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Lined with more castles than any other river, the Rhine River is a spectacular showcase of enchanting wine villages, cultural treasures and ever-changing scenery. That makes the Rhine an ideal choice for both first-time and seasoned river cruisers alike -- and means there are plenty of candidates for the best Rhine River cruise. Christmas markets are the highlight of Europe's winter calendar and Germany forms the heartland of the festive market scene. A Viking river cruise provides the perfect way to soak up history and culture combined with a wonderful yuletide atmosphere.
Best Viking River Cruises on the Rhine
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. Situated on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle, the 19th-century Ehrenbreitstein fortress -- one of Europe's largest castles -- towers over Koblenz. Ships dock near the impressive equestrian statue of Emperor William I and from here it’s a short stroll to several fountains that form the centerpiece of the town’s squares.
An exclusive evening at a Rheingau wine estate overlooking the Rhine
Find the best European river cruise for you with top-reviewed itineraries navigating all the major waterways from Tauck. Excursions on Emerald's Rhine sailings feature EmeraldACTIVE options, like a hike from Mount Konigstuhl to Heidelberg plus guided bike tours around destinations like the pretty town of Breisach or to the windmills outside Amsterdam. Gate 1 cruises also have more onboard activities than your typical river cruise, such as bingo, trivia and early morning exercise classes.
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It's all a great mix of together time as a family, paired with opportunities for parents to reconnect -- the extra Disney-level service is just a bonus.
You’ll find an ideal mix of old and new, historic and modern, in some of Europe’s liveliest cities on this journey. A visit to Rüdesheim offers the perfect excuse to get to know the local grapes, including Riesling, Gray Burgundy and Pinot Noir. Magdalenenhof is a fantastic family-run winery serving mellow wines at their cellar door on the edge of Rüdesheim. Friedrich Fendel and Georg Breuer are also wonderful spots to quaff local grapes.
European river cruises are especially popular around the holiday season when Christmas markets are in business. One of the smaller Rhine River cruise destinations is the delightful German wine-making town of Rudesheim. You can walk or take a land train to bustling Drosselgasse street where cozy bars serve local riesling and Rudesheimer coffee made with cream and brandy. One of the more unusual local Rudesheim attractions is Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, where exhibits range from tiny music boxes to fairground organs.
Enjoy cocktails at the "Top of Europe" with an exclusive Tauck reception at the Jungfraujoch's Ice Palace
What It’s Like to Go on a Rhine River Cruise - AFAR Media
What It’s Like to Go on a Rhine River Cruise.
Posted: Wed, 13 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
You'll want to be out on deck when you cruise into the Rhine River's most picturesque destination, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The 40-mile stretch of river between Bingen and Koblenz in Germany is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the banks are lined with more than 40 castles and fortresses. The Rhine River is one of the longest in Europe and the amount of amazing destinations along its banks is extensive. Over 820 miles, everything from clifftop castles in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley to the canals of Amsterdam are just some of the places you'll experience as the Rhine makes its way through the Netherlands, France, Germany and Switzerland. Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.
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Explore this time-honored city, from its Mainz Cathedral to the Gutenberg Museum of printing. Explore one of the many world-class museums in this historic cultural capital of Switzerland. We'll keep you up-to-date with our latest news, travel inspiration and special promotions. From the canals of Amsterdam to the belfry of Bruges, you’ll discover the best of the Netherlands and Belgium. Stroll through colorful acres of tulips at Keukenhof Gardens to get a sense of the ... Sunner im Walfisch is a charming 17th-century spot on a cobblestone side street of the Old Town, with dark wood panelling and cosy corners.
Cologne’s sky-piercing cathedral is one of the world’s most spectacular churches — completed in 1880 after 632 years of construction. Its Gothic spires dominate Cologne’s skyline, guiding visitors and residents from around the city to its intricately decorated walls, adorned with gargoyles and saints. There are around 8,000 works on display, spanning 800 years of Dutch history, including works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer. In fact, the museum recently welcomed two Rembrandts held in a private collection for almost 200 years. The main attraction is, arguably, Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch”, in the Gallery of Honor. Traveling 766 miles from the Swiss Alps to Rotterdam, the majestic River Rhine is truly one of Europe’s greatest international waterways.
The winter season is an ideal time to visit, with fewer travelers and easier access to landmarks. 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.
Explore Germany’s fabled Black Forest region and admire verdant hills amid stunning scenery. Stroll the pedestrian-only Drosselgasse; sample local wines at a quaint restaurant. Sail past hilltop castles along the Middle Rhine, a UNESCO Site, and look for Lorelei Rock.
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. 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. This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.
Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply. Uniworld’s “Tulip and Windmills” cruise begins on the Rhine, but then veers to the west toward Belgium. Guests will also get to visit small, charming Dutch towns, such as Enkhuizen, Hoorn, and Veere, and take in the dazzling skyline of Rotterdam. 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.
Admire these stately masterpieces, some in ruins, others in intact, while enjoying the understated elegance and comfort of your Viking Longship as you sail languidly along the Rhine. It's worthwhile spending time drinking in its remarkable architecture, including towering stained-glass windows and vaulted ceilings. If you’re a true museum buff, combine the Rijksmuseum with a visit to the Van Gogh Museum or the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, with all three found in Museum Square.
Loreley-Linie Weinand operates from Kamp Bornhofen with cruises to the Loreley Valley with stops mostly in Boppard, Kamp Bornhofen, Kestert, St Goar, and St Goarhausen. See also Rhine River Cruises from Rüdesheim – a great town to start or conclude a Rhine day cruise. KD also often has arrangements with other local boat operators to offer a high number of departures.
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