Heather on her travels

6 day Lüftner Rhine River Cruise itinerary and map

Taking a Rhine river cruise is a stress free way of seeing the landscapes and towns of several different countries in one holiday. For my Rhine River cruise with Lüftner Cruises I posted a day by day diary of everything that we enjoyed. Follow our journey on the Rhine river map and read my account of our 6 day Rhine River Cruise in the article below.

Castles of the Middle Rhine on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

Table of Contents

Rhine River cruise map

I partnered with The Online Travel Journal, who created the interactive Rhine River cruise map below to show all the places I visited on the cruise.

Rhine River map

Our cruise covered everything on the Rhine River map from the city of Strasbourg, the music museum at Rudesheim, wine tasting in Alsace to admiring the romantic castles and landscape of the Middle Rhine.

If you’re considering a Rhine River Cruise, the Rhine cruise map should give you a good feel for the places you might visit and things to enjoy. Click on the white dots to see more photos of the places we visited or read more about our trip below and at the Online Travel Journal .

Day 1 – Arriving in Basel

Exploring basel.

On arrival in Basel we made a short walk from the town centre along the river to meet our Lueftner Cruise ship, the Amadeus Princess. Since check in was at 4pm, we dropped our bags on board and wandered back along the river bank towards the centre of town.

Basel on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

It being a public holiday in Basel, all the shops were shut which was a shame as I was tempted by the displays of delicious looking chocolate and marzipan in the Confiserie Schiesser .

Basel on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

Sightseeing in Basel town centre

In the main square we admired the attractive facade of the 16 th  century Basel City Hall or Rathaus . Within the internal courtyard we found the walls covered with classical frescoes on the theme of law and justice.

Basel on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

By now we were ready for a coffee but since nothing seemed open, we wandered around the narrow lanes of the old quarter. Passing the picturesque half timbered houses, we arrived at the large cathedral square.

Basel on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

The café of the Museum of Culture was open for coffee and cake, with an interesting sculptural roof in contrast to the older buildings all around. A fountain played in the museum’s courtyard and as we walked more around Basel we started to notice fountains everywhere, as well as many public sculptures.

Basel on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

A group of friends played boules in the shade and within the cloisters of the cathedral was what looked like a wildflower meadow. Our impression of Basel was a civilised and artistic city, with bicycles everywhere. The Rhine is at the heart of the city and evidently clean enough for swimming, since we saw platforms on the river for summer swimming.

Checking in for our Rhine River Cruise

By now it was time to return to the Amadeus Princess and check in. We found our cabin, which was compact but comfortable with plenty of storage. Late in the afternoon there was a safety briefing and then a captain’s welcome cocktail, before we enjoyed our 5 course meal in the restaurant washed down by local wines.

Basel on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

Day 2 – Strasbourg and the Alsace Wine Road

Our first stop was in Strasbourg, to explore the city and do a wine tasting tour.

A morning tour of Strasbourg

On our tour of Strasbourg, we learned so many fascinating things from our guide’s commentary. Passing through the diplomatic quarter we spotted the nests of the storks are the symbol of the city, perched like hats on top of the pollarded lime trees.

Strasbourg on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

In the 1970s they had almost disappeared from the region, but now there are over 400 in Alsace. Of course everyone knows that if you leave a piece of sugar out for the stork it will bring you a baby!

We also learned that Strasbourg has switched from France to Germany many times in its history, being on the border of the two countries. The statue of Mother Alsace mourning over her two dead sons killed in action, commemorates a time when families might have brothers from the same family fighting against each other in the French and German armies.

Strasbourg on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

No wonder that the people of Strasbourg believe so strongly in peace and host the Conseil de l’Europe to ensure that there is never another war in Europe.

Strasbourg on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

Our coach dropped us in the historic town centre, with its half-timbered houses. We explored the cathedral where the stained glass windows had all been cleaned to make their colour extra bright. Our morning in Strasbourg ended with a boat trip with guided commentary through the Petite-France area of rivers and canals, with view from the water of many more beautiful old houses.

Strasbourg on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

The Alsace Wine Road

After lunch back on the Amadeus Princess, we boarded the coach once more for an afternoon excursion. Our object was a wine tasting on the Alsace wine route, that runs through the rolling foothills of the Vosges mountains.

Alsace Wine Route on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

First stop was at Domaine Hering where we passed through the cellars to see the steel vats and enormous oak barrels used to age the wine. Back upstairs, we learned about the six different kinds of Alsace grapes and tasted the Pinot Gris, Reisling and Gewurtztraminer. I also spotted that they make a Cremant d’Alsace, the local equivalent of Champagne but half the price.

Alsace Wine Route on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

Our route back to the Amadeus Princess included a stop at the pretty small town of Obernai. The town is bounded by the river and old ramparts, designed to protect the wealth of the town that came from its wine.

Alsace Wine Route on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

Day 3 – Speyer and Heidelberg

By morning we arrived in the small town of Speyer, with a visit to the university town of Heidelberg in the afternoon.

A morning tour of Speyer

The Amadeus Princess moored in Speyer, just a five minute walk from the small town with a very big Romanesque Cathedral. In past centuries the town had a large Jewish population who were invited here by the German Emperors to oil the wheels of commerce.

Speyer on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

The first stop on our walking tour was a look around the medieval Mikveh or Jewish baths, used for ritual purification, where the water of heavens (rainwater) and earth (groundwater) mingled. Our walk continued to the Lutheran Trinity church where we admired the beautifully decorated roof and gilded altar to the accompaniment of an organist who was practicing for a wedding.

Speyer on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

Speyer Cathedral

Finally we visited the cathedral with soaring pillars built of the local red sandstone. Within its crypt are buried many of the kings and emperors of Germany from the 12th century. On seeing the huge stone coffins I marvelled how they had managed to manoeuvre these heavy blocks of stone into the narrow niches where they now sat.

Speyer on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

At the front of the cathedral we noticed a stone bowl 2 metres wide and learned of the custom that each new bishop had to fill it with wine for the people of Speyer as part of his inauguration.

A tour of Heidelberg castle

After lunch back on the ship we took the coach for our afternoon excursion to the famous university town of Heidelberg, which escaped bombing during the Second World War. A ruined castle on the hill gives the town a romantic aspect and our first walk was around its courtyards and stone facades carved with statues and pillars.

Heidelberg on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

From the castle terraces we had a bird’s eye view over the red tiled roofs of the town with two churches and the old stone bridge across the Neckar river. In the castle cellars we found an enormous wine cask, but just around the corner was an even bigger one, with a stairway leading to the top where there was a small platform once used for dancing.

Heidelberg on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

A walk around Heidelberg

Driving back down to the town centre, our guide pointed out to us several houses decorated by flags. These are owned by wealthy fraternities of university students who gather (men only!) to drink as much beer as possible and practice sword fighting.

Heidelberg on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

We enjoyed our walk around the pedestrianised centre of the town with plenty of cafes and beer gardens. Near the old stone bridge were the marks of the water levels in past centuries when the town had flooded.

Heidelberg on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

We came across Kathe Wohlfahrt , a shop devoted entirely to Christmas decoration as well as a room full of cuckoo clocks, and chose a wooden tree decoration to take home.

Heidelberg on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

Finally we stopped for a coffee at the Gundel café , where I tried their special Kurfürstenkugel cake. This sponge ball filled with cream and covered with chocolate, was created in the 17th century, in honour of Prince Frederick V and his wife Elizabeth Stuart, daughter of the king of England.

Day 4 – Rüdesheim, the castles of the Middle Rhine and Koblenz

After a visit to the charming town of Rüdesheim, we cruised through the romantic Middle Rhine Valley, past castles and vineyards, arriving at Koblenz.

A morning walk in Rüdesheim

Our day began in Rüdesheim with a walking tour of this charming small town, the highlight of which was the music museum. An old manor house houses a collection of mechanical musical instruments, bought and restored by Siegfried Wendel, with everything from a colourful fairground organ to a tiny music box.

Rudesheim on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

As we walked through each room, the guide set each of the instruments to play in turn, including a phonograph invented by Thomas Edison. It required a fresh needle to play every record and had no volume control, resulting in the expression, ‘put a sock in it’, as this was exactly what they did to turn the sound down.

Rudesheim on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

Our walk continued around Rüdesheim, down a narrow street filled with taverns and wine shops, known as the Drosselgasse. We couldn’t resist to try the local specialty of a Rüdesheimer coffee , a delicious concoction of flamed brandy, mixed with coffee, topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with chocolate.

Rudesheim on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

In the days when it was considered unseemly for women to drink in public, this was the way they could enjoy a secret tipple with their friends.

The Castles of the Middle Rhine

Later in the morning, the Amadeus Princess sailed from Rüdesheim, passing through the sloping vineyards and romantic scenery of the Middle Rhine valley. This area of the Rhine has many castles set high above the river that were built in the Middle Ages by local princes, in order to tax the merchandise being transported along the river.

Castles of the Middle Rhine on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

We passed the high cliff, known as the Loreley, where only a narrow channel of the river is navigable, causing many ships to founder at this point of the Rhine. The legend has it that a beautiful maiden sits on the rock, distracting the sailors with her singing, a bit like the sirens in the tale of Odysseus.

As our previous days had been busy with sightseeing, we really enjoyed the chance to relax on the top deck and enjoy the picturesque castles and scenery.

Koblenz on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

A tour of Koblenz

By the afternoon we reached Koblenz, named after the confluence of the rivers Moselle and Rhine. Over 80 percent of the town was destroyed by Allied bombing in the Second World War. The retreating Germans finished the job by blowing up all the bridges.

Koblenz on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

Our walking tour took us past the confluence of the rivers, where all the flags of the German states were flying, as well as an American Stars and Stripes that the Germans added in solidarity after the bombings of 9/11.

Koblenz on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

Beware of the famous statue in Koblenz of a young boy spitting, which soaks the unwary every few minutes if you stand in front of it. Our tour ended at 6pm under the church clock to watch the face that rolls its eyes and sticks out its tongue six times as the clock strikes.

Koblenz on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

Day 5 – Cochem, Wine Tasting and a Cycle Ride

The Amadeus Princess takes a detour along the Mosel River to Cochem where we visited the picturesque Reichsburg Castle, learned about local wines and cycled be the river.

Cochem on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

Cochem and Reichsburg Castle

Taking a detour from the Rhine, the Amadeus Princess headed up the Mosel river to the town of Cochem, overlooked by a picturesque castle on the hill. Although built in the 11th century, the Reichsburg castle was later given the fashionable romantic look of towers and turrets. It was restored in the 1860s by the wealthy German industrialist, Jacob Louis Ravené, who used it as a summer residence.

Cochem on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

Millions of German marks were spent rebuilding and renovating the castle with the modern conveniences of electricity and running water, with decoration in romantic neo-gothic style. We enjoyed the intimate feel of the castle, with rich furnishings, suits of armour and colourful painted walls.

Cochem on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

After our castle visit we walked down to the old town where narrow stone staircases lead down from the old monastery building above the town. Closer to the river we heard how the shops are sometimes flooded when the river rises. Businesses monitor the water level at Trier further up river and get sufficient warning to empty out all their goods before the flood hits Cochem.

Moselle wine tasting

Our tour finished with a wine tasting where we learned how the best vines of the Mosel region grow on south facing slopes. beneath the vines are beds of slate, which act like a radiator to help ripen the grapes.

Cochem on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

The Riesling grape is well suited to the damp, cool summers and requires a long growing season before being harvested by October. A special variety of red-fleshed peach is also grown in many vineyards and is used to make a peach liqueur that is delicious mixed with sparkling white wine to make a Kir Moselle.

A cycle ride beside the river

Continuing with the local food and wine theme, at lunch we enjoyed some seasonal fat white asparagus that we’d spotted in all the markets. As the ship was not due to sail until the evening, we took the opportunity to borrow bikes from the ship. A happy hour was spent cycling along the path beside the river with views of the old painted houses built hard up to the rock below the castle.

Cochem on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

Day 6 – Our Rhine Cruise Ends at Cologne

We arrive at Cologne where we disembark, although the ship continues to Amsterdam.

Cologne Cathedral

On the final day of our Rhine river cruise with Lüftner Cruises, we woke up in Cologne, within a short walk of the city centre. This is where we were to disembark, but we still had a day of sightseeing, leaving our suitcases in an automated baggage store at the station.

At the heart of Cologne is the magnificent cathedral, that was one of the few buildings that remained standing in the Second World War. The twin spires have become the landmark of the city.

Cologne on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

On the cruise we had an excellent guide for every place we visited, but now we were free to wander at our own pace with just a leaflet to explain the points of interest. The cathedral has many beautiful side chapels, colourful stained glass and precious altar decorations and we had time to see most things of interest, before the visitors were restricted in order to allow a time of prayer.

Cologne on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

Lunch in Cologne

Although there were plenty of pleasant cafes along the river frontage, we decided on lunch at one of the many beer halls around the Heumarkt where a street market was just setting up. Despite the traditional appearance, our choice turned out to be an Italian restaurant and I ordered from their asparagus menu featuring several dishes using the local asparagus that was in season.

Cologne Chocolate Museum

With a couple of hours to spare, we walked to the chocolate museum on the banks of the Rhine, joining the crowds of teenagers and school children. In the museum we learned how the cacao beans are grown and chocolate made, and walked through a mini tropical greenhouse growing some of the cacao and other tropical plants.

Cologne on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

There was a large room of chocolate making machinery where we could see chocolate progressing from the melting stage, to being moulded and wrapped in foil, all on the same machine.

After a cup of hot chocolate and a slice of chocolate cake in the café with a view of the Rhine, we took a bicycle taxi from outside the museum back to the station where the train took us to the airport.

Cologne on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

An end to our Rhine River Cruise

While we had to go home a little early, the Amadeus Princess was continuing for a further couple of days as far as Amsterdam. We left with great memories of our first cruise, finding it a very relaxing way to travel.

We had been able to dip into interesting riverside towns, each with its own story to tell, while enjoying a comfortable and luxurious base on the Amadeus Princess.

Listen to my podcast on the Rhine River cruise that we took, visiting pretty riverside towns, tasting local wines and l

Listen to my Rhine River Cruise podcast – a week of history, wine and music

Cochem on our Rhine River Cruise Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

More Tales from my Rhine River Cruise

All aboard the Amadeus Princess – what to expect from your river cruise ship Video – The Rudesheim Music Museum – Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet From Riesling to Gewürztraminer – our wine tasting on the Alsace Wine Route

About Lüftner Cruises

Lüftner Cruises specialise in European river cruises on the Rhine, Danube, Rhône and other destinations in Europe, with personal service and Austrian hospitality. We travelled on the Amadeus Princess on a 7 day Classical Rhine Cruise which travelled from Basel to Amsterdam, although we disembarked at Cologne.

My thanks to Lüftner Cruises who hosted* our Rhine River Cruise.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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Julie Arnold

Monday 25th of May 2015

My husband and I took a winter cruise down the Rhine. It was the first time for both of us. We will be back. The ship and staff were excellent. I don't know how they can improve on perfection.

Heather Cowper

@Julie I'm so pleased that you had such a great experience

Lauren Meshkin

Tuesday 9th of July 2013

I've been wanting to take a river cruise ever since two summers ago when I saw several of them floating down the Danube River in Budapest. I think all of these posts have finally convinced me. Thanks! Looks like you had a fabulous time. I love all of the pictures.

@Lauren Yes, this was my first cruise but I'll definitely be back for more.

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  • A Day Cruise on the Rhine River in Germany

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One of the most memorable day trips we took while living in Germany was for our anniversary, a cruise on the Rhine River. With multitudes of castles strung throughout the hilly banks of the river, it’s the best way to see and learn about the reigning history of Germany.

Here’s a Day Cruise on the Rhine River in Germany:

Burg Ehrenfels on the Rhine River

Info for the Rhine River Boat Tour

With multiple route options to choose from, we opt for embarking from Bingen. Buying our tickets through the Bingen-Ruedesheimer company, the cost was around 15 Euro per person.

While there are a multitude of tour options, we chose the castle excursion for a chance to see up to 20 castles. A tour guide on the boat discusses the history behind each as we float by. For an up close and personal castle experience, the boat docks at multiple villages. A second boat rounds back every hour for you to grab and continue on down the river.

Since I wanted to see all of the castles in our short time on the Rhine, we didn’t depart the boat at any time but I loved seeing them from the water.

Rolling Hills of Germany with Castles at the Top

The German Castles Along the Rhine River

With more than 20 different castles to view, it’s hard to decide which one is worthy of your time to stop at. I’ll go into detail about each one in this post, while also giving historic information about them!

Watch Tower on the Rhine River

Burg Ehrenfels

Although the actual date of construction is unknown, Burg Ehrenfels was used as a customs point on the Rhine in the 1200s. A ‘Mouse Tower’ was built on an islet in the water across from the castle to ensure complete supervision over the Rhine. Burg Ehrenfels was damaged in the Thirty Years’ War, then completely ruined during the Siege of Mainz in 1689.

Vineyards dating back to the 13th century still dominate the cliff around Burg Ehrenfels, where the Ehrenfelser grape was born.

A hike to the ruins is possible, taking about an hour, but the castle is officially now closed off to tours.

Burg Rheinstein in Germany

Burg Rheinstein

Only a few years after it was constructed in 1316, Burg Rheinstein suffered from the wars fought around it. In the late 1800s, it was purchased by a Prussian Prince and rebuilt into what stands today. The castle features multiple drawbridges and doors that resemble the Medieval era. With a courtyard hosting a 500 500 year old vineyard, grapes are still produced today.

You can visit Burg Rheinstein on a tour from March to November.

Burg Reichenstein

Burg Reichenstein

Burg Reichenstein, also known as Falkenburg, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Sight. While the exact date of construction is unknown, it was first mentioned in 1213. Much debate lies around the history of this castle but theory suggests that Dietrich von Hohenfels’ inherited it after the death of his father. Eventually, Hohenfels became known as a robber knight and had a small army join him. In 1282, King Rudolph I of Habsburg flooded the area of the castle with his men, successfully capturing Hohenfels and his people. He destroyed the hostages and the castle, forbidding it to be rebuilt. Over the next few hundred years, the castle fell into many different hands but was finally restored in 1834 into what it is today.

Burg Reichenstein is open to the public and also features a restaurant and hotel.

Cathedral on the Rhine River in Germany

Sooneck, another UNESCO World Heritage Sight, has a similar history to that of Burg Reichenstein. Hohenfels and his Lords ran this castle as well until it was also besieged by King Rudolph I in 1282. The castle fell into many different families over the next 300 years but when their bloodline ran out, it was no longer taken care of. Along with every castle on the left bank of the Rhine, it was destroyed during the War of Palatine Succession, specifically by the army of King Louis XIV of France in 1689. In 1834, the castle was rebuilt by the Prince of Prussia and his brothers, converting it into a hunting lodge but never was used. After WWI, it was handed over to the State then given to the State Ministry of Castles, who still own it today.

The Sooneck Castle is open to the public for tours.

Stahleck Castle on the Hill Overlooking the Rhine River

Stahleck Castle was built in the 10th century by the Archbishop of Cologne and features a rare characteristic of German castles, a moat. In the 11th century, Goswin von Falkenburg inherited the castle through his marriage to Luitgard von Hengebach, a widow of a Holy Roman Empire King. Their son married a woman who was brothers with King Conrad III of Germany. In 1140, that son exchanged Stahleck to King Conrad. This in turn made him one of the greatest Lords of the Holy Roman Empire because he already owned two other castles along the Rhine River. Since Stahleck was between the two, he made Bacharach into a trading town for the wine they grew on the vineyards. After many deaths, inheritances and exchanges of hands, Stahleck was conquered and destroyed multiple times during the Thirty Years’ War. Spaniards and French continued to capture the castle but it ultimately was blown up by the French in 1689. The castle ruins continued to be traded to different hands but in 1909, it was passed over to a restoration organization by the Prussians.

In 1925, the castle was turned over to the Rhineland-Palatinate Youth Hostel Association. It still operates as a hostel today with 168 beds.

Burg Gutenfels on the Rhine River

Burg Gutenfels

Burg Gutenfels was built in 1220 and was used as a toll castle per the Holy Roman Empire. Pfalzgrafenstein is the small white castle on its own island in the middle of the Rhine River. Built to guard customs posts and for long-distance trade routes, it served as a sort of border crossing. Back in its prime, walls connected the two castles, leading directly down from Gutenfels and across the water to Pfalzgrafenstein. Prussia purchased the castle in 1866, ending the tolls a year later.

Today, the castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight and was once used as a hotel but transferred to a private residence in 2006.

Schönburg Castle on the Rhine River

Schönburg Castle was first mentioned in the early 900s, with the Duke of Schönburg imposing tolls and taxes for passing by. The bloodline of all heirs eventually died out in the 1600s. It was then burnt down by French troops during the Palatinate Wars. The ruins of the castle were left for two centuries until it was restored.

Today it’s leased to a family who operates a restaurant and hotel there .

Schönburg Castle on the Rhine River

Loreley is the name for the large cliff that juts out into the Rhine River. Synonymous with many myths and legends, the name comes from German and Celtic terms meaning ‘murmuring rock.’ Legend says that a mermaid, scorned by her lover, would sit on the edge of this rock brushing her golden hair and singing sweet tunes. Apparently this caused the captains of the ships below to wreck into the rock. Loreley has been the focus of many German poems and songs, allowing the folklore legend to live on.

The Cliff of Loreley

Located around the bend of Loreley, Burg Katz was constructed in 1371 by Count William II of Katzenelnbogen. In 1435, the Count was the first to plant a Riesling vineyard here which still exists today. Burg Katz was seized and destroyed by Napolean in 1806.

The castle was restored in 1896 and is now privately owned.

Burg Katz

Constructed by Count Diether V of Katzenelnbogen in 1245, Rheinfels is the largest fortress in the Middle Rhein Valley. It’s also the largest castle on the Rhine River. Rheinfels features the largest butter-churn tower in Germany and the largest self-supporting vaulted cellar in Europe. The cellar can fit up to 400 people and is used today as a meeting place for concerts and other events.

In 1797, the French Revolutionary Army destroyed the castle completely.

While much of the castle remains as ruins today, the fortress is so massive that it supports a luxury hotel, a restaurant, wellness center and a museum.

Rheinfels Castle

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Hike and Bike Along the Picturesque Rhine on This River Journey

Travel through the netherlands, germany, france, and switzerland for local flavors, incredible history, and more along this legendary river.

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Speyer, Germany

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The Rhine Valley is Germany at its fairytale-like finest. As an AmaWaterways guest on the seven-night “Captivating Rhine” river cruise, you’ll stand in awe of the medieval castles perched atop cliffs, Gothic steeples towering over half-timbered villages, and manicured vineyards clinging to verdant hillsides.

During the day, you can get up close and personal with the rich culture and history of this enchanting slice of Europe on active hiking and biking excursions. In the evening, enjoy the highest-quality locally sourced food and wine and service from a crew that goes above and beyond by remembering your name and individual preferences. Then retire to your spacious accommodations with plush bedding and view-enhancing twin balconies.

This itinerary also makes the most of the journey by adding three more countries, beginning in Amsterdam, stopping in France, and then heading southbound to Switzerland. It’s also easily combinable with other voyages on the Rhine and its tributaries like “ Rhine & Moselle Delights ” or “ Treasures of the Main & Rhine ,” and you can save 10 percent when adding a second sailing . Read on for more details about what makes this Rhine River journey so exhilarating for mind—and body.

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Amsterdam

Days 1-2: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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Day 3 Cologne, Germany

Rüdesheim

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Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle

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Day 5 Ludwigshafen, Germany

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Day 6 Strasbourg, France

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Day 8 Basel, Switzerland

Vienne

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From $2,699

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This riverside odyssey brings you along the ancient Rhine to picture-postcard towns, imperial cathedral cities, and famed wine country. You'll begin in Basel, then visit Strasbourg in Alsace. You'll have your choice of a hike or tour in the historic university town of Heidelberg, or a visit to Speyer to see the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe. Sail the stunning Rhine River Gorge, lined with ruins of medieval castles and fortresses and experience Cologne and its majestic Gothic cathedral. Conclude your cruise in the grand capital of Amsterdam, with its enchanting canals and culture. Reverse departures are also offered. Optional pre- and post-cruise Land Programs to Lucerne and Zurich are available at an additional charge.

rhine river day cruise map

Arrive: Basel, Switzerland

Depart: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  • Amsterdam's tranquil canals, Cologne's majestic cathedral
  • The Rhine Gorge, with its castles and legends
  • Medieval Strasbourg, the winemaking town of Rudesheim
  • Optional guided bike tours

rhine river day cruise map

Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.

Dates & Pricing

Payment & cancel schedule.

At time of reservation: $400 100 days prior to departure: Balance *Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Minimum fee: $200 per person 90-120 days prior to departure: $400 per person 60-89 days prior to departure: 35% of trip cost 30-59 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 7-29 days prior to departure: 80% of trip cost 6 days or less: 100% of trip cost

*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

  • 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom, most with French balconies
  • Life enriching tours and excursions daily
  • All meals included aboard ship
  • State-of-the-art Infotainment System in all staterooms featuring free high-speed Internet access, hit Hollywood movies, extensive music library & English language TV stations
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
  • Terry bathrobes and white-on-white plush bedding
  • Gourmet dining with all meals included during your cruise
  • Free-flowing red & white wines from Europe's great wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every dinner on board
  • Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
  • Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
  • Transfer from Basel to Lucerne
  • 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Lucerne including daily Buffet Breakfast
  • 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Zürich including daily Buffet Breakfast
  • Special highlights including lectures, cooking demonstration, onboard music performances and piano music
  • Bicycles to explore on your own & guided bicycle tours
  • Services of professional Cruise Manager
  • All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
  • All local taxes
  • “Culinary Delights – Bites & Sights” excursions

Not Included

  • Airfare to/from points of embarkation and debarkation of the boat
  • Arrival/departure transfers
  • Any activities and services described as an upgrade or optional
  • Optional travel insurance
  • Optional gratuities to guides or crew
  • Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

rhine river day cruise map

Days 1-7 (7 nights)

rhine river day cruise map

What the Trip is Like

This cruise is rated Level 1, Easiest , and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Daily shore excursions require a moderate amount of walking, often along uneven cobblestone streets and up and down stairs. To better accommodate guests and their individual fitness levels, AMA Waterways programs provide several levels of walking tours whenever possible: "Gentle Walkers" are designed for slower walkers to enjoy the tour in a relaxed manner, "Active Walkers" enjoy the tours at a normal pace, and there is also a "Late Starters" group offered to guests who prefer to sleep in.

Staterooms range from 160-350 square feet (depending on category), and typical hotel room amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, television, and mini-safe. Every stateroom has individually controlled air conditioning, internet access, wi-fi (free throughout the ship!) and a movie-on-demand system that offers a variety of English language channels, films and music options. Most staterooms have balconies, either walk-on or French, but lower categories just have fixed windows or portholes.

AMA is known for its efforts to bring in regional cuisine, which is always fun as you explore new countries and cultures. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style with made-to-order specialties. Dinner is multi-course. Every lunch and dinner includes free-flowing regional wines as well as complimentary beer and soft drinks. Bottled water, specialty teas, and coffees are always available free of charge. All ships have an open seating policy in the main restaurant to encourage you to meet your fellow travelers.

On Board AMA Riverboats

AMA Waterways specializes in high-end river journeys that navigate some of Europe's most famous waterways. Their ships accommodate approximately 150 passengers in comfortable staterooms, all with scenic views. While this might sound like a lot of travelers compared to Wilderness Travel's traditional small group trips, it's a modest number of passengers in the cruise ship world and there are a number of comfortable lounges, dining rooms, bars, and sitting areas on board for you to find a perfect spot to socialize or quietly relax, depending on your mood.

There is a warm and welcoming feel to all AMA cruises. From the moment you step onboard, you will be welcomed by crew, staff, and leaders who are friendly, professional and English speaking. There is a high staff to guest ratio (1:3) that assures a feeling of being well-taken-care-of at all times. Your fellow passengers will come from a variety of English-speaking countries and guests tend to mingle freely. No need to bring fancy clothes as the atmosphere onboard is casual, although guests do tend to dress up for the Captain's dinner.

Daily shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise, along with free time to explore on your own. Each tour is led by a qualified, local guide. At many stops, you'll be free to choose from one of several options. Complimentary headset systems ensure that you hear every word of your tour. AMA ships carry more than two dozen bicycles and helmets, free of charge, for your use should you want to venture into the countryside.

There is a reception desk onboard that is open 24 hours a day with somebody available to help you, should you need it. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English as the clientele is mainly North American, Australian, and European. All AMA cruises prohibit smoking inside their ships. Smoking is only permitted outside on the sun deck.

Electricity on board all ships is 220v, with 2-pin power outlets. You will need an adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you. There are no medical facilities on board although if medical services are needed, they can easily be called from shore. Laundry services are available for a fee.

All ships are equipped with either a whirlpool or a small, heated swimming pool. If you think you might want to use this, be sure to pack a swimsuit!

Tips are not included in the price of the cruise, and are entirely at your discretion. The recommended rate suggested is 3 Euros per passenger per day to the Cruise Manager and 12 Euros per passenger per day to the crew, which will be divided up and distributed. You can use your credit card for this expense. It is also customary to acknowledge a particularly good performance of a local guide by leaving a tip of 1-2 Euros per tour.

Wilderness Travel enjoys partnering with AMA Waterways because they offer a high quality product with thoughtfully planned itineraries, allowing travelers to experience Europe's most glorious architecture, medieval castles, historic villages, and idyllic countryside with minimal effort. Since these trips are relatively short, you may consider this as part of a longer, European adventure!

Client Testimonials

"I was pleased that the ship offered active shore excursions, and particularly liked our Trip Leader's talks on subjects such as the Berlin Wall. Her presentations were fascinating, and from the heart."

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Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Trip Download Itin

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

  • Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
  • Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

  • Our African safaris
  • Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

  • Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
  • Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
  • Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
  • Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

  • Ultimate Patagonia
  • Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

  • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

  • Everest Base Camp
  • Climb Kilimanjaro!

rhine river day cruise map

Account Options

  • Expeditions
  • Complimentary Brochures
  • Amsterdam to Basel
  • Basel to Amsterdam

NEW! Treasures of the Rhine

  • From $2,199
  • 8 Guided Tours
  • 4 Countries
  • Dates & Pricing
  • Amsterdam to Basel Basel to Amsterdam

rhine river day cruise map

Get the answers you need to help you prepare for your upcoming cruise.

rhine river day cruise map

Viking Longships 360° Tour

Discover our award-winning sister ships that showcase streamlined Scandinavian design, understated elegance, and innovative engineering to get you closer to destinations across Europe.

rhine river day cruise map

Filmography

Complement your travel experience with our selection of films highlighting your destinations.

rhine river day cruise map

Recommended Reading

Start learning more about the places you will be visiting with our thoughtfully curated reading list.

rhine river day cruise map

Pre-Cruise Requirements

Country arrival, ship embarkation and health requirements.

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Christmas Markets of the Rhine - Breisach

  • River Cruise
  • Fully Guided
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  • Sightseeing

Places You’ll See

Amsterdam

  • Introduction
  • Day 1 Amsterdam
  • Day 2 Amsterdam
  • Day 3 Cologne
  • Day 4 Koblenz
  • Day 5 Ludwigshafen – Heidelberg
  • Day 6 Kehl – Strasbourg
  • Day 7 Breisach
  • Day 8 Basel – Zurich Airport

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Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

  • Accommodation
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Emerald cruises ship.

Emerald Sky

Reviews About This Operator

  • Tour Operator Emerald Cruises 4.4
  • Louis · 11th August 2023 The program in the Emerald ship was magnificently planned and discussed. The local music during the cruise was so... Show more
  • Mark · 25th April 2023 It was not excellent but good…entertainment lacked they had a girl singing that was one of the bartenders and some... Show more
  • nancy · 17th October 2022 Food, service, programs above and beyond. Wonderful team!

Dates & Availability

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Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

  • Upcoming departures
  • November 2024
  • December 2024
  • Flight deal Saturday 30 Nov, 2024 Saturday 7 Dec, 2024 English Multiple Room Types Emerald Sun €8,928 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h
  • Flight deal Saturday 7 Dec, 2024 Saturday 14 Dec, 2024 English Multiple Room Types Emerald Destiny €8,283 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h
  • Flight deal Tuesday 10 Dec, 2024 Tuesday 17 Dec, 2024 English Multiple Room Types Emerald Sky €6,532 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h
  • Saturday 14 Dec, 2024 Saturday 21 Dec, 2024 English Emerald Sun €6,532 0% Interest Instalments Book Online Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

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Good to Know

  • Currencies € Euro France, Germany and Netherlands Fr. Swiss Franc Switzerland

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, J.

  • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
  • Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Germany and Switzerland. Ideally 6 months before travel.
  • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
  • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • For any tour departing before 7th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 7th June 2024, a minimum payment of €500 is required to confirm your booking with Emerald Cruises. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 95 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
  • The following cards are accepted for "Emerald Cruises" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
  • Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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IMAGES

  1. Rhine River Map With Cities

    rhine river day cruise map

  2. Enchanting Rhine River Cruise

    rhine river day cruise map

  3. Scenic

    rhine river day cruise map

  4. Scenic Cruises Rhine River Cruise Itineraries

    rhine river day cruise map

  5. Avalon Waterways 2018 Rhine River Cruise Itineraries

    rhine river day cruise map

  6. Rhine River Day Cruise Map

    rhine river day cruise map

COMMENTS

  1. 2024: Top Rhine River Day-Trip Cruise Lines in Germany

    Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) - the Largest Pleasure Day Cruise Line on the Rhine in Germany. Köln-Düsseldorfer, or simply KD, is the largest operator of pleasure boats for short and full single day cruises on the Rhine River in Germany. KD has been in business since 1827 but the oldest KD boat in operation is the SS Goethe first launched in 1913.

  2. Rhine River Cruise Map: What You Need to Know

    When planning your Rhine River cruise, it's also important to keep an eye on the latest news regarding European river water levels and other ways bad weather could impact your voyage. Publish date ...

  3. 6 day Lüftner Rhine River Cruise itinerary and map

    Our cruise covered everything on the Rhine River map from the city of Strasbourg, the music museum at Rudesheim, wine tasting in Alsace to admiring the romantic castles and landscape of the Middle Rhine. If you're considering a Rhine River Cruise, the Rhine cruise map should give you a good feel for the places you might visit and things to enjoy.

  4. Rhine River Cruises

    Hide map Show map. Grand European Tour Budapest to Amsterdam FREE International Airfare*, Reduced Fares & $25 Deposit 15 days. 12 tours. 4 countries. $2,199 from. Learn More ... A Rhine River cruise takes you into the heart of Middle Europe, where stately castles, fairytale villages and cultural centers have long been witnesses to history. ...

  5. 8 Highlights of a Rhine River Day Cruise, Germany

    Explore the best destinations for a Rhine river day cruise in Germany, from Bacharach to Koblenz, with tips on where to stay, how to get there and what to do. Discover the highlights of the Middle Rhine River Valley, such as castles, vineyards and wine villages, with a map and a guide.

  6. Ultimate Rhine River Guide

    The Middle Rhine and Koblenz, Germany. Overview: The 60 kilometers between Rudesheim and Koblenz is a highlight of the cruise. Just find a top deck perch, and let the staff point out the castles ...

  7. Top Rhine River Day-Trip Boat Cruises from Cologne, Bonn and Düsseldorf

    Only special event cruises, which are very popular in both Cologne and Düsseldorf, require advance reservations. Cruise prices are currently around €15 for one-hour panorama cruises and €22 for two-hour cruises. Cologne to Linz is €55 (€61 return) and Bonn to Linz is €23 (€26 return) — returns are almost free.

  8. The Best Rhine River Cruise Destinations

    One of the best-known Rhine River destinations is Cologne, Germany. You can't get lost in the city, as the UNESCO-listed cathedral's 515-foot spires dominate the skyline (and are visible from all ...

  9. THE TOP 5 Rhine River Day Cruises (UPDATED 2024)

    A: The best Day Cruises in Rhine River according to Viator travelers are: Cologne City Tour Experience cathedral city on the Rhine. The Chocolate Museum Cologne Entrance Ticket. Panoramic trip on the Rhine 60 minutes. Cologne Rhine River 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise. Cologne Skyline Tour 90 minutes with audio guide.

  10. 10 Best Rhine River Cruises 2024/2025

    It was our first river cruise and we loved it! The food and service was amazing. We definitely recommend this type of travel! Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland +2 more Age Range up to 99 year olds Ships Avalon Expression, Avalon Illumination, Avalon Impression, Avalon Panorama, Avalon Vista, Avalon View +5 ships River Rhine ...

  11. A Day Cruise on the Rhine River in Germany

    How to Visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon in 1 Day. One Day in Oslo, Norway - A Guide for Walking Around the City. California Redwoods Road Trip Itinerary: Where to Find the Trees. Free Camping in Big Sur. With more than 20 castles in this area of the Rhine River alone, taking a cruise by boat through the prettiest area of Germany is a day trip must!

  12. An 8-Day Cruise Itinerary Along the Rhine River

    The Rhine Valley is Germany at its fairytale-like finest. As an AmaWaterways guest on the seven-night "Captivating Rhine" river cruise, you'll stand in awe of the medieval castles perched atop cliffs, Gothic steeples towering over half-timbered villages, and manicured vineyards clinging to verdant hillsides. During the day, you can get up ...

  13. Rhine River Day Cruises

    Amaway River cruise. Aug 2022 • Friends. This was Amaway Rhine River Cruise for 8 days started in Basil and ended in Netherlands.It is the same as Viking. Each day is a different place with walking tours. I walked 33 miles in 13 days.We were in Switzerland for 4 days prior to the cruise.

  14. Rhine River Pleasure Day-Trip Boat Cruises from Rüdesheim

    It is easy to get to Rüdesheim by car or train making it simple to enjoy day-trip pleasure cruises on the Rhine from cities such as Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, Mainz, Bonn, and Köln (Cologne), or even from Frankfurt International Airport when on a long stopover. The driving time from Frankfurt am Main or Airport is only around 50 minutes.

  15. 2023 Enchanting Rhine River Cruise

    AmaWaterways™ 2023 Enchanting Rhine River Cruise - Embark aboard a luxury ship for a 7-night cruise from Basel, Switzerland through France and Germany, to your final destination of Amsterdam. Visit Strasbourg, Cologne, and so much more. Land extensions available.

  16. The Best Rhine River Cruises for Every Traveler

    Best Rhine River Cruise on a Budget: Gate 1 Travel. View of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley (via Shutterstock) For wallet-conscious cruisers used to deals on ocean-going lines, the price of a Rhine ...

  17. Enchanting Rhine River Cruise

    Enchanting Rhine. France, Switzerland, Netherlands, Germany. 8 Days. From $2,699. Level 1. Contact Us Download Itinerary Call 1-800-368-2794. Contact Us Download Itinerary. Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions. Additional dates available on the reverse itinerary Captivating Rhine.

  18. Rhine River Cruises

    Hide map Show map. Grand European Tour Budapest to Amsterdam FREE International Airfare*, $25 Deposit & Additional Savings of up to $800 15 days. 12 tours. 4 countries. $4,499 from. ... A Rhine River cruise takes you into the heart of Middle Europe, where stately castles, fairytale villages and cultural centers have long been witnesses to ...

  19. Rhine Getaway

    3 Nights. Fully Guided. Explore one of Europe's best-loved rivers. Discover the turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns and stunning scenery of the Middle Rhine—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste the region's renowned white wines, the roots of its terraced vineyards reaching back to Roman times.

  20. Rhine River Cruise

    An example of a typical Rhine River Cruise. An example of a typical Rhine River Cruise. Sign in. Open full screen to view more. This map was created by a user.

  21. 9 Day Rhine River Cruise

    9 Day Rhine River Cruise. Sail along the Rhine and explore the charm of Europe visiting Amsterdam, Cologne & more! - $ 1799 from $999 (Land/Cruise Only) with code TZRHN800. Promotion not valid on existing reservations. Promo Valid for Departures: Apr - Oct '23.

  22. With demand high for longer river cruises, Riviera combines itineraries

    • The Rhine, Moselle & Switzerland River Cruise: 15 days with 13 visits and tours, starting at $4,769. • Grand Cruise of the Rhine Gorge, Medieval Germany & Switzerland: 18 days with 17 visits ...

  23. NEW! Treasures of the Rhine

    Get the answers you need to help you prepare for your upcoming cruise. Viking Longships 360° Tour Discover our award-winning sister ships that showcase streamlined Scandinavian design, understated elegance, and innovative engineering to get you closer to destinations across Europe.

  24. Christmas Markets of the Rhine

    Start in Amsterdam and end in Zurich! With the River Cruise tour Christmas Markets of the Rhine - Breisach, you have a 8 days tour package taking you through Amsterdam, Netherlands and 9 other destinations in Europe. Christmas Markets of the Rhine - Breisach includes accommodation, an expert guide, meals, transport and more.