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Rhine River Cruises

The Rhine starts its journey in Switzerland's Alps and passes through iconic cities in France (including Strasbourg), Germany (Dusseldorf and Cologne) and the Netherlands . A European river cruise along the Rhine will reveal the best of Western Europe , from its unique scenery, to the exquisite cuisine on offer.

250+ Rhine river cruises with 1,019 reviews

• River Cruise

Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024

First river cruise wont be our last! So relaxing with exquisite dining and accommodations on board. Definitely an older crowd, but you get to know almost everyone on board by the end of the tour and most are very pleasant and having as much fun as we did! So nice compared to big boat cruising; no pressure to see and do all the offerings. many included excursions were nice, with easy low effort walking offered. Transfers were perfect.

Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2024

Awesome! Our first trip was well beyond our expectations. It was only supposed to be one trip, but it was so great, we booked another, this time a Danube River cruise leaving from Budapest. We've only been on an Avalon cruise and have stayed with them only because we can't imagine anyone else doing it better. Thanks, Avalon, for a wonderful trip and we're looking forward to the next one this June.

Classic Rhine cruise (Amsterdam-Basel) MS Crucevita

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

Classic Rhine cruise (Basel-Amsterdam) MS Crucevita

comfortable wichtig many impressions

Captivating Rhine 2024 Start Amsterdam, End Basel

4 Rivers: The Moselle, Sarre, Romantic Rhine, and Neckar Valleys (port-to-port cruise)

The ship itself was great, rooms and bathroom were a good size for a smaller ship. The food and dining room staff were excellent. Entertainment and on board communication was poor only in French. Need to do a better job it ensure that customers that don’t speak French are informed on whats going on and are seated together in the dining room! The excursions that were provided were good but some were only with a French speaking guide. Overall we had great time on this Cruise!

Rhine Experience Amsterdam & Rotterdam 2024

Helpful responsive staff

The Valley of the romantic Rhine, the Moselle and the Main (port-to-port cruise)

The cruise was very good. The only problem was not speaking French, but your staff did a good job of making sure we weren't totally left out.

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

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

Splendours of Europe (Start Amsterdam, End Budapest)

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

• Christmas & New Year

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps 2024 Start Amsterdam, End Basel

Splendours of Europe (Start Budapest, End Amsterdam)

Rhine Experience Netherlands & Belgium 2024 (7 destinations)

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

Very nice trip. Your were OK with a few standouts like the vinegar tasting. Wish there had been more lectures and cultures talks. The one about modern German attitudes was particularly fascinating.

Rhine Highlights with Switzerland (Start Zurich, End Amsterdam)

Impressed by the work done to get us on board at a very late date. The trip itself was the usual wonderful Scenic Cruise. The two tour guides, Franz and Alec were outstanding and all the personnel on The Opal made the trip wonderful. The Hotels in Switzerland were all top notch. Our tours visiting Castles and Towns were as good as we remembered others from earlier tours. Our admiration and respect for Scenic remains very strong.

Reviews of Rhine Cruises

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

The Wi-Fi didn’t work as expected and it caused quite an inconvenience. The excursion plan is not as clear either. Overall it’s still a good tour but I think my last Danube river with Avalon is better than this rhino river cruise.

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

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Popular Cruise Ships

• Scenic Opal from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
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• Emerald Sun from Emerald Cruises
• Scenic Jasper from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• Avalon Panorama from Avalon Waterways
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• Scenic Pearl from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• AmaPrima from AmaWaterways

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

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

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

Rhine River Cruises

7 Rhine River Cruises for Every Type of Traveler

Whether you love the idea of sailing past dozens of castles and forts or are eager to explore one of europe’s more underrated wine regions, there’s a rhine river cruise for you..

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A cruise down the Rhine River remains one of the most popular vacation options for travelers looking to get a taste of central Europe.

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

One of the world’s great rivers, the Rhine, marks a storied stretch of winding waterway that spans 765 miles and six nations— Switzerland , Liechtenstein, Austria , Germany , France , and the Netherlands—from the Swiss Alps on to the North Sea. European river cruise itineraries here most commonly glide through four of these countries in one whirlwind week, on regular runs between Basel, Switzerland, and Amsterdam , with stops in France and Germany along the way.

It’s a romantic route marked by the region’s legendary castles and half-timbered houses, hillside vineyards, and fairy-tale Black Forest landscapes—along with a pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Apart from all that surface beauty, cruising the Rhine affords an immersive contextual understanding about how this ancient highway and trade route—pivotal since ancient Roman times through to today—has contributed to the history, culture, and economic development of greater Europe. The Rhine is one of the busiest and most economically important waterways in Europe , and your journey will also take you past hulking factories and stacks of shipping containers for a behind-the-scenes look at how essential goods are transported across the continent.

A Rhine River cruise provides seamless door-to-door delivery to the attractions of bigger cities like Basel, Strasbourg, Cologne, and Amsterdam, as well as access to less-visited but entirely worthy destinations such as Koblenz and Rüdesheim in Germany, where you’ll get your fill of castles, churches, museums, and wineries—all from the comfort of your floating hotel with accommodations, meals, and guided excursions included.

In 2022, the Rhine River experienced one of the worst droughts in recent history —some parts of the river in Germany dropped to below 16 inches of water in key navigational areas. The drought affected the flow of cargo and river cruise ships. While ships are still sailing , keep in mind that low water levels may affect river cruise itineraries by shortening the amount of time that passengers have in port when ships are forced to sail at a slower pace.

Nevertheless, river cruise companies have seen a major rebound in demand since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Rhine river cruises are still among the most popular sailing itineraries in Europe. Here, we present seven of the best Rhine River cruises (in no particular order) for every type of experience, whether it’s food, family adventure, wine—or something else—that floats your (river)boat.

AmaWaterway’s “Captivating Rhine” itinerary runs from Amsterdam to Basel, while its “Enchanting Rhine” cruise runs in the opposite direction.

Photo by Bjoern Wylezich/Shutterstock

AmaWaterways: Captivating Rhine

Cost: From $3,000 per person Days: 8 days Departure Port: Amsterdam, the Netherlands Final Port: Basel, Switzerland (AmaWaterways’ Enchanting Rhine Cruise runs from Basel to Amsterdam and is the same itinerary, just in the opposite direction)

The seven-night “ Captivating Rhine Cruise ” sails between Amsterdam and Basel, with stops in Germany (Cologne, Rüdesheim, Ludwigshafen, and Breisach) and France (Strasbourg)—it’s a paradise for wine lovers. Itineraries include wineries, vineyards, and cellars: Hike through the vineyards of the winemaking town of Rüdesheim; visit the “Great Vat,” an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine barrel in Heidelberg; or taste the famous white wines of Alsace in Riquewihr. Some notable varieties to sample include riesling, which is known as the “queen of the grapes” along the Middle Rhine, while red wine drinkers will enjoy Germany’s full-bodied and velvety spätburgunder (known as pinot noir in France and made using the same grapes).

However, there are plenty of other things to do on this cruise for those who want to experience the culture of the towns along the route or hope to stay active on vacation. AmaWaterways has several cruise excursions available for each port on its itinerary, including gentle walking tours with local guides and bike tours through the gorgeous central European countryside. (Tip: Don’t miss the bike tour of Strasbourg, which explores the charming city’s modern role as one of the de facto capitals of the European Union, as well as its historic Alsatian identity with a well-informed local guide and leisurely 10-mile ride.)

Viking regularly travels up and down the Rhine with its line of over 40, nearly identical sister ships.

Photo by Shutterstock

Viking: Paris to the Swiss Alps

Cost: From $3,299 per person Days: 12 days Departure Port: Paris, France Final Port: Zürich, Switzerland

Viking, which bills itself as “the thinking person’s cruise,” is a major player on the Rhine, where it operates more than 40 riverboats—nearly identical sister ships with a capacity for 190 guests. Of particular interest to history buffs is its “ Paris to the Swiss Alps ” cruise tour, a four-nation trip that bookends a seven-night sailing on the Moselle (a Rhine tributary) and Rhine with a two-night, hotel-based stay in both Paris and Zurich . 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.

The itinerary is loaded with history-rich excursions. Among the highlights is the American Cemetery where more than 5,000 World War II soldiers repose in Luxembourg; a tour of relics of Roman baths, an amphitheater, and city gates at Trier; a visit to the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz to explore the history of the printing press; a stroll through the palace and gardens of Versailles in France; and Germany’s historic university city, Heidelberg.

Frankfurt, Germany, was the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who penned the play Faust .

Avalon Waterways: Active & Discovery on the Rhine

Cost: From $2,849 per person Days: 8 days Departure Port: Amsterdam, the Netherlands Final Port: Frankfurt, Germany

The Avalon Waterways “ Active & Discovery on the Rhine ” itinerary incorporates an array of customizable excursion options that emphasize physical activity. Choose from guided tours like kayaking the canals of Amsterdam, hiking through the Netherland’s De Hoge Veluwe National Park (140,000 acres and home to red deer, wild boars, and pine martens), jogging while sightseeing in Cologne, or biking through Düsseldorf. Or set out on your own in ports with loaner bikes and Nordic walking sticks on hand. The river cruise operator also offers a series of “discovery” excursions, hands-on, interactive experiences that often focus on culture and cuisine.

Adventures by Disney

Cost: From $5,399 per adult; from $4,899 per child Days: 8 days Departure Port: Amsterdam, the Netherlands Final Port: Basel, Switzerland

River cruise lines have long catered to the over-50 crowd, but the industry has been shaking things up in recent years with the emergence of several family-friendly river itineraries . Leading the charge is the six-year-old partnership between Disney (via its Adventures by Disney tour operating arm) and AmaWaterways; their seven-night Rhine River itineraries unfold aboard two ships, the 156-guest AmaLucia and the AmaSiena. Both riverboats include rare connecting staterooms and suites, designed with families in mind, and fun onboard activities like cooking classes, karaoke nights, and swimming in the heated pool.

Sailing between Amsterdam and Basel, the ship stops in France (at Strasbourg) and Germany (at Mannheim, Rüdesheim, and Cologne) en route. Excursion highlights—all led by up to eight Disney-trained “Adventure Guides”—include a “Black Forest adventure” outing, where you can choose between an alpine toboggan run or a zipline ride and hike to Germany’s highest waterfalls at Triberg Waterfalls; a visit to a chocolate museum in Cologne; horseback riding in Riquewihr (the French village that inspired Beauty and the Beast ); an indoor winter park in Neuss, Germany (for a sledding or tubing adventure, no matter the season); and the Rhine requisite and fun-for-all-ages Heidelberg Castle tour and Amsterdam canal cruise. Note that itineraries are suggested for kids ages eight and up, and a minimum age of four years old applies.

European river cruises are especially popular around the holiday season when Christmas markets are in business.

Photo by ecstk22/Shutterstock

Scenic: Christmas on the Rhine

Cost: $4,195 Days: 8 days Departure Port: Amsterdam, the Netherlands Final Port: Nuremberg, Germany

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. 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.

The moist, but well-drained soil of the Netherlands provides the perfect growing conditions for tulips.

Photo by Travelpixs/Shutterstock

Uniworld: Tulips and Windmills

Cost: $4,699 Days: 10 days Departure Port: Amsterdam, the Netherlands Final Port: Antwerp, Belgium

Uniworld’s “ Tulip and Windmills ” cruise begins on the Rhine, but then veers to the west toward Belgium. While in the Netherlands, travelers can look forward to skipping through acres of tulips at Keukenhof Gardens and getting up close and personal with Kinderdijk’s 19 UNESCO-protected windmills that have guarded the low country from rising sea levels for centuries. Guests will also get to visit small, charming Dutch towns, such as Enkhuizen, Hoorn, and Veere, and take in the dazzling skyline of Rotterdam. Art fans will be sure to especially enjoy this itinerary, which features stops at the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo (which houses nearly 100 works by Van Gogh) plus a tour through the world-renowned Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which has been nicknamed the “home of the Dutch masters.” Once in Belgium, visitors can take in Ghent’s world-renowned architecture on a walking tour and learn about the UNESCO World Heritage site Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp. Be sure to munch on those Dutch and Belgian pastries when you can.

Tauck’s Rhine Enchantment intinerary combines two appealing modes of transportation: cruising and trains.

Photo by Gaspar Janos/Shutterstock

Tauck: Rhine Enchantment, Amsterdam to Milan

Cost: $6,400 Days: 11 days Departure Port: Amsterdam, the Netherlands Final Port: Milan, Italy

OK, I know what you’re thinking: There are no waterways that directly connect Amsterdam with Milan. Tauck’s “ Rhine Enchantment ” itinerary combines arguably two of the most popular modes of leisure transportation in Europe: cruise ships and rail. After sailing from Amsterdam to Basel (with stops in places like Düsseldorf and Heidelberg), guests will take a train along a stunning route through the Alps to Milan. The cost of the trip includes three nights at the Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan during the Italian leg of the journey, a private boat ride on Lake Como, and a gala evening at a baroque palace situated along the Rhine near Wiesbaden, Germany.

This article was first published on June 10, 2019. It was updated on August 19, 2022.

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Ms amalucia, ms amacerto, ms amasiena, emerald sky, scenic opal, ms leonard de vinci, ms gérard schmitter, ms amaserena, ms amastella, emerald dawn, emerald sun, scenic pearl, avalon tranquility ii, la nouvelle etoile, river queen, river empress, top rhine river travel destinations.

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Rhine & Viking Shores & Fjords

• From $7,398
• 11 Guided Tours
• 6 Countries
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Charming hamlets & Norse heritage

Tour highlights of the legendary Rhine River and discover Scandinavian wonders by sea. Experience cultured Basel and Germany’s storied Black Forest. See the charming canals of Strasbourg’s Petite France, admire Cologne’s famous cathedral and explore Holland’s iconic windmills. Sail the North Sea, visit Denmark and witness Norway’s dramatic fjord landscapes and scenic cities. Spend time in historic Bergen, a city with deep Viking roots.

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All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

• One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
• Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
• Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
• 24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water
• Port taxes & fees
• Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase
• Visits to UNESCO Sites
• Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
• Plus, on our ocean and expedition ships:
• Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.
• Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge
• 24-hour room service
• Self-service launderettes

Viking Explorer Bed with optional twin-bed configuration (Queen-size on river ships and King-size on ocean ships)

40" or 42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror, hair dryer and premium Freyja toiletries

220V & 110V (US outlet), plus USB ports

Telephone, safe, refrigerator, hair dryer & individual climate control

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Lake Como

From $1,249 | 3 Nights

Pre: Lucerne

From $949 | 2 Nights

From $599 | 2 Nights

Post: Bergen

From $799 | 2 Nights

Post: Oslo & Scenic Train

From $1,099 | 2 Nights

Post: Iceland & the Golden Circle

From $2,299 | 3 Nights

Post: The Best of Norway & Scenic Train

From $1,999 | 4 Nights

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

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

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

The Rhine River

A Rhine Romance

Cruising along the timeless rivers of the world has understandably become one of the most desirable ways to travel today. Yet with so many alluring waterways, it can be difficult to choose where to make your splash. Do you choose by country? By sights? By unique experiences? When you choose the romantic Rhine River – with its 800 miles of winding whimsical wonder – you choose all of the above.

Meandering through storied scenery including hillside castles, craggy cliffs, terraced vineyards and the medieval towns of five countries, the Rhine River weaves together a tapestry of history and culture (not to mention countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites), making it the perfect cure for cabin fever and feast for travel cravings. Gifting you a sail through time and tales, this fabled waterway is as fitting for first-time river cruisers as it is for seasoned, off-the-beaten-path travellers. With one-of-a-kind sightseeing and second-to-none panoramic views, Avalon offers a Rhine River cruise  you can bank on.

Cruising down the multinational waterway of the Rhine with Avalon, you can traverse five countries– Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, France and Austria – exploring picture-perfect towns of bucket-list destinations like Basel, Strasbourg, Cologne, Bonn, Düsseldorf, Amsterdam and Rotterdam along the way.

Connect Four

The Rhine River is a ribbon that ties together fascinating countries, cultures and history. It also flows into other legendary waterways, presenting the opportunity to combine a Rhine itinerary with three other renowned rivers – the Moselle, the Main and the Danube – for a more robust river cruise.

Castles in the Air

Between Rudesheim and Koblenz, more castles take centre stage than anywhere else on the planet. This fairytale fantasy known as the Upper Middle Rhine or Rhine Gorge has earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status and the well-earned moniker, “The Romantic Rhine.”

A Pop of Color

Surrounded by brilliant-colored tulips, the waterways of the Netherlands feed into the Rhine River, presenting unrivaled springtime scenery including the beginning, middle and end of the rainbow.

More to Pour Over

Unique unesco.

A delightfully dizzying number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be found along the Rhine River Valley, including the Rhine Gorge, the Cologne Cathedral, the Speyer Cathedral and the Town of Bamberg.

Merry Memories

There’s no better way to unwrap the magic of the Old World than with a journey through the tradition-rich, German Christmas markets with their mulled wines, handmade sweets and hardy holiday décor on a festive wintry river cruise.

INTERNATIONAL NEWBIES (A “FLING”)

Whether it’s your first-time river cruising or even your first time abroad, the Rhine is one of our favorite river experiences. It not only winds, bends and meanders through several, must-see countries, it takes travelers to the storybook settings of fabled, fairytale lands – often on week-long or even shorter itineraries.

PERFECT PICK: THE ROMANTIC RHINE

What could be a better introduction to river cruising than discovering the sights, bites, and delights of four fantastic countries along the Rhine River? The colorful canals of Amsterdam, cherry cake and cuckoo clocks in the Black Forest, and castles towering above the spectacular Rhine Gorge are just a few reasons!

Seasoned Sightseers

One river. Five countries. The Rhine River not only weaves together diverse countries, cultures and cuisines, it also connects to other legendary waterways to create an in-depth, well-rounded river cruise vacation.

PERFECT PICK: THE RHINE & MOSELLE – CANALS, VINEYARDS & CASTLES

Combining the romance and Rieslings of the Rhine with the untouched, storybook settings of the Moselle, this cruise drifts through time, traditions and three fabulous countries.

RETURNING REVELERS (A “COMMITMENT”)

Anchored in picturesque ports, Avalon takes travelers off-the-beaten path to discover – and re-discover – the Old World in new ways. Returning visitors to the Rhine will never repeat the same vacation with Avalon.

PERFECT PICK: ACTIVE & DISCOVERY ON THE RHINE

Explore the Rhine River your way with a varied selection of classic, active and discovery excursions. From history to food and nature to art, our breadth of excursions includes everything from a regional wine-tasting in Eltville and hike up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress to a Düsseldorf biking tour and Dutch painting class.

For an in-depth adventure, consider the 16-day Magnificent Rivers of Europe or Enchanted Europe itineraries.

Heidelberg Castle

It’s easy to raise a glass to Heidelberg Castle, considered the most important Renaissance structure north of the Alps. In addition to its fascinating ruins and reconstructed facades, its Barrel Building houses the world-famous Great Barrel – installed in 1591 – which holds 130,000 glorious liters of wine.

Muiderslot Castle

Don't let the baroque palaces and Renaissance remembrances of this ancient city fool you. The capital of Slovakia's pedestrian-only old town has one of Europe's most youthful vibes.

Rhienstein Castle

The rewards for hiking up to this 13th-century castle nearly 300 feet above the Rhine include sweeping views from its soaring turret, a self-guided tour of its chapel and royal crypt and a sip of sparkling wine with fellow Avalon travelers in the castle’s vine-clad courtyard.

The Alluring Lorelei

The iconic Lorelei rock formation is shrouded in mystery and the myth of a maiden who sat atop the cliff and serenaded sailors through the centuries.

Sweet Cologne

Built from 1248 to the 1880s, the magnificence of the Cologne Cathedral makes one feel incredibly small. And it should. Its two towers were once the tallest structures on Earth.

Romantic Rudesheim

Made popular by the Romantics in the early 19th century, Rudesheim delights with its terraced vineyards, medieval alleyways and quirky, mechanical music museum.

Gorge-ous Castles

Experience whiplash in the best way as you sail through the Rhine Gorge and the 40 castles rising high above medieval villages and vineyard-clad hillsides.

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Rhine River Pleasure Day-Trip Boat Cruises from Rüdesheim

Published on March 18, 2024

by Henk Bekker

in Germany , N24 , Rhine River

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

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

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

Pleasure Boat Cruises on the Rhine River from Rüdesheim

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rhine River Day-Trip Cruise Season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Transportation Tips for Rhine River Boat Cruises

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

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

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

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

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

Transportation to Rüdesheim

It is easy to get to Rüdesheim by car or train making it simple to enjoy day-trip pleasure cruises on the Rhine from cities such as Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, Mainz, Bonn, and Köln (Cologne), or even from Frankfurt International Airport when on a long stopover.

The driving time from Frankfurt am Main or Airport is only around 50 minutes. Driving on either side of the Rhine from Rüdesheim to Koblenz takes around two hours. Parking on the Rhine River promenade in Rüdesheim is very expensive – follow signs to parking lots a few blocks inland of the river for cheap day parking in Rüdesheim and most Rhine River towns.

Trains to Rüdesheim on the Rhine River in Germany

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

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

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

Train schedules to Rüdesheim / Train Schedules from Rüdesheim

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

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

More on the Rhine River in Germany

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

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

Tips and Savings on Day-Trip Rhine Cruises

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

About the author:

Henk Bekker

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

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Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure

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Uniquely Tauck

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TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Private medieval evening including tour and dinner at a historic moated castle, Burg Satzvey

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,358

All gratuities to Tauck Director, local guides and drivers

Descending Mt. Pilatus aboard the world's highest cogwheel train with sweeping views of the Swiss Alps

Tarte flambée, chocolate and French lessons – become "French for a Day"

Bicycling through forests and vineyards beside the Rhine

Visit to the legendary ruins of Heidelberg Castle

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

World Travel. Family Discovery.

Create cherished family memories on our unforgettable Basel to Amsterdam riverboat cruise along the Rhine River, exploring Switzerland, France, Germany and The Netherlands for an adventure unlike any other.

Tauck exclusive – an evening at burg satzvey, cross the moat for a special, family-fun evening at burg satzvey.

Considered one of the best-preserved medieval moated castles in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia region, Burg Satzvey (Satzvey Castle), not far from Köln, has been home to the same noble family for more than 300 years. We invite you to cross the moat and visit this rustic 12th-century castle after hours for a Tauck Exclusive tour and medieval evening with a reception, dinner and musical entertainment… and a welcome by a member of the family.

Mt. Pilatus

Descending from mt. pilatus by cogwheel train or gondola.

Since the 1880s, the world's steepest cogwheel train has been bringing travelers up and down Mt. Pilatus in Switzerland, descending or ascending nearly 7,000 ft. to the edge of Lake Lucerne from the mountain's summit (Oberhaupt). On your family's visit to Lucerne, you'll take this thrilling ride that has you traveling upward at a 48° angle. Or, if the weather is uncooperative, you may ascend and descend by gondola (cable car). Either way, getting there is definitely part of the fun, and your family is rewarded with panoramic views of Alpine meadows and mountain streams, and flowers.

Old World Europe – Rhine River cruises

The casualness and playfulness of the staff was great. they made every activity fun for everyone. it really bridged the gap between the young and elderly..

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Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Germany, Switzerland, France and the Netherlands. You are not required to obtain a visa to enter any of these countries for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy of each of the countries visited – Germany, Switzerland, France and the Netherlands – to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

Cruise Regulations

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser temporarily to make copies.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

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Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $900 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $659   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $900 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

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Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.

Your riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

Please advise your Tauck Director on tour if you or the children traveling with you have any serious allergies. Also, adults may want to bring along children's aspirin or medicines as a precaution, as access to these may be limited.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S., no other vaccinations are currently required for travel to Germany, Switzerland, France and the Netherlands. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of Germany, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands to determine whether vaccinations are required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

While a cruise on the Rhine is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy this cruise, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along cobblestone streets, and at many sites there are multiple stairs or steps; for the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.

Your riverboat has four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun. The elevator connects the Diamond, Ruby, and Emerald decks. There is no elevator to the Sundeck.

Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor on board. In case of emergency we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate service animals on any river cruise for medical and legal reasons.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with New Headings who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is always advisable. A light jacket or sweater for the sun deck is also recommended. Pack comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in, as many of the sites visited were built centuries ago and have uneven surfaces, some steep inclines and many steps.

During evenings aboard the riverboat, dress is resort casual.  Items such as slacks and collared shirts are appropriate for men.  For women, slacks, a dress or a skirt and blouse are suitable.  For dinner and throughout the evening, guests should refrain from wearing shorts, t-shirts, sandals, flip-flops or sneakers.

Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each riverboat cabin.

Valet laundry service is available on the riverboat for a fee. There is no valet dry cleaning available on the riverboat. Ironing facilities are available on the riverboat by request to the front desk. Category 7 suites feature their own irons and ironing boards.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. No medications are sold on board the riverboat.

We recommend you pack the following items for your cruise on the Rhine:

• Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for onboard
• Sturdy but comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in for onshore
• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your ship cabin while traveling

Each child 17 and under will be sent a complimentary backpack from Tauck Bridges! If the child resides in the continental United States, the backpack will be sent to his or her home approximately two weeks prior to the cruise departure date. If the child resides outside of the continental U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, the backpack will be waiting on arrival at the first hotel on your itinerary.

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Overview Captivating Rhine

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

• Amsterdam to Basel
• Amsterdam to Zurich

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

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