Rhine Getaway 2018: April 12

Day 9: Pearls of Switzerland Tour

Today we finished off the Rhine Getaway Adventure with a PACKED day full of breath-taking vistas that the photos hardly do justice to. Check back later (once we are home) for the videos which will give you a better idea but still not nearly like seeing it in a panoramic, 360-degree life-sized view.

The day started at 8:30 am when we walked to the dock....boarded a ship and sailed for over an hour on Lake Lucerne with just stunning scenery. Then we boarded a cog train for the nearly 45 minute trip up the mountain to Mount Rigi. As I mentioned in the Facebook post only with Viking could you have had the experience we had unless you were REALLY lucky! Certainly THE highlight of the day were the breath-taking views as we climbed the mountain, and Viking had reserved the last three rows of the train AND the nearly 6' by 6' standing-observation area at the back of the train with the ONLY panoramic views of the trip. THAT is why we see the world through Viking cruises!

We spent about an hour on top the mountain - offered the chance to walk to the observation building up a steep, ice-covered walkway that even the guide discouraged....and the wind was howling. Easily knocked down and while you'll laugh, you could easily have slid off the mountain! (see the video clips later!). Then we had lunch in a restaurant near the top of the mountain. Descended down with more sensational views, but they were not quite as "oh my/wow" as the way up, but still stunning. It was now about 2 pm. Boarded a bus and while the rest of the day was enjoyable, nothing like the first half. We went to a monastery with remarkable church....but at the monastery they not only were a religious place but they had several side industries like wine making, and......a horse farm! Back on the bus to a local farm where we got a tour of how a dairy farm is run; then to a cheese making facility where we toured the operational part and then got to help make cheese. Topped by a cheese-fondue dinner, and then a gift of Viking-guest made cheese (ours will be ready in four weeks and given to that wave of Viking guests). Finally back on the bus and arrived at the hotel at 9:30 pm. A long day of more than 13 hours, but what a way to end the adventure. Out the door of the hotel by 6 am tomorrow for the long flight home. Hope you enjoyed our trip with us!