Table Of Content
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future. Prepare for the cruise of a lifetime as you travel the length of Europe through eight nations, exploring wonders of the Old World and the New, the East and the West. Bonner Personen Schiffahrt cruises on the Rhine mostly from Bonn with panorama cruises in the former German capital as well as Rhine cruises mostly to Linz — some may be booked online. Cruises between Linz and Koblenz are rare and usually only for repositioning boats after Rhine in Flames fireworks shows.
Day by Day
This indispensable guide invites travelers to discover the enchanting vineyards, majestic castles, and picturesque landscapes that line the storied banks of the Rhine River. Within its pages, you’ll find detailed information on the best accommodations and restaurants that cater to a variety of budgets, ensuring a memorable experience without breaking the bank. Not only does it highlight the must-visit spots, but it also provides practical tips and itineraries tailored for travelers looking to maximize their time and enjoyment. Cruises typically sail most of the length of the river, linking Amsterdam in the north with Basel, Switzerland, near the Rhine's source in the Alps. These trips usually last about a week, visiting bigger cities like Cologne, Germany, and Strasbourg, France, along with smaller wine towns, and offering a chance to admire and tour the castles lining its shores.
Rhine, Moselle & Belgium Grand Discovery (
May or September, you can’t go wrong with either if you’re gunning for that sweet spot between comfort and breathtaking views. As for those cobblestone excursions in the quaint towns along the Rhine, make sure to pack your trusty Sandals With arch support. You’ll thank us later when you’re exploring without a single “ouch” from your soles.
Inside Look: River Cruise Inventory Available Into 2026 - TravelAge West
Inside Look: River Cruise Inventory Available Into 2026.
Posted: Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Tauck’s Rhine River Cruises: A Journey of Discovery
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. 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.
Ultimate European Journey (
After a visit to the charming town of Rüdesheim, we cruised through the romantic Middle Rhine Valley, past castles and vineyards, arriving at Koblenz. One of the best Rhine River destinations to round out your travel photos is at Kinderdijk, which has the Netherlands' biggest concentration of historic windmills. Here, you can get a close-up view of 19 windmills, including the chance to look inside some of them, watch a movie and learn how the Dutch manage to live on land that sits below sea level.
Cruising the Rhine, Saar & Moselle Rivers - Commonwealth Club
Cruising the Rhine, Saar & Moselle Rivers.
Posted: Fri, 29 Sep 2023 06:01:33 GMT [source]
Best Rhine River Cruise for Romantics: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
If scenery, history, food or wine are on your must-see list, look no further than the Rhine. And chances are high that you'll get a taste of the Rhine River's coolest destinations whether you opt for a short Christmas market cruise or a one- or two-week itinerary. To help you plan your cruise vacation, take a look at some of the best Rhine River cruise destinations and some lesser-known gems you can visit along the way. Mainz is home to the six-towered Cathedral of St. Martin, founded in 975 AD, as well as the Gutenberg Museum, where you can see the famous 15th-century Gutenberg Bible. Every town seems to offer yet another historic and important place to see, but there is always plenty of time to sample local food and wine.
Romantic Rhine & Moselle (Start Amsterdam, End Zurich)
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. 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.
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. 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. 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.
Emerald Cruises also has activity managers that coordinate the shore tours and arrange daytime and evening programs. 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.
That makes the Rhine an ideal choice for both first-time and seasoned river cruisers alike -- and means there are plenty of candidates for the best Rhine River cruise. 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. 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.
Whether its enchanting fairy-tale scenery or pulse-quickening adventure you seek, this guide is your ticket to an unforgettable odyssey along one of Europe’s most legendary waterways. AmaWaterways’ itineraries cater to the oenophile with experiences steeped in viniculture lore and tradition. It’s a blend of education and epicurean ecstasy, presented in settings that range from rustic cellars to the rolling vineyards themselves. Unlike their Danube river cruise counterparts, Rhine cruises offer a voyage through the beating heart of Europe, a core where history and culture collide in a spectacular display.
Its potential as a decompression game is unparalleled, offering a peaceful retreat from the stresses of daily life as you immerse yourself in the assembly of this tranquil river scene. The tactile feel of wooden pieces in your hands and the satisfying click when they snap into place make this jigsaw puzzle an alluring escape that is both mentally stimulating and relaxing. The Rhine River can be a food-and-wine paradise and AmaWaterways is the best choice if you're a foodie or oenophile. All of AmaWaterways' European ships are members of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, a prestigious international gastronomic society. The line's intimate Chef's Table restaurant -- where all guests get to dine free once during their cruise -- also ups the gourmet credentials. With its fairy-tale castles and picture-perfect scenery, the Rhine is arguably Europe's most romantic river.
Follow our journey on the Rhine river map and read my account of our 6 day Rhine River Cruise in the article below. Rhine River cruise destinations frequently include Strasbourg, the intriguing capital of France's Alsace region, which borders Germany and Switzerland and has been shaped by different cultures over time. Although it's the smallest region in France, Strasbourg has been called the principal city of Europe, as the European Parliament and other important E.U. 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 cruise docking spots). The Cologne Cathedral took more than 600 years to build and the panoramic views from the top of the south spire make the climb up 509 steps worth the effort.
New itineraries for 2024 include an extended 10-night Cologne, the Rhine Gorge & Medieval Germany River Cruise from Cologne to Nuremberg. But it's Tauck's fully-inclusive rates that really help make this line a great choice for luxury seekers. Exclusive events for Rhine River passengers include a special reception, dinner and entertainment at the historic Rheingau wine estate overlooking the river. You can also expect thoughtful extra touches, such as money to buy something to eat if any tours take place over lunchtime. For starters, all of the major river cruise lines sail the Rhine, from Viking to Uniworld and AmaWaterways. That puts the best Rhine River cruise within reach for any type of traveler.
