Rhine River Cruises

Discover the Rhine

The Rhine River flows 1,230 km from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea, passing through six countries. The most scenic stretch is the Rhine Gorge between Rüdesheim and Koblenz, where castles perch on nearly every hilltop and vineyards cling to steep slopes.

Key Facts

Length: 1,230 km (760 miles)
Countries: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, Netherlands
Major Cities: Basel, Strasbourg, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Rotterdam
Source: Swiss Alps
Mouth: North Sea

Best Time to Cruise

The Rhine cruise season runs from April through October, with each season offering unique advantages:

Spring (Apr-May): Blooming flowers, fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures
Summer (Jun-Aug): Warm weather, long days, festival season
Fall (Sep-Oct): Harvest season, autumn colors, wine festivals

What to See & Do

Must-See Highlights

Rhine Gorge

UNESCO-listed stretch with over 40 castles, the Lorelei Rock, and steep vineyard slopes.

Cologne Cathedral

Gothic masterpiece with twin spires that dominate the city skyline.

Rüdesheim

Charming wine town with Drosselgasse lane and Niederwald Monument.

Strasbourg

Capital of Alsace with half-timbered houses and European Parliament.

Cultural Experiences

Tour Marksburg Castle, the only Rhine fortress never destroyed
Sample Riesling wines in Rüdesheim's taverns
Explore Strasbourg's Petite France district by canal boat
Visit Heidelberg Castle and Germany's oldest university

Rhine Cruise Tips

Bring binoculars - Perfect for castle spotting along the Rhine Gorge
Try local specialties - Like flammkuchen (Alsatian pizza) and schnitzel
Pack comfortable shoes - Many towns have cobblestone streets
Consider Christmas markets - Magical experience in December

Rhine River Cruise Itineraries

Our Rhine cruises range from 7 to 10 nights, with options focusing on different sections of the river. Most itineraries include the Rhine Gorge, Cologne, and Strasbourg, with longer voyages continuing to Basel or Amsterdam.