Zurich to Basel April 7, 2023

 Zurich to Basel April 7, 2023

Today was our transfer day from the hotel in Zurich to the Viking Idi docked in Basel, Switzerland.  We were up early for breakfast at the hotel, after which we boarded our motorcoaches for the ride to Basel. Some folks opted for the very pricey "Highlights of the Alps" excursion before getting to the longboat, but at nearly $400 each, we decided it was too rich for our blood.  The combination bus tour and walking tour of Basel might have been quite lovely ... if not for the pouring rain.


The city is located in Switzerland but shares a border with both France and Germany.  The Old Town consists of a cluster of medieval buildings spread on a hilly riverbank. 


As we drove from Zurich to Basel, we passed many small picturesque farms along the way.  Many of the farms we passed were growing white asparagus, which grows underground to keep it from turning green.  It is the preferred type of asparagus in the region.


We made a restroom stop, and I couldn't resist capturing this shot of the beautiful spring floral displays!

A Rainy Shot of a Basel Church Through the Bus Window

Crossing the Bridge into Basel

Basel City Gate


City Gates in Basel

We drove past several buildings before parking the bus for our walking tour.  As we got off the bus, the rain came down even harder, so we opted to visit a Cafe (as did many more of our group).  



We were delighted to enter Cafe Huguenin, a large cafe - thank goodness because more than half the ship sought refuge from the rain.  We each ordered a cup of Earl Grey tea, and (of course) Jeff had to have a slice of lemon cheesecake!  It was a great way to while away some time before boarding the buses again to make our way to the ship.

Tinguely Fountain in Basel


Our bus was parked next to this fountain - I have a picture of it, but you can't see much.  Jeff has a video of it, but the ship's internet won't let me post it.

We were delighted to get to the ship and were pleasantly surprised to be served lunch.  I think that our program director, Tara, called ahead to see whether we could arrive early due to the fact that there weren't many restaurants open in Basel because it was Easter Saturday, and we were all a bit bedraggled.  The chef pulled together a buffet lunch for us, which was delicious.  After lunch, we had a lovely nap before heading back to the Lounge for introductions to the "department heads" and a welcome toast from our Captain.


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