Find your cruise

Rhine River Cruises

From its source high in the Swiss Alps, The Rhine follows the border of France before continuing its journey across Germany and into the Netherlands, where it empties into the North Sea. Running a course of over 760-miles, it is one of Europe’s most famous and picturesque rivers and has long been a vital trade link and historically formed a large part of the inland frontier of the Roman Empire. Indeed, any voyage along the Rhine will reward cruisers with ample opportunities to view a large number of castles and historic sites which evoke its memorable past. Though a number of itineraries include visits to Dutch and Swiss cities, the most popular portion of the river is Germany’s Middle Rhine, where the World Heritage Site Rhine Valley gives way to a host of ancient sites, quaint towns and areas of stunning natural beauty.

Rhine Highlights

Cologne

Cologne in Germany is one of the most famous cities you’ll visit on your Rhine cruise and its most celebrated attraction is its magnificent cathedral, the Dom, a true architectural gem and UNESCO World Heritage Site which is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. Explore the old town, the docks and other key attractions such as St Martin’s Church, The Botanical Gardens and Hohenzollern Bridge, where couples go to attach padlocks to one of its fences as a sign of their commitment. 

Koblenz 

Koblenz, where the Rhine is joined by the Moselle, is another popular port of call, and home to over 2,000 years of history. The Deutsches Eck marks the point where the two rivers join, one of the area’s most popular attractions. While on the Rhine’s East bank lies Festung Ehrenbreitstein, an imposing fortress which is the perfect place to explore if you find yourself with a little more time. The city itself meanwhile, is home to a host of other historic sites. 

Strasbourg 

Visit Strasbourg and you’ll discover a city influenced by both French and German cultures which offer a wealth of artistic, architectural and historic attractions. The city is home to the official seat of the European Parliament, a visit to which often forms part of Strasbourg shore excursions. You’ll also explore the city’s famous Notre Dame Cathedral and perhaps take a stroll around La Petite France, a beautiful cobblestoned area of quaint medieval buildings and restaurants. 

Heidelberg and Speyer 

Situated across the Rhine from each other, Heidelberg and Speyer are popular ports of call to visit in a single day on your Rhine cruise. Heidelberg lies a little way down the Neckar River, one of the Rhine’s tributaries and the journey to it will reward you with some stunning views of the Neckar River Valley. The city itself is home to Germany’s oldest university, a stunning castle and a historic old town. Speyer, meanwhile, boasts its own UNESCO World Heritage Site in the form of its captivating 11thcentury cathedral, which is a definite must-see. If you find yourself with a little more time to spend in Speyer, then the impressive Technik Museum is a fascinating home to all things automotive. 

Rhine Ports

Card image cap

Andernach

Due to its location directly on the left bank of the Rhine River, Andernach frequently ...

Card image cap

Basel

Cosmopolitan Basel is Switzerland’s third largest city and the point at which you’ll ...

Card image cap

Bonn

Sitting on the banks of the iconic Rhine River, Bonn is a popular river cruise ...

Card image cap

Breisach

Breisach lies on the Rhine River in the Upper Rhine Valley and is situated between ...

Card image cap

Cologne

As one of Germany’s largest and most historic cities, Cologne is also one ...

Card image cap

Dusseldorf

In many ways the modern face of Germany, Dusseldorf has plenty of historic charm to ...

Card image cap

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is located in South-west Germany on the banks of the Neckar River, which is ...

Card image cap

Koblenz

Koblenz sits at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers in south-western Germany, halfway ...

Card image cap

  

Lucerne

Located on the shore of Switzerland’s ...

Card image cap

Mainz

Sitting at the confluence of the Rhine and Main rivers, Mainz is an attractive and ...

Card image cap

Rüdesheim

Rüdesheim lies at the southern end of the Rhine Valley within ...

Card image cap

Speyer

Speyer lies within the Rhineland-Palatinate region located in south western Germany. The city resides on ...

Card image cap

Strasbourg

Perhaps best known for being the seat of the European Parliament, Strasbourg is located in ...

You may be interested in

Rudesheim

Enchanting Rhine and Yuletide Markets River

17 Dec 2023 - 4 Nights

From Cologne, Germany to Cologne on board MS Oscar Wilde

Riviera Travel logo WAS £959
FROM £749pp
Rudesheim

Enchanting Rhine and Yuletide Markets River

06 Dec 2023 - 4 Nights

From Cologne, Germany to Cologne on board MS Emily Bronte

Riviera Travel logo FROM £849pp
Bonn

Enchanting Rhine and Yuletide Markets River

14 Dec 2023 - 4 Nights

From Cologne, Germany to Cologne on board MS Emily Bronte

Riviera Travel logo FROM £879pp

Sign UpSign up for fantastic offers

We don’t want you to risk missing out on our cruise lines' latest sailings or flash sales, so sign up today and stay up to date with our most recent offers in your inbox.

By providing your email address and clicking the Submit button, you consent to us sending you cruise holiday deals by email. For further details, please see our Privacy Policy here .

General Enquiry

Title
First Name
Last Name
Phone Number
Email Address
Adult
Children
Infant
Cruise Destination
Departure Month
Duration
Cruise Line
Cabin Type
Call back time
Special
requirements
Airport
preference

By providing your email address and clicking the Submit button, you consent to us sending you cruise holiday deals by email. For further details, please see our Privacy Policy here .