Rhine River Cruises Central Europe

Table Of Content

• Amsterdam: Inspiring Cityscapes and Van Gogh Paintings
• Featured Itineraries
• Receive our latest offers, news & travel inspiration
• Best Rhine River Cruise on a Budget: Gate 1 Travel
• The Rhine and Moselle
• Viking Rhine River Cruise: A Sailing Full of Seasonal Cheer
• Rhine River Cruises: Cruise Lines, Itineraries & Tips for Sailing Europe's Mighty Rhine

Ships dock right in the heart of the cultural and colorful Dutch capital that's home to -- depending on estimates -- over 800,000 bicycles. Amsterdam is a maze of canals that make for perfect days wandering the city center (or checking it out by bike, if you can handle the two-wheel traffic). Uncork new discoveries as you raise a glass of Riesling on our acclaimed Rhine River cruises through Switzerland, Germany and The Netherlands. See how the Rhine, Main and Moselle river systems unfold to create a spellbinding display of storybook villages, Dutch windmills, German vineyards and splendid UNESCO Sites.

Amsterdam: Inspiring Cityscapes and Van Gogh Paintings

Twain wrote about the striking red sandstone ruins of Schloss Heidelberg in "A Tramp Abroad"; they were a magnificent residence for Bavarian royalty from the 13th to 18th centuries. The castle is an imposing ensemble of buildings, from different architectural periods, surrounding a central courtyard; from its terrace and gardens, the sweeping views impress along with the feel of more than 600 years of history. One of the best Rhine River destinations to round out your travel photos is at Kinderdijk, which has the Netherlands' biggest concentration of historic windmills.

Featured Itineraries

In Bamberg you can try the curious smoked beer and other stops include Nuremberg which, despite almost being destroyed in the war, has three miles of medieval walls. You need to be out on deck for the most picturesque stretch of the Rhine between Bingen and Koblenz. You can also enjoy the view from the Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows perfect for watching the changing landscape. The 40-mile Upper Middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the banks are lined with more than 40 hilltop fortresses and lush vineyards.

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You will sail along the Rhine to Marksburg, where the remarkable 13th century castle is the only one on the river never to have been damaged or destroyed. From here your epic Viking river cruise continues along the Main before joining the Danube and ending in the Hungarian capital of Budapest. The Rhine is Germany's largest wine producing area and Viking shore excursions provide plenty of opportunities for tastings in between sailing through glorious landscapes. If you're taking your first vacation on the Rhine take a look at Viking's selection of eight day sailings.

After taking a coach from Paris, guests visit Luxembourg en route to Trier, Germany, the embarkation point for a voyage that stops in Bernkastel, Cochem, Koblenz, Mainz, and Speyer in Germany, as well as Strasbourg, France. The cruise ends in Basel before continuing on by ground transfer to Zurich. Immerse yourself in history as you stroll through beautifully preserved medieval towns and a stunning imperial palace. Christmas markets are the highlight of Europe's winter calendar and Germany forms the heartland of the festive market scene. A Viking river cruise provides the perfect way to soak up history and culture combined with a wonderful yuletide atmosphere. The seasonal celebrations continue back onboard your beautifully decorated Viking Longship where menus showcase seasonal specialties.

17 Best Viking Cruises Food Options I Enjoyed On Board - TravelAwaits

17 Best Viking Cruises Food Options I Enjoyed On Board.

Posted: Fri, 08 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Those assessments were combined to generate results for the cruise lines in six categories, including river cruising. Scenic Cruise’s “Christmas on the Rhine” takes the best parts of a typical Rhine river cruise and sprinkles in a little holiday magic. Taking place just once a year from December 21 to 28, this cruise sails during Christmas—a memorable way to observe the holiday. The journey begins in Amsterdam, where guests are invited to take a river canal tour or visit the nearby towns of Alkmaar and Schermerhorn, home to windmills that date back to the 16th century. Then the ship will wind its way through Cologne, Rüdesheim, Würzburg, and Bamberg before finally ending in Nuremberg.

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. For otherwise good connections - especially to our on-board staff - the included tip. VIVA Cruises is happy to support its passengers in organizing their arrival and departure. Do you need a parking space for your car, are you planning to travel by train or are you looking for a suitable flight?

A Viking Rhine River Cruise in Winter - Cruise Critic

A Viking Rhine River Cruise in Winter.

Posted: Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Sports enthusiasts have arrived in a paradise for cyclists in the cities of Holland. And museum lovers can discover an incredibly diverse museum landscape in the cities along the Rhine and its tributaries. For 90+ years, the Tauck family has had a passion for sailing — aboard small ships and yachts at sea, riverboats along great inland waterways, and at home on the rivers and lakes of Connecticut and New York. When we began blending our land experience with our strong passion for cruising in our first European river cruise back in 1992, we knew that no "ordinary" river cruise experience would do for our guests. We wanted them to travel Europe's rivers in the same beyond-the-ordinary Tauck style they experienced on our land trips. With that in mind, we searched to find a company to partner with that would share our values and our commitment to "do the right thing" by our guests...

Rhine River Cruises: Cruise Lines, Itineraries & Tips for Sailing Europe's Mighty Rhine

It forms a grandiose contrast to the impressive industrial culture between Düsseldorf and Dinslaken and the Dutch Rhine Delta, where the tulips brightly bloom in spring. By the way, the Rhine was once the European river whose condition caused the most concern. The Rhine passes through over 1200 kilometres on its way from the Alps to the North Sea. Anyone who follows its course will travel through epochs and countries, and see fascinating cities and romantic castles. For Victor Hugo, it was more rapid than the Rhône, as steeped in history as the Tiber and as royal as the Danube.

The Rhine River is one of the longest in Europe and the amount of amazing destinations along its banks is extensive. The Rhine River can be a food-and-wine paradise and AmaWaterways is the best choice if you're a foodie or oenophile. All of AmaWaterways' European ships are members of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, a prestigious international gastronomic society. The line's intimate Chef's Table restaurant -- where all guests get to dine free once during their cruise -- also ups the gourmet credentials.

There are plenty of places in each port to soak up the festive European atmosphere, while making time to pick up a Christmas-themed trinket or two in either Amsterdam or Cologne, Germany. History and architecture fans can experience some of the oldest and best-preserved towns in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands along the river. Connoisseurs will experience a real feast in the wine cellars of the Rhine towns and in the cities of Belgium.

For more tips, see our article on everything you should know about sailing the Rhine River. For wallet-conscious cruisers used to deals on ocean-going lines, the price of a Rhine River cruise can come as a shock. For about $1,000 less than the closet competitor, Gate 1 Travel manages to be one of the best Rhine River cruises for those watching there budget.

Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich cultures of the Middle Rhine, a UNESCO Site boasting turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, medieval towns and stunning scenery. Admire terraced vineyards dating back to the Romans and taste the region’s renowned red and white wines. Savor the culinary traditions of Alsace and explore Amsterdam, Basel and Cologne. The winter season is an ideal time to visit, with fewer travelers and easier access to landmarks. The Avalon Waterways “Active & Discovery on the Rhine” itinerary incorporates an array of customizable excursion options that emphasize physical activity. Or set out on your own in ports with loaner bikes and Nordic walking sticks on hand.

All clock in at around 300 square feet, so there's plenty of space to spread out. In the evening, kids gather together to have their own supervised meal -- teens have their own gathering -- while parents unwind on their own. It's all a great mix of together time as a family, paired with opportunities for parents to reconnect -- the extra Disney-level service is just a bonus. The Disney name is synonymous with family fun, so it's not a surprise that Adventures by Disney is easily the best Rhine River cruise line for families. Adventures by Disney charters AmaWaterways ships that carry only 140 passengers, and brings their own spin to the sailings through Adventure Guides who are trained in all things kids. Enjoy sweet treats as you indulge in the wintertime festivities of Belgian towns, where the Christmas markets are often elaborate festivals complete with ice rinks and Ferris wheels.

In addition, you should not miss the castle of the Elector of Cologne during a visit to Linz on the Rhine. A great view of the entire region can be seen from the lookout point at the Linz Kaiserberg Stadium. Not far from Linz is the small castle Dattenberg, which is also a popular destination. Journey from the Netherlands and through the heart of Germany, along the eastern border of France into the north of Switzerland, enjoying all the sights on the way. In Heidelberg – Germany's oldest university town – narrow cobblestoned lanes, shops and pubs housed in 17th-century structures in the Altstadt are kept lively by the cadence of 21st-century student life. On the hillside above the city, visit the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle, celebrated in writing by many, including the German poet Goethe and American writer Mark Twain, who both spent time here.

You'll also visit Breisach, the gateway to the fabled Black Forest region which is particularly magical in wintertime. Buy an authentic cuckoo clock to take home as a souvenir and treat yourself to a slice of the region's namesake gateau made with rich chocolate and dark cherries. Excursions will take you to Trier, with its Roman history, and Germany's oldest university town of Heidelberg with its imposing red sandstone castle.