal base layers, waterproof outerwear, and comfortable walking shoes suitable for potentially slick surfaces
