Cruising the Rhine – Day 1

Day 1 – Boarding our Rhine river cruise at Basel

We flew into Basel to meet our Lueftner Cruise ship, the Amadeus Princess, which we found easily a short walk along the river from the town centre. As we didn’t need to check in until 4pm, we dropped our bags and wandered back along the river bank towards the centre of town, which was surprisingly quiet. We found out later that it was a public holiday and all the shops were shut which was a shame as there were plenty of things to tempt me, including some delicious looking chocolate and marzipan in the Confiserie Schiesser. In the main square we found the attractive facade of the 16^th century Basel City Hall and went into the courtyard where we found all the walls were covered with classical frescoes on the theme of law and justice. By now we were ready for a coffee but since nothing seemed open we explored up through the narrow lanes of the old quarter, past the half timbered houses, and came to the large square with the cathedral. We found a very pleasant place for a coffee and cake in the café of the Museum of Culture and then looked around the courtyard of the museum with an interesting sculptural roof in contrast to the older buildings all around. There was a fountain playing in the courtyard and as we walked more around Basel we started to notice fountains everywhere, as well as many public sculptures. We walked past a group of friends playing boules in the shade and then had a look around the cloisters of the cathedral, with what looked like a wildflower meadow in the middle of the courtyard. Our impression of Basel was of a very civilized and artistic city, with bicycles everywhere. The Rhine is at the heart of the city and we saw platforms by the river where you can go for a swim in summer.

By now it was time to return to the Amadeus Princess, check in and find our cabin, which was compact but comfortable with plenty of storage. Late in the afternoon there was a safety briefing and then a captain’s welcome cocktail, before we enjoyed our 5 course meal in the restaurant washed down by local wines. Tomorrow we will be stopping at Strasbourg, to explore the city and do a wine tasting tour, which my husband is particularly looking forward to!

Heather Cowper

Our guest author, Heather Cowper writes at Heatheronhertravels.com about inspirational travel destinations, bringing you stories, photos, videos and podcasts from Europe and around the world. You can also connect with Heather on her Twitter page @heathercowper and on her Facebook page

Heather’s Rhine River Cruise was hosted by Lüftner Cruises who specialise in European river cruises on the Rhine, Danube, Rhône and other destinations in Europe, with personal service and Austrian hospitality.