River Cruises
Luxury Rhine River Cruises

Luxury Rhine River Cruises

You can cruise along over 550 miles of The Rhine River from Basel in Switzerland to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, cruising through four different countries along the way. A cruise on this river brings something to discover on nearly every turn as one of the world’s greatest international waterways. You’ll be immersed in the rich history, scenic landscapes, and mouthwatering flavors of the region.

There are so many enticing destinations along the way from the iconic city of Amsterdam with its dreamy canals and Basel, Switzerland boasting a medieval town center, to spectacular Cologne and charming Koblenz surrounded by magnificent wine landscapes.

One minute you might be marveling at the ruins of a castle precariously standing at cliff’s edge and the next you’re surrounded by steep, terraced vineyards. Cruises on the Rhine can be filled with mouthwatering plates complemented by world-famous Gewürztraminer or Riesling wines, the perfect way to fuel up in between your many exploits.

Speak to the Expert

Cruising on the Rhine and Dutch Waterways offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences. A real favourite of mine for the diversity of enjoying wine tasting in the Rhine Valley, scenic views of over 40 hilltop castles along the UNESCO listed Rhine Gorge and visiting historic gems like Heidelberg and Cologne. My insider tip is that the Museum Ludwig in Cologne has the third largest Picasso collection in the world!

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Daniel

European Specialist

The Best Rhine River Cruises

Our carefully crafted Rhine River cruises highlight rich traditions, history, wine, and food while traveling on an elegant, intimate ship with lavish amenities for a memorable sailing adventure.

When to go: March - November
Uniworld

The Classical Rhine Cruise (Basel to Amsterdam)

Basel, Berisach, Kehl, Mannheim, Rüdesheim, Boppard, Cologne, Amsterdam
7 Nights
From £3,049 PP
Sail the classic Rhine on a Uniworld "floating boutique hotel" with some of the largest suites on...

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When to go: May - October
Emerald River Cruises

Treasures of the Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam to Basel)

Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel
7 Nights
From £2,025 PP
There are many gems along the approximately 765-mile-long River Rhine, from the Dutch Waterways...

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When to go: April - October
Scenic Cruises

The Romantic Rhine Cruise (Basel to Amsterdam)

Basel, Strasbourg, Rastatt, Baden - Baden, Heidelberg, Koblenz, Cologne, Amsterdam
7 Nights
From £2,299 PP
Head to Basel to board your Scenic Space-Ship with its all-inclusive luxury, while being immersed...

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Why we love Rhine River Cruises

Daniel

European Specialist

One of the many things we love about Rhine River cruises is that these trips offer something for everyone. Foodies and wine enthusiasts will swoon, with aromatic Rieslings and everything from Rhenish mussels to Siegerländer Krüstche, a traditional German dish with a fried pork cutlet. If you like history, this River has seen its share of triumphs and tragedies. Experience its past through the many castles and centuries-old cathedrals. It’s possible to step back in time to the days of the Roman Empire, the medieval era, and the two World Wars. Those who love the holidays, won’t want to miss the Christmas market cruises on the Rhine. Excursions can be as relaxed or as active as you like, with opportunities for everything from hiking to biking. No matter what your interests are, everyone can appreciate soaking up the scenery from the deck of their river cruise ship.

Cruise Lines

Emerald

Uniworld

Scenic

Best places to visit on a Rhine River Cruise

Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Netherlands’ capital has long been a favorite among travelers as one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Enjoy everything from world-class museums and famously scenic canals to an iconic cultural scene.
Basel, Switzerland
Close to the borders of France and Germany, Basel boasts a medieval historic center with landmarks like the 16th-century red sandstone Town Hall and the 12th-century Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with spectacular views.
Strasbourg, France (port of Kehl)
The port of Kehl-Strasbourg is located in Germany’s Baden-Wurttemberg region, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture, with the crown jewel Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral and its beautiful stained-glass windows.
Cologne, Germany
Cologne offers an enticing mix of historic and modern with everything from fascinating museums, enticing beer gardens, and breweries, to magnificent architecture like the Cologne Cathedral, and the exciting Cologne Carnival.
Koblenz, Germany
Located where the Rhine and Moselle meet, known as the “German corner,” Koblenz is one of Germany’s most beautiful and oldest cities, dating back 2,000 years while boasting a stunning mountain backdrop.
Rudesheim, Germany
Lying at the base of the Niederwald on the right bank of the Rhine, Rudesheim is part of the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge celebrated in Rhine romanticism while boasting a picturesque Old Town.

Best time of year to cruise the Rhine

Summer is the most popular time for a Rhine River cruise but May through early June and mid-September through early October are widely considered the best periods due to thinner crowds and more ideal weather. Late September is arguably the sweet spot with the warmth of summer still in the air yet far fewer people will be traveling now. Mid-June through August are hot and you’ll encounter the highest volume of tourist traffic when visiting the attractions. For those who want to experience the holiday markets, you’ll need to book a cruise in late November or December. November is generally the most economical time for a Rhine cruise so you might be able to use the savings to purchase some great gifts for the holidays.

Zurich, Switzerland

Switzerland’s largest city is within easy reach of Basel, located at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich. It boasts a picturesque Old Town that’s fun to wander, world-class museums, a chocolate factory, endless shopping, and an outstanding gastronomic scene. If you like fondue, don’t miss Zebra Bar at Stauffacherstrasse.

Koenigswinter, Germany

Koenigwinter defines a storybook German village and comes complete with two castles. Take a ride on the famous Drachenfels Railway for a fabulous view over it all, including the Rhine, the Siebengebirge Mountains, and the surrounding countryside. At the top are the 12th-century ruins of medieval Drachensfels Castle.

Rotterdam, Nethlerlands

Rotterdam is a huge port city with modern architecture but the Art Nouveau Witte Huis (White House) is one of the few that survived the prewar period. It’s also worth renting a boat to explore the Oudehaven (Old Harbor), while the Maritime Museum’s vintage ships and exhibits reveal the city’s seafaring history.

Arnhem, Netherlands

A vibrant hub for art and culture near the German border, Arnehm offers historic concert halls, concept stores, and world-class museums with the one must being Operation Market Garden. A large Allied military operation during World War II, it now serves as a museum telling the story of the battle.

Cochem, Germany

If you choose a cruise that combines the Rhine and Moselle rivers, you can visit Cochem in the Moselle Valley. The largest town on the Lower Moselle, here wine shapes life with Rieslings thriving, but there are also historic sites that include the landmark Reichsburg Castle, perched high on the cliffs above.

Rhine Gorge

The breathtaking Rhine Gorge, officially known as the Middle Rhine, is a UNESCO-listed site spanning 40 miles between Koblenz and Bingen, enchanting those who cruise through. It features 40 hilltop castles, ranging from crumbling ruins to magnificently restored castle hotels, with one along the riverbanks about every 1.5 miles.

Rhine in Flames

Rhein in Flammen, officially Rhine in Flames, is the collective name for five firework displays taking place at various spots along the Rhine between May and September. You’ll see the castles illuminated in red and green with turrets and towers bathed in a glow, looking like a volcano is erupting.

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