boat cruise on rhine river

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 934 reviews

• River Cruise

Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024

The best! We were never on a river cruise and this was a wonderful first experience! the ship the staff the food the wines were excellent. everything was beyond expectations. The pre & post cruise accommodations again exellemt! A trip of a lifetime for us! Thanks Tour Raider for an excellent job, and Avalon!

Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2024

Wonderful!! Food and staff were above average par none!!!

Classic Rhine cruise (Amsterdam-Basel) MS Crucevita

Price great….cruise director excellent…food just so so…6 English speaking thankful for at least four others English speaking…..we had to have our own guide’s. They should have American coffee and always ice. And free wine and beer at dinner

Legendary Rhine Cruise (Mainz-Amsterdam) MS Crucevita

We travel a lot and have been on many cruises including river cruise. I would never hesitate to book with this company. The crew could not have been better, the food was excellent, and the service was spot on. We booked last minute as our plans changed unexpectedly and it turned from a disappointment into good luck. From the moment we arrived Ilie’s smiling face to run out to help us with our luggage will always be remembered, because he never stopped smiling or willing to help with anything the whole time we were onboard. His eagerness and professionalism is uncommon in todays world but so much appreciated. We enjoyed all the crew, Alina, Mohammed and Yaro always made themselves available as well as the rest of the crew, thank you to all of you!

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!

Captivating Rhine 2024 Start Amsterdam, End Basel

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

Guila of Croisieurope’s Leonardo da Vinci is wonderful! All crew were very nice. Great value!

Rhine Experience Amsterdam & Rotterdam 2024

Helpful responsive staff

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!

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.

• Christmas & New Year

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps 2024 Start Amsterdam, End Basel

Rhine Experience Netherlands & Belgium 2024 (7 destinations)

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.

Rhine Highlights with Switzerland (Start Amsterdam, End Zurich)

April was amazing all the knowledge of the places we visited. A credit to the ship nothing was too much trouble lots of fun. Thank you

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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Rhine River Cruises

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.

Rhine Getaway

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Paris to the Swiss Alps

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Treasures of the Rhine

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Rhine & Viking Shores & Fjords

Highlights of rhine river cruises.

A Rhine River cruise takes you into the heart of Middle Europe, where stately castles, fairytale villages and cultural centers have long been witnesses to history. The river’s banks are brimming with historic treasures, natural beauty and vibrant capitals. Here are a few highlights Viking reveals to you:

• Amsterdam’s charming canals and gabled houses
• Windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Cologne’s Gothic Dom
• Rüdesheim’s wine-growing region
• Marksburg Castle, perched above scenic Braubach
• Multicultural Strasbourg
• Breathtaking views of the legendary Black Forest
• The distinct French-German culture of Alsace
• Mythical Lorelei Rock at the Middle Rhine Gorge
• Stunning Heidelberg, inspiration to writers and philosophers

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Rhine River Cruises

Tauck's Rhine River cruises follow this romantic river on its winding journey through medieval towns, cathedrals, castles, and museums, with enchanting river landscapes along the way.

• ITINERARIES
• FEATURED TOURS

Welcome to the Rhine River

Flowing through six countries, the Rhine River cuts deeply through mountains, meandering between hillside castles and age-old winelands. This is Germany's landscape at its most dramatic, with spectacular views of forested hillsides alternating with craggy cliffs... idyllic villages appearing around each bend... and half-timbered houses and Gothic churches that appear as if plucked from a fairy tale world.

Heidelberg, germany, history's all around you in heidelberg.

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. 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.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Canals and more in amazing amsterdam.

Amsterdam is often called the "Venice of the North" because of its elaborate network of canals winding through a romantic historic center of cobbled streets and Dutch Renaissance architecture. A canal boat cruise reveals The Netherlands's historic capital from the inside (often with a slice of Dutch apple pie), as you glide along 17th-century waterways lined with trees, gabled merchant houses and vibrant urban life. During your visit to Amsterdam, Tauck also includes a tour of the Rijksmuseum, one of the world's most respected art museums, home to masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age including Rembrandt's "Night Watch."

Köln, Germany

Exploring köln (cologne) on the river rhine.

One of Germany's oldest cities (founded in the 1st century AD), Köln (Cologne) was once a Roman provincial capital, and later a wealthy medieval trading port; the city was almost totally destroyed during World War II, but many of its architectural treasures have been restored – including the towering Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), a twin-spired masterpiece of High Gothic architecture that is the centerpiece of the city. With Tauck, you'll visit this imposing cathedral, along with the nearby Roman Germanic Museum, housing extraordinary exhibits of archaelogical finds from the Köln region.

Jungfraujoch, Switzerland

Enjoy cocktails at the "top of europe" with an exclusive tauck reception at the jungfraujoch's ice palace.

As your mountain railway train ascends into the majestic Swiss Alps, you'll arrive at Kleine Scheidegg at the foot of the Eiger, then board a cogwheel train for the scenic climb to Europe's highest railway station, at the Jungfraujoch (perched at 11,333 feet above sea level). Here, at "the top of Europe," you'll find a restaurant, observatory, research station, a gallery of ice sculpture, and breathtaking views of the glacier-clad Bernese Alps, often called Switzerland's "jewel in the crown." And you'll enjoy a Tauck Exclusive... a private cocktail reception at the Ice Palace… taking time. of course, to savor the astounding views of the lofty peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Mönch surrounding you!

The Rhinegau wine country

An exclusive evening at a rheingau wine estate overlooking the rhine.

The Rheingau ("Rhine district") is one of Germany's most important wine regions, where viticulture dates back to the time of Charlemagne (if not the Romans), and where many significant winemaking innovations have been developed over the years. As you cruise through the Rhine Valley and visit the region, you'll enjoy a Tauck Exclusive evening – featuring a special reception, dinner and entertainment – at a historic Rheingau wine estate perched in the mountains overlooking the Rhine, and surrounded by vineyards that have been producing local wines for centuries.

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Featured River, Small Ship and Land Journeys

Inspired by the destination.

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... and found it in another family-owned company, Scylla. Together, we crafted a river cruise experience that was ahead of its time and inspired by the destinations we explore.

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Guest Favorites on the River Rhine

Explore by land and water, the treasures along the Rhine River... discover the inside of a fairy-tale castle during a private dinner with family in Burg Satzey... diverge from the Rhine to experience the Moselle River with its rich heritage of wine production... experience how the colorful fall foliage enhances the beauty along the banks of the river creating the perfect backdrop to Bavaria's most colorful festival... and immerse yourself in picture-book villages, wooded forests, and bier halls along the way. Four riverboat experiences that will give you a wonderful taste of Europe.

The rhine and moselle, rhine enchantment, milan to amsterdam, autumn along the rhine... munich's oktoberfest, castles on the rhine: family riverboat adventure, tauck's river cruise guide, rhine river facts.

Find interesting Rhine River facts – from key cities along its banks to history, culture, cuisine and more.

First Timer's Guide

Tauck's European river cruise guide will help you find the right Danube, Rhone, Rhine, Seine or Douro river cruise for you.

Why Take A Tauck River Cruise

Tauck River Cruising means traveling in good company, exclusive access to cultural experiences, distinctively inclusive pricing and more!

Choosing The Best European River Cruise For You

Find the best European river cruise for you with top-reviewed itineraries navigating all the major waterways from Tauck.

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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.

Discover the Majestic Rhine River cruise

River Cruise Lines

Unmatched Expertise and Cruise Service

Award-winning service, join us on the rhine river boat cruises, rhine river boat cruises - explore europe's heart, discover the majestic rhine river.

Welcome to Rhine River Boat Cruises , your premier destination for exploring the heart of Europe. Our cruises offer a unique blend of breathtaking scenery, historical exploration, and luxurious comfort, guided by Cruise Genie's specialists with over 25 years of experience in creating unforgettable journeys.

Why Choose a Rhine River Cruise?

A Rhine River cruise offers an unparalleled experience, weaving through the picturesque landscapes and vibrant cities of Europe. From the medieval charm of Strasbourg to the bustling streets of Amsterdam , each destination along the Rhine tells a story. Marvel at the architectural wonders of Cologne , explore the historic depths of Heidelberg , and be captivated by the natural beauty of the Rhine Gorge and the quaint town of Rüdesheim .

Our Destinations

Our curated itineraries are designed to showcase the best of the Rhine. Journey from the cultural hub of Basel to the enchanting Breisach , each stop inviting you to explore, taste, and immerse yourself in local cultures and traditions.

The Cruise Genie Difference

With Cruise Genie, you're not just booking a cruise; you're investing in an experience. Our team of Rhine River cruise specialists brings passion, expertise, and personalized service to each voyage, ensuring your trip is as enriching as it is relaxing. Enjoy award-winning service, luxury accommodations, and exclusive excursions that make every moment on the Rhine unforgettable.

Ready to embark on your Rhine River adventure? Explore our site for exclusive deals and itineraries that promise an unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe. With Cruise Genie, a world of discovery awaits.

RIVER CRUISING IS HOT!!!

The cruise industry's greatest success story in the past two decades has been the surge in growth and popularity of river cruises. With an ever increasing number of new river cruise lines and river boats introduced, and river cruise companies adding new itineraries to more destinations, coupled with the ever expanding interest in river cruises by the traditional ocean cruising population looking for something new, many more lucky travelers are able to enjoy the more intimate, immersive and attentive experience that river cruises bring to the world!

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RIVERS UPDATE - River cruises continue to be discontinued until further notice on all rivers of the Ukraine and Russia.

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RIVER CRUISE specialist!!!

A river cruise specialist can be a valuable resource for anyone who is considering a river cruise anywhere in the world! Often selling at group discounted prices, which can save you hundreds, or even thousands of dollars, they can help maximize the value of any budget to add days to your river cruise vacation, upgrade your experience, or both!

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• Barnard Griffin Winery - 2025 (Douro River)
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Germany, France, Netherlands, Switzerland

Luxury Rhine Valley River Cruises & Holiday Tours Our Rhine River boat cruises include tours and wine tastings at the best local wineries and private cellars in Germany, France, Netherlands and Switzerland. Special highlights include lectures, gourmet meals, deluxe cruise accommodations, shore excursions and more.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Click the button below to see all our cruises and tour destinations.

• Barnard Griffin Winery – 2025 (Douro River)
• Behrens Family Winery – 2025 (Mekong River)
• Brecon Estate – 2024 (Douro River)
• Bruzzi Vineyard – 2024 (Mediterranean)
• Bumgarner Winery – 2024 (Bordeaux River)
• Bumgarner Winery – 2025 (Croatia)
• Chateau Montelena & La Sirena – 2024 (Douro River)
• Chateua Montelena Winery – 2025 (Seine River)
• Coria Estates – 2025 (Rhone River)
• Dr. Frank Winery – 2024 (Rhone River)
• Dwell Wines – 2025 (Rhone River)
• Four Brix Winery – 2025 (Douro River)
• Holly’s Hill Vineyard – 2025 (Croatia)
• Hungry Hawk Vineyards – 2024 (Douro River)
• Idle Hour Winery – 2024 (Croatia)
• Jessup Cellars – 2024 (Danube River)
• Keenan Winery – 2025 (Croatia)
• m2 Wines – 2025 (Danube River)
• Madrona Vineyard – 2024 (Croatia)
• Madrona Vineyards – 2025 (Douro River)
• Peachy Canyon Winery – 2024 (Seine River)
• San Pasqual Winery – 2025 (Croatia)
• Schweiger Vineyards – 2025 (Croatia)
• Seven of Hearts – 2025 (Danube River)
• Spann Vineyards – 2024 (Danube River)
• Thumbprint Cellars Winery – 2024 (Croatia)
• Tom Eddy Winery – 2024 (Danube River)
• Two Amigos Winery – 2024 (Seine River)

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Rhine River Cruise Bike Tours

Join us on the romantic Rhine River as it meanders through a landscape steeped in history. By water, two wheels and on foot, you'll connect with captivating cultures and visit splendid World Heritage sites. Loop through the Black Forest and visit legendary wine villages. Witness mile after mile of riverside castles and breathtaking countryside. Delight in the charms of Amsterdam. And at the end of each day, relax aboard your luxurious "floating hotel." Our Rhine River cruises are the best way to discover this incredible part of the world.

As we make our way from Basel to Amsterdam, you’ll enjoy stunning, hand-picked biking routes in some of Europe’s most iconic locales. Experience our unique system of support, which guarantees that you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation to the max without worrying about biting off more than you can chew. And back on board, revel in the sumptuous ambience of our luxurious small ship, where new friendships, incredible cuisine and peaceful nighttime views abound. Ready to join us on a Rhine River cruise?

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Overview Rhine & Moselle Splendors (Wine Cruise)

7- night cruise, 7- night cruise with 3 nights paris pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise, 7- night cruise with 1 night paris, 2 nights reims (champagne) 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 3 nights paris pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise 7-night cruise with 1 night paris, 2 nights reims (champagne) pre-cruise, and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights paris pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise 7-night cruise with 1 night paris, 2 nights reims (champagne) pre-cruise, and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise 7-night cruise with 1 night paris, 2 nights reims (champagne) pre-cruise, and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights paris pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise, cruise from : luxembourg to basel, cruise from :, countries: france, germany, luxembourg, switzerland france, germany, luxembourg, switzerland france, germany, luxembourg, switzerland, rivers: rhine, moselle, rhine & moselle splendors (wine cruise) at a glance.

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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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11 Top Things To Do In Bacharach Germany

B acharach, Germany which is located along the Rhine River brings you to a calmer, less busy, small town vibe location in Germany. Plus there are castles to explore, history, riverside dining and cruises!

We took the train here from Rothenburg on our 3 month backpacking trip around Europe with our 4 kids and arrived in Bacharach to spend 2 nights exploring Bacharach and St Goar.

Things To Do In Bacharach

When we first arrived it seemed like there wasn’t much to do in Bacharach but we quickly learned that wasn’t the case and we ended up with a fun day full of exploring this unique town.

Wernerkapelle

The Werner Chapel started being built in the 13th century. And has a history of being destroyed (it was left to decay in the 17th century), restored, and now remains as ruins for people to see. It has a gothic look to it and you are able to walk up the hill and into the ruins – there is not a roof on the structure.

There is also an inscription on the chapel that encourages brotherly contact between Christians and Jews.

Burg Stahleck

This is the large castle you see at the top of the hill in Bacharach. It is home to a youth hostel so you can’t tour the castle but you can go up and walk around the castle courtyard.

We took an interesting route up the side of the hill to get to the castle that had us using ropes to pull ourselves up the side of the hill. I am guessing there is an easier way to get there – but we had fun doing it this way!

This is a post tower at the top of a hill filled with vineyards. We were able to walk on the trail through the vineyards and straight up to the top of the tower.

No one was there. It was just us. At the top of the tower you have a gorgeous view out over the Rhine River.

Streets of Bacharach

Make sure you have time in your day to just walk the streets of Bacharach. The architecture, the streets, the history, it all makes for an enjoyable time walking through the streets and imagining what life was like here 100’s of years ago!

This is said to be the oldest building in town and was built in 1368. It definitely looks like the oldest house and looks like it tilts to the side a bit!

That being said it does look like a house out of a fairytail with its timbered structure, gables and turrets. It currently houses a restaurant with a limited menu. We didn’t go in but just checked it out form the street.

Steeger Tor

A wooden tower built in the second half of the 14th century. The tower use to be used to control the road and stands at the western corner of the city fortifications. It has its original roofing from the 14th century! Now it is a cool historical landmark to check out.

Weingut Karl Heidrich

We stopped in here for some wine tasting and it was super busy!! The streets weren’t busy at all and it must have been because everyone was here. Being that the wine trade is part of Bacharach’s history we knew we wanted to stop.

I got some wine to sample and Craig got a beer. Since it was so busy we knew food would take a while so we ended up getting the kids pizza at Bacharacher Pizza and Kebab Haus and they took it back to our place to eat. This made everyone happy!

River Cruise

We wanted to get out on the river so we went to the KD Ticket Office to figure out how we could do that. There we were able to buy one way tickets to ride the boat to St. Goar and we could take the train back (the train was faster so we figured we would be ready to just get home when we were done).

We got on the boat and off we went. As we were going down the Rhine River you can see castle after castle on the river shore. It was really cool to see all the different styles and designs. None of them were the same!

There was outside seating at the top of the boat and they even had a slide and small playground area for the kids. Our kids were a little too big for it but it didn’t stop them from going down the slide a few times.

I would highly recommend doing a river cruise when you visit Bacharach. It is one of those places that needs to be seen and enjoyed from the water. It is great how easy it was to walk up, buy a ticket and take the train home.

Things To Do In St Goar

We picked to stop in St Goar specifically to see the Rheinfels Castle ruins. When we got off the boat we also realized how cute of a town St Goar was! It was a bit more busy and lively compared to Bacharach.

Rheinfels Castle Ruins

They were gorgeous ruins and we were the only people in there exploring. They had stairs to go up to get an even better view of the river, and some underground rooms you could explore.

There was one room that just kept going and it was getting darker and darker! We freaked ourselves out and ran out of there.

We also stopped to try to get some fun and funny family pictures with the Castle ruins. Everything was so picturesque!!

You do have to pay to get into the castle but they have a family pass. They also offer tours – we didn’t do that and just went on our own. This meant we didn’t learn much about the history of the castle – so if you want to know more about the castle you should do the tour.

Note there are times when the castle is closed due to the bats that live there.

You can learn more about Rheinfels Castle here.

Rebstock Garden

After exploring the castle we stopped at Rebstock Garden which was a cute restaurant right on the river. We sat down to get some snacks and a few drinks. The kids walked down the walkway a bit and found a basketball court so they were happy!

It was fun to watch the river and see all of the Rhine River Cruise boats go by. That would be an awesome way to travel the Rhine River!

Streets of St Goar

The streets of St Goar were also very cute and there were a lot of little shops and ice cream places.

After visiting St Goar we decided if we came back we would probably stay there. I think it was because the river front was more accessible in St Goar and we really liked how they had the restaurant and walkway along the river.

Many people visit this area going from Koblenz and Mainz on a river cruise of the

upper middle Rhine Valley. We had heard that the stretch between Bacharach and St Goar was one of the most beautiful parts of the trip. We would have to agree that it was beautiful!

A multi night river cruise wasn’t in our plans this time around but visiting Bacharach and enjoying the cobblestone streets and the fairy tale looking timbered houses was a great way to see the Rhine Valley area.

The famous poet Victor Hugo calls Bacharach “the most beautiful and mysterious town in the world”.

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Scylla christens 40th river ship, Porto Mirante, in Dusseldorf

The Swiss family-owned cruise ship owner Scylla AG christened its newest riverboat ( Porto Mirante ) in Dusseldorf Germany on Thursday, May 16th.

With a festive ceremony and well-wishes from guests, Scylla’s 40th ship has been specifically designed to navigate the unique features and locks of the Douro River. Scylla’s managing directors, brothers Arno and Robert Reitsma, attended the christening alongside Porto Mirante’s godmother, the Consul General of the Portuguese Republic, Lidia Nabais.

~135 international guests and business partners attended the event, while Dusseldorf residents observed the proceedings from the shore.

Porto Mirante has 4 decks and 60 spacious double cabins , and is designed to accommodate max 120 passengers .

Each stateroom features outward-facing views with French balconies on the upper and middle decks.

The shipboard amenities include two restaurants, a state-of-the-art fitness room, a panoramic lounge with a bar, a two-deck sky lounge, an onboard shop, and a spacious sun deck complete with loungers and a pool. A lift connects all decks, except the sun deck, and the vessel is fully air-conditioned.

Scylla is renowned for its comprehensive cruise ship chartering services and maintains long-standing partnerships with prominent tour operators such as Thurgau, Tauck Travel USA, Phoenix , Riviera Travel UK, and its own VIVA Cruises.

Following the christening, Porto Mirante will operate on the Douro River this year for charterers including Riviera Travel, Phoenix, and Gordon.

In 2025, the boat will serve international charter companies, including Scylla's subsidiary VIVA Cruises.

With the addition of Porto Mirante, Scylla now operates 40 river ships navigating various European waterways, including the Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Elbe, Seine, Rhone & Saone, the Baltic coast, and the Douro River.

Top Rhine River Day-Trip Boat Cruises from Cologne, Bonn, and Düsseldorf

Published on March 18, 2024

by Henk Bekker

in Cologne / Köln , Düsseldorf , Germany , N24 , Rhine / Rhein River , Rhine River , River Cruises

Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) offer cheap day trip cruises on riverboats on Rhine River (Rhein) from Cologne, Bonn, and Düsseldorf to Remagen, Linz, and Koblenz.

Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) is the best choice for cheap panorama and day-trip cruises on riverboats on the Rhine River ( Rhein ) from Cologne, Bonn, and Düsseldorf in Germany.

© manfredxy / Depositphotos

Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD), the largest operator of day cruises and pleasure boats on the Rhine River ( Rhein ) in Germany, offers many roundtrip panorama cruises in both Cologne (Köln) and Düsseldorf. However, most Rhine River day trips and excursion cruises on this section of the Rhine are from Bonn to Linz. Cruises between Cologne and Düsseldorf are fairly rare. Similarly, few boats cruise between Koblenz and Linz. Many more cruises are available in the very scenic and romantic Middle Rhine (Loreley) Valley between Koblenz and Rüdesheim / Bingen, which has very good train connections to Cologne, Düsseldorf, Bonn, and Frankfurt.

When is the Rhine River Day-Trip Cruise Season?

Rhine River all-day or shorter pleasure boat cruises are generally available from April (or late March if Easter is early) to the end of October. The high season is from late April to early October when more Rhine cruises are operated.

Winter cruises on the Rhine are rare but sightseeing cruises in Cologne (Köln) and Düsseldorf are popular during the Christmas market Advent season with special party cruises popular to greet the New Year.

Online ticket reservations are increasingly possible but often surprisingly cumbersome. It is usually easy to buy tickets from ticket kiosks or when boarding boats. Only special event cruises, which are very popular in both Cologne and Düsseldorf, require advance reservations.

Cruise prices are currently around €17 for one-hour panorama cruises and €25 for two-hour cruises. Cologne to Linz is €58 (€64 return) and Bonn to Linz is €24 (€27 return) — returns are almost free. See also special deals on Rhine River cruises for savings tips.

Sightseeing Cruises on the Rhine River in Cologne / Köln

Cologne (Köln) has the most picturesque city skyline by far of any Rhine River city. Cologne is a popular departure point for round-trip sightseeing cruises, sometimes also referred to as panorama cruises. Roundtrip sightseeing cruises from Cologne are usually around an hour but longer cruises are also available to include coffee breaks, dancing, lunch, and dinner cruises.

Köln-Düsseldorfer ( KD ) has the most cruises (around six departures each day) but other cruise lines such as Kölntourist also offer roundtrip cruises from Cologne. The differences are minimal but in some cases, special discount fares may give one company a price advance.

Rhine River Day Cruises between Cologne (Köln) / Bonn and Linz / Koblenz

Most Rhine pleasure boat excursion cruises in this region are from Bonn to Linz and back. The landscape here includes the Siebengebirge that are somewhat similar to the steep Loreley Valley further upstream. The cruise also goes past many castles and ruins including the Drachenfels, Rolandsbogen, and the remains of the bridge at Remagen. Boats cruising upstream from Bonn to Linz take two hours while the downstream return is only 85 minutes.

During the high season, there is usually one early morning cruise available from Cologne (Köln) to Linz. However, the three hours required from Cologne to Bonn are certainly not spent on the most scenic parts of the Rhine River. Cruises upstream from Linz to Koblenz are currently very rare.

Very frequent trains between Köln Hauptbahnhof (Cologne Main Station) and Bonn take between 15 and 30 minutes. Two trains per hour connect Linz (Rhein) and Cologne (with stops amongst others in Bonn) in an hour. Show the train (or bus) ticket when buying boat tickets – KD usually gives a 20% discount on the cruise. See Deutsche Bahn train schedules online: Cologne to Bonn , Cologne to Linz , Bonn to Linz , and Cologne to Koblenz .

Rhine River Boat Cruising Times between Cologne, Bonn, Linz, and Koblenz

Cruise times according to the standard Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) timetable are as follows:

Town – Left / Right bank – Minutes Upstream (Minutes Downstream)

• Köln / Cologne – L – 55 (35)
• Köln-Porz – R – 45 (25)
• Wesseling – L – 80 (45)
• Bonn – L – 30 (30)
• Bad Godesberg – L – 20 (5)
• Königswinter – R – 20 (15)
• Bad Honnef – R – 20 (15)
• Unkel – R – 10 (10)
• Remagen – L – 30 (10)
• Linz – R – 30 (30)
• Bad Breisig – L – 150 (110)

Cruises between Linz and Koblenz are rare and mostly for repositioning boats or special excursion tours a few times per year. Full Mainz, or even Koblenz, to Cologne day cruises are no longer possible on the standard schedule and timetables. For long cruises, the more sensible choice is by train to Koblenz and then to cruise to Rüdesheim / Bingen (or in the reverse order).

Sightseeing Cruises on the Rhine River from Düsseldorf

© Dudlajzov / Depositphotos

Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) has many hour-long sightseeing cruises on the Rhine River from Düsseldorf. Düsseldorf has a decidedly modern skyline and wide curves in the Rhine River make for interesting vistas too. These panorama cruises are easily booked online .

Köln-Düsseldorfer also has occasional day trips from Düsseldorf to Cologne, to medieval Zons, or to Duisburg, the largest inland harbor in Europe. These cruises usually include lunch and time for sightseeing at the destination.

Die Weisse Flotte Düsseldorf also offers panorama cruises in Düsseldorf as well as excursion cruises downriver to Kaiserswerth — a pretty small village with a castle ruin near Düsseldorf Airport.

Day Cruises on the Middle Rhine / Loreley Valley

The most popular section of the Rhine ( Rhein ) River for day trips cruises is the romantic Middle Rhine ( Mittelrhein ) between Rüdesheim / Bingen and Koblenz. The Middle Rhine is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list and includes the Loreley Rock, numerous castles, and romantic villages.

Day cruises generally do not go from Cologne to the Loreley Valley. However, very frequent trains from Cologne (Köln) to Bingen take 90 minutes to 2 hours (transfers may be required in Koblenz). Bingen is on the left bank of the Rhine opposite Rüdesheim and a great place to start a Rhine River day cruise of the Loreley Valley. Trains from Koblenz to Cologne take just less than an hour. Trains also stop in most towns along this stretch of the Rhine for travelers preferring shorter cruises.

Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) offers many special savings fares on its day cruises on the Middle Rhine (Loreley Valley) that are also valid on cruises from Bonn and Cologne.

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.

Home » Germany » Top Rhine River Day-Trip Boat Cruises from Cologne, Bonn, and Düsseldorf

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