river cruise from frankfurt

OUR OPENING HOURS:

Monday - Friday 09:00 am - 09:00 pm EST

USEFUL LINKS

• Arrival & Departure
• Current Information
• Terms & Conditions

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION JUST CALL US:

+1 833 YES VIVA (+1 833 937 8482) 

• River Cruises

River cruises from Frankfurt

The perfect starting point for discovering the rhine and main.

Frankfurt is the perfect starting point for a river cruise on the Rhine and Main. The city's central location in the heart of Germany and its excellent accessibility by car, train and plane make Frankfurt a popular departure port for a cruise. The vineyards on both sides of the riverbank and the many picturesque towns along the river, such as Würzburg and Wertheim, make the Main one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. You can also continue your journey on the Danube via the Main-Danube Canal, taking you down Central Europe's longest river to beautiful historic cities like Regensburg and Passau.

Downstream, the Main River flows into the Rhine just a few kilometers behind Frankfurt, which is why Frankfurt is also an ideal starting point for a boat trip on the Rhine. From Frankfurt, you won't have far to go on the Rhine to some of Germany's most beautiful historic cities, including Mainz, Speyer and Koblenz. And last but not least, when you take a cruise from Frankfurt, don't forget to visit the city on the Main River itself. Often "Mainhattan" is dismissed as a boring city of banks and skyscrapers. A big mistake, because Frankfurt has much more to offer than just modern architecture. With the city hall "Römer" and the Paulskirche, Frankfurt has two of the most important historical sights in Germany. But the city's museum landscape is also one of the most diverse in the country. Immerse yourself in over 700 years of European art history at the Städel Museum. Experience the history of film at the DFF - Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum. Or embark on a voyage of discovery around life at the Senckenberg Naturmuseum.

• Arrival and departure

City Highlights

Amsterdam is one of those cities that every traveler should have visited at least once in his life. No wonder, every year millions upon millions of tourists flock to the city on the canals to enjoy the flood of sights and cultural offerings. The best way to discover Amsterdam is by taking a boat ride along the canals or a walk along the unique canals. Art lovers will be immediately drawn to one of the world-famous museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum or the Van Gogh Museum. Party people will find their happiness in the nightlife and red light district De Wallen. And beer drinkers should by no means miss the Heineken Experience.

The oldest city in the Netherlands exudes original Dutch flair with gabled little houses, small cheese shops and delicacies on the "Grote Markt". In the narrow streets, yesterday and today go hand in hand. Therefore, a visit to the Gothic St. Stevenskerk, including the burial cellar, as well as a stroll along the shopping street "Lange Hezelstraat" should be on the sightseeing plan. With freshly fried Kibbelingen in the wintry Kronenburgerpark can be perfectly paused afterwards.

You should definitely use the stopover in Utrecht to take a look at this beautiful Dutch city at your leisure. Whether you visit the famous Centraal Museum for ancient and modern art or prefer to discover the provincial capital on a leisurely canal cruise from the water - the historic architecture and the many lovingly restored houses will inspire you. In the center of the city, the landmark of Utrecht, the 112 m high Utrecht Cathedral, watches over the city. It was built between 1321 and 1382 and is considered the oldest and highest church tower in the Netherlands. If you climb the 465 steps, you will be rewarded with a fantastic view. If you like it more contemplative, just take a nice stroll through the alleys and typical Nierderland courtyards that Utrecht is known for. Or how about a visit to the colorful flower market? Utrecht is always worth a visit.

The Dutch city of Dordrecht is a former trading city thanks to its location on the water. This past can still be felt in the town today. Be it in the historic city center, at the harbor or even in one of the several museums. Also worth seeing is the "Grote Kerk" and the Augustinian monastery of the 13th century. A walk through Dordrecht is the best way to discover the history of the place.

The port city of Rotterdam is located in the Netherlands and is one of the most interesting places in the world. The modern architecture is significantly involved in this. Among the impressive sights is the horseshoe-shaped market hall with the huge range of goods and the colorful hustle and bustle. In the old harbor with the striking white house, historic ships can be marveled at. For strolling, shopping and partying, the shopping mile Witte de Withstraat is an attraction. The futuristic-looking main station, the bag, also invites to the pub crawl and shopping.

Emmerich is located on the Rhine in North Rhine-Westphalia and has a beautiful Rhine bridge, but also the Eltenberg, as a local mountain. Still in addition, there is a Rhine promenade for walking and strolling. If you want to know more about the art of coffee, you can visit the Museum of Coffee Technology, which is famous for the city of Emmrich. Nearby is the city of Kleve, which is also very worth seeing with its Swan Castle, the zoo and the historic gardens.

Maastricht is a university city in the extreme south of the Netherlands. The city is characterized by its medieval architecture and lively cultural scene. The cobblestone old town is home to the Gothic Church of St. John (Sint Janskerk) and the Romanesque Basilica of St. Servatius, with its important collection of sacred art. On the banks of the Maas River, which flows through the city center, stands the futuristic Bonnefanten Museum of Fine Art.

Roermond is a city and municipality with 58,806 inhabitants in the Dutch province of Limburg, which lies on the border with Germany and near Belgium. Roermond is best known for the Designer Outlet Center, where there are a lot of special discounts on exclusive brands and selected clothing. Directly connected to the outlet center is the city center of Roermond. Here you can walk relaxed between small boutiques and quaint cafes. 

Next to Roermond is the city of Venlo, which has 101,984 citizens, almost twice as many inhabitants as the neighboring city. Small stores within the center are perfect for a shopping trip. If you are looking for art and culture, you should visit the Limburg Museum, which tells a lot about the people of Limburg and the culture. Another point of reference is the Oude Markt in downtown Venlo, where you can find many restaurants that can be recommended especially if you long for a delicious wine in the sunny Netherlands. 

Located in the province of Noord-Holland, Alkmaar in the Netherlands is also known as the cheese city of Holland. You should therefore plan a visit to the traditional cheese market as well as a visit to the cheese museum. Alkmaar also has a historic city center with many shops, cafes and restaurants. You can easily explore Alkmaar on foot. Even more beautiful, however, is a round trip along one of the canals, because similar to Amsterdam, Alkmaar is also known as a canal city. In one of the typical Giethoornse Punter you sail under the numerous bridges and have enough opportunity to discover the many monuments of the city. Back on solid ground, we still recommend a visit to the Beatles Museum in Alkmaar. In addition to the Cheese Museum, which gives a closer look at cheese production, the Beatles Museum is another much-visited attraction in Alkmaar. If you then still have a little time, you can start for a bike ride to the nearby beach.

Description and info of river cruises in the Netherlands

On this river cruise through the Netherlands you will get to know three of the most beautiful and important cities in the country. From Düsseldorf you will first visit beautiful Amsterdam, the largest and also most unique city in the country. During a boat trip over the world-famous canals of Amsterdam, you will not be able to get out of the amazement. Enjoy the countless small canals with their picturesque bridges and magnificent town houses along the banks. With its world-famous art museums, such as the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam is also always worth a visit for art fans. The second stop on the trip is Rotterdam, which as the second largest city in the Netherlands is a modern contrast to historic Amsterdam. The highlight of a visit to Rotterdam is undoubtedly a harbor cruise, during which you will get to know the largest and busiest port in Europe. Third and final shore visit of your cruise through Holland is Arnhem. Although not as well known to tourists as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the capital of the province of Gelderland is still worth a visit. Fashionistas will have their true joy at the numerous boutiques in the Modekwartier. And animal lovers will spend a great day in the country's most famous zoo, Burgers' Zoo.

This river cruise through Holland and Belgium takes you to three of the largest metropolises in the two Benelux countries. From Düsseldorf, you will first head downriver to Amsterdam. The charm of the largest city in the Netherlands is its unique canal belt, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical significance. Discover the city's many narrow and crooked historic buildings on the waterfront during a walk, bike ride or boat tour. From Amsterdam, continue your journey to Antwerp. The vibrant metropolis of Flanders combines history and modernity in a more harmonious way than almost any other city in Europe. Here, centuries-old buildings such as the Church of Our Lady, the Steen Castle and the magnificent houses on the Grote Markt combine with many examples of modern architecture, such as the Museum aan het Stroom. Here, old Flemish masters meet a very lively contemporary art scene in the city's art museums. And don't forget to sample one of Flanders' hundreds of beers while in Antwerp. The final stop on your river cruise through Holland and Belgium is modern Rotterdam. At the mouth of the Rhine into the North Sea, you will experience not only Europe's largest port, but also hypermodern architecture and a very interesting gastronomic offer.

On this river cruise through the Netherlands, you'll immerse yourself in some of the country's oldest and most beautiful cities. First stop of the cruise is Nijmegen, the oldest city in the country. Main sights of Nijmegen are the Stevenskerk and the market square with the Boterwaag, the Sint-Stevenspoortje and numerous beautiful town houses. From Nijmegen, you will cross the Maas River to Maastricht, the southernmost city in the Netherlands. Maastricht is not only known for its beautifully preserved city center with the Romanesque St. Servatius Basilica and the Gothic St. Janskerk, but is also popular for its southern flair. Downstream on the Maas River, the tour continues via Roermond, with its many small boutiques and quaint cafés, to Venlo, where you should have seen the Old Town Hall and the Limburg Museum. Children will love to spend their day in Venlo at the amusement park Toverland or the play park Klein Zwitserland. Via the old fortified town of Gorinchem, you will continue your river cruise to Dordrecht - one of the oldest cities in Holland - which exudes the typical charm of the country with its numerous waterways. Don't miss a visit to the Grote Kerk, the highly praised collection of paintings in the Dordrechts Museum and the Augustinian monastery Het Hof. Your journey on the Rhine and Meuse concludes in Arnhem, which is best known as a museum city. Here you will be spoilt for choice between the wine museum, the water museum and the open-air museum.

This river cruise through Holland and Belgium is a voyage of discovery to some of the most beautiful cities in the two Benelux countries. Starting in Düsseldorf, you will depart for Amsterdam, where you can enjoy the world's unique charm of Holland's largest city along the canal belt. The mixture of dozens of small canals, hundreds of bridges and countless crooked houses makes Amsterdam such a special city. But also the art and shopping scene of Amsterdam are among the best in Europe. Afterwards you will get to know Hoorn, a typical Dutch coastal town on the shores of the Ijsselmeer. In this charming harbor town, you will breathe in the flair of Holland's Golden Age and experience maritime history at every turn. Set sail from Hoorn on a sailboat or take a trip on a small steam train. From Hoorn, travel on to Rotterdam, Holland's largest port city, where you can also experience the largest port in Europe. A boat trip along the miles of wharves is a very special event. Next shore leave is Ghent. In the Flanders university town, you will hardly be able to decide what to do first: a tour of the massive Count's Castle, the majestic St. Bavo's Cathedral or the picturesque Belfry. Or perhaps you would prefer a stroll along the waterfront, along the Graslei and the Korenlei. The medieval city center of Ghent is without a doubt one of the most beautiful old towns in Europe. You will also experience numerous medieval sights during your next stop in Antwerp. However, Antwerp is also a vibrant modern city with an extremely lively fashion and art scene. The conclusion of your river cruise through Holland and Belgium is Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands.

On this cruise through Holland you will get to know many of the most beautiful provinces of the Netherlands. The first stop on your river cruise is Cuijk on the Meuse River, where you can experience history at the Foundation Museum Ceuclum, the Sint Agatha Monastery and the St. Martinuskerk. Via Roermond, you will sail up the Meuse River to Maastricht. The capital of the province of Limburg delights with a great mix of historical sights, cultural highlights, cozy restaurants and hip cafes. From Maastricht you drive to Antwerp, the heart of Flanders. Here you can not only shop for fashion, art and diamonds, but also enjoy magnificent historic and modern architecture. In Dordrecht in South Holland, you will immerse yourself in the exciting past of a former trading city. The historic city center, the harbor and the museums of Dordrecht bear witness to the great history of the city. Via Rotterdam, where you will be amazed by the largest port in Europe, you will travel on to historic Gouda, whose scales, town hall and St. John's Church are among the most beautiful buildings in the Netherlands. In Gouda, of course, you can't miss learning all about the world-famous cheese at the Gouda Cheese Experience. The conclusion of your cruise through the provinces of the Netherlands is at the same time one of the highlights: Amsterdam. Enjoy the unique flair of the Amsterdam canals at the end of your cruise through Holland with a glass of Heineken or a coffee in one of the cozy cafes on the banks of the canals.

A river cruise through Holland and Belgium is hard to beat for variety. In almost every city of the two Benelux countries there are beautiful historical sights to visit. However, many of the metropolises of the Netherlands, such as Rotterdam and Antwerp, are also known for their modern architecture. Art lovers will discover numerous old and new masterpieces in the museums of Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent and Maastricht. Sporty people can enjoy sailing or kayaking on the many waters of Holland and Belgium. That both countries are a paradise for cyclists is widely known anyway. And whether with a Belgian beer in Antwerp, a bag of fries in Brussels or a coffee in Amsterdam - the bars, cafes and restaurants in Belgium and the Netherlands are way out in front in Europe when it comes to coziness.

The starting point of a river cruise to the Netherlands is the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, Düsseldorf. Due to its excellent connection to the highway network, its large airport and its important train station, Düsseldorf is easily accessible from anywhere in Germany. The VIVA Cruises team will be happy to assist all guests in planning their journey to Düsseldorf.

VIVA All-Inclusive: for you only the best

With VIVA Cruises, "all-inclusive" means that you can relax and enjoy. Your physical well-being is taken care of with selected meals and drinks. In addition, we offer you relaxing care products. And if you do need a good connection, use our WLAN. For otherwise good connections - especially to our on-board staff - the included tip.

Welcome with a welcome champagne - to a wonderful stay on board

Full board with breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner (multi-course gourmet menus, served at the place) and snacks with free choice of table and flexible meal times

All-day high-quality, cold and hot non-alcoholic beverages, as well as a exquisite selection of alcoholic beverages; take a look at our bar menu.

High Tea: once per trip a selection of sweet and savory treats such as scones, sandwiches, cupcakes, chocolates and macarons. In addition be suitably diverse teas offered.

Daily freshly stocked mini-bar and reusable water bottle on cabin

Selected beauty products from RITUALS

Free WLAN on board - for undisturbed reception

Tipping fees for the entire crew

The right excursions to go with your river cruise

The guests on board our floating premium hotels are all different. That's why we devise an equally diverse excursion program for each of our fascinating itineraries. Whether you're an epicurean, a nature lover, or an art enthusiast, our selection of experiences will open up new perspectives on every voyage.

Arrival and departure to your VIVA ship

With VIVA Cruises you enjoy the feeling of being in the best hands from the very beginning. That's why our service is not limited to life on board, but begins with the preparation of your trip. 

You need a parking space for your vehicle, plan a convenient arrival and departure by train or would like assistance for a suitable flight? 

If you wish, we will gladly take care of your stress-free arrival and departure as well as transfers. Call us: +49 211 274 032 50 or write us an e-mail to : [email protected]

Our berth in Amsterdam is usually located at  Haven Amsterdam, Ruyterkade Oost IJ RO1.  You will receive further information with your travel documents two weeks before the start of your trip. 

If you are traveling to Amsterdam in your own car, here is our recommendation on nearby parking garages:

Piet Heingarage  Piet Heinkade 59  1019 GM Amsterdam  Piet Heingarage | Amsterdam

IJ-oever Centrum  Vriesseveem 9  1019 GM Amsterdam  IJ-oever Centrum | Amsterdam 

VIVA CRUISES CUSTOMER SERVICE

Do you have any questions or want to book a trip? We are happy to help.

+49 (0) 211 274 032 50

Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

[email protected]

ALREADY DISCOVERED?

River cruises in other countries

Discover now

Netherlands

• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions

By Train to Day-Trip Boat Cruises on the Rhine River from Frankfurt and Airport

Day trips and boat pleasure cruises on the Rhine River (Rhein) and Loreley Valley are easy from Frankfurt am Main Hauptbahnhof and Airport (FRA) in Germany — use the train to Rüdesheim or Koblenz.

Regular day pleasure boat cruises on the Rhine River (Rhein) rarely depart from Frankfurt am Main itself but are easily arranged. Fast trains from the Hauptbahnhof and Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) allow even passengers with a few hour stopovers to enjoy cruising Germany’s most famous river and see popular sights including castles and the Loreley Rock. It is a short train ride from Frankfurt’s main station or directly from the airport to Rhine towns including Rüdesheim, Bingen, and Koblenz, which are all ideal departure ports for Rhine River valley day pleasure cruises. Organized day-trip tours including bus transportation are available in the high season while boats cruise on the Main River for one-hour panorama cruises almost daily.

Day Cruise Trips on the Rhine River from Frankfurt am Main

Although day pleasure cruise boats depart from many cities and towns between Mainz and Cologne, the most popular part of the Rhine River for day cruises is the Loreley Valley with boats departing from Rüdesheim or Bingen to St Goar and St Goarhausen. This part of the Rhine River valley is inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. Here the valley is the steepest and narrowest, often covered by vineyards, and sporting a castle or castle ruin every two kilometers or so.

Rüdesheim is one of the best departure ports for pleasure cruises on the Rhine. Rüdesheim sees many departures by numerous cruise lines including the largest (KD Köln-Düsseldorfer) and many smaller (and sometimes slightly cheaper) boat operators. Rüdesheim also has excellent train connections to Frankfurt with the Rüdesheim (Rhein) train station very close to the boat landing, as is the case in most Rhine villages — see train timetable to Rüdesheim at Deutsche Bahn.

See also Day Trip Rhine and Main River Cruise Boats from Frankfurt for pleasure boat excursions on the Main and Rhine, although the train to Rüdesheim is generally a better choice than the boat to see the best parts of the Rhine.

By Train from Frankfurt am Main and Airport to the Rhine River

Frankfurt am Main is Germany’s transportation hub. Not only is Frankfurt International Airport by far the busiest in Germany but the Hauptbahnhof is also the most important railway hub in Germany.

Numerous routings are available from Frankfurt to the Rhine Valley but it is best to stick to direct trains – missed connections, and German regional trains, unfortunately, do not always run like clockwork, which can mean long delays in boring stations.

Regional Express (RE) or Regional Bahn (RB) trains run from Frankfurt Main Station on either side of the Rhine and again meet up at Koblenz at the confluence of the Mosel and the Rhine. Trains on the right bank run mostly once per hour while the faster trains on the left bank run every two hours. RB and RE trains are local trains on which many discount tickets such as the Hessenticket or even the RMV Day Ticket may be accepted.

Trains on the Right Bank of the Rhine River in Germany

Traveling times from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof to major stops along the Rhine where connections are available with Rhine day excursion boats are:

• Frankfurt-Höchst – 10 minutes
• Mainz-Kastel – 25 minutes
• Wiesbaden – 35 minutes
• Eltville – 53 minutes
• Rüdesheim (Rhein) – 1h12
• Lorch – 1h22
• Kaub – 1h29
• St Goarhausen – 1h39 (Loreley Rock)
• Kamp Bornhofen – 1h50
• Braubach – 2h00 (Marksburg)
• Koblenz – 2h15
• Neuwied – 2h33

Passengers from Frankfurt International Airport may save time by taking the S-Bahn train S9 to Wiesbaden and change there or at Mainz-Kastel to the RE trains rather than going to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof first. From the airport to Rüdesheim takes around 90 minutes.

See German Railways (Deutsche Bahn) timetables: Frankfurt to Rüdesheim / Frankfurt Airport to Rüdesheim

The trains on the right bank of the Rhine are operated by VIAS and may have VIA in the train name. However, for most travelers, the differences with regular DB German Railways trains are hard to spot and the same tickets and deals are accepted.

The journey through the Rhine Valley is the most scenic but if returning from Koblenz to Frankfurt via Limburg an der Lahn , consider a longer stop-over to see this most beautiful old town center and fantastic Romanesque cathedral. (Avoid the ICE train station Limburg-Süd, in contrast to Limburg Bahnhof , this station is far from the town center.)

Trains on the Left Bank of the Rhine River in Germany

Trains from Frankfurt am Main to the left bank of the Rhine River are less frequent but somewhat faster than on the right bank.

Traveling times from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof to major stops on the left bank of the Main and Rhine Rivers on the Regional Express (RE) trains are around:

• Frankfurt Airport – 15 minutes
• Mainz Hauptbahnhof – 42 minutes
• Bingen – 1h05
• Bacharach – 1h12
• Oberwesel – 1h18
• Boppard – 1h30
• Koblenz – 1h45

See German Railways (Deutsche Bahn) timetables: Frankfurt to Koblenz / Frankfurt Airport to Koblenz

Further slower Regional Bahn (RB) trains operate on the left bank but generally start from Mainz. S-Bahn trains S8 have further connections from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof and International Airport to Mainz. RB trains also stop in popular tourist towns including Bacharach, St Goar, and Boppard.

Note that the fastest trains between Koblenz and Frankfurt usually stop only in Mainz and at Frankfurt International Airport and not in the smaller Rhine villages.

More Rhine River Cruise Options in Germany

See also Loreley Valley Rhine River Day Cruises for more information on the variety of Rhine River short and single day cruises available on the Middle Rhine and Top Rhine River Day Trip Cruise Lines for a selection of the top day pleasure cruise lines operating in the Loreley Valley. Regional Express, Regional Bahn, and S-Bahn trains running along the Main and Rhine are local trains for which Deutsche Bahn has several special discount tickets .

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.

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 » By Train to Day-Trip Boat Cruises on the Rhine River from Frankfurt and Airport

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.

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

Rhine Cruises from Frankfurt-Am-Main

A cruise adventure starting in Frankfurt-Am-Main is a great way to see Rhine. We have 23 tours that range from 4 days up to 11 days. The most popular time for tours from Frankfurt-Am-Main is July, which has the most cruise departures.

23 Rhine river cruises from Frankfurt-Am-Main with 5 reviews

• River Cruise

Active & Discovery on the Rhine (Northbound) 2024

Landscapes of the Rhine and Moselle Dutch Symphony Main

• Self-Guided Cycling

Romantic Rhine From Frankfurt to Koblenz | Self-Guided | Germany

The tour was amazing—so much to see along the Mainz and Rhine. My ebike was perfect. We especially loved the stop at Oberwesel. Such a lovely unique hotel.

Landscapes of the Rhine and Moselle Dutch Symphony Superior Deluxe

Magnificent Moselle & Rhine (2024) (Frankfurt to Frankfurt, 2024)

The Majestic Rhine (Start Frankfurt, End Zurich)

Was an outstanding cruise. Very well organized and we got exactly out of it what we wanted. Just the right mix of activity with rest.

The Majestic Rhine (Start Frankfurt, End Basel)

• Road Cycling

Rhine, Main & Moselle: From Frankfurt to Trier | Self-guided | Germany

Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Southbound) 2025

Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle (Start Frankfurt, End Basel)

Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle (Start Frankfurt, End Zurich)

Landscapes of the Rhine and Moselle Dutch Symphony Intermediate Deluxe

• Sightseeing

Rhine and Moselle Castles Dutch Symphony Superior Deluxe

Charming Germany Dutch Grace Intermediate Deluxe

Charming Germany Dutch Grace Main Cabin

What people love about rhine cruises from frankfurt-am-main, tours starting from frankfurt-am-main.

• Frankfurt-am-Main to Frankfurt-am-Main tours (8)
• Frankfurt-am-Main to Basel tours (5)
• River Cruise from Frankfurt-am-Main (19)
• Family from Frankfurt-am-Main (13)
• Explorer from Frankfurt-am-Main (9)

Rhine Discovery St. Goar 2024

Highlights of the Frankfurt River Cruise

Where the fabulous splendour of fairy-tale landscapes sparkles and shines..

From Cologne to Cochem, Koblenz, Mainz, Frankfurt and Rüdesheim to Cologne.

It’s hard to believe that this glittering valley beneath the colourful comets and golden rain falling from the heavens was once a marshy wasteland. It was only after humans straightened the river that ships were able to pass here. Where sailors used to meet their demise at Lorelei and run aground on the treacherous shoals of the Rhine Valley, you can now enjoy a relaxed cocktail on deck and take photos. Photos of the castles of Katz and Maus near St. Goar, for example. These are just two of the impressive 40 castles located along this stretch of the Rhine which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And despite all the photos, and no matter how often you visit them, these castles never lose any of their mystical fascination.

Discover Koblenz during your Rhine cruise. Its history dates back over 2,000 years, making it one of Germany’s oldest cities – and one of its most picturesque, with a wealth of sights and cultural attractions. Marvel at Koblenz’s palaces, stately homes, grand townhouses, narrow lanes and romantic corners. And watch as our A-ROSA ship sails close to the famous Deutsches Eck headland.

Rhine River

Enjoy impressive sights such as the castles Burg Katz and Burg Maus near St. Goar. They are just 2 of the 40 magnificent castles on this section of the river, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No matter how many times you look at photos or experience this area for yourself, it continues to exert an almost mystical appeal.

Halfway between Lake Constance and the North Sea, the Rhine meets Mainz. This carnival city is known for its cheerful atmosphere and its hospitality. Why not go for a stroll along the tranquil riverbank or enjoy a good glass of local wine while you’re there? You could also visit the city’s main landmark: Saint Martin’s Cathedral. It boasts one of the richest church interiors in the Christian world. Another important building in Mainz is the Kurfürstliche Schloss (Electoral Palace). This is a prime example of the German Renaissance style of architecture.

€ 200 SUPER EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT 2024

The A-ROSA Super Early Booking Discount is valid for bookings made until 30 April 2024. Limited availabilities. The discount is already included in the travel price.

1st Day Cologne Dep 06:00 pm

We will set off on our exciting Rhine cruise from here, heading for the northern or the southern Rhine. But you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this cathedral city, with its wealth of monuments and attractions. The best way is to arrive the day before your cruise departs, so that you can relax – or simply extend your stay in Cologne after the cruise has ended.

2nd Day Cochem Arr 11:00 am Dep 09:30 pm

Cochem, on the bank of the Moselle, is another port of call on your Rhine cruise, which will take you onto the Moselle. The entire Moselle region around Cochem is a real sight to behold. The town’s landmark is undoubtedly the famous Reichsburg, a splendid castle that towers above the river. But did you know that the West German government had a secret bunker built here for its federal bank? Strange, but true! And you’ll have the opportunity to visit it during your river cruise.

The spectacular scenery, the romantic vineyards and the passing Moselle invite you to a cosy wine tasting in Cochem. The Haxel Winery welcomes you with a young and dynamic wine estate. Sample the delicious wines at a wine tasting and learn all about the philosophy of the winery, as well as how the wines are made.

€ 399 per reservation for max. 6 people

approx. 2 h

This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

The second smallest county seat in Germany is one of the most beautiful cities in the Moselle Valley. Cochem’s long history is revealed during a tour of the old town. You walk past the Capuchin monastery, the parish church of St. Martin and the town hall from the 17th century. Mini busses will take you up 100 metres to the imperial castle, which is one of the most beautiful castles in the region. The tour takes you through the neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque designed rooms with valuable furnishings.

€ 39 per person

approx. 3 h

Bus and walking

The excursion might be conducted in reverse order

On your bike, you can explore one of the most beautiful stretches along the Moselle, where the Moselle flows into the Rhine in a sweeping bend. It is flanked by steep slopes, where the grapes mature for great wines. From the ship, you will cycle to Bruttig-Fankel and onwards across the river directly into the picturesque streets of Cochem. During a stop at the historic mustard mill, you will have the chance to taste some of the 'spicy gold'. Then you will continue to the late-Gothic Cochem Castle, situated on the largest castle hill, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view over the river.

approx. 2.5 h

depending on the weather, please contact reception in case of rain

Distance: approx. 20km

3rd Day Koblenz Arr 07:00 am

Stroll along Koblenz's kilometre-long riverside promenade and discover the city's landmark, the Deutsches Eck with Kaiser Wilhelm I. There you can also see the beautiful confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers and not far from the Deutsches Eck, the cable car takes you to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Discover the beautiful corners of Koblenz together with your private English-speaking guide!

€ 299 per reservation for max. 4 people

Discover one of the oldest cities in Germany and one of the most many-sided. Your private people carrier will take you comfortably from A to B, whether to the old town or to the cable car to visit Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. A visit to Stolzenfels Castle is also recommended. You decide the programme and we will implement it according to your wishes!

€ 629 per reservation for max. 4 people

Private Minivan

Experience the romance of the Rhine in Koblenz in the cosiness of your private car. Whether at the Deutsches Eck, in the old town or at the Electoral Palace. We design the programme according to your wishes. To get even closer to the history and life in Koblenz, we recommend an English-speaking guide. This can be booked on request.

€ 599 per reservation for max. 2 people

Private car

On this private culinary excursion, you will walk through the alleys of Koblenz's old town and learn exciting anecdotes about life in the historic city. Learn interesting facts about popular recipes around "Debbekoche", "Dunkes" and "kalde Ent" while strolling past the fascinating and historically well-preserved half-timbered houses. Experience the modern city and its architectural masterpieces and and stop off at various places to sample typical Koblenz specialities and small appetisers.

Discover Koblenz's old town in a relaxed and effortless way on this exclusive rickshaw tour. In Koblenz, modern rationality mixes with southern nonchalance. Passing the Schängel fountain and the romantic alleys, you will learn exciting information about the city's history. Of course, the city's landmark is also on the programme: the monumental Kaiser Wilhelm Monument at the Deutsches Eck. Enjoy the flowing together of the Rhine and Moselle and look up to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

€ 219 per reservation for max. 2 people

Rickshaw and walking

No rain protection.This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

When modern rationality mixes with southern German nonchalance, something wonderful is created. Koblenz itself is the best example! The excursion begins with the landmark of the city: the monumental Kaiser Wilhelm monument at the Deutsches Eck (German Corner). The second landmark is the Schängel Fountain, which depicts a cheeky boy. Stroll through the romantic lanes between the Basilica St. Kastor and the Church of Our Lady, both feature impressive Romanesque two-tower façades. You will hear exciting details about the city's history along the way.

This excursion is included on your cruise

Experience the first few kilometres along the Middle Rhine Valley not only by ship but also by bike. From Koblenz we will cycle to Spay, which is located in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Stolzenfels Castle and Marksburg Castle, located on top of a hill high above the banks of the Rhine river, allow you to travel back in time to the Middle Ages.

€ 49 per person

approx. 3.5 h

Distance: approx. 50km

Founded in 1794, the Deinhard house in Germany stands for sparkling wine. This 200-year tradition has its origins in the Koblenz headquarters in the middle of the unique cultural landscape between the Middle Rhine and the Moselle. Since last year, the city of Koblenz has turned it into a sparkling wine museum. Your A-ROSA host will take you to this historic headquarters on a small train. Here you will get to know the tradition of sparkling wine at close quarters and embark on an exciting journey back in time in the cellar museum. The hearts of wine and sparkling wine lovers beat faster here. The soul of wine culture can be felt in every part of the vault. Learn all about the tradition of sparkling wine production and, of course, taste one or two fine wines. The little train will then take you back to the ship.

€ 55 per person

Train and walking

Anspruchsvoll

4th Day Koblenz Dep 01:00 pm

Join us on a relaxed panoramic trip through the 'Vulkaneifel' near Koblenz and to the famous pilgrimage site Maria Laach. The 'Vulkaneifel' is considered a valuable natural heritage and has been designated a European Geopark by UNESCO. Drive along this beautiful nature and discover numerous 'Maare' - funnel-shaped volcanic openings filled with water. Your way continues to the 'Laacher Seetal'. The lake and its surroundings form the largest nature reserve in Rhineland-Palatinate. The medieval Benedictine monastery Maria Laach is also picturesquely situated on the banks of the lake. After a short stop, the bus will take you back to Koblenz on your panoramic journey.

5th Day Mainz Arr 08:00 am Dep 10:00 pm

Mainz bleibt Mainz (or ‘Mainz is always Mainz’) is more than a carnival motto. It is an expression of the easy-going way of life that makes the locals proud of their city, makes it easy for non-locals to settle in and helps visitors to enjoy their stay here. With 2,000 years of history, Mainz is not just one of the oldest cities in Germany – it is also a place where you can see history come alive wherever you turn.

Walk along the Rhine into the picturesque old town of Mainz with its half-timbered houses. Visit the outstanding Mainz Cathedral St. Martin, the Gutenberg Museum or the Heunensäule. Mainz has a lot to offer in terms of historical buildings and monuments, which you can discover on a walk with your private English-speaking guide.

€ 289 per reservation for max. 4 people

Private tour guide

Mainz is famous for Fastnacht, the city's fifth season. The Mainz tradition is reflected in the city, for example in the Fastnachtsmuseum and the Fastnachtsbrunnen. In addition to this tradition, Mainz has a beautiful old town with historical monuments and buildings to offer. Whether it's a visit to a museum or a tour of Mainz's old town, we'll take you comfortably wherever you want to go.

Come with us to the city where book printing was revolutionised in the 15th century! Whether a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, a stroll through the old town or a short shopping tour. Your private driver will take you comfortably from A to B.

Hot rods are the new trend in Germany and have already conquered several cities. The small white cars, with automatic transmission and a top speed of 88km/h, definitely attract attention. After a comprehensive briefing, you are ready to go. Put on your protective clothing and get into the hot rod! From Mainz-Hechtsheim, via the Roman Theatre and along the banks of the Rhine, you are off on a discovery tour. If you wish, you can also ride at a faster pace on the way back.

€ 999 per reservation for max. 4 people

Helmets and protective equipment are provided for guests

The carnival city of Mainz has a lot to offer. Discover the picturesque old town with its beautiful half-timbered houses, the Rhine promenade or the carnival fountain in a relaxed way with a rickshaw. Without much effort, you will experience the sights of the city and learn interesting facts about Gutenberg, the life and history of Mainz.

No rain protection. This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

This exciting bike tour will introduce you to the rich and varied geography and history of the former electoral residence. First, you will cycle to the mouth of the Main into the Rhine. Then, the excursion will take you past old bastions to the nine metre high Fastnachtsbrunnen and further up to the citadel, past the Roman theatre and through the old town. The cathedral is the city’s landmark and houses one of the richest church furnishings of Christianity. Also worth seeing are the church of St. Stephen with the unique Chagall windows and of course the Electoral Palace.

Distance: approx. 25km

6th Day Frankfurt Arr 04:00 am Dep 10:00 pm

Welcome to Goethe’s birthplace! Here’s another historical fact while we’re at it: this is where the first German national assembly met in 1848. Today, the metropolis on the Main is home to the headquarters of major banks and is also one of Germany’s most important centres of business and commerce. Frankfurt is also known for its many futuristic-looking high-rises. You’ll get a closer view of them when your Rhine cruise takes you along the Main river.

Frankfurt am Main is known as a financial and banking metropolis. The Frankfurt skyline is graced by skyscrapers, but Frankfurt has much more to offer. Explore the old town with your English-speaking tour guide, past the Römer and the Paulskirche. Or stroll along the Museum Riverbank and discover Frankfurt's museums. You determine the programme and we implement it for you!

€ 329 per reservation for max. 4 people

Let the skyline of Frankfurt with its skyscrapers pass by and experience the financial and banking metropolis. Enjoy a fantastic view over Frankfurt from the approx. 200 metre high Main Tower or discover the old town. We will take you to the highlights of the city in a relaxed atmosphere and according to your wishes!

€ 459 per reservation for max. 4 people

Known as a financial and banking metropolis, with a beautiful old town and the old opera house, Frankfurt has more to offer than skyscrapers. Explore the centre of Frankfurt at the Römer and the Paulskirche or drive to Alt-Sachsenhausen, where apple wine and historic half-timbered houses await you. Get to know the city in cosy togetherness!

€ 429 per reservation for max. 2 people

We take you on a private culinary excursion in Frankfurt am Main. The name La Fleur is reminiscent of the famous Château Lafleur vineyard in Pomerol. In this gourmet restaurant, you will get to enjoy a 5-course menu of international standard with wine accompaniment, combined with Mediterranean aspects and regional products. An evening of high-quality dishes prepared by star chef Andreas Krolik, as well as vistas of the Siesmayer flower parterre await you.

€ 1699 per reservation for max. 2 people

approx. 4 h

Private car and walking

Let the Frankfurt skyline pass by without much effort and marvel at the mighty bank skyscrapers and the quaint old town. Enjoy a relaxed rickshaw ride past Frankfurt's sights and learn interesting facts about the old opera house, St. Paul's Church and life in Frankfurt am Main.

Mainz is not only known for its 1000-year-old history. Culinary delights also play a major role in Mainz. Mainz is surrounded by Germany's largest wine-growing region 'Rheinhessen'. On this tour you will discover the heart of Mainz's old town and have the chance to try regional wines during a wine tasting.

€ 45 per person

7th Day Rüdesheim Arr 06:00 am Dep 06:00 pm

The town describes its biggest attraction, the world-famous Drosselgasse, as ‘144 metres of joie de vivre ’. This centre of Rhine Romanticism once inspired poets and musicians – it was here that Brahms composed his Symphony No. 3. Rüdesheim is the best-known spot in the Rheingau and has plenty of cultural attractions, including stately homes and fortifications. And no visit to the towns and countryside of this area of the Rhine would be complete without a Rüdesheim coffee, which was invented here.

Let the Winzerexpress take you on a tour through vineyards and right into the centre of Rüdesheim. Here, the little lanes are too narrow for our trusty vehicle, so you’ll explore the old town on foot. You’ll find one of Germany’s most well-known streets here: Drosselgasse. Lined with wine taverns and bars with outdoor seating, it offers 144 metres of pure enjoyment. You’ll have the opportunity to stop off here to learn how the traditional coffee speciality ‘Rüdesheim coffee’ is made – and you’ll be able to try it for yourself, of course.

Winery Express and walking

Discover Rüdesheim the special way by bike. Cycle along the Rhine and enjoy the beautiful lanscape. Next to you rolling vineyards and small alleys invite you to stay. And of course, you can try the typical Rüdesheim coffee.

Distance: approx. 35km

8th Day Cologne Arr 06:00 am

Your exciting Rhine cruise ends in Cologne, but your wonderful memories will last forever. Before you start your journey home, use the day to take a further look around North Rhine-Westphalia or explore the city. The magnificent cathedral of Cologne is an absolute must-see. See you soon and Ahoy!

A-ROSA Premium All-Inclusive

Enjoy your most beautiful time with maximum comfort and with the all-round carefree package: A-ROSA Premium All-Inclusive.

Your desired cabin? Voilà! Sauna, fitness area, pool? Always at your service! Top culinary menus? Enjoy your meal! Attractive discounts on all massage and beauty treatments? Of course! Plus all transfers and many other benefits that will always put a smile on your face, while you have nothing to do but think about your next wish.

Included Services

• Full Board Plus: extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, additional embarkation snack and tea and coffee hour. On many cruises, seasonal supplements such as a midnight snack
• High-quality drinks included throughout the day: tea, coffee and coffee specialities, soft drinks, beers, sparkling wine and a selection of wines, cocktails and long drinks. Also besides the lunch and dinner hours. Exceptions are specialities subject to surcharges and champagne.
• Super Early Booking Discount for bookings made until 30 April 2024; Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 29 February 2024 or 31 August 2024.
• A-ROSA travel cancellation insurance (booking until 30 November 2023)
• Children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge on Deck 1.¹
• Change booking one time free of charge up to 30 days prior to departure.
• Half-day excursion included (from 7-night cruises)
• English-speaking travel and hotel management on our international ships.
• Comprehensive service concept with guest relations management.
• Destination Scouts will help you make the most of every city experience with insider tips and recommendations.
• Complimentary room service in every cabin category.²
• Free use of the on-board facilities such as sauna and fitness room.
• A-ROSA App with information about your cruise.
• Transfer between railway station³ or airport and ship⁴
• 15 % discount on treatments in our SPA-ROSA
• Free e-bikes for independent exploration⁵
• Free WiFi (excluding streaming services)
• Bathroom amenities and bathrobe in the cabin
• On-board entertainment
• Port charges

¹ Children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one (two in Cat. G) supervising adult on Deck 1. From Deck 2 children receive a 30 % discount. Furthermore, children up to 7 years of age accompanied by 2 supervising adults can use a sofa bed free of charge on the A-ROSA SENA in categories B - D. On the A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA children accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount. The children’s discount is only valid for the cruise itself. Limited availabilities on all cruises.

² Except A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA.

³Guests receive an extra voucher, valid for day of embarkation or disembarkation in Cologne and Engelhartszell. The transfer in Paris and Lyon is only included when booking the train tickets through A-ROSA.

⁴ The transfer is included when booking the flight through A-ROSA. You will receive an extra voucher with your travel documents.

⁵A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA: E-bike rental not available.

Super Early Booking Discount

Book now your trip with the Premium All-Inclusive package until  30 April 2024  and you will benefit from our attractive Super Early Booking Discount (limited contingent).

Your desired Cabin

Choose exactly the cabin you like. If available, we will book your desired cabin with cabin number.

Dates & Prices

18. sep 2024 - 25. sep 2024 a-rosa brava from € 1,398 pp select cabin from € 1,398 pp.

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

Arrival & hotel

Travel yourself - park safely, e. g. with lufthansa, austrian airlines, eurowings, klm, swiss, suitable accommodation for their arrival and departure, by train to cologne - rail & cruise.

Train operated by Deutsche Bahn from all German train stations to Cologne.

Train from € 179 per person  (without BahnCard 2nd Class)

ARRIVE ON YOUR OWN - AND PARK SAFELY!

If you plan your arrival individually, we offer you a parking space in a guarded car park for the length of your cruise.

Price from € 81 per car  (fenced parking lot) Price from € 99 per car  (roofed parking space)

OUTBOUND & RETURN FLIGHT TO/FROM COLOGNE, E.G. WITH LUFTHANSA, AIR FRANCE, SWISS

From Munich, Berlin, Vienna or Zurich incl. transfer Airport – Ship – Airport (incl. taxes).

Flights from € 309 per person

You want a relaxed arrival and departure? Then choose one of these hotels! Your advantage: You arrive already one or two days before disembarkation and can consciously look forward to the journey with A-ROSA. Or you can let your vacation come to an end in a very juicy way before you start your journey home. All hotels are personally and carefully selected by us to round off your vacation.

Maritim Hotel Cologne 2024 from € 119 pp

The Maritim Hotel Cologne is located directly on the Rhine, only a few steps away from the charming old town, the cathedral and the city centre as well as the central station. The hotel impresses with its extraordinary architecture and has 454 rooms and suites, all of which are equipped with a bathroom/toilet, mini fridge (unfilled), safe, radio, TV and a telephone. In the spacious, glass-roofed hotel lobby you will find a variety of boutiques and restaurants.

Prices include the tax for the promotion and advancement of culture. Not valid during certain exhibitions in Cologne.

Included services Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Double occupancy

€ 119   pp

Single occupancy

€ 179   pp

€ 129   pp

€ 209   pp

Juniorsuite

€ 159   pp

€ 279   pp

Dorint Hotel Cologne 2024 from € 129 pp

Luxury in the middle of the city center is what the Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Cologne offers you. The panoramic elevator with a view of the cathedral takes you to your chic room, which includes everything you need to work and relax. In addition, an exclusive fitness and wellness area (fee required) with glass-roofed pool and the chic Harry's New-York Bar await you.

€ 189   pp

€ 169   pp

Family (2 Rooms with connecting Door)

Excelsior hotel ernst cologne 2024 on request.

Excelsior Hotel Ernst – Cologne's only member of The Leading Hotels of the World – offers a unique combination of tradition and innovation. The hotel’s prominent location near Cologne Cathedral means that it is easy to get to, while the harmonious colour scheme and classic yet modern furnishings create a timeless atmosphere. All rooms and suites have free Wi-Fi for mobile devices and are equipped with SuitePad, the hotel’s digital concierge service. The Michelin-starred restaurant "taku" welcomes you with deliciously authentic East Asian masterpieces. And in the gourmet restaurant "Hanse Stube" you can experience French cuisine with local influences. Access to the hotel gym, sauna and steam bath, use of your hotel room’s minibar and a shoeshine service are all included in the price. Prices include culture tax. Offer not valid during certain trade fairs in Cologne.

We would be pleased to make you an offer based on daily updated rates. For further information, please contact  [email protected]

Steigenberger Hotel Cologne 2024 on request

The listed Steigenberger Hotel is located in the heart of the Rhine metropolis Cologne, just a few minutes away from historic sights. Within a few minutes you can reach Cologne Cathedral as well as the famous Rhine river promenade and other hotspots of the city.

The 305 modern rooms, some of which even have a view over the city Cologne, are more than just a hotel room. The comfortable furnishings of all rooms include air conditioning, satellite TV, desk, free local calls, safe, minibar as well as a Nespresso coffee machine and a kettle for making tea. The bathrooms are equipped with shower or bathtub.

The Bar Bistro 19NullZwo offers the perfect atmosphere with modern colours and shapes for short breaks with delicious coffee specialities, snacks or a treat for body and soul.

Ships on this cruise

A-rosa brava.

• Request timetable

Primus-Linie: your Frankfurt, your region, your river experience

Frankfurt city life, romantic views of the Rhine valley and glittering celebrations: we love to create special moments! Join us for a great variety of river cruises in Frankfurt , Mainz , Wiesbaden and many other locations along Main and Rhine

Visit Our Online Shop

• Gift Certificates

Secure & simple payment

• SSL-Encrypted Ticket-Shop
• Pay online via Credit Card, PayPal and Sofortüberweisung

Frankfurt Sightseeing Tour

our classic panorama tour, departure every hour: daily from 11am - 5pm!

Boat charter all year round

Sunset X Skyline - Frankfurt by night

experience Frankfurt's skyline at night!

Riversight Dinner

enjoy a seasonal 4-course menu on board - next date is May 25

Information

• Landing Stages
• Food Service
• Route Information
• Charter Request
• Food Services
• Corporate Events
• Meetings & Conferences
• Rhine in Flames

Inspirations

365 days of variety on Main and Rhine

With its 5 boats Primus-Linie is the largest and most modern shipping company in the state of Hessen. Its tradition dates back to the year 1880. Offers include sightseeing tours of Frankfurt as well as day excursions and event tours on Main and Rhine.

Popular boat charters include company parties, anniversaries, christmas parties, weddings and presentations.

Popular business charter occassions include company events, anniversaries and christmas parties, on board.

Get to know Primus-Linie .

• Ahoy on Social Media
• MS Facebook
• MS Instagram

5 of the Best Frankfurt River Cruises

Frankfurt is a buzzing economic behemoth – but that doesn’t mean there isn’t calm to be found. One of the best ways to see Germany’s fifth most populous city is from the water, with a variety of cruises along the river Main taking in the sights at a more leisurely pace. 

Frankfurt is one of Germany’s more futuristic cities (Photo: getyourguide.com)

Frankfurt am Main can come as a bit of a shock to visitors. German cities, by and large, don’t really do lines of skyscrapers so arriving at the country’s financial beating heart can feel a bit like arriving in one of the manic metropolises of North America or Asia. ‘Mainhattan’ twinkles in the sun, its towering glass structures bouncing light like disco balls, with the near one million inhabitants seemingly all off to their next meeting. But let it settle, and like many towns and cities in Germany, the history shines through, with hazy beer gardens, tree-lined boulevards and lush green parks punctuating the concrete jungle. However one of the most relaxing ways to experience Frankfurt’s skyline and the surrounding area is from a river cruise, which keep the hustle and bustle at arms length and chug along the majestic Main all day long.

Frankfurt: River Main Sightseeing Cruise with Commentary

Proof that the cheapest cruise or tour isn’t necessarily the worst, this bargain bucket boat ride fits in a lot of what you want to see during a weekend visit for the price of a schnitzel. Choose between 50 minutes upstream or 50 minutes downstream, or 100 minutes to combine both, and take in the skyscrapers of the city’s skyline, as well as other sights like the pubs of Sachsenhausen, one of the city’s oldest and largest neighborhoods, and the European Central Bank. There is an audio guide in English and the chance to hop-on, hop-off at a couple of points of interest too. From € 13.50 per person.

Book at getyourguide.com

From Frankfurt: Rhine Valley Day Trip

Combine a city break in Frankfurt with a trip own the Rhein (Photo: getyourguide.com)

At the other end of the scale, this river cruise from Frankfurt not only takes in the city but also the Rhine Valley, a UNESCO world heritage site. The two couldn’t be more different – the dramatic cityscape making way for looming fairytale castles, densely forested hillsides and steep vineyards that look like they will slide into the water. It’s one of Germany’s most romantic and alluring areas and an unexpected bonus of any trip to Frankfurt. Along the way is the beautiful “Lorelei-Felsen,” or Siren’s Rocks, views over the valley from the Niederwald monument, as well as the opportunity to try fine wines in local taverns. Lunch and local wine tasting is included, as well as the bus ride back to Frankfurt at the end of the seven hour trip. If you have the time, this is a great way to see two different sides of German life.  From € 149 per person.

Frankfurt Private Walking Tour with Relaxing Cruise

For a bit of sightseeing one upmanship, this tour combines two different forms of seeing what Frankfurt has to offer with a private walking tour plus river cruise. Starting on foot, it takes in St. Paul’s Church (Paulskirche), a key landmark in German democracy, Goethe’s House, and the Gothic Frankfurt Cathedral. Then a river cruise heads either up- or downriver on the Main, with the choice of seeing Dreikönigskirche, Literature House, the industrial memorial site Ruhrorter Werft, Städel Museum, Commerzbank and University Hospital. The tour then concludes with a walk past Goethe Statue on the Goetheplatz and through Goethestraße, a high-end shopping street open since 1892. Considering it’s just three to four hours, it’s not a cheap way to see the city, plus the boat ride is just a few euros and many sites can be seen solo, but for a complete package it is comprehensive and hassle-free. From €192.90.

Book at viator.com

Frankfurt: 1-Hour Panorama Boat Cruise on the river Main

The Panorama Boat Cruise is a relaxing way to see Frankfurt (Photo: getyourguide.com)

Another budget cruise, think of this as more of a bar on water. This good value cruise is just an hour long and features a great terrace with beers on tap – perfect for anyone who really doesn’t want to take their sightseeing too seriously. The audio guide comes out of the tannoy, so you don’t even need to bother with headphones. This one hour spin takes in the dizzying financial district, historic landmarks like the 95m tower of the cathedral (the cathedral itself dates back to 852) and Eiserner Steg bridge. Serious history buffs might want to look elsewhere, but anyone looking to kick back and take in some of the sights it’s 14 bucks well spent – you even get free cancellation up to a day before. From € 14 per person.

Private day trip to the Romantic Rhine Valley with river cruise and wine tasting

To really push the boat out (excuse the pun), this tour whisks around the Rhine Valley by private vehicle and includes personal wine tasting sessions in a wine cellar in Oberwesel. It also includes a two-hour river cruise and the local guide will delight in tailoring the itinerary to specific requests as well as give the lowdown on essentials like local bakeries and spots for lunch. For many this will be overkill and a bit too removed from actually getting to know people on the way, but there are others who will like the quiet seclusion of an air conditioned ride and a dedicated guide at their beck and call. You’ll need deep pockets though. From €699.00.

Latest Articles

• A Short Guide to Berlin Wall Museums and Memorials April 26, 2024
• Campervan Rental in Denver: The Best Companies April 26, 2024
• 5 of the Best Airbnb Management Companies in Paris April 26, 2024
• 5 Charming Hostels in Berlin with Private Rooms April 25, 2024
• Top 5 Brands for Polarized Sunglasses, for Men and Women April 25, 2024

Destinations

• Cruise Lines
• Ports Of Call

River cruises from Frankfurt, Germany 2024

A river cruise in Germany might take you along the Rhine, Danube, or Elbe, or through the picturesque Main and Moselle wine regions. If you want to explore more of Germany and experience everything it has to offer, these are your best bets. Finding a suitable spot to stay while also seeing many of...

Cruise Lines departing from Frankfurt

Cruise lines departing from Frankfurt include

River cruises departing from Frankfurt can sail on the

Duration of the Frankfurt cruises

The duration of river cruises departing from Amsterdam can be a

The best time of year for Frankfurt river cruises

European river cruising generally runs from March through December; however, the months of late spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October) are considered to be the finest times to take a Main river cruise. In the end, it all depends on the time of year you choose to explore the banks of the Main. So, you will find river cruises departing from Frankfurt in and any month you choose, you won't go wrong.

2024 Frankfurt River Cruise Schedule

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

Magnificent Moselle & Rhine

10 days | frankfurt to frankfurt.

4.7/5   29 reviews

• Dates and Pricing
• Ship Details

• 2 countries

Germany’s spectacular backdrops and breathtaking natural wonders will reveal themselves as you cruise along the alluring Moselle and Rhine rivers.

Uncover the best-kept secret in river cruising, the Moselle, as you sail past some of Europe’s most serene and vineyard-lined landscapes. Explore Cochem’s castle-dotted hillsides. See Germany’s oldest town, Trier, and learn about its rich Roman history on a panoramic walking tour that includes the Emperor Bath, Constantine Basilica, and Karl Marx’s birthplace. Or embark on a tour of the neighboring country of Luxembourg and get a feel for its warm, welcoming atmosphere on a tour of its capital. Discover Baden-Baden, a city so stunning that they named it twice. Baden-Baden was once a meeting place for Europe’s rich and famous because of its stunning natural wonders and the healing qualities of the thermal waters there. And revel in the picture-perfect winemaking villages of Bernkastel and Boppard.

• Embark/Disembark
• Frankfurt to Frankfurt

Frankfurt (Embark)

Arrive at Frankfurt Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Spend the day taking in pretty Moselle riversides, arriving in Cochem in the afternoon. The picturesque town of Cochem is nestled in a particularly scenic area of the Moselle Valley. The Moselle River cuts through the town, leaving Cochem in two distinct halves on two steep hills.

In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Perhaps one of Germany’s most colorful cities, Cochem feels just like a storybook with its dramatic castle, impressive landscapes, and pastel-colored shops, restaurants, and buildings lining the banks of the Moselle. Perched high above on a cliff sits the brilliant Cochem Castle, or Reichsburg Cochem, which brings German history and culture to life and provides panoramic views of the Moselle and Cochem below, which you’ll have the chance to see today on a walking tour of the city.

Choose between...

Cochem walking tour with reichsburg castle.

Hovering over the Moselle River, the stunningly medieval Cochem Castle dates back to 1100 and once served to collect tolls from passing ships. Since its construction, it has changed appearance and rulers many times, currently appearing in the then-popular Neo-Gothic architecture style. A...

Hovering over the Moselle River, the stunningly medieval Cochem Castle dates back to 1100 and once served to collect tolls from passing ships. Since its construction, it has changed appearance and rulers many times, currently appearing in the then-popular Neo-Gothic architecture style. A popular local landmark, Cochem Castle is a highlight of your walking tour in town today.

Let’s Go: Hiking the Suspension Bridge of Geierlay

Walk hundreds of feet above the forest as you cross the suspension bridge of Geierlay, the longest of its kind in Germany. Take your time to absorb the beauty of nature during this approximately 2-hour hike, during which you’ll pass by various creeks, seasonal vegetation, and scenic valleys.

Trier is no stranger to famous landmarks, stunning cathedrals, natural beauty, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and architectural treasures. See Trier’s Roman heritage and Gallic charm as you stroll to some of the city’s most notable spots. Marvel at the stone Roman gate, Porta Nigra, the Karl Marx house, Imperial Baths, and more. You can also visit the small neighboring country of Luxembourg. Experience a healthy dose of history with a visit to the expansive Luxembourg American War Cemetery and Memorial, where General George S. Patton is buried.

Featured Excursions

Trier panoramic city tour.

In ancient times Trier was the largest Roman settlement north of the Alps, and six emperors ruled the Western Empire from here. Remnants of that Roman city still stand, despite taking part in centuries of warfare, earning it UNESCO protection. It’s easy to see the shape of the ancient Roman...

In ancient times Trier was the largest Roman settlement north of the Alps, and six emperors ruled the Western Empire from here. Remnants of that Roman city still stand, despite taking part in centuries of warfare, earning it UNESCO protection. It’s easy to see the shape of the ancient Roman city, since the layout of the Old Town still exists. Start your visit at the Basilica of Constantine, one of two basilicas built by Emperor Constantine in AD 306. The throne room is the largest surviving single-room structure from Roman times in Germany; it features two tiers of windows with high-rising arches that even now show some of the original wall paintings. The other basilica is St. Peter’s Cathedral, home to the Holy Tunic, a sacred relic donated by Constantine’s mother, St. Helena. Your route to Porta Nigra, the great double-arched stone gate that is all that remains of the Roman wall that used to surround Trier, takes you through Market Square.

Luxembourg with WWII Cemetery

Over the course of 900 years, Luxembourg grew into one of the greatest fortified sites in Europe because of its strategic geographical position and ever-changing political affiliations. Your panoramic city tour will introduce you to centuries-old battlements as well as to the gleaming high-rises...

Over the course of 900 years, Luxembourg grew into one of the greatest fortified sites in Europe because of its strategic geographical position and ever-changing political affiliations. Your panoramic city tour will introduce you to centuries-old battlements as well as to the gleaming high-rises that denote the city’s status as a 21st-century international financial center. To best discover the heart of Old Town, though, you’ll want to walk with a local expert to Notre Dame Cathedral, a fine example of late-Gothic architecture, and the Grand Ducal Palace, where both Louis XIV and Napoleon resided. It has been the official residence of the reigning Grand Duke since 1890.

Your tour ends at Place d’Armes, “the city’s sitting room.” Surrounded by shops and sidewalk cafés, with frequent free afternoon concerts, this is the lively heart of Luxembourg. You’ll have some free time to enjoy yourself on your own there. Or choose to continue to the WWII Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, which lies just within the limits of Luxembourg City. The 50-acre cemetery was established on December 29, 1944, by General George S. Patton’s Third U.S. Army, which liberated Luxembourg. More than 5,000 U.S. military dead are buried here—many of whom lost their lives in the Battle of the Bulge—along with General Patton himself. See the beautiful grounds, white stone chapel, and monument honoring the fallen.

Bernkastel sits peacefully in the Moselle Valley and is as romantic and picture-perfect as it gets. Explore by foot its scenic streets, taverns, and vineyards, and enjoy a tasting of exceptional regional Rieslings. Aside from the medieval marketplace, a must-see is the Graach Gate, the last remaining town gate of Bernkastel-Kues. Its original purpose was that of protection, helping to ward off foreign aggression in the 1300s, but now it’s a museum of local history and a beloved landmark. If a bike is your transportation of choice, cycle along the dreamy paths of the Middle Moselle.

Let's Go: Biking the Scenic Middle Moselle

Follow the serene 14 miles of riverside bike paths along the Moselle. As this gentle pathway twists and turns, you’ll cross over two bridges and enjoy numerous stops for pictures and refreshments. You’ll even enjoy a tasting of three outstanding wines (including the unique Eiswein, a...

Follow the serene 14 miles of riverside bike paths along the Moselle. As this gentle pathway twists and turns, you’ll cross over two bridges and enjoy numerous stops for pictures and refreshments. You’ll even enjoy a tasting of three outstanding wines (including the unique Eiswein, a wine produced from grapes frozen while still on the vine) at a wine estate, which boasts immaculately kept vineyards and handpicked grapes.

Bernkastel Village Walk with Riesling Tasting

A leisurely walk around the romantic village of Bernkastel awaits today. Wander through the town’s idyllic cobbled streets that are lined with half-timbered houses and secluded courtyards and pass by beautiful marketplaces and open-air cafés. Stroll through the vineyards of the Dr....

A leisurely walk around the romantic village of Bernkastel awaits today. Wander through the town’s idyllic cobbled streets that are lined with half-timbered houses and secluded courtyards and pass by beautiful marketplaces and open-air cafés. Stroll through the vineyards of the Dr. Pauly Bergweiler Wine Estate, where intentionally low yields and immaculate care produce outstanding wines, which you’ll have a chance to taste for yourself on this tour.

Wander through Boppard’s stone-paved streets, riverside walking paths, and historic center, stopping in for wine at the half-timbered taverns serving up exceptional Riesling from grapes grown on nearby vineyards.

Oberlahnstein Beer Tasting

Take a ferry across the Rhine and board a coach to Oberlahnstein, a town with a 700-year-old passion for beer brewing. We’ll visit the Lahnsteiner Brewery, which has passed hands through 10 generations of the Fohr family. Get an insider look at the brewery during a guided tour, during which...

Take a ferry across the Rhine and board a coach to Oberlahnstein, a town with a 700-year-old passion for beer brewing. We’ll visit the Lahnsteiner Brewery, which has passed hands through 10 generations of the Fohr family. Get an insider look at the brewery during a guided tour, during which you’ll get to taste the beers produced here.

Boppard Village Stroll

Join the Cruise Manager on a walk through this attractive town with a long and surprising history; the Cruise Manager will point out its highlights and recommend a host of activities. Take a chairlift to the top of the hill for a great view of the valley and the river (you can hike the return...

Join the Cruise Manager on a walk through this attractive town with a long and surprising history; the Cruise Manager will point out its highlights and recommend a host of activities. Take a chairlift to the top of the hill for a great view of the valley and the river (you can hike the return route, if you’re up for it); enjoy a glass of wine at a local tavern and watch the water traffic on the river; or ride a bicycle along the Rhine promenade. You might also visit Saint Severus Church, whose twin towers dominate the waterfront, or explore the remains of a fourth-century Roman fort. If you’re interested in design and the decorative arts, stop by the Museum Boppard to see the exhibit on native son Michael Thonet, who developed the technique of bentwood furniture in the 1840s. His iconic, lightweight chairs are still popular in cafés throughout Europe. Or simply stroll beneath the trees along the city’s scenic riverside promenade, which is lined with the gorgeous villas of 19th-century entrepreneurs.

The Four Lakes Cable Car

Boppard sits on the widest loop of the river Rhine, and if you find the right spot, this makes for one incredible view. Take a cable car up to the Vierseenblick, a vantage spot with a name that translates to “Four Lakes View.” Don’t be fooled by the name, however, what...

Boppard sits on the widest loop of the river Rhine, and if you find the right spot, this makes for one incredible view. Take a cable car up to the Vierseenblick, a vantage spot with a name that translates to “Four Lakes View.” Don’t be fooled by the name, however, what you’re actually seeing is a wide curve of the Rhine River, broken up by rolling hills to create an illusion of four distinct lakes. You’ll have a bit of free time to appreciate this incredible sight before riding the cable car back down to Boppard.

Rüdesheim

Rüdesheim sits on the vineyard-dotted hillsides of the Rhine Bend, and the city itself is just as picturesque as its surroundings. It's known for its winding streets and alleyways, charming shops, and multitude of cozy wine bars.

Featured Excursion

Nights out: abbey eberbach wine tasting.

In the evening you will be brought by coach to Abbey Eberbach where you will be guided through the monastery and enjoy a tasting of their locally grown Riesling wine along the way. Kloster Eberbach is a former Cistercian monastery built in the Romanesque and early Gothic style, and is considered...

In the evening you will be brought by coach to Abbey Eberbach where you will be guided through the monastery and enjoy a tasting of their locally grown Riesling wine along the way. Kloster Eberbach is a former Cistercian monastery built in the Romanesque and early Gothic style, and is considered one of the most significant architectural sites in the region.

The Rüdesheim Mini Train

Board a little train for a charming ride through Rüdesheim. The train will pick you up outside the ship and begin a comprehensive drive through town, passing the famous Drosselgasse and other must-see sights along the way. Take note of your favorite spots as you go, because you’ll have...

Board a little train for a charming ride through Rüdesheim. The train will pick you up outside the ship and begin a comprehensive drive through town, passing the famous Drosselgasse and other must-see sights along the way. Take note of your favorite spots as you go, because you’ll have free time to explore on your own at the end of the ride.

Rheinweinwelten Visit - The Best Rhine Rieslings

Enjoy a wine tasting at your leisure with a visit to Rheinweinwelten in Rüdesheim. This local treasure trove of wines is sure to impress, with 14 different wine caves to explore. This experience can be enjoyed at your own pace and is not guided. There is, however, ample literature and...

Enjoy a wine tasting at your leisure with a visit to Rheinweinwelten in Rüdesheim. This local treasure trove of wines is sure to impress, with 14 different wine caves to explore. This experience can be enjoyed at your own pace and is not guided. There is, however, ample literature and information in each room about every one of the 160 distinct wines. You’ll receive 10 tokens at the start, with which you can choose to sample whichever vintages appeal to you most. Prost!

Expect the unexpected in Speyer, where ancient treasures harmoniously coexist with modern day innovation. Embark on a walking tour of the city, enjoying some delicious snacks along the way. Alternatively, take a trip to the romantic city of Heidelberg, a university town with a fascinating story.

Romantic Heidelberg

A motorcoach carries you to Heidelberg, sometimes called the most romantic city in Germany. It is home to the nation's oldest university, a charming baroque Old Town lying along the banks of the Neckar River, and extraordinarily beautiful castle ruins overlooking the town. Your tour will take you...

A motorcoach carries you to Heidelberg, sometimes called the most romantic city in Germany. It is home to the nation's oldest university, a charming baroque Old Town lying along the banks of the Neckar River, and extraordinarily beautiful castle ruins overlooking the town. Your tour will take you to the castle, with its views of the red-tile roofs of the town below, the handsome Old Bridge and the wooded hillsides beyond, and then into Old Town, where you will see the late-Gothic Holy Spirit Church, the Student Prison, and the longest pedestrian street in Germany.

Speyer Walking Tour with Local Treats

Start your tour with a walk down Maximilian Street. First laid-out by Roman soldiers, it is now Speyer’s most popular promenade, open only to pedestrian traffic and lined by neatly restored baroque houses. Follow this path to the medieval church, where you’ll discover the remnants of an ...

Start your tour with a walk down Maximilian Street. First laid-out by Roman soldiers, it is now Speyer’s most popular promenade, open only to pedestrian traffic and lined by neatly restored baroque houses. Follow this path to the medieval church, where you’ll discover the remnants of an 11th century Jewish community and its vaulted ritual baths. You’ll also see the former mint and Holy Trinity Church on your tour. And to fuel your walk around town, we’ll be treating you to a couple of delicious local snacks along the way.

Karlsruhe, Baden-Baden

Karlsruhe is our launch point today for a day trip to the luxe spa town of Baden-Baden. Delight in its cosmopolitan flair with a city tour culminating in a visit to the famous Casino Baden-Baden.

In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Baden-Baden City Tour with Casino

Join a local guide for a walking tour of enchanting Baden-Baden, which will bring you past two thermal baths and the city’s famous Casino. Gain further appreciation for the Romans and their love of natural spa facilities as you pass by the Fettquelle, a public thermal fountain where it is...

Join a local guide for a walking tour of enchanting Baden-Baden, which will bring you past two thermal baths and the city’s famous Casino. Gain further appreciation for the Romans and their love of natural spa facilities as you pass by the Fettquelle, a public thermal fountain where it is believed that the water is health-promoting. After learning about the curative powers of Baden-Baden’s water sources, explore the Casino Baden-Baden, and let its ambiance, architecture, and atmosphere enthrall you. You’ll enjoy a tour of this grandiose building, complete with a walk through the gambling halls, which offer a look at the casino’s fascinating history dating back to 1855 and Dostoevsky’s novel “The Gambler”—written in Baden-Baden and based on this casino.

Frankfurt (Disembark)

Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group purchase or transfer, you will be transferred to Frankfurt Airport for your flight home.

What's Included

• All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
• 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 dinners
• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
• Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
• Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water

• 9 days of excursions, including "Choice Is Yours" options, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
• Guided “Let's Go” program
• State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
• Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks

Accommodations

• 9-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the elegant S.S. Victoria or the regal River Queen
• Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
• Free Internet and Wi-Fi access

Experiences

• 2 countries: Germany and Luxembourg
• 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
• Captivating onboard local entertainment
• Cultural enrichment
• Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
• Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour

Similar trips you may also like

Authentic Danube

8 days | vienna to nuremberg.

2024 | Go off the beaten path from Vienna to Nuremberg and uncover the wonders that rest along the Danube.

Rhine River Valley

8 days | nuremberg to basel.

2024 | Cruise along the Rhine through Germany, France and Switzerland to delight in the wide array of wonderful experiences this region is home to.

Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland

11 days | amsterdam to basel.

2024 | Explore Europe’s rich history and Jewish heritage on an incredible discovery of the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland.

Stay up to date on all things Uniworld

We'll keep you up-to-date with our latest news, travel inspiration and special promotions.

Privacy Policy

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

Request a Quote

Magnificent moselle & rhine.

We're here to answer your questions about Uniworld cruises and ships, as well as any of our special offers.

Please note that someone from our team will reach out to you based on this request, but unless you have checked the box to continue to receive News and Special Offers, the information you've provided in this form will be used for this request only.

Please view our Privacy Policy for more details.

• Monday–Friday from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm (PT)
• Saturday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm (PT)
• Closed on Sundays

Receive our latest offers, news & travel inspiration

We'll keep you up-to-date with our latest news, travel inspiration and special promotions.

Top ways to experience River Main and nearby attractions

• Dom / Römer (Cathedral / city hall) • 4 min walk
• Willy-Brandt-Platz / Europäische Zentralbank (European Central Bank) (in 1980 Theaterplatz) • 7 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

River Main - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Yacht Tour in Frankfurt for up to 12 Guests (From $759.47)
• Boat Tour in Frankfurt for up to 12 Guests (From $542.48)
• Frankfurt: Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour (From $178.26)
• Frankfurt Family-Friendly Historical Walking Tour (From $197.57)
• Bike Tour of Frankfurt Top Attractions & Nature with a Guide (From $206.14)
• (0.16 mi) nhow Frankfurt
• (0.21 mi) Hotel Motel One Frankfurt-Römer
• (0.29 mi) Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof
• (0.24 mi) Miramar Hotel
• (0.43 mi) Adina Apartment Hotel Frankfurt Neue Oper
• (0.03 mi) Freigut
• (0.10 mi) Zum Eisernen Steg - Gasthaus am Main
• (0.15 mi) MAINKAI CAFE
• (0.08 mi) Bootshaus
• (0.12 mi) Zum Schwarzen Stern
• (0.01 mi) Bar Hopping und Pub
• (0.02 mi) Hint-Caching Frankfurt
• (0.05 mi) Mainkai
• (0.06 mi) Cathedral of St. Bartholomew (Dom St. Bartholomaus)
• (0.06 mi) Iron Bridge

Frankfurt River Cruises

• 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
• Food & Wine
• River Cruises
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Christmas Market Visits
• Land & Sea Exploration
• Small Ship Cruises
• Urban Exploration
• Village Visits
• Wine Tasting
• Avalon Envision
• Avalon Panorama
• Avalon Tranquility II
• MS Amacerto
• MS Amaprima
• MS Gérard Schmitter
• River Empress
• River Queen
• Scenic Pearl

Christmastime in Alsace and Germany

• Experience the Black Forest
• Explore Christmas market in Europe
• Visit Fascinating Heidelberg Castle
• Tour Strasbourg Cathedral

The Valley of the romantic Rhine, the Moselle and the Main

• Cruise Iffezheim & Gambsheim locks
• Enjoy Strasbourg at night
• Visit the unique Reichsburg Castle
• Join an exclusive wine tasting
• Explore cozy Christmas markets
• Visit historic Heidelberg Castle
• Tour the Strasbourg Cathedral

Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle

• Explore Ratstatt
• Discover Rudesheim
• Cruise along the Rhine Gorge
• Step into Cochem

German Grandeur with a trip in Munich

• Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
• Roam around the city of Frankfurt
• Learn about the history of Bamberg
• Enjoy exploring Rüdesh

Classic Christmas Markets

• Explore Wertheim
• Christmas market visits
• Nuremberg tour

German Grandeur

• Explore magical Black Forest
• Discover Mechanical Music Museum
• Enjoy the visit in wine producer
• Explore Bamberg

Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland

• Visit the Jewish Museum.
• Visit Kinderdijk village on a tour.
• Visit Arnhem Airborne Museum WWII
• Visit Romanesque cathedrals

Top Frankfurt Travel Destinations

Top experiences in frankfurt.

• Frankfurt Cruises (12)
• Frankfurt River Cruises (9)
• Frankfurt Cultural (5)

Frankfurt Trips by Duration

• 5 day trips (3)
• 8 day trips (4)

Frankfurt Trips by Activity

• Frankfurt village visits (7)
• Frankfurt wine tasting (6)
• Frankfurt small ship cruises (5)
• Frankfurt christmas market visits (4)
• Frankfurt biking (4)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures

Europe River Cruises

With longer port calls and our destination-focused approach, Viking maximizes your discoveries in Europe. From the fairytale castles of the Middle Rhine to the natural beauty of Norwegian fjords, you will gain deep insight into the continent’s cultural and historic riches.

Rhine Getaway

• PRICE & BUILD

Grand European Tour

Romantic Danube

Danube Waltz

Lyon & Provence

NEW! Rhine & Main Explorer

Paris & the Heart of Normandy

Cities of Light

Paris to the Swiss Alps

Châteaux, Rivers & Wine

Paris & D-Day 80th Anniversary

London, Paris & D-Day

France’s Finest

• Request a Quote

Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland

Portugal’s River of Gold

Passage to Eastern Europe

Capitals of Eastern Europe

Elegant Elbe

Holland & Belgium

Tulips & Windmills

European Sojourn

Treasures of the Rhine

NEW! Treasures of the Danube

Christmas on the Seine

Christmas on the Rhine & Moselle

Christmas on the Main & Moselle

Christmas on the Rhine

Christmas on the Danube

Danube Christmas Delights

Christmas Along the Elbe

Rhine & Viking Shores & Fjords

Highlights of europe river cruises.

Europe’s inland waterways and stunning seaside coasts are brimming with old-world treasures. Discover them in celebrated capitals such as Vienna and Oslo, and in delightfully surprising ports, like Bratislava, Slovakia and Skagen, Denmark. From river to ocean, you can find:

• Cologne’s towering Gothic cathedral
• A traditional Sami ceremony north of the Arctic Circle
• Ancient trade routes of the Vikings
• Budapest’s regal Parliament building and Chain Bridge
• Sheep farming and wool production in a Faroese village
• Vintners tending their vines in quintas along the Douro
• The Hanseatic past of historic Bergen
• Kinderdijk’s windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Picturesque Icelandic waterfalls and fjords
• Award-winning beers at Britain’s oldest brewhouse

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

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Ports
• Europe Rivers Cruise Ports

Frankfurt am Main (Germany Hesse)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Europe Rivers

Local Time 2024-04-28 05:36

Port Frankfurt am Main cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Frankfurt am Main, Germany Hesse. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Frankfurt is a Main River cruise port and city in Germany's Hesse state (Urban district). By population (around 0,77 million) the city is ranked Hesse's biggest and Germany's 5th-largest (after Berlin , Hamburg , Munich , Cologne . By metro population (over 5,6 million) it is ranked Germany's 4th-largest metropolis (after Hamburg, Berlin, Rhine-Ruhr). EU's geographic center is located approx 40 km (25 mi) east of Frankfurt. The city's namesake is the smaller German city Frankfurt-Oder (Brandenburg state, on Oder River).

Frankfurt is Europe's most important financial centre. Here are the headquarters of Deutsche Bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, European Central Bank, DZ Bank, Commerzbank, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The Messe Frankfurt trade fair is one of the world's largest. Other famous worldwide fairs are the Frankfurt Motor Show (world's largest) and the Frankfurt Book Fair (also world's largest). The city has renowned universities (Goethe University, University of Applied Sciences), numerous museums (including Senckenberg Natural Museum, Stadel, Goethe House, Schirn), botanical gardens (including the Palmengarten - Germany's largest).

According to a ranking list by the University of Liverpool in 2001, Frankfurt is the richest European city by GDP per capita. Next in line are Karlsruhe, Paris , Munich . On the other hand, Frankfurt consistently features Germany's highest level of crime per 100,000 inhabitants and is therefore dubbed the "crime capital" of Germany. However, the statistic is often criticized as it ignores very important factors: it is calculated based on administrative 680,000-inhabitant figure but the urban area has 2.5M inhabitants. On weekdays it adds another million people, not to count the 53M passengers passing each year through the airport.

Frankfurt-Oder

Frankfurt-Oder (aka Frankfurt an der Oder) is an Oder River cruise port and city in Germany's Brandenburg state, with population around 60,000. The town is located on the Germany-Poland border, approx 80 lm (50 mi) east of Berlin (Germany's capital). Until 1945, Słubice (Poland) was also part of Frankfurt-Oder.

The settlement was established as a Polish village (named Zliwitz) in the early-13th century. During the Thirty Years War (1618-48), in April 1631 in Frankfurt an der Oder fought Konungariket Sverige (Kingdom of Sweden / 1611-1721) and Heiliges Romisches Reich (Holy Roman Empire / 800-1806). After a 2-day siege, the Swedish troops entered the town and destroyed most of its buildings.

Frankfurt-Oder became part of Germany (Prussia's Brandenburg province) in 1815, following the Napoleonic Wars (1803-15). Due to its central location in Prussia (between Berlin and Posen (Poznan) and Oder River's increased shipping traffic, Frankfurt developed as a major riverport and had Germany's second-largest annual fair (following only the fair in Leipzig). The current-day city is served by the Berlin- Warsaw Express railway with regular train connections to Magdeburg and Cottbus.

A-Rosa Cruises welcomes newest ships ALEA and CLEA

Last weekend marked the inaugural voyages of A-ROSA Cruises' newest fleet members - A-ROSA ALEA (fka Avalon Affinity) and A-ROSA CLEA (fka Avalon...

SAGA Cruises to introduce new riverboat (Spirit of the Moselle) in 2025

SAGA Cruises is set to enhance its river cruise offerings with the introduction of a newbuild boat in July 2025 - Spirit of the Moselle...

Uniworld to operate “Super Ships” S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth (fka Crystal Bach and Crystal...

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has secured a 3-year deal to charter the former Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler boats, which will be rebranded as...

VIVA Cruises launches third riverboat VIVA ENJOY

The Scylla-owned river cruise brand VIVA Cruises/fleet is set to launch its third newbuild riverboat - VIVA Enjoy, in September 2024. VIVA Enjoy will...

VIVA Cruises to christen VIVA Two riverboat in March 2023

Scylla's luxury river cruise travel brand VIVA Cruises (fleet) announced the expansion of its 2nd build ship, MS VIVA Two, in 2023. Following the...

VIVA Cruises' first new build ship VIVA ONE begins Rhine and Moselle sailings

After her May christening, VIVA Cruises’ first newbuild riverboat - MS VIVA ONE, started itineraries on the Moselle and Rhine rivers. To...

TUI River Cruises UK celebrates the maiden voyage of TUI Isla ship

TUI Isla (fka TUI Allegra) - the 3rd and final riverboat to join TUI River Cruises' fleet, began her Maiden Voyage (Rhine Explorer 2 itinerary) after...

TUI River Cruises restart on March 28 aboard the newly-launched TUI Skyla

TUI River Cruises' sailings will restart at the end of March 2022 after winter trips were suspended during the emergence of the COVID Omicron variant...

Avalon Waterways expanding Storyteller Series to include an “All For You” cruise

Avalon Waterways announced it had expanded its Storyteller Series to include a brand new “All For You” voyage, featuring the American...

Saga UK's new riverboat Spirit of the Rhine departs on inaugural cruise

Saga UK's new riverboat - Spirit of the Rhine, on Thursday (September 23) departed on her 13-night maiden voyage from Trier Germany and will take in...

•   show more news

Frankfurt am Main - user reviews and comments

Is a River Cruise Right for You?

E arlier this year, I was the enthusiastic guest of Viking River Cruises onboard their longship Eistla cruising the Rhine. We started in Frankfurt and ended in Amsterdam, the trip is also offered in reverse, and, I’m told, this was a fairly typical first river cruise itinerary.

River cruising is generating a lot of buzz lately, with gorgeous print ads, television sponsorships (Viking sponsors [amazon_textlink asin=’B01DRWEO6S’ text=’Downton Abbey’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’travelingwithmj-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’0d60fa0e-6e6d-11e8-a9b2-7b82edb24d11′] on PBS), and blogger campaigns. But when you strip away all that glitzy advertising, the decision to take a river cruise is a big one – one that needs to be made out of the spotlight and made with an eye toward your personal vacation preferences.

Here’s my take on Viking’s Legends of the Rhine cruise. I hope it will help you decide if a river cruise is right for you.

River cruising attracts an “older” demographic

I know, “older” is a subjective term, and as a baby boomer, I just don’t like thinking of myself as “older.” Let’s just leave it that I was solidly in the middle of the age range of passengers on the ship. To give you an idea of who was on our river cruise, we had a young couple in their early 20s who were traveling with her parents, and a gentleman who celebrated his 90th birthday during the cruise. That’s a whole lot of age span, I know, but I’m told the average age of Viking passengers is 55.

With a birthday coming up right around the corner, it pains me to accept that this is my demographic. But it is. My vacation preference now aligns more with a great glass of wine, good food, history, and culture, than with clubs and partying. I still have an active curiosity about the world around me, I’ve just evolved to a quality over quantity place in my travels. That preference aligns well with river cruising.

Questions to ask yourself :  How does your age fit your vacation style? What type of vacation experience is important to you.

River cruising moves at a slower pace, at least onboard

The ship may travel at a relatively slow pace on the river, but that doesn’t mean you have to. You can choose to be as active and engaged on the ship as you wish, depending on your interests and personality type.

We enjoyed days on the river with a cup of coffee (or glass of wine) looking out at the castles along the river banks. The Rhine was part of the inland frontier of the Roman Empire, and the countryside is still dotted with castles and fortresses, some well preserved, others in ruins. We could watch from the comfort of our stateroom’s balcony, or from the top deck which offered open and undercover seating. If the weather was too chilly, we could head to the lounge, also offering great views, or grab a chair in a number of nook and cranny public areas, whether to watch the sights or to enjoy conversation and a book.

There are lectures, demonstrations, and classes offered on board, for those interested. I went to a few that were food and wine themed and had a great time (ahhhh, the apple strudel was delicious). I didn’t feel like I had to attend, it was presented as a choice for me to take or leave. As an introvert, I appreciated the way options were presented without the pressure to join in with a group. Since I had just come off a very hectic week in Spain, this balance was exactly what I needed. How does being an introvert or extrovert come into play as you make vacation plans?

Questions to ask yourself :  How busy do you need your day to be? Do you need 24-hour activity, or do you enjoy a balance that provides for some personal quiet time? Are you able to entertain yourself or do you need plans? Do you want access to a nightclub and casino on the ship?

River cruising lets you visit interesting places

The idea of a slower pace shouldn’t make you think that river cruising is boring – far from it – it’s a more relaxing way of seeing interesting places. In general, cruising gives you the benefit or unpacking once and then enjoying multiple ports of call. As opposed to ocean cruising, though, with river cruising, it’s as much about the journey as it is the destinations. And both are enjoyable.

The stops on our river cruise were fascinating and enjoyable and were places we likely would never have visited if we weren’t on the river cruise. We kept busy at every stop, whether on a prearranged tour or independently exploring. Our specific itinerary has been crafted into a longer river cruise (10 days, Rhine Rhapsody), but it still includes stops in Heidelberg, Rudesheim, Koblenz, and Cochem.

Questions to ask yourself :  Are you interested in history and culture? Have you been to many of the major cities? Are you looking for “what else” there is to see and experience in a destination? What type of things do you like to do and see on vacation? What balance of activity vs. relaxation do you prefer on your vacation?

River cruising prices include your tours

This is a good news. bad news scenario.

Some people love group tours. They love the camaraderie of being with other people, the socialization that goes along with it, making new friends that soon become lifelong friends, etc. I know those people. I have traveled enjoyably with those people. I am not one of those people. While business scenarios often require me to be social and outgoing, and I enjoy that part of what I do, I am an introvert at heart. I get energized and recharged in my alone or small-group time.

I approached the idea of group tours with a little nervous skepticism, which is why I say it’s a good news, bad news scenario.

The good news is that tours are included in your river cruise price. At each stop there are a couple tours to sign up for, often giving you a chance to dig deeper into some of the topics that interest you. The guides are usually experts on their topic and the destination, giving you information and insight that you wouldn’t otherwise get. Our guides ranged from a university student in Heidelberg (just okay) to a WWII historian in Remagen and a city councilman in Cologne (the latter two were fabulous), each bringing a local perspective to what we saw and experienced. Some of the tours took us to places that we could not have visited in any other way. The tours are solid, well thought out, and you’ll want to do them.

The bad news is that tours are included in your river cruise price. They are interesting and things you probably want to do, and you can easily be tempted to join in with everything, putting your personal preferences aside. You don’t have to do that, and you shouldn’t. Instead, find a balance that helps you make the vacation right for you.

At several of the stops, we had time for independent exploration which provided a great balance to the group tours. We did some shopping in Heidelberg (and found some interesting liqueurs and seasonings to bring home). We wandered the city and discovered cream cake in Cologne, and visited the [amazon_textlink asin=’9492371375′ text=’Van Gogh museum’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’travelingwithmj-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’78ee6f4b-6e6e-11e8-b90e-43cc3bba435a’] in Amsterdam. In most locations, we opted for a short morning city tour to acquaint ourselves with where we were and what there was to see, then went off on our own for the rest of the day. It was just the right balance for my personality type.

Questions to ask yourself :  Do you like tours? Group tours? What balance do you need for group time vs. alone time? Are you comfortable exploring on your own? Does the information provided by a cultural expert enhance your travel experience? Do you prefer to travel alone or with a small group of family and/or friends?

River cruising is all-inclusive

As the economics of cruising has changed, ocean cruising has moved away from the all-inclusive price model and now offers so many add-0ns that the price of your cruise can nearly double. Not so with river cruising.

Your all-inclusive river cruise price includes:  stateroom, a selection of guided tours (also includes admission to sites on the tours, many of which are [amazon_textlink asin=’1770858172′ text=’UNESCO heritage sites’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’travelingwithmj-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’aca2a15f-6e6d-11e8-b597-c5445e636a1a’]), breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily on the ship, complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, classes and demonstrations on board the ship, all port charges, and free wi-fi (that’s how I was able to share photos and up-to-date happenings while on the trip). The pricing represents a value luxury experience, rolling lots of extras into the purchase price.

Not included:  Airfare (add-on air options are available), gratuities, alcoholic beverages in the lounge, and shopping. There are also a couple of optional tours offered that have an additional fee.

We opted for an optional pub crawl on our evening in Cologne, had the occasional wine and cocktail while on board, and had the recommended gratuities charged to our cabin account. In addition, we did spend money on some entry fees for our personal exploration and also gave some additional gratuities personally to staff members.

Questions to ask yourself :  Do you want a value luxury vacation experience, with lots of extra options rolled into the purchase price? Does a higher upfront (prepaid) price fit comfortably for your budget, recognizing that there will be lower costs once you’re on your vacation? Are the extras offered on a river cruise the type of things that you enjoy as part of your vacation experience?

River cruising is casual luxury

If ever a vacation was meant for the Casual Friday wardrobe, it’s river cruising. No jacket, no tie? No problem. Casual pants and jeans were typical, as were t-shirts, polos, and sweatshirts. There is no formal night or costume night.

The dress code seemed to be simple:  wear some – which makes packing a breeze. Keep in mind you’ll want comfortable shoes for walking, a sweater or jacket for evening and cooler weather, and then pack the kind of clothes you wear at home. We packed jeans and casual pants, jackets (it was nice weather, but not hot in early May), long and short sleeved tees and shirts, and I had a dress from a previous business engagement. That’s it.

Just because you’re not dressing up all fancy schmancy, doesn’t mean your service is second-rate. Viking’s service is top notch. The Eistla has 95 cabins (190 passengers) with a crew of 50 (25 consumer facing), an impressive passenger to crew ratio. The ship was always spotless, housekeeping was top notch, and the food was varied and excellent. The ship didn’t feel crowded (our sailing was not full), lines, if any, were short and manageable, and we always felt warmly welcomed and appreciated.

On some itineraries, there are special event options that do require business or dressier attire (e.g., attending an opera or theater). Your itinerary will spell this out and you can pack accordingly.

Questions to ask yourself :  Do you like dressing up on your vacation or do you prefer to keep it casual?

Photo credits:  Anthony Manzanares

Pin this to your favorite Pinterest boards so you’ll have it handy when planning your river cruise.

You might also enjoy

• Giacomo Puccini: Historical Sites in Lucca, Italy
• Visit Kinderdijk & Windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Onboard the Viking Neptune: Iconic Western Mediterranean Itinerary [Review]
• UNESCO Site: Visiting Malbork Castle, Poland

If you like this article, you'll find more to enjoy at Traveling with MJ - Value luxury destinations, experiences, and products .