Last update 07/03/25
FLIGHTS (updated 07/01/25) Flights were obtained with Viking Air PLUS fee.
DEPARTURE - 13 hr and 30 min
Dec 2, 2025: 6:25 PM - 8:35 AM+1 (8h 10m) BNA to LHR
BA 222: Boeing 777 Prem Econo
Layover - 3hr & 50 min Club Aspire Lounge
Dec 3, 2025: 12:20 PM - 3:05 PM (1h 45m) LHR to BSL
BA 758: Econo
ARRIVAL - 13 hr and 20 min
Dec 11, 2025: 10:15 AM - 10:40 AM (1h 25m) AMS to LHR
BA 431: Econo
Dec 11, 2025: 12:40 PM - 4:15 PM (9h 35m)
MONEY ISSUES
MONEY/ATM in SWITZERLAND
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
The 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.
These are ATMS in Amsterdam
WEATHER
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
TELEPHONES
Having a working cell phone internationally is very helpful. We often use a cell phone as a "walkie-talkie" when traveling members roam separately. The options are "burn phones," SIMS, Internet, and Verizon/AT&T/Visible international plans. They usually work while on land, but not so much when on the ship. Avoid using them on planes.
Verizon, AT&T, and Visible International plans, as well as internet, are the simplest and least expensive options for our two-week trip. The international plans only charge $12/day (as your phone uses domestic, voice, text, and mostly data) when used daily.
Before departure, set up your carrier's international plan. When you arrive in Switzerland, your carrier will recognize your location and text you about the connection.
VERIZON TRAVEL PASS
VISIBLE GLOBAL PASS
For $12/day, you can use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances like at home. You're only charged for the days you use your phone. Learn more by visiting our TravelPass FAQs.
If you don't choose an international plan, you'll pay per minute, per text, and per MB of data used (called Pay as You Go) when you're abroad. Learn more on our International Travel page.
Internet connections can be FREE when in a hotel or on a ship with WiFi. At some airports, you can find low-cost or free WiFi (it's best to use a VPN on public WiFi).
When calling between two cell phones on iOS, use FACETIME.
When accessing between Androids and Apple, use WhatsAPP. Set up the app before departure.
