Day 8: Mom’s birthday!
The first part of this day was a gorgeous, narrated cruise through the middle Rhine, lined with so many castles. Not gonna lie – it was wonderful to sleep a little later because the early morning excursions were taking a toll.
It was freezing and super windy on the sundeck, so be prepared with a warm hat and a thousand layers of clothing if you’re cold blooded like I am. Halfway through, Viking served everyone delicious hot chocolate, with or without “happiness” (brandy).
That afternoon we opted for the Medieval Marksburg Castle excursion, and it was so cool to set foot in a castle from the 1200s. Everything is set up as it would have been, and there’s also an armory museum showing the different styles of armor through the ages. Fun fact: the “salute” originated from knights raising the visor of their helmet to show that they were a friend and not a foe.
Afterwards, we still had a little time before dinner, so we strolled through Koblenz, with hauntingly beautiful music playing in the portico near where they were setting up for their Christmas Markets… Koblenz is another city I want to go back to. We had to miss the Koblenz walking tour because we chose the castle—as much as I wanted to be in two places at once!
Another lovely Viking dinner this night and a birthday cheesecake for Mom…followed by a local string quartet who played in the Lounge 
Why Book Your River Cruise Through Me
When you book your Viking (or other luxury river cruise) with me, you’ll enjoy:
- Exclusive perks like onboard credits, complimentary private tours, or free pre-cruise hotel nights (depending on the line and promotion).
- Custom pre- and post-cruise trip planning so you maximize your time in Europe.
- Special touches for celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries—just like Mom’s birthday cheesecake!
- VIP support before, during, and after your trip.
📅 Viking has just released their 2026 itineraries! If you want the best selection and to take advantage of their End-of-Year Sale, now’s the time to book. Message me here and let’s secure your perfect stateroom.
💎 Shop My Cruise Day & Night Outfit:
- Earrings for dinner from my store Lord & Lady Co – still time to order for Christmas gifts!
- My go-to wool travel wrap – warm enough for deck views without the bulk.
- Comfortable yet chic walking shoes – perfect for castle tours and old-town streets.
Related Posts You Might Love
- Speyer & Rüdesheim, Germany: Rhine River Cruise Highlights & Travel Tips
- Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam: A Convenient and Charming Stay Near Amsterdam Centraal
- A Grand Tour of Europe: From Milan to Paris with a Rhine River Cruise
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I use and love. All travel experiences are my own unless otherwise noted.
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