Cruise Part 5

The last day, we took an optional tour from Basel, Switzerland to the Alps. At Jungfraujoch, the top of the world at 11,333 feet, is a small village accessed by a tram system. The magnificent Alps rise above the village, which caters to tourists. We had a group dinner shared with 3 other tour buses full of guests, then spent a little bit of time finding souvenirs, including my t-shirt and some Swiss chocolate bars.

It is challenging to describe the majesty of the mountains rising above Jungfraujoch, covered in snow and almost menacing in appearance. It snowed the whole time we were there, but green grass and flowering trees covered the valley below the tram ride pathway. The snowline was quite distinct and really did look like a line drawn across the mountains. There were many chalets in the lower part of the valley, as well as what appeared to be full-time residents. Leaving the immediate area, we saw a beautiful sky-blue lake which is allegedly stocked well with fish.

On the way up to Jungfraujoch, we stopped at a woodcarving shop and saw a carver at work making a crèche. The prices for the finished figurines and collectibles was quite high, but still tourists were clamboring to get something to take home. They also had a display of cookoo clocks, but they too were highly priced to be considered by this tourist.

We returned to the ship, arriving at 7 pm, and then had to pack up to leave at 4:00 am. Yes, 4:00 am, but our suitcases had to be in the hallway by 3 am, so sleep wasn't on the agenda for the night. We took a flight from Basel to Amsterdam and arrived back in Los Angeles in the afternoon, then drove the 2-1/2 hours back to the desert.

It was a wonderful trip and I would gladly take another river cruise as it is so relaxing and well-paced for cruising, then stopping to visit the locale. Viking cruises did a great job of pampering us when we were on-board, and caring for us while we were out touristing, so I would consider them for my next cruise.