Typical Rhine River Cruise Itineraries
A standard Rhine River cruise route, will include the German cities of Cologne, whose landmark is its Gothic twin-towered Dom Cathedral Koblenz, site of the huge Ehrenbreitstein Castle and Heidelberg, which houses the countrys oldest university as well as memorable Romanesque architecture.
The town of Breisach, gateway to Germanys lovely Black Forest the towns of Rudesheim and Kayserberg, among others, offering tastes of the wine country and Strasbourg, France, with its canals, cathedral, and Alsatian choucrout all help make Rhine port excursions some of the finest in Europe.
Not surprisingly, most every major European river cruise line operates on the Rhine, so its essential to compare and contrast not just itineraries but prices , ship size, cabin sizes, amenities, and languages spoken aboard, among other things.
The good news is that Stride can help you make sense of it all, allowing you to book your Rhine cruise with confidence — knowing youve chosen the cruise thats right for you. And soon youll be gazing up at the same Sleeping Beauty-style castles on the Rhine that have enchanted travelers and artists for centuries.
And So It Begins: Switzerland
Hello from Switzerland!
After three years of planning, I am thrilled to report that the Once-in-a-Lifetime Rhine River Cruise has BEGUN! We have a fantastic group of Members that are ready for fun! Everyone is in great spirts and happy to be traveling again.
This is most of the groups first international trip since the pandemic started 18 months ago. Everyone was very prepared with their vaccine cards, Covid tests, and Switzerland paperwork, and we had not a single issue with arrivals. Many Members commented on their appreciation of Exclusive Resorts hand-holding to navigate the traveling and entry process.
Upon arrival, Meredith Moore, our Rhine River Cruise Trip Lead, seemed to be more sought after than Sharon Stone . Meredith has spoken to many Members about this trip for years, and it was rewarding to see the personal impact she had on making it possible.
After arrival to the Park Hyatt in Zurich, our first official event was the Welcome to Switzerland dinner, complete with horn blowers, flag tossing, and fondue. Cocktails were served outside with a view of Lake Zurich and the setting sun. Inside, the string duet playing alongside dinner received a standing ovation, and all were delighted by the dessert selection.
What Is The Best Time To Take A Rhine River Cruise
Rhine river cruises run all year round, with peak season in the summer and, surprisingly, winter – when many families and couples attend cruises to see the famous European Christmas markets.
The weather along the Rhine can get quite hot in the summer, and it will also be very crowded. Shorts, skirts, and short sleeves are suggested, with maybe some light long sleeve layers and pants for the evening.
In the wintertime especially you can definitely expect some snow flurries and chilly days. Bundle up with lots of layers so you can enjoy wandering the Christmas markets!
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Luxembourg Wine And Comely Colmar
The trip took a patriotic turn when we crossed into the tiny country of Luxembourg and visited the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial where General George S. Patton still commands his Third U.S. Army. He is buried at the head of the graves of the 5,000 U.S. military personnel who gave their lives liberating Luxembourg.
Reversing our course on the Moselle we returned to Germany and the oldest city of Trier, which in ancient times was the largest Roman settlement north of the Alps.
On to Bernkastel and the very heart of the most prestigious wine estates, including that of Dr. Pauly Bergweiler, where we were invited for another wine tasting. Their top-rated Bernkasteler wines come with an ancient legend that recounts that one sip of wine from this estate brought a prince back from the brink of death. True or not, the wines are considered to be some of the best in Germany.
Once again linking up with the mighty Rhine we stopped at the charming towns of Boppard and Rüdesheim in the 40-mile Upper Middle Rhine Valley, now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its castle-dotted landscape and elegant scenery.
After visiting the town of Speyer we passed into the Alsatian towns of Strasbourg, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Colmar. The latter is considered by some to be the prettiest town in the world. Well, superlatives aside, Colmar is indeed as pretty as they come.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection: www.uniworld.com
On Your Own Options Choose One Of The Following:
Alsatian Countryside Bike Tour Enjoy a 3-hour biking tour highlighting the natural history of the Alsace region. A local guide will share the historic influence that this border region had over both France and Germany.
Biking Around Rüdesheim Enjoy biking on your own through the quaint town of Rüdesheim and the surrounding wine country that is the birthplace of acclaimed pinot noir and Riesling wines.
Coffee-Tasting at Rüdesheimer Schloss Explore Rüdesheim and stop to savor a cup of the famous local coffee: Rüdesheimer Schloss Kaffe.
Iconic Castle Cruise Through the Rhine Gorge Behold 22 castles in all their magnificence! Sail through the Rhine Gorge, with the AmaKristina’s Cruise Manager commenting on the castles’ fascinating history and offering insights about the area. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage, the beautiful Upper Middle Rhine Valley along the shoreline is splendid to behold. Also, participate in a Rüdesheimer coffee demonstration and tasting on the sun deck.
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Day : Kinderdijk Netherlands
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If youre going to Amsterdam, the first thing to do is go online months in advance and book a ticket to the Anne Frank House. The canal-front building where the Frank family hid from the Nazis is one of the most popular attractions in Europe, and without an advance ticket, extremely hard to access. Luckily, I had planned ahead.
As one of the millions who had read the diary in middle school and seen the play, I knew the story, and the betrayal that saw 15-year-old Anne and most of her family killed in concentration camps. But what surprised me was the cramped quarters of the secret annex. Eight people spent two years in hiding in a space smaller than my first apartment. And yet, this young girl was able to write in her diary words of hope that still resonate 75 years later.
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Indeed, Amsterdam offers much to inspire. By late morning, I was strolling the streets, admiring the canals that tie together the city and head for Vondelpark. The citys vast greenspace, a park covering more than 100 acres, not only offers ideal people watching on a summer afternoon, but its home to the Van Gogh museum, and to the famed Rijksmuseum, the Dutch National Museum. On my last day before heading home, I couldnt have found a better spot to linger.
Floating Through The Heart Of Europe Join A Rhine Adventure On The Viking Tialfi
Sponsored by Viking River Cruises
From its headwaters in the Alps, the Rhine River flows through the heart of Western Europe. Once the realm of traders and explorers, today its home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a travel highlight of the continent.
Lined by castles and cathedrals, the Rhine area is best visited by river cruise because the waterway brought life, trade and culture to the region, and remains the source of much its history today. Vikings eight-day journey between Basel and Amsterdam dazzles visitors with medieval scenery and regional cuisine. Our four-country journey will visit wine towns, ancient ruins and vibrant cities as it follows the river from Switzerland to the North Sea.
Our trip started near the rivers source in Basel, Switzerland, with stops in Breisach, Germany Kehl, Germany Mannheim, Germany Rudesheim, Germany Koblenz, Germany Cologne, Germany Kinderdijk, Netherlands and Amsterdam. It also travels in the reverse direction.
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Adventures By Disney Announces New Themed River Cruises In 2018
by Amanda Adler, Public Relations Manager, Adventures by Disney
Have you ever wanted to stroll through a quaint French town like Belle? Sip wine in some of the most noteworthy wine growing regions in the world? Dance along with a polka band during a rousing German Oktoberfest celebration? In 2018, Adventures by Disney will bring you all these experiences and more on our popular European river cruises!
Adventures by Disney river cruising allows you to enjoy variety and flexibility. You can truly customize your all-inclusive trip by choosing from a wealth of activity options offered both in port and onboard.
New activity options for summer 2018 include all-new Beauty and the Beast themed experiences on our Rhine river sailings. Be immersed in a tale as old as time during a special themed dinner, as well as other unique culinary experiences inspired by the film. Families will enjoy screenings of both the live-action and animated versions of the film onboard, and they can even choose to become part of this beloved story as they tour Riquewihr, an idyllic French village that will make guests feel as though theyve stepped into Belles hometown from the movie.
On all of our Danube river cruises you can choose to revisit scenes from the movie The Sound of Music in Salzburg, explore Devin Castle in Bratislava, take a traditional Austrian folk dancing lesson in Melk, and so much more.
Key Tips For Taking A European River Cruise Right Now
Regardless of how you travel, be sure to take a photo of your vaccine card and carry the physical copy with you when you go out, as well as any health declaration forms. Research countries and respective contact tracing apps, and download them prior to arrival in order to expedite your entry and exit into bars, restaurants, and other venues.
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Perfect Pick: Active & Discovery On The Rhine
Explore the Rhine River your way with a varied selection of classic, active and discovery excursions. From history to food and nature to art, our breadth of excursions includes everything from a regional wine-tasting in Eltville and hike up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress to a Düsseldorf biking tour and Dutch painting class.
For an in-depth adventure, consider the 16-day Magnificent Rivers of Europe or Enchanted Europe itineraries.
River Cruises From Zurich To Amsterdam
Europe River Cruises
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Enjoy Cocktails At The Top Of Europe With An Exclusive Tauck Reception At The Jungfraujoch’s Ice Palace
As your mountain railway train ascends into the majestic Swiss Alps, youll arrive at Kleine Scheidegg at the foot of the Eiger, then board a cogwheel train for the scenic climb to Europes highest railway station, at the Jungfraujoch . Here, at the top of Europe, youll find a restaurant, observatory, research station, a gallery of ice sculpture, and breathtaking views of the glacier-clad Bernese Alps, often called Switzerlands jewel in the crown. And you’ll enjoy a Tauck Exclusive… a private cocktail reception at the Ice Palace taking time. of course, to savor the astounding views of the lofty peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Mönch surrounding you!
Best Rhine River Cruises For Photographers
In 2018, Scenic Cruises teamed up with National Geographic Expeditions to present a special series of Nat Geobacked river voyages in Europe. Each sailing, hallmarked by swank Scenic signatures like personal butler service and open bar, is accompanied by a rotating roster of National Geographic experts and photographers. The expert is on hand to lead onboard presentations, informal discussions, and guided excursions, while the photographer is assigned to share tips on snapping optimal shots, including technique and artistry.
In port, expect a shutterbug fantasyland, with culture, history, and nature encounters aplenty, where the photographer-accompanied outings tackle the regions legendary castles, Gothic churches, and Rhine Gorge scenery . The two spring Nat Geo sailings on the Rhine have already set sail for 2019, but space is still available on upcoming 2020 voyages, including weeklong voyages between Basel and Amsterdam in July or during Christmas Market season in December . Rates from $3,895/person.
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About The Rhine River
The Rhine River begins in the southeastern Swiss Alps in Switzerland. It extends for 760 miles from Switzerland to the Netherlands.
The river initially flows from east to west and forms a border between Switzerland and two other countries Austria and Liechtenstein. Once the Rhine River reaches Basel, it changes its course and begins to flow in a northerly direction between France and Germany. The Rhine River continues its course northward through Germany and the Netherlands until it empties in to the North Sea near Rotterdam.
There are a few other waterways connected to the Rhine that are often featured in river cruise itineraries. The Rhine and Main rivers form a confluence at Mainz, Germany. In Koblenz the Moselle and Rhine Rivers meet. The Dutch and Belgian Waterways are also connected to the Rhine. And the Neckar River meets the Rhine at Mannheim, Germany.
Rhine Gorge & Koblenz
During breakfast, the ship effortlessly glides out of port as we commence a spectacular mornings cruising. One of the cruise highlights will be our return passage through the magnificent Rhine Gorge so have your camera at the ready to capture some of the most stunning river views, as the captain skilfully navigates our passage between the narrow valley sides that tower above.
As we arrive in the historic city of Koblenz, dramatically located at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Moselle, take in the views over another delicious lunch in the ships restaurant. Koblenz is a romantics dream forest-covered hillsides dominate the skyline, whilst the lower slopes are strewn with the pretty, half-timbered buildings so typical of the Rhineland. Enjoy a guided tour, seeing the principal monuments, discovering ancient squares, admiring beautifully restored historic house frontages and quaint hidden passageways.
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Morning Activity Choose One Of These Options:
Take an Alsace Canoe Trip, Enjoy a Strasbourg Walking Tour and Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre Dame Take an Alsace canoe trip through the center of old Strasbourg. Enjoy a Strasbourg walking tour and explore this fascinating cityâthe capital of the Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine region and the seat of the European Parliament. Visit Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre Dame, built in 1439 in the grand Gothic style, with Renaissance-era stained-glass windows and a famous astronomical clock created in 1843.
OPTION B:
Take a River Boat Trip, Enjoy a Strasbourg Walking Tour and Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre Dame Take a Strasbourg city tour on the Batorama River Boat and pass by this city’s main attractionsâincluding towers, covered bridges and the Vauban damâand through this city’s various districts such as the renowned Petite France. Enjoy a Strasbourg walking tour and explore this fascinating cityâthe capital of the Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine region and the seat of the European Parliament. Visit Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre Dame, built in 1439 in the grand Gothic style, with Renaissance-era stained-glass windows and a famous astronomical clock created in 1843.
Best Rhine River Cruises For Foodies
Crystal Cruisesknown for its opulent oceangoing cruisesjoined ranks on the rivers of Europe in 2016, emerging as a particular hit among cruisers looking for an elevated epicurean element on their voyage. Four of the lines 106-guest, all-suite riverboatsthe Crystal Bach, Crystal Mahler, Crystal Debussy, and Crystal Raveloffer plenty of refinement on the Rhine. Plush touches like personal butlers and an indoor swimming pool abound, but the ships really stand out in the kitchen, where cuisine strives for Michelin quality via regionally inspired menus powered by locally sourced ingredients, where possible.
Courtesy of U River CruisesU River Cruisesan offshoot of Uniworlddebuted in 2017 as the first river line catering to millennials.
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Day : Middle Rhine And Koblenz Germany
Today offers what may the highlight of the trip, a chance to float through what I call castle alley, the 40-mile Middle Rhine, where its hard to throw a bratwurst without hitting a citadel. This is why travelers began visiting the region centuries ago, and one of the main reasons I wanted to sail the river.
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How To Get The Best European River Cruises
The purpose of this page is provide you a comprehensive guide of the available Europe River Cruise Routes, so you can decide on which route will be the best for your next Europe river cruise vacation.
Europe has the distinction of the continent with the largest number of navigable rivers compared to other regions of the world. They are often devoid of major obstacles such as waterfalls and rapids, and are usually wide and deep enough to allow a steady passage of people and material on all types of sailing vessels. Combine the easy navigation with captivating sights such as castles, vineyards, capital cities and small, quaint villages and it is clear to me why folks would want to sail these amazing rivers!
Europe Rivers Photo Map from AmaWaterways
We are often ask Which river should we sail on for my first Europe river cruise? My short answer is take multiple trips–I would sail on all of them! However, the problem is that most of us dont have unlimited time and money to sail them all.
So to solve this dilemma, here is our guide to the European River routes most available to you. I will describe the river, point out a couple of highlights and why you might consider sailing on this river. The routes may be very short or may cover larger distances. While there are some variations, many lines essentially cruise the same route on the most popular European rivers.
Ready?Lets cruise together!
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