Cruise the Rhine River & Journey Through Four Countries

With exquisite cuisine and delicious cocktails available around-the-clock and personalized service—plus wellness programs and fabulous rooftop pools —it’s tempting to many to never leave their river cruise ship. But the main reason travelers choose a river cruise vacation is because of the adventure—the amazing, breathtaking stops along the way. With that in mind, the countries you’ll explore on the Rhine are historic, romantic, and truly awe-inspiring.

On a Rhine River cruise, you can choose from a selection of amazing tours, all of which highlight a unique experience in Europe. With so many river cruise options throughout Europe, it can be a tough decision…AmaWaterways, Scenic, or Viking cruises? I am confident that I can find a Rhine River cruise that fits your budget, taste, and sense of adventure.

Do you want to spend more of your time in Switzerland, Germany or France? What about the Netherlands? Let’s take a closer look at these destinations on the Rhine River and you’ll see why our clients keep booking river cruises.

Switzerland

A pristine alpine wonderland, Switzerland is stunningly beautiful any time of year. It’s known for its snowy mountain peaks in the winter, lush green hills in the summer, and cheese and chocolate year-round. Whether you’re taking a scenic train ride through the Alps or traveling the Rhine by ship, Switzerland will have you wondering if you’re living in a fairytale.

Basel

Many river cruises on the Rhine start or end in Basel, a city known for its love of art and museums. The city has the highest concentration of museums in the country and is centered around a market square, making it perfectly easy to tour.

Basel is a fantastic representation of Switzerland as it’s situated right between France and Germany, two countries that have significantly influenced Swiss culture. Enjoy this melding of cultures as you dine alfresco at a cafe along the banks of the Rhine.

While in Switzerland, I recommend extending your trip to Lucerne or Zurich before or after your cruise. Or for those with more time and budget, consider adding a Swiss train tour.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a city dotted with beautiful bridges, cafes, and chocolate shops that will satisfy your sweet tooth. On a summer evening in Lucerne, book a cruise on Lake Lucerne like the locals.

Zurich

The banking capital and economic hub of Switzerland, Zurich combines pre-medieval roots with modern-day business and entertainment.

In addition to its world-class shopping venues, there is plenty of sightseeing to do. From the Hauptbahnhof—Switzerland’s largest railway station—you can catch a train and be on a crisp, glistening mountain peak in a matter of minutes. The Hauptbanhof hosts a spectacular Christmas Market, complete with an enormous Christmas tree covered with Swarovski ornaments. You can also explore the city’s incredible rivers and magnificent lake, which has superior water quality for swimming and is popular with sailors. Whether you enjoy fine dining or hiking up Uetliberg, the perfect adventure is waiting for you in Zurich.

Selecting the right river cruise ship and itinerary for you is the first step in planning the ultimate European holiday.

France

Parlez-vous français? Non? Well, no worries. A good translation app can do wonders to help you navigate the luscious countryside of France, and its mouthwatering cafes and menus. For its food, wine, and historical sights, we love this country for all the right reasons.

Wine & Dine

French wines and cuisine earn their global fame. Whether you’re stopping at a bakery in the morning for a fresh croissant and cafe au lait, a light lunch of a croque monsieur, or a full multi-course dinner with paired wines, you will not be disappointed.

Book a Rhine River cruise and you’ll stop in Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace region and a charming city for a day trip. I recommend the Cave des Hospices for a wine tour and light beverage during the afternoon.

Leisure

If wine tasting isn’t your idea of a relaxing afternoon, there is no shortage of other soothing activities in Strasbourg. The Parc de l’Orangerie, Parc de la Citadelle, and the botanical gardens are all equally serene places for an afternoon walk or bike ride.

Shopping

Are you looking for modern stores, local boutiques, or street markets? You can find them all in Strasbourg. Most of Strasbourg’s old town is centered on Grande Île, an island in the middle of the city.

Christmas markets in Strasbourg are so popular you can find them any time of year. Make your way to the southwest corner of the Grande Île to Un Noël en Alsace to browse Christmas decor. And if you happen to be in Strasbourg during the holiday season, we recommend a glass of vin chaud (mulled wine) to keep you warm along the way.

Germany

Traveling to Germany usually takes tourists to Berlin, Munich, and other metropolitan areas. On a river cruise, however, you’ll experience a whole new side of the country—one that is more traditional and inviting.

Cruising down the Rhine, you’ll see cultural hubs as well as quaint cities you may not otherwise experience. Rüdesheim and Cologne both offer a variety of entertainment including local musicians and museums, providing for a well-rounded German experience.

Rüdesheim

Rüdesheim is a charming little city on the Rhine known for its production of Reisling wine. The first thing you’ll notice here is the beautiful combination of history and modern winemaking. Cobblestone streets and medieval-style castles lie just outside the vineyards and tasting rooms of Rüdesheim.

During the stop in Rüdesheim, you can choose between Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, a gondola ride, or a wine tasting hike through the vineyards.

Our favorite way to spend time here is to take the cable car over the vineyards, up to the Niederwald monument, and then stop at the local shops on the way back to the ship.

Cologne

A 2,000-year-old city, Cologne is best known for its colorful rows of houses and its famous Christmas markets. In contrast to the small-town charm of Rüdesheim, Cologne is a much larger city and cultural hub of this area of Germany.

Where Rüdesheim is medieval and rustic, Cologne is both Gothic and modern. Visible from the Rhine River, the Cologne Cathedral is a must-see landmark. Its two towers are still some of the largest peaks in the city.

The stop in Cologne offers the options of a Holy City walking tour and cathedral visit, Kölsch Beer tasting or a Cologne bike tour.

The Netherlands

What better way to end your Rhine River cruise than right in the heart of the Netherlands- Amsterdam?

A city known for its red-light district and overall carefree way of life, Amsterdam offers an incredible array of cultural experiences. Cruising one of the world’s most elaborate canal systems will show you much of the beauty this city has to offer.

If you prefer to observe the canals by land, you can opt for a tour through the bohemian neighborhood of Jordaan, which boasts trendy cafes, eateries, and shops. After grabbing a coffee, head to one of the many historical landmarks in this part of town. The Anne Frank House is located just outside Jordaan and across from the historical Westerkerk Cathedral where Rembrandt was buried in 1669. Many exceptional museums await the art lover.

The Food

One of the most pleasant surprises of a trip to Amsterdam is the food. If you’re craving something with a pinch of salt, I would recommend Bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), kibbeling (deep-fried fish) or snert (split pea soup).

After dinner, enjoy a variety of different sweets including Dutch licorice, poffertjes (puffy pancakes), or stroopwafels (remember to eat them hot and gooey).

The Creativity

You will find more peculiar shops and art displays in Amsterdam than almost anywhere else in the world. From stores with cows on the ceiling to mouse mansions and displays dedicated entirely to tulips, entertainment in Amsterdam lies around every corner.

These are just a few of the enchanting destinations on a Rhine River cruise. Unpack once and sail through four unique countries.

Selecting the right river cruise ship and itinerary for you is the first step in planning the ultimate European holiday.

Let’s get started planning your luxury vacation. Reserve your complimentary consultation call with me to begin!

Image credit: Featured photo by Pixabay, Quang Nguyen Vinh, Julien Riedel, Quang Nguyen Vinh