We are now on the finale of what has been a series of amazing adventures. We farewelled the gracious Burgesses at 4pm from Canterbury and trained into London and then got a bus to Harwich. We dragged our cases for miles and boarded the Stenna line ship around 10.30pm and settled into our neat porthole cabin for the evening. We woke to the message that breakfast was being served . We docked around 7.45am and found our way to the coach which took us to Rotterdam. We negotiated the stairs and managed to get to the correct platform for our fast train to Amsterdam. The journey through the dutch countryside was lovely and we soon arrived at Amsterdam Central - so glad we didn't have another change, the luggage is a jolly nuisance when steps and long distances have to be traversed! We looked around as we exitted the station to realise the Viking Helvetia was just down the road phew, good news. We came on board at about 10.45am and were glad to have a coffee. We later welcomed Ray ,Chris, Pamela & Keith who boarded together. Next came Mick & Dorrie then Roger & Jan. So nice to all be on the cruise together. Unfortunately one of the couples had a bag stolen in Paris which we all felt sorry about. Lunch was provided for us which we enjoyed. We went various ways after this - maritime Museum, shopping, walk around the square etc. Later we had a lengthy briefing from the cruise director, of activities for the next 8 days. We then had our first of many delicious meals . We waited until 11.30pm. for the ship to leave the port and then it was off to a welcome bed in cabin 302. Slept well and had breakfast and we docked at Kinderdijk, a tiny village located on a strip of land between the Lek & Noord rivers. There is a large concentration of operational windmills, 19 of them dating from the 14th century. It was a cold misty morning but nevertheless the tour and talk were very enjoyable. Being able to go up inside one was a treat as was the enthusiastic fellow explaining the building and workings etc. Back on board the vessel we headed off on our way once again. The vessel is very smooth ,staff friendly and food exceptional. We had buffet lunch and a relaxed afternoon. Some enjoyed the talk on Dutch Cheese followed by playing Sjoelen, which Mick managed to win! Prior to evening meal we had a welcome cocktail and the Captain & exec crew had a welcome toast. The dinner was 3 delicious courses , duck & mango chateaubriand & veges, soufflé for dessert . After this we were given a German lesson and entertained by the pianist. Another delightful day .

We travelled overnight to Cologne where we docked at 9 am in the morning of 13/11/2012. We went on a walking tour through the older part of the city. Interesting archeological diggings as we passed by to eventually enter the amazing Cologne Cathredral. Started 1248 and finished in the 1800′s .this cathedral in Germany's oldest city is a top tourist attraction here. There are only 533 steps to reach the top of it spire! Didn't attempt this one. We all enjoyed coffee and cake at a lovely restaurant where the bathrooms were amazing. We later with Ray's guidance found a typical pub to have a bratwurst and beer (optional) . Our order for an oversized 30 cm bratwurst with potatoes and sauerkraut sank us all. Good fun though,! We wandered the shops and returned to the ship late afternoon to be able to attend a lecture on the European Union. We were then entertained by a delightful group of school children singing and playing various instruments ably led by a passionate yet gentle teacher. After a lighter dinner (after our giant bratwurst for lunch) we were entertained by a duo called Carpe Deum who were just amazing. A classical guitarist and violinist who sang beautifully as well. Keith & Phil were especially delighted.

As we hadn't seen the "love locks" on the railway bridge here, Chris ,Phil & I went for a walk to have a look. There are about 40 ,000 of these, I hope the owners remain true to their pledges.
Back safely on board to set of at 11.30 pm for our next leg of the journey. Having a great time so far. Pianist in full swing plus a dancer or two I think probably Pam & Joan .
Another good night's rest we awoke to greeting friends at breakfast and anticipating the day's activities.We are enjoying to get our Australia Today news each day provided by Viking ( news via satellite from the world's foremost news wires.) also the Viking Daily - our schedule for each day.
This even gives the weather forecast as well. Wednesday , November 14th our 75th day on this many 'adventured ' holiday, sunny 1 - 9 degrees, and we've arrived at the dock in Koblenz.(8am)
We boarded some buses for a trip up the mountain to Marksburg castle which is set high overlooking the town of Braubach. It is one of the best preserved castles on the Rhine. Quite an adventure even though the fog which looked beautiful, masked our view a little. The guided tour of the cobblestones entrance and castle was great , apparently this castle was never besieged by enemies and so appears much the same as it did when built approximately 700 years ago.Mick even got to try on a knight's mask - what a knight! Whilst we were enjoying our tour the Helvetia cruised onto Braubach where we were taken to on the coaches. We reboarded around 11.15am. and set ourselves up in the lounge ready to enjoy ' A taste of Germany ' lunch and the scenic cruise through the middle Rhine and onto Rudesheim. As we sailed along the director pointed out the little towns,castles ,ruins and other sights such as Katz and Maus castles to Pfalz fortress that sits on a rock in the middle of the river. We passed the Lorelei and heard about the robber baron Katzenellenbogen (cats elbows) all very enjoyable. We were treated to a professional - how to make a Rudesheim coffee as well as a tour of the ship's galley. I don' t know how the chef and his off siders produce such great meals in such a small space. We have much admiration for the chef and his team. We arrived at Rudesheim at 4 .30pm and went for a stroll up town. There were a few shops open and we visited the Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop - delightful. By the time we returned darkness had fallen and the lights of the city looked pretty as we passed by. The usual 'briefing ' from Nico and the mouth watering menu outline by chef de cuisie Eike Raab preceded another gourmet dinner. After our repast it was back to the lounge to the evening entertainment of a glass blowing demonstration and Joan & Pam's dancing.
Once more back to cabin 302 and our comfy bed. We woke as we left Rudesheim at 2am.
Didn't stay awake for long and all too soon it was breakfast time once again. Juice,fruit, pastries, eggs, toast, meat, cheese, cereals, hot things as well eggs bacon etc - whatever you could wish for really , was on offer each day.
We arrived in Mannhein at 9.15am where most passengers alighted to go on a shore excursion to Heidelberg. We had been there on our coach trip so decided to stay on board and travel to Speyer,having lunch on board. We found there was a museum of Technology here which Phil decided to visit. I went on a tour of the town's churches and shops. The the Romanesque Speyer cathedral with the organist playing was quite impressive. It was begun in the year 1030 and in 1980 was added to Unesco's prestigious World Heritage list. I walked through the town's Old Gate (built 1230 - 1250) which is 60 ft high - one of Germany's tallest and most important. We returned to the ship around 4pm and relaxed until dinner. Whilst we were enjoying our pina coladas and dinner we set sail for our next destination Kehl/Strasbourg . The evening had lots of fun with a dance off and Istvan at the piano excelling himself as did Pamela & Keith on the dance floor. We all added to the fun on the dance floor tonight. After an enjoyable museum and town visit and a delightful evening we retired to dream of new adventures for the morrow.
Friday 16th November, our 49th anniversary today - weather cloudy ,light rain! After breakfast we caught the bus for an excursion to the amazing town of Strasbourg where the European Parliament meets. The gothic cathedral set in the square is yet another amazing lacey architectural sight worth seeing. After our walking tour we all went to a cute (expensive) restaurant and were shown into a room big enough for the eight of us where we enjoyed hot chocolate and delicious cake. Phil & I had a nice lunch together at Galleriie Lafayette and returned with the others on the 2.45 pm bus. We relaxed for awhile and soon it was 6pm and chef Eike gave us a cooking demo. The briefing and usual chef's words were once again followed by a delicious dinner . The piña coladas flowed and then the Maitre de brought a firework flowing from a bottle of champagne to the group singing happy anniversary - such laughter and fun. He was so nice as we didn't get photos the first time he brought another one! After dinner the evening entertainment in the lounge by a trio (2 men, a lady) We all enjoyed these guests and this was no exception.
They took us on a musical journey from the Rhine to the Seine. They were great. This was followed by dancing and the pianist playing on. We set sail again at 11pm .The next excitement was experiencing the ship going through a lock. Off to bed as we continued toward Breisach where we were due to arrive at 7am.
Early breakfast today as our Black Forest Bus tour was leaving at 8.30am. This was a scenic drive stopping a couple of times, once at a monastery and then at a touristy village where we saw cuckoo clocks, glass blowing and a Black Forest cake demonstration. We enjoyed this place set midst the forest. We returned around 1pm to buffet lunch in the lounge. We had the afternoon to wander around Breisach , the cathedral on the hill and through the streets of this pretty town. Phil not too well today so I wandered on my own to a museum ,a gallery and St Stephens church and through this town that was a fortress in the Middle Ages. We left this port at 6.15pm on our way to the final destination of Basel.
The captain and staff invited us to a Captain's cocktail farewell toast prior to the Captain 's dinner.
We all had a good dinner (except Phil) and afterwards I went to the cabin whilst the friends were being lucky with the raffles in the lounge. One more night on board. We had to vacate the cabins by 9am so we packed up and then went to bed.
We arrived in Basel at 4am and after breakfast at around 8am we put our bags in the entrance and set of with everyone except for Pamela & Keith who had left at 7.15am , for a tram ride around Basel. We had a coffee and cake and returned to where the ship was berthed. We walked a little ways up the wharf to where the three countries of France, Germany and Switzerland boundaries monument was located. After some photos we returned to the ship to await our taxis at 1.30pm . They duly arrived we said our farewells and set off for the long journey home. Our flight from Basel was at 5.10pm and we arrived at Heathrow where we waited for the flight to Melbourne which left at 22.30 , (10.30pm ) We boarded on time and I fell asleep after the pilot introduced as Captain Michel gave his splurge. We were delighted to catch up with this guy that had boarded with us 30 years earlier. We had a nuisance of a stopover in Singapore and then continued on our way to arrive on time in Melbourne 7.30 am Tuesday. It's a long haul and we were glad to be on Aussie soil. Jason was kind enough to meet us and transport us home where dear Tone, James & Chloe were the welcoming committee. Great to speak with Rich & fam too. What a great family. Managed to stay awake 'til around 5pm and went to bed for a long sleep. Awoke to a new day around 7am.
We thank the Lord for a great journey, great memories and lots of photos to sort and enjoy.

So great that all our bookings, ticket purchases, car hiring etc all worked without any hitches.

The Grand Finale.