10 day rhine river cruise

• Latest Deals
• River Cruise Company
• Europe Rivers
• Asia Rivers
• Other Rivers
• River Videos
• River Cruise Team
• Request Quote

WOW! Europe River Cruises are back! Never book directly with the cruise company – We can give you expert guidance and save you money on your cruise, your air flights, and pre and post packages!

• Adventures By Disney
• AMA Waterways
• American Cruise Lines
• Viking River Cruises
• Ganges (India)
• Irrawaddy Burma (Myanmar – Burma)
• Mekong (Vietnam and Cambodia)
• Yangtze (China)
• Mississippi

10 Day Rhine River Cruise with Amsterdam from $2,399 River Cruise Team > Gate 1 > 10 Day Rhine River Cruise with Amsterdam from $2,399

10 day rhine river cruise with amsterdam.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 2 nights Amsterdam
• 7 nights outside cabin aboard the 1st Class Monarch Countess or 1st class Monarch Duchess
• River port charges of $190 per person
• Cruise porterage
• All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
• 22 meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
• Cruise director & activities host throughout cruise
• Local host in Amsterdam
• Services of local guides in all major cities
• Entrance fees per itinerary
• Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring during excursions

Discover the Rhine River and Amsterdam during this 10 day river cruise. Take a panoramic tour of Amsterdam before enjoying a day of leisure. Sail on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, capital of the Rhineland, discover 2000-year-old Koblenz, with its superb Romanesque architecture. View the mighty Lorelei Rock named for the siren “Lorelei” rising vertically from the waters, stroll the lanes filled with quaint wine taverns in the lively village of Rüdesheim, visit the Alsace capital of Strasbourg, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, walk the cobbled streets of tiny Breisach, a city that dates back over 4,000 years and more!

River Cruise Features & Amenities

• Gala Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner
• Wine and beer with dinners
• Locally inspired recipes
• Early riser breakfast in addition to buffet breakfast
• Late night snack
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access in public areas
• Self-serve coffee and tea station
• Lounge serving premium spirits
• Daily entertainment including an on-board musician
• Fitness center
• Non-smoking ship interior
• Shore excursions conducted exclusively in English

We have hundreds of other departures available at discounted prices.

Call 1-800-788-0829 cathy ext.# 222 or dale ext.#227, view itinerary.

Note: your itinerary will change depending upon the day of the week you depart.

DAY 1, Thursday – Depart for the Netherlands

Depart for the Netherlands

DAY 2, Friday – Arrive in Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam, Holland’s sophisticated and modern capital; transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to discover the many cultural sites this delightful city has to offer. Tonight, a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting with your local host at the hotel at approximately 6pm, followed by a briefing about the journey. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4pm on Day 2 or earlier, if possible

Overnight: Amsterdam

DAY 3, Saturday – Amsterdam City Tour

Today’s panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View the Royal Palace on Amsterdam’s Dam Square, the Queen’s official home-away-from-home. On to the Dutch National Monument dedicated by Queen Juliana as a memorial to the victims of WWII and to the unusual Skinny Bridge, once so narrow that pedestrians could not pass each other. Then, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th-century warehouses and charming churches with striking bell towers. The rest of the day is on your own. Perhaps, visit the world-renowned Van Gogh Museum and explore the largest collection of van Gogh works in the world

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Sunday – Cruise Embarkation in Amsterdam

Time for personal exploration or shopping in Amsterdam this morning before the afternoon transfer to the port for embarkation. Embarkation will begin at 2:00 pm. After arrival formalities, rest and relax on board. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy a gala welcome dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise

Overnight: River Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday – Leisure Morning in Amsterdam, Afternoon Cruising

Morning at leisure on board or pick up some last minute Dutch souvenirs. This afternoon get acquainted with your fellow passengers as you cruise south for Germany

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Tuesday – Cologne City Tour

Sail on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, one of Germany’s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, arriving after lunch. The walking tour of the city is highlighted by the soaring, twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops and taverns. After dinner on board, time to explore Cologne’s vibrant nightlife before setting sail

DAY 7, Wednesday – Morning in Koblenz & Afternoon Cruising

The ship docks this morning in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join an orientation walk this morning and free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year old city. Or, join the optional tour to the dramatic Marksburg Castle, the only hill castle on the Rhine that’s never been destroyed and has been continuously occupied for over 700 years. At noon, set sail and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board, taking in the spectacular vistas as the ship sails past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren “Lorelei” who bewitched sailors passing by. This evening, arrive in Rüdesheim, a lively village in the heart of the Rhine. After dinner, perhaps stroll along the lanes filled with quaint wine taverns

Optional: Marksburg Castle (AM)

DAY 8, Thursday – Morning in Mannheim & Afternoon in Speyer

Today, discover Mannheim, meeting point of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers, once the gathering place for classical composers. View the imposing red sandstone Schloss, Germany’s largest baroque palace and the Luisenpark, one of the loveliest parks in Europe. Alternatively, join the optional tour to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany and inspiration for some of the world’s greatest writers and artists; tour the city and view the ruins of 12th century Heidelberg Castle before returning to the ship as it sails to Speyer. Here, stroll the lanes of this picturesque city founded by the Romans, with its prized red sandstone cathedral named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, the ship sails for Strasbourg

Optional: Heidelberg City Tour (AM)

DAY 9, Friday – Strasbourg City Tour

A lovely day awaits you in the Alsace capital of Strasbourg, situated on the border of France and Germany, blending the cultures of both countries. Discover Strasbourg on the tour highlighting the city’s center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of special note is the stunning Gothic Cathedral, an exquisite example of late Gothic architecture, that houses one of the finest astronomical clocks in existence. See the magical La Petite France district, home to quaint shops and charming bistros, Place Kleber, a large historic square in the center of the city and Place Gutenberg, dedicated to the inventor of the printing press. This evening, return to the ship as you sail toward Breisach in the Rhine Valley

DAY 10, Saturday – Breisach Walking Tour

Arrive this morning in the small city of Breisach that dates back over 4,000 years. On your walking tour along the cobbled streets lined with pastel-painted houses, it’s hard to believe this town was mostly destroyed in WWII and then totally restored to its original beauty. View the towering Romanesque and Gothic St. Stephansmunster Cathedral, a highlight of the city. Spend free time in town, or, join the optional tour to Colmar in France, known as Alsace’s most beautiful town with its dramatic steep pitched roofs, pastel stucco and distinctive French shutters accented by window boxes filled with colorful geraniums. At the end of your tour, stop by a local wine maker to sample a few of the region’s varietals. Tonight, at the Farewell Dinner, share wonderful memories of your Rhine journey with your new-found friends

Optional: Colmar City Tour (PM)

DAY 11, Sunday – Depart Switzerland

Transfer to the airport in Basel and return home

Pricing & Departures

2020 departures

2021 departures

*Call a Travel Team Agent at 1-800-788-0829 to select your departure dates.

Additional dates & departures out of other cities available, call a Travel team Agent for details

Or, call 1.800.788.0829 to speak with one of our travel experts.

Travel Team agents also have the best available pricing on Viking Cruises, AMAWaterways , Uniworld, Scenic, Emerald, Abercrombie & Kent, & Crystal River Cruises.

• Land Only Package; Add airfare easily by asking your Travel Team Agent
• Prices are per person based on double occupancy
• Prices are subject to availability
• All airline taxes and fees are included
• Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted
• We have limited space on this package and it is subject to availability and prior sale
• All package prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted
• Prices reflect cash discount
• Due to constantly changing policies to baggage restrictions, please check with your airline directly for latest updates and restrictions
• Information, including prices are subject to change without notice
• Restrictions and change and/or cancel penalties apply
• UBI-600-307-872-WA

Check Out These Additional River Cruise Packages

Links to every major European Cruise line – 7 day cruises from $1999 some with free air.

Viking Cruises – WE ARE EXPERTS IN PLANNING YOUR PERFECT CRUISE VACATION!

RIVERS OF THE WORLD CRUISE Sailing in 2025

• Privacy Policy

Travel Team Sales 173 Palmer Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901 800-788-0829 / 406-991-1155 Travel Team (Closed Office) 3837 13th Ave W, Suite 109, Seattle, WA 98119 800-788-0829 / 206-301-0443 ©1998-2024 The Travel Team. All rights reserved.

Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you.

Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

Rhine River Cruises

10-Day Rhine River Tours & Trips

• Start Date Select Month April 2024 May 2024 June 2024 July 2024 August 2024 September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024 January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025 January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 OR, More specific start
• Barge Cruising
• Food & Wine
• Most Popular
• Private Yacht Charter
• River Cruises
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Christmas Market Visits
• Festival Visits
• Land & Sea Exploration
• Local Market Visits
• Small Ship Cruises
• Urban Exploration
• Village Visits
• Wine Tasting
• Avalon Envision
• Avalon Expression
• Avalon Imagery II
• Avalon Impression
• Avalon Panorama
• Avalon Tranquility II
• Avalon Vista
• Emerald Dawn
• Emerald Destiny
• Emerald Sky
• Emerald Sun
• La Nouvelle Etoile
• MS Amacerto
• MS Amalucia
• MS Amaprima
• MS Amaserena
• MS AmaSiena
• MS Amastella
• MS Amaviola
• MS Beethoven
• MS Gérard Schmitter
• MS L'Europe
• MS La Boheme
• MS Lafayette
• MS Leonard De Vinci
• MS Symphonie
• MS Victor Hugo
• River Empress
• River Queen
• S.S. Antoinette
• S.S. Victoria
• Scenic Crystal
• Scenic Opal
• Scenic Pearl
• Viking Cruises
• Rhine River

Magnificent Moselle & Rhine

• 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Experience historic Speyer
• Explore Cochem’s castles
• Let Moselle and Rhine captivate you

Top Rhine River Travel Destinations

• Ludwigshafen
• Switzerland

Rhine River Trips by Departure Date

• 2024 Rhine River trips (69)
• 2025 Rhine River trips (37)
• May 2024 (28)
• June 2024 (29)
• July 2024 (30)
• August 2024 (34)
• September 2024 (32)
• October 2024 (34)
• December 2024 (22)
• August 2025 (21)
• November 2025 (19)

Top Experiences in Rhine River

• Rhine River Cruises (73)
• Rhine River River Cruises (61)
• Rhine River Luxury (26)
• Rhine River Cultural (18)
• Rhine River Food & Wine (7)

Rhine River Trips by Duration

• 5 day trips (9)
• 7 day trips (6)
• 8 day trips (34)
• 11 day trips (6)
• 12 day trips (3)
• 15 day trips (8)

Rhine River Trips by Activity

• Rhine River wine tasting (38)
• Rhine River biking (35)
• Rhine River village visits (30)
• Rhine River hiking (30)
• Rhine River urban exploration (20)
• Rhine River small ship cruises (19)
• Rhine River christmas market visits (15)
• Rhine River local market visits (8)
• Rhine River archaeological site visits (7)
• Rhine River land & sea exploration (3)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

Close Window | X

TAUCK RIVER CRUISES 10 Days | The Rhine, Swiss Alps and Amsterdam Northbound

ZURICH TO AMSTERDAM Day 1 | Arrive Zurich, Switzerland. Bern. A transfer is included from Zurich Airport or the train station (Zürich Hauptbahnhof) to the Bellevue Palace Bern in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, which is surrounded by the Aar River and distant Alpine peaks. Your two-night stay is at an historic luxury hotel favored by celebrities and heads of state, and featured in master spy novelist John LeCarré’s spy novels. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner. (D) Day 2 | Jungfraujoch or explore Bern. You have a choice of sightseeing adventures today. Head for the snow-capped mountains on a full-day’s excursion to the summit of the Jungfrau, known as the Top of Europe: drive to the village of Lauterbrunnen for a train ride to Klein Scheidigg, then board a cogwheel train for the scenic climb to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station; here you’ll find a restaurant, observatory, research station, a gallery of ice sculpture, and breathtaking views of the glacier-clad Bernese Alps. Alternatively, explore the eclectic charms of Bern on a walking tour, followed by time on your own. Medieval and modern mix artfully in an unhurried atmosphere where sights include open-air markets and cozy underground bars, the Parliament Building, the Gothic cathedral, a bear park (in honor of the town’s symbol and mascot), a house where Einstein lived and wrote his "Theory of Relativity," and the Zytglogge, a 16th-century astronomical clock featuring animated figures. Spend the evening as you please; the vibrant nightlife includes trendy clubs and restaurants, and a grand casino. (B,L) Day 3 | Lucerne. Basel. Embark. Leave Bern this morning and arrive in Lucerne, nestled beside a stunning blue lake in the Alpine foothills. Features of Lucerne’s medieval old town (picturesque market squares, burghers’ houses, spired churches, and restored ramparts) unfold on a walking tour which includes the 14th-century Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, and the Lion Monument, an eloquent memorial to Swiss soldiers who died in the French Revolution. Enjoy lunch on your own, then travel to Basel, where you’ll board your riverboat. Join us for a welcome reception as you sail for Breisach, Germany. (B,D) Day 4 | Colmar, France. Breisach, Germany. Dock in Breisach, then drive to the village of Colmar, France, in Alsatian wine country. The principal industry in Colmar is food and wine, but its irresistible charm lies in its beautifully preserved medieval architecture that conjures an idyllic place out of time: colorful half-timbered houses and gardens, rambling cobbled streets, arches and alleys, sculpted fountains, and canals that wind through a corner of town called Little Venice. Aside from its winemaking heritage, Colmar is known as the hometown of Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor who created the Statue of Liberty. A walking tour includes a visit to the Unterlinden Museum, housed in a Gothic convent, whose impressive collection includes Mathias Grünewald’s famous Isenheim Altarpiece, paintings, engravings and sculpture from medieval to modern (including works by Dürer and Holbein, Picasso and Léger), and a wealth of archaeological artifacts; join us for a private reception in the museum, a Tauck Exclusive! Sample the art of Alsatian cuisine at lunch on your own, then return to the riverboat for a sail through the Upper Rhine Valley. Join the Captain tonight for a cocktail reception that is followed by dinner. (B,L,D) Day 5 | Karlsruhe. Stuttgart. Arrive in Karlsruhe this morning, then depart by coach for Stuttgart, the cradle of the automobile and the hometown of Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. Despite its reputation as an industrial powerhouse, the city offers a charming, small-town atmosphere, tucked in a valley between vineyards and forests, and an inviting urban landscape of historic sites, lakes, parks, and gardens. After a walking tour and lunch, you have a choice of sightseeing adventures: visit the Porsche Museum, a dazzling ultramodern showcase featuring 80 cars, from the earliest models to the present (including concept cars and prototypes), in exhibits that trace the history of the legendary car company; or visit the Museum of Viniculture, housed in a former winepress, where you can explore 2000 years of German winemaking (samplings included); or spend free time in the city center, exploring its magnificent architecture (neo-classical palaces, restored castles, gracious public squares and baroque fountains) as well as shops, galleries, cafes and wine taverns. Dine aboard ship this evening. (B,L,D) Day 6 | Rüdesheim. Near the foot of the Neiderwald, surrounded by vineyards, the ruins of Ehrenfels Castle watch over the Rhine Gorge; just around the bend, you’ll dock in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, under the lofty gaze of the famous Neiderwald Monument. The 1000-year-old town charms with its cobblestone streets of storybook houses, cafes and wine taverns; among its must-see attractions is Siegfried’s Mechanischem Musikkabinett, a museum dedicated to antique self-playing musical instruments. Seigfried’s mesmerizing collection includes orchestrations, musical clocks, player pianos, fairground organs, self-playing violinas, and the world’s largest automated doll orchestra. Stop in for refreshments at Rudesheimer Schloss, an historic hotel and restaurant. Then return to the riverboat for a cruise on the romantic Middle Rhine. Sentinel castles, steep sloping vineyards and towering precipices like the Lorelei Rock wind past with commentary by your Tauck Director. Land at Linz am Rhine, then drive to Engelskirchen for a visit to its neighboring castle, Schloss Ehreshoven. Built in the 14th Century and later expanded in the style of a grand Baroque manor house, the estate is surrounded by a moat, landscaped gardens, and a castle park. Schloss Ehreshoven is frequently used a film location but this evening it’s the elegant setting for a Tauck Exclusive cocktail reception and dinner with entertainment. Tonight, sail for Bonn, where you’ll dock overnight. (B,L,D) Day 7 | Köln (Cologne). Depart Bonn this morning for a short cruise to Cologne. One of Germany’s oldest cities (founded in the 1st Century AD), Cologne was once a Roman provincial capital, and later a fabulously wealthy medieval trading port; the city was almost totally destroyed during World War II, but many of its architectural treasures have been restored, including the towering Cologne Cathedral, a twin-spired masterpiece of High Gothic architecture. Enjoy an optional visit to the Roman-Germanic Museum (Subject to Monday closures), where many of the city’s ancient antiquities are on display. The museum itself is an archaeological site, sheltering the ruins of a Roman villa. Return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon, you’ll cruise the lowlands of the Rhine (with commentary) en route to Dordrecht in the Netherlands. (B,L,D) Day 8 | Dordrecht, Holland. Kinderdyke Windmills. Begin the day with a guided walking tour of Dordrecht, a wealthy trading port in the Middle Ages, now a treasure trove of medieval and baroque architecture and canals, and literally hundreds of historical sites and monuments; conspicuous among them are the towering 13th century Grote Kerk (Great Church), and the city’s only surviving windmill, built in 1612. Insights into windmills and their ubiquitous role in Dutch life await you on a visit to the village of Kinderdyke (Child’s Dyke) where the flat landscape, crisscrossed with canals, presents the largest concentration of windmills in the country. The 19 windmills, most of them built in the 18th century, are national monuments; for centuries, their massive wind-driven mechanisms have been used to pump water out of the polder and into reservoirs and canals, reclaiming land from the river. Such ingenious methods of water management have enabled a country that is almost fifty percent below sea level to exist at all, lending weight to the local saying, “God created the Earth, but the Dutch created Holland.” Return to the riverboat for lunch, then enjoy free time to explore the charming cobbled streets of Dordrecht, rich with historic sites, antique shops, and art galleries. Dine aboard ship this evening. (B,L,D) Day 9 | Amsterdam. Arrive in Amsterdam this morning and embark on an orientation tour. Amsterdam is often called the Venice of the North for its elaborate network of canals that wind through a romantic historic center of cobbled streets and stunningly well-preserved Dutch Renaissance architecture. Board a canal boat for a tour of the city from the inside (the best way to see it) along 17th century waterways lined with trees, gabled merchant houses, and vibrant urban life. Your tour includes a visit to the Rjiksmuseum, home to masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age, including Rembrandt’s Night Watch. You’ll have time to explore the city on your own; Amsterdam’s compact urban landscape is made for exploring, brimming with art museums, coffeehouses, and eclectic architecture. Aboard ship this evening, join the Captain for a farewell reception and dinner. (B,L,D) Day 10 | Amsterdam. Your Rhine river cruise ends: Amsterdam. Fly home anytime; a transfer from your riverboat to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport or Central Train Station is included. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport. For additional nights in Amsterdam, ask at booking. (B) NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

Emergency Banner Component

Rhine River Cruises

Tauck's Rhine River cruises follow this romantic river on its winding journey through medieval towns, cathedrals, castles, and museums, with enchanting river landscapes along the way.

• ITINERARIES
• FEATURED TOURS

Welcome to the Rhine River

Flowing through six countries, the Rhine River cuts deeply through mountains, meandering between hillside castles and age-old winelands. This is Germany's landscape at its most dramatic, with spectacular views of forested hillsides alternating with craggy cliffs... idyllic villages appearing around each bend... and half-timbered houses and Gothic churches that appear as if plucked from a fairy tale world.

Heidelberg, germany, history's all around you in heidelberg.

In Heidelberg – Germany's oldest university town – narrow cobblestoned lanes, shops and pubs housed in 17th-century structures in the Altstadt are kept lively by the cadence of 21st-century student life. On the hillside above the city, visit the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle, celebrated in writing by many, including the German poet Goethe and American writer Mark Twain, who both spent time here. Twain wrote about the striking red sandstone ruins of Schloss Heidelberg in "A Tramp Abroad"; they were a magnificent residence for Bavarian royalty from the 13th to 18th centuries. The castle is an imposing ensemble of buildings, from different architectural periods, surrounding a central courtyard; from its terrace and gardens, the sweeping views impress along with the feel of more than 600 years of history.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Canals and more in amazing amsterdam.

Amsterdam is often called the "Venice of the North" because of its elaborate network of canals winding through a romantic historic center of cobbled streets and Dutch Renaissance architecture. A canal boat cruise reveals The Netherlands's historic capital from the inside (often with a slice of Dutch apple pie), as you glide along 17th-century waterways lined with trees, gabled merchant houses and vibrant urban life. During your visit to Amsterdam, Tauck also includes a tour of the Rijksmuseum, one of the world's most respected art museums, home to masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age including Rembrandt's "Night Watch."

Köln, Germany

Exploring köln (cologne) on the river rhine.

One of Germany's oldest cities (founded in the 1st century AD), Köln (Cologne) was once a Roman provincial capital, and later a wealthy medieval trading port; the city was almost totally destroyed during World War II, but many of its architectural treasures have been restored – including the towering Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), a twin-spired masterpiece of High Gothic architecture that is the centerpiece of the city. With Tauck, you'll visit this imposing cathedral, along with the nearby Roman Germanic Museum, housing extraordinary exhibits of archaelogical finds from the Köln region.

Jungfraujoch, Switzerland

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, you'll arrive at Kleine Scheidegg at the foot of the Eiger, then board a cogwheel train for the scenic climb to Europe's highest railway station, at the Jungfraujoch (perched at 11,333 feet above sea level). Here, at "the top of Europe," you'll find a restaurant, observatory, research station, a gallery of ice sculpture, and breathtaking views of the glacier-clad Bernese Alps, often called Switzerland's "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!

The Rhinegau wine country

An exclusive evening at a rheingau wine estate overlooking the rhine.

The Rheingau ("Rhine district") is one of Germany's most important wine regions, where viticulture dates back to the time of Charlemagne (if not the Romans), and where many significant winemaking innovations have been developed over the years. As you cruise through the Rhine Valley and visit the region, you'll enjoy a Tauck Exclusive evening – featuring a special reception, dinner and entertainment – at a historic Rheingau wine estate perched in the mountains overlooking the Rhine, and surrounded by vineyards that have been producing local wines for centuries.

Journey Collection

Experience the Rhine River with Tauck

Search Again

{{ title }}

{{shortDescription}}

{{longDescription}}

{{priceFrom}}

From Price, Per Person

Price shown is the lowest price per person, double, on most journeys.

No Tours Match Your Room Configuration

Itinerary Related Content

Take a look below for other tours

Please enter a valid search term

No results found for “ ”.

Make sure your words are spelled correctly or use less or different words.

We can't find any itineraries that match your departure date. Try broadening your search by choosing a different year or month.

The keyword's results do not contain the selected date. Please reset the date filter or choose a different date.

Featured River, Small Ship and Land Journeys

Inspired by the destination.

For 90+ years, the Tauck family has had a passion for sailing — aboard small ships and yachts at sea, riverboats along great inland waterways, and at home on the rivers and lakes of Connecticut and New York. When we began blending our land experience with our strong passion for cruising in our first European river cruise back in 1992, we knew that no "ordinary" river cruise experience would do for our guests. We wanted them to travel Europe's rivers in the same beyond-the-ordinary Tauck style they experienced on our land trips. With that in mind, we searched to find a company to partner with that would share our values and our commitment to "do the right thing" by our guests... and found it in another family-owned company, Scylla. Together, we crafted a river cruise experience that was ahead of its time and inspired by the destinations we explore.

• River Cruises

Explore the Possibilities

{{whitepanel.eyebrow}}

{{whitepanel.title}}

{{whitepanel.copy}}

{{whitepanel.subtitle}}

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.landjourneys}}

LAND JOURNEYS

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.rivercruises}}

RIVER CRUISES

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.familytours}}

FAMILY TOURS

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.smallshipcruises}}

SMALL SHIP CRUISES

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.taucksevents}}

TAUCKS EVENTS

Guest Favorites on the River Rhine

Explore by land and water, the treasures along the Rhine River... discover the inside of a fairy-tale castle during a private dinner with family in Burg Satzey... diverge from the Rhine to experience the Moselle River with its rich heritage of wine production... experience how the colorful fall foliage enhances the beauty along the banks of the river creating the perfect backdrop to Bavaria's most colorful festival... and immerse yourself in picture-book villages, wooded forests, and bier halls along the way. Four riverboat experiences that will give you a wonderful taste of Europe.

The rhine and moselle, rhine enchantment, milan to amsterdam, autumn along the rhine... munich's oktoberfest, castles on the rhine: family riverboat adventure, tauck's river cruise guide, rhine river facts.

Find interesting Rhine River facts – from key cities along its banks to history, culture, cuisine and more.

First Timer's Guide

Tauck's European river cruise guide will help you find the right Danube, Rhone, Rhine, Seine or Douro river cruise for you.

Why Take A Tauck River Cruise

Tauck River Cruising means traveling in good company, exclusive access to cultural experiences, distinctively inclusive pricing and more!

Choosing The Best European River Cruise For You

Find the best European river cruise for you with top-reviewed itineraries navigating all the major waterways from Tauck.

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

• Destinations
• Antarctica & the Arctic
• Australia & New Zealand
• Israel & Jordan
• Latin America
• United States
• Tours & Cruises
• Exclusive Partnership
• Family Journeys
• Guest Favorites
• Small Groups
• Small Ship Cruises
• Awards and Accolades
• Our History
• Tauck Impact
• The Tauck Difference
• The Taucker Blog
• About Tauck
• Media Center
• Tutorial Video
• Agent Connect
• Register Your Agency
• General Information
• Travel Protection
• Newsletter Sign Up
• Order an eGift Card
• Request a Brochure
• Tauck Forums
• Travel and Health
• Travel Updates

Sign Up to Subscribe to Our Emails

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Rhine Cruises from Amsterdam

A cruise adventure starting in Amsterdam is a great way to see Rhine. We have 189 tours that range from 5 days up to 30 days. The most popular time for tours from Amsterdam is May, which has the most cruise departures.

189 Rhine river cruises from Amsterdam with 255 reviews

• River Cruise

Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024

Loved the tour and the included excursions. It would have been good to spend less time in Amsterdam and extra time sailing during the day. Also, a disco of an evening would be great!

Classic Rhine cruise (Amsterdam-Basel) MS Crucevita

Great company to cruise with. Ship carries 110 passengers. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner each day. Plenty of stops to sightsee. The castles along the Rhine make trip a very enjoyable cruise. All staff were great.

Legendary Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam-Mainz) MS Crucevita

River cruise was well paced & very professionally run. Fantastic staff to passenger ratio. Facilities & rooms on board were immaculately clean. The decor was very luxurious. There was plenty of space outside of your room to take in the scenery. Food was sensational. I will book a Crucemondo cruise again! TourRadar made booking very smooth.

Romantic Rhine with 1 Night in Amsterdam (Southbound) 2024

Captivating Rhine 2024 Start Amsterdam, End Basel

Classical Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel) (10 destinations)

All the staff were excellent. I especially would like to mention Stepan, Ana, Giovanni, Yani, Yasa, Raka, Vah, Bonbon, Titot, Dani, Christian. But everyone treated us like royalty. Not one time did someone say, "oh that is not my job." The accomodations were top class, the food excellent, loved the pool. Definately 5 stars.

Castles along the Rhine (2024) (Amsterdam to Basel, 2024)

From Amsterdam to Basel: The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River (port-to-port cruise)

Good value with excellent service and food

Splendours of Europe (Start Amsterdam, End Budapest)

The program in the Emerald ship was magnificently planned and discussed. The local music during the cruise was so informative. Long live the music from the Netherlands and Germany through Austria and Slovakya to Hungary! Just for the music, dances and songs I will do the cruise again!

• Christmas & New Year

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps 2024 Start Amsterdam, End Basel

Rhine Highlights with Switzerland - Koblenz > Rhine Gorge

Rhine Highlights with Switzerland (Start Amsterdam, End Zurich)

April was amazing all the knowledge of the places we visited. A credit to the ship nothing was too much trouble lots of fun. Thank you

Romantic Rhine, Netherlands and Alsace Crucevita Main Cabin

Treasures of the Rhine from Amsterdam Crucevita Main Cabin

• Coach / Bus

European Magic (Winter, Start Amsterdam, 9 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about Rhine Cruises from Amsterdam

It was a great cruise. The food was amazing, the crew was really helpful, and the tours and tour guides were great. The only thing to imporve on if the WiFi which only worked half the time.

Great company to cruise with. Ship carries 110 passengers. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner each day. Plenty of stops to sightsee. The castles along the Rhine make trip a very enjoyable cruise. All staff were great.

Well organised with plenty to see.

Tours starting from Amsterdam

• Amsterdam to Basel tours (49)
• Amsterdam to Zurich tours (27)
• Amsterdam to Amsterdam tours (20)
• Amsterdam to Budapest tours (16)
• Amsterdam to Lucerne tours (10)
• Amsterdam to Prague tours (9)
• Amsterdam to Bucharest tours (8)
• Amsterdam to Paris tours (7)
• River Cruise from Amsterdam (182)
• Explorer from Amsterdam (95)
• Family from Amsterdam (86)

Rhine river cruises

Discover a world of fairy tale landscapes and historical backdrops along the Rhine River.

• destinations
• central europe
• rhine river
• Previous page

Explore the delights of the Rhine River

Sail on a voyage of discovery on board a Rhine river cruise and unveil gems such as the Black Forest and the cultural mecca of Amsterdam. A mesmerizing route through mainland Europe, the Rhine offers an abundance of unique charm to lose yourself in.

Uncover the jewels of the Rhine

A world of experiences

Enlightening experiences await on your Rhine river cruise. Journey from the Netherlands and through the heart of Germany, along the eastern border of France into the north of Switzerland, enjoying all the sights on the way.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Marksburg Castle, Germany

Discover the Rhine River

Embrace and celebrate european flair.

Tasty sweets and hearty meats

Fairy tale landscapes

The beauty of nature

Featured  Itineraries

Jewels of the Rhine

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

The Majestic Rhine

Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards

Splendours of Europe

Jewels of the Rhine & Lucerne - Zurich

The Majestic Rhine & Berlin

Amsterdam & Jewels of the Rhine

Berlin to Zurich & The Majestic Rhine

Your guide to Europe river cruising

Our featured blogs.

The top 6 cities on the Rhine River

There are many beautiful cities, towns, and villages along the banks of Rhine. Discover the top six cities to visit on your luxury river cruise.

The history of Riesling wine

Discover the history and origins of Germany’s favorite grape variety and uncover the Riesling wine-producing regions of Europe.

How the Rhine Gorge became one of the most romantic places in the world

The Rhine Gorge is synonymous with romance. Find out how it gained this famed reputation.

Stay up to date and be inspired

Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates, and event invites.

DATA PROTECTION NOTICE

Cookies help us improve your website experience. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.

Rhine River Pleasure Day-Trip Boat Cruises from Rüdesheim

Published on March 18, 2024

by Henk Bekker

in Germany , N24 , Rhine River

One day and short castle cruises depart frequently on the Rhine River from Rüdesheim to the Loreley Valley in Germany.

Rüdesheim is one of the best departure ports for short day-trip excursion riverboat cruises to see the Rhine River Valley, castles, and Loreley Rock in Germany.

Rüdesheim is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany. It is one of the best ports to depart from on Rhine River pleasure boat cruises: the immediate vicinity is astonishingly beautiful with many castles, vineyards, and pretty small towns that make the Rhine such a popular day-trip cruise destination. Many pleasure boats depart from Rüdesheim to the Loreley Valley on KD and numerous other Rhine boat cruise lines. Pleasure cruises could be as short as an hour or a full day. Excellent railway links make day trip cruises on the Rhine River easy via Rüdesheim when traveling from Frankfurt ( Hauptbahnhof and Airport ), Wiesbaden, Mainz, Koblenz, and Cologne.

Pleasure Boat Cruises on the Rhine River from Rüdesheim

Rüdesheim is at the southernmost point of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage-listed Upper Middle Rhine ( Oberes Mittelrheintal ) making it an excellent choice when exploring the romantic Rhine Valley on a day-trip excursion boat cruise.

The best Rhine River cruise from Rüdesheim is downriver to explore the Loreley Valley . From here to around Koblenz , the Rhine Valley is narrow with steep slopes – often planted with vineyards – and statistically, a castle (or castle ruin) is seen every two kilometers. The easiest to recognize — if a bit hard to pronounce by non-German speakers — is Burg Pfalzgrafenstein built on a small island in the Rhine at Kaub.

The most popular cruises from Rüdesheim are past the Loreley Rock to St Goar and St Goarhausen. However, if time allows, it is beautiful to continue further downriver to Boppard or even Koblenz. It is only possible to continue all the way to Bonn with boat changes in Koblenz on rare occasions — currently, most boats heading to Bonn and Cologne only depart from Linz (a short train ride from Koblenz).

If the schedule works, try to cruise on KD’s SS Goethe. The historic paddle steamer from 1913 cruises daily (except Mondays) in the high season from Koblenz to Rüdesheim (6 hours) and back (4 hours).

Riverboats also cruise from Rüdesheim upriver to Eltville, Wiesbaden, and Mainz. However, the Rhine here is a much wider river and the scenery is less spectacular than downriver from Rüdesheim.

Shorter circular excursion cruises are also possible from Rüdesheim to Bingen, Assmannshausen, and nearby castles. These are good alternatives if time is limited or if no sailings depart for the Loreley Valley.

The KD Rhine Pass savings deal has not been on sale in recent years but Get Your Guide offers easy booking (and often sensible cancelation options) for day-trip cruises on the Rhine departing from many popular cities such as Cologne , Düsseldorf , Bonn , Koblenz , Boppard , Ruedesheim , Cochem , and Frankfurt . Most cruise lines now also accept online ticket purchases but several still prefer to sell tickets directly at the quay or on board cruise boats.

Rhine River Day-Trip Cruise Season

Rhine River day trips and excursion boats cruise from Rüdesheim for most of the year. The main cruising season is from April to October. Early and late season, Rhine cruises are more common on weekends, although departures are available almost daily from Rüdesheim.

Cruises in winter are more limited and apart from the advent weekends usually require reservations. See Winter Day-Trip Boat Cruises on the Rhine River for more details. No Rhine River excursion cruises are likely during January, other than car ferries that cross the river in lieu of bridges.

Overnight cruises – sometimes as short as one night – are often available at reasonable prices during the Christmas season on riverboat cruise lines focusing on the German and European markets. International offerings are usually much more expensive weeklong or ten-day cruises to visit Christmas markets along the Rhine.

Boat Cruise Times on the Rhine River from Rüdesheim to Koblenz and Mainz in Germany

The Rhine River is a fast and strong-flowing river, especially in the Loreley Valley downstream from Rüdesheim. Cruising downriver is thus much faster than sailing back upriver: to Koblenz, the downriver cruise time from Rüdesheim is less than four hours but it takes more than six hours to come back. Even to nearby Assmannshausen, the downriver cruise time is only two-thirds of the upriver time, as boats have to pass through the Bingen Gap (Binger Loch), which was not navigable by most boats until the rapids were blasted into submission during the 19th century. (Using the train one way saves time but not money.)

Cruise times on the Rhine River from Rüdesheim to several major stops are around:

Stops may be in reverse order for towns on opposite sides of the Rhine. As the Rhine here flows north, most maps have the towns correctly on the left (L) / west and right (R) / east banks.

Transportation Tips for Rhine River Boat Cruises

Trains provide a very fast alternative for one-way travel if time is too limited to return by boat. However, note that the return fares on Rhine boat day trips are often hardly pricier than the one-way fare.

The train on the right bank of the Middle Rhine between Koblenz and Rüdesheim runs hourly. Trains on the left bank are more frequent but require a change in Mainz or Koblenz if Rüdesheim is the destination.

When checking train schedules at German Railways , use the town name with KD added when available – the results will indicate how far the train station is from the Rhine riverboat landings in the specific town. Walking is often a better option than waiting for a bus.

Trains on the right bank are operated by VIAS but all regular German Railways / Deutsche Bahn fares and tickets are valid. The Rheinland-Pfalz Ticket is valid all the way from Kaub to Wiesbaden and on to Mainz (but not onwards to Frankfurt) despite this part of the Rhine Valley being in Hessen.

No bridges cross the Upper Middle Rhine (Mittelrhein) between Mainz / Wiesbaden and Koblenz. However, car and passenger ferries connect the Rhine frequently between many towns including Rüdesheim and Bingen as well as St Goar and St Goarhausen.

Transportation to 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. Driving on either side of the Rhine from Rüdesheim to Koblenz takes around two hours. Parking on the Rhine River promenade in Rüdesheim is very expensive – follow signs to parking lots a few blocks inland of the river for cheap day parking in Rüdesheim and most Rhine River towns.

Trains to Rüdesheim on the Rhine River in Germany

Direct trains from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main station) take around 1:10 to Rüdesheim with the train usually continuing all the way to Koblenz. Traveling times to Rüdesheim are 1:20 from Frankfurt International Airport and 0:51 from Mainz – in both cases change trains in Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof.

Traveling to Rüdesheim from Bonn or Cologne requires a transfer to the VIAS train in Koblenz. Traveling times to Rüdesheim from Bonn are 1:40 (2:00 on regional trains) and from Köln 2:00 (2:20 on regional trains).

The VIA train operates only once per hour between Rüdesheim and Koblenz or Wiesbaden. More trains run on the left bank of the Rhine making it often better to return to other cities by trains on the eastern side of the Rhine.

Train schedules to Rüdesheim / Train Schedules from Rüdesheim

Rüdesheim lives from tourism (and wine) and caters very well to mass tourism with endless restaurants, bars, cafés, and souvenir shops. The narrow Drosselgasse is famous for its bars, faux Gothic, and live music – German travel guides consider it obligatory to sneer that this is what American and Japanese tourists expect but the majority of visitors by far are still Germans. The town has a few museums (torture, musical boxes) and it is fun taking the small cable car up the hill to the huge Niederwald Monument for super views and a pleasant walk back to the Rhine through vineyards.

Rüdesheim is tourism central. However, it is not an unpleasant town to spend some time in and have a meal or drink while waiting for a boat excursion or a train.

More on the Rhine River in Germany

Day-Trip Excursions and Pleasure Cruises on the Rhine River:

• cruise from Rüdesheim ( cruise lines ), Koblenz ( cruise lines ), winter & Christmas
• from Frankfurt — fast trains to the Rhine , or slow boat to the Rhine
• from Mainz and Wiesbaden
• Savings Tips , Best Cruise Lines
• Lower Rhine — Cologne, Düsseldorf, Bonn to Linz
• Special events: Cruises to Rhine in Flames Fireworks , Christmas and New Year’s Cruises in Cologne , Düsseldorf , Frankfurt , and Rüdesheim
• Moselle River Cruises ( Cochem , Bernkastel-Kues, Trier, Koblenz , Burg Eltz )
• Cruises on the Main River in Frankfurt (or better By Train from Frankfurt to the Best Rhine Cruises )
• Cruises from Worms, Mannheim, Heidelberg (on the Neckar River)
• Cruises from Speyer
• Rhinefalls (Rhine Waterfalls, Schaffhausen, Stein am Rhein, Kreuzlingen) in Switzerland

Tips and Savings on Day-Trip Rhine Cruises

• The best part of the Rhine for day-trip excursion cruises in the Middle Rhine between Rüdesheim / Bingen and Koblenz . See Savings Tips and the Best Cruise Lines cruising in the Loreley Valley.
• Check train times for Germany (and most of Europe) at German Railways .

About the author:

Henk Bekker

Henk Bekker is a freelance travel writer with over 20 years of experience writing online. He is particularly interested in history, art, and culture. He has lived most of his adult life in Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark. In addition to European-Traveler.com , he also owns a travel website on the Lake Geneva region of Switzerland and maintains statistical websites on car sales and classic car auction prices . Henk holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School and an MSc in Development Finance from the University of London.

Home » Germany » Rhine River Pleasure Day-Trip Boat Cruises from Rüdesheim

To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen.

Travel Alert Advisory

• WHAT'S INCLUDED
• DATES & PRICES
• CONNECTIONS

Overview Captivating Rhine

7- night cruise, 7- night cruise with 2-nights amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise, 7-night cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise with 2-nights amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise 7-night cruise with 2-nights amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise, cruise from : amsterdam to basel, cruise from :, countries: france, germany, netherlands, switzerland france, germany, netherlands, switzerland, rivers: rhine, captivating rhine at a glance.

• Amsterdam to Basel
• Amsterdam to Zurich

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

Experience More Connections

• Terms and Conditions
• Lost & Found
• Passenger Ticket Contract
• Employment Opportunities
• Privacy Policy
• Unsubscribe
• Cruise Finder
• Destinations
• Vietnam & Cambodia
• Wine Cruises
• Golf Cruises
• Christmas Markets
• Land Packages
• Mission Statement
• Why AmaWaterways
• The Luxury Of More
• Already Booked
• Kristin's Blog
• Media Library
• Travel Advisor Portal

• Vacation Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from San Juan
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Le Havre
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Barcelona
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Valencia
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Genoa
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Venice
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Bari
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Copenhagen
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Stockholm
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Singapore
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Dubai
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Yokohama
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Tokyo
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Kobe
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Rio de Janeiro
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Shanghai
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Puerto Caldera
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Buenos Aires
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Cape Town
• 10 to 14 Day Cruises from Auckland
• 10 to 14 Day Turks and Caicos Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Grand Turk Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day U.S. Virgin Islands Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day St. Thomas Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day St. John Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Bahamas Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day New Providence Island Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Nassau Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Grand Bahama Island Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Freeport Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Out Islands Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Eleuthera Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Baja California Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Ensenada Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Los Cabos Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Puerto Vallarta Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Yucatan Peninsula Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Cozumel Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Antigua and Barbuda Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Cabo San Lucas Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Family Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day River Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Luxury Cruises
• Things to Do
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Best 10-14 Day River Cruises

10-14 day river cruises.

• River Cruises

14 Night Cruise to Europe

• You want a high-quality river cruise at a reasonable price
• You love clean, Scandinavian design and subtle design touches
• You enjoy socializing with other like-minded adult travelers
• You dislike socializing over mealtimes and cocktail hours
• You are looking for an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise
• You want to bring the kids; Viking is designed for adults
• You want a quality river cruise with good service and cuisine
• You appreciate bright, spacious public rooms and cabins
• You enjoy socializing with other adults over meals and drinks
• You need connecting cabins or are traveling with kids
• You want the last word in luxury with exacting, formal service
• You want a modern river cruise experience with some inclusions
• You typically book balcony cabins and want one on the rivers
• You appreciate good service and regional cuisine and wines
• You are looking for an ultra-luxury river cruise experience
• You plan on bringing the kids or need a solo cabin
• You are on a budget and need the most economical option
• You want a stylish, adult-centric river cruise with inclusions
• You enjoy having guided tours and independent exploration
• You value having local food and beverage options onboard
• You want an all-inclusive European river cruise experience
• You typically book large, ultra-spacious suite accomodations

12 Night Cruise to Europe

10 night cruise to europe.

• You want an all-inclusive river cruise with lavish amenities
• You appreciate extra niceties onboard, like butler service
• You like diverse itineraries with plenty of time in port
• You are on a budget or are traveling as a family with kids
• You want a value-priced river cruise with unbundled features
• You want an all-inclusive river cruise with international flair
• You appreciate having active excursion options, like bicycles
• You want longer itineraries with more diverse ports of call
• You are looking for short, value-priced river cruise sailings
• You dislike having local, regionally inspired cuisine onboard

14 Night Cruise to Asia

• You want an all-inclusive river cruise on a very spacious ship
• You like having fewer passengers onboard and great service
• You like an international cruise with locally inspired cuisine
• You want a bigger river cruise ship with more amenities
• You want a cruise that is suited to American likes and tastes
• You want a luxurious river cruise with uncommon features
• You like having onboard bicycles, spa facilities and butlers
• You appreciate having an international mix of passengers
• You're after a river cruise with step-out balcony cabins
• You want a budget-minded ship with weeklong river cruises

11 Night Cruise to Africa

• You want an all-inclusive luxury river cruise on the Nile
• You enjoy being part of a group of adventurous adult travelers
• You appreciate friendly but exacting service from staff
• You are expecting the same level of amenities as in Europe
• You want to bring kids; children are uncommon on this ship
• You want a river cruise with every conceivable luxury offered
• You feel like taking a dip in the rare indoor swimming pool
• You appreciate the value of friendly, consummate service
• You are on a budget and are looking for an economical option
• You want cabins and suites with full step-out balconies
• You want a lavish, inclusive river cruise with plenty of space
• You enjoy adult-centric experience steeped in education
• You appreciate good service and niceties like butlers onboard
• You are expecting to find cabins with full step-out balconies
• You want a river cruise catering to American likes and tastes
• You want a river cruise that has fewer than 130 passengers
• You enjoy traveling with open, like-minded, curious people
• You appreciate active lifestyle amenities like onboard bicycles
• You want larger river cruise ship with plenty of entertainment
• You prefer all-inclusive river cruises with no extra charges

13 Night Cruise to Europe

• You want an immersive luxury river cruise on Europe's rivers
• You appreciate having an international mix of people onboard
• You want diverse itineraries with unique and interesting ports
• You need all the bells and whistles on Scenic's newer ships
• You want a cruise catering solely to American likes and tastes
• You want an all-inclusive river cruise on an expansive ship
• You appreciate the many services that a butler can bring
• You enjoy traveling with well-educated, interesting adults
• You want to sail on the newest river cruise ship in the fleet
• You dislike not having a cabin with a full-sized balcony

11 Night Cruise to Europe

• You want a river cruise ship with French and step-out balconies
• You value active excursions and complimentary onboard bicycles
• You don't mind paying for the odd drink or staff gratuities
• You're looking for an all-inclusive river cruise product
• You value designer stateroom amenities and lavish accommodations
• You like an intimate river cruise with fewer guests on average
• You typically enjoy vacations with locally inspired cuisine
• You are looking for extra features like fitness and spa services
• You want a river cruise on a larger ship with more people
• You like vibrant nightlife stretching late into the evening
• You want to try out a Viking River Cruise vacation for yourself
• You are attracted to cabins and suites with balconies
• You appreciate locally inspired cuisine and beverage options
• You prefer an all-inclusive river cruise vacation in Europe
• You plan on traveling as a multi-generational family with kids
• You want onboard amenities like bicycles or spa services
• You want a smaller, more intimate river cruise experience
• You crave locally inspired cuisine and beverage options
• You appreciate good service and a variety of inclusions
• You like the anonymity that a bigger river cruise ship provides
• You enjoy a variety of nighttime entertainment options

7 Best Cities on the Rhine River: Stops On An AmaWaterways Cruise

T his past Christmas season, my husband and I explored some of the best cities on the  Rhine River with AmaWaterways . Our ship, the AmaMora, sailed from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands on an 8-day cruise. We visited everything from delightful small towns to bustling big cities. 

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our  disclosure policy  for more details. Thank you for your support!

The Rhine River winds its way from Switzerland to the Netherlands, and there are many river boat tours that make their way along the route. Sailing on the river is a lovely way to see medieval towns and historic buildings from the comfort of a single accommodation.

If you are looking for a cruise that travels through the Rhine Gorge, visits charming towns, and shows you all the joys of river cruising, then an AmaWaterways Rhine River Cruise is for you.

Best Cities on the Rhine River Cruise You Won’t Want to Miss

Whether your journey begins or ends in Basel, be sure to spend some time exploring the 3rd-largest city in Switzerland. Basel is known for its museums and architecture and as a starting point for many Rhine cruises.

While in Basel you can visit the Kunstmuseum Basel (the city’s art museum), take a city walking tour , or go shopping.

We enjoyed fondue dogs and rösti at Basel’s Christmas market in Barfüsserplatz. There are several markets throughout the city, so plan to explore them all if you have time.

Our European river cruise began in Basel, but on the first day, we took a bus to the Swiss city of Lucerne (which isn’t on the Rhine River). We spent our day trip to Lucerne walking around the old town, learning about the city’s history, and exploring the local Christmas markets. 

The town occupies an idyllic spot on the shores of Lake Lucerne and is surrounded by the Swiss Alps, including Mount Pilatus, which is just under 7,000 feet tall. If you have time, you can ride the cogwheel train or cable car to the top for epic views.

We didn’t have time, so we explored the Dying Lion Monument (a stone lion carved into the side of a rock to honor Swiss mercenaries killed in the 18th century), walked on the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke – which is featured in just about every photo of Lucerne), and admired the architecture of the Old Town. There were several Christmas markets throughout town that we enjoyed.

We would recommend a traditional Swiss lunch at  Restaurant Fritschi  before returning to the ship.

3. Strasbourg

Strasbourg is located on the border of France and Germany and is one of my favorite cities in the  Alsace   region. It’s home to the European Parliament and the famous Parc de l’Orangerie. The day we visited with AmaWaterways it was snowing, and it seemed straight out of a fairy tale!

Our first stop was the Strasbourg Cathedral , also known as the Cathedral of Notre Dame. This impressive Gothic structure dates to the 15th century.

Inside you will find stunning stained glass windows, a massive organ, and an astronomical clock that dates to the Renaissance period. For panoramic city views, head up to the platform. (Note: this may be closed due to inclement weather).

Afterward, we strolled through La Petite France, a neighborhood known for its charming half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and local shops and cafés. We shopped at some of the local Christmas markets and grabbed delicious treats – bredele and mulled wine (highly recommend)!

Part of Strasbourg’s charm is found in wandering through its streets. Allow some time to visit all of the nooks and crannies before returning to the ship. This was one of the best cities on the Rhine River for exploring on our own.

If your cruise offers, be sure to take the evening trip to Gengenbach to see the world’s largest Advent calendar. The charming town sits on the edge of the Black Forest and its advent display is stunning.

4. Heidelberg

I was thrilled to  visit Heidelberg , as it rained for two days straight the last time we visited. This time we enjoyed a beautiful sunny day. Technically, Heidelberg isn’t on the Rhine River (it’s on the Neckar), but it was part of our cruise.

Heidelberg is one of the crown jewels of Baden-Württemberg in Germany. The city houses the oldest university in Germany, Heidelberg University, and one of the  coolest castles in Europe , Heidelberg Castle.

Our first stop was the castle, an imposing fortress that towers over the city and sits upon Königstuhl Hill. Originally, it was two castles, an upper and a lower, but in 1537 a lightning bolt destroyed the upper castle. Not to worry, this is still a massive complex of red sandstone ruins to explore. 

Take time to walk through the castle grounds and former garden, find the Heidelberg Tun (the world’s largest wine barrel), and the pharmacy museum.

If you are exploring on your own, we highly recommend a guided walking tour . Be sure to check out the panoramic views from the observation terraces.

After spending time in the castle, make your to the Old Town (Altstadt). This can be reached by stairs or funicular.

In the charming Altstadt, you can see the famous Old Bridge, meander through Marktplatz, and if you have enough time, make your way to the Philosopher’s Walk (a walking path on the other side of the Neckar River).

We had enough time to enjoy a meal in the city center and walk along the main pedestrian shopping street, Hauptstrasse. Our favorite Christmas market is the one in Karlsplatz.

5. Rüdesheim 

A stop in Rüdesheim offers a variety of opportunities for exploring this wine-making region.

The town is known for its Rheingauer riesling and Rüdesheimer coffee (made from 3 sugar cubes, coffee, and Asbach Uralt brandy). AmaWaterways had both a wine tasting and coffee tasting the night of our arrival in the city. Wine lovers will enjoy the riesling, but I chose the coffee and was not disappointed!

During the day, my husband and I split up and tried different activities. He chose the gondola ride over the vineyards and a hike. I chose to explore the Christmas markets, wandering along Drosselgasse (the main street) and shopping for souvenirs. It was also an option to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, but we opted to skip that.

That afternoon, our cruise ship traveled along the stretch of the Rhine known as the Rhine Gorge, Romantic Rhine, or Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This popular destination is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In this area, the banks of the Rhine are dotted with over 40 castles, all in different states of preservation. We saw Burg Rheinstein, Katz Castle, Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, and Klopp Castle to name a few.

In the evening, we visited  Lahneck Castle , a 13th century medieval castle overlooking the Rhine and Lahn rivers. This was our favorite excursion on the trip. Visiting a castle at night gives off all sorts of spooky vibes and amazing photo ops.

We had a tour with one of the docents and learned about the castle’s connections to the Knights Templar and Idilia Dubb, a Scottish girl who disappeared in the castle while on a family holiday in 1851.

​ It’s difficult to miss the city of Cologne, with the Cologne Cathedral dominating the skyline. We arrived in the city on the Saturday before Christmas, and to say it was crowded is an understatement. 

We had an amazing city tour and kölsch beer tasting organized by AmaWaterways. Afterward, we spent time exploring the city’s Christmas markets and touring inside the cathedral.

Don’t miss the Heinzels Wintermärchen, dedicated to house elves. It has unique souvenirs, an ice skating rink, and some delicious  Christmas market foods .

Cologne is one of the largest cities on the Rhine along with Strasbourg and Rüdesheim. This makes it a great option for shopping.

Other places in Cologne that are worth visiting if you have extra time include the  Lindt Chocolate Museum  or taking a  kölsch brewery tour .

7. Amsterdam

​ Amsterdam was the final stop on our river cruise and a perfect place to wrap up our holiday travels. We planned an extra day here after the cruise ended to make the most of our time in the city.

AmaWaterways had arranged for a guided tour that took us through the city and included a stop at a local café. We sampled authentic Dutch apple pie , which honestly does not taste anything like the American version.

At its conclusion, we walked on our own to the  Anne Frank House for a tour . **Note: Be sure to make your reservations in advance.**

We spent an extra day exploring Amsterdam, visiting the Van Gogh Museum, and wandering through the Jordaan District. 

Unfortunately, the Amsterdam Christmas market scene is not like the German one. There are many holiday decorations throughout the city, but the markets are few and far between. If you plan on souvenir shopping in the markets, we recommend doing so in Germany or France.

Conclusion: Best Cities on the Rhine River

These were some of the best cities on the Rhine River that we saw on our AmaWaterways cruise. If you’re traveling this route during the Christmas season, you are in for a magical experience! 

The post 7 Best Cities on the Rhine River: Stops On An AmaWaterways Cruise appeared first on Kids Are A Trip™ .

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures

Heart of the Delta

• From $5,999
• 10 Guided Tours
• Dates & Pricing

Please call for availability. To find another option, begin your search here.

For current fares, please call a viking expert: 1-800-304-9616 or request a quote today., spring sale.

*All prices are per person based on double occupancy and reflect our Special Cruise Fare. Strikeout fares reflect our Standard Cruise Fare.

*All prices are per person based on double occupancy and reflect our Special Cruise Fare.

DEPARTURE GATEWAYS

Air fare offer applies to select gateways; air fare offer may vary across gateways and itineraries; call for details.

Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas/Ft Worth, Detroit, Houston, Minneapolis, St Louis. Many additional gateways available, air fares may vary; call for details.

Departure dates and room type filter

Viking Inclusive Value

More features, services and excursions included.

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Booking Terms & Conditions >

Booking Terms & Conditions

2024-2025 MISSISSIPPI RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES: Offer applies to bookings made from April 1-30, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE roundtrip airfare valid on select 2024 and 2025 Mississippi River departures. Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by May 31, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by July 31, 2024. Offers expires April 30, 2024.

$25 DEPOSIT: For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to August 2024 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to October 2024 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Business Class air from $999 per person addon based on select gateways and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the  Viking Air Plus  page.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract  .

AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS:  Offer expires April 30, 2024.

NOTE:  International flights depart the U.S. one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights.

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

5-Day River Sale

• Free Silver Spirits Beverage Package on select 2025 & 2026 river voyages
• Use offer code SW4