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The Rhine is not only the longest river in Germany, it is also undoubtedly the most diverse. On a river cruise on the Rhine and its tributaries, you will experience an incomparable range of cities and landscapes that no other river can offer you. From the modern metropolises of Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Rotterdam to the historic cities of Basel, Speyer and Strasbourg.
Old World Europe awaits on a Rhine River cruise
This fantastic three-in-one Viking vacation combines the highlights of the Rhine with hotel stays to discover the best of Paris, sparkling Reims in the heart of the Champagne region and scenic Switzerland. You can choose to start or end the 12-day Paris to the Swiss Alps itinerary with two days in the French capital or the largest Swiss city of Zurich, nestling on a shimmering lake. A comfortable motor coach transfer will take you to and from your Viking ship.
Discover Cologne's Gothic Cathedral
A Rhine River cruise with my father - Cruise Critic
A Rhine River cruise with my father.
Posted: Wed, 17 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Strasbourg offers plenty of boutiques, museums, cafes, restaurants and bars — though the highlights are the aesthetically-pleasing houses, bridges and canals. Gaze across Koblenz as you enjoy the breezy journey towards the early 19th-century fortress. Before hopping on the Koblenz Cab Car, take in the equestrian bronze statue of Emperor William I, which looms over the confluence on a towering plinth. Koblenz’s oldest church, the Basilica of St. Castor, is not to be missed, too, with its vaulted ceilings a mesmerising sight.
River cruises in other countries
On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking (including e-Cigarettes) is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space. 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 onboard the riverboat. In case of emergency we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance. 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.
Best Things to Do on a Rhine River Cruise
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. 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. 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.
Rudesheim, Germany: Wine, Music Boxes and a Scenic Cable Car Ride
Where Is the Rhine River? And Other Basics You Should Know - Cruise Critic
Where Is the Rhine River? And Other Basics You Should Know.
Posted: Mon, 02 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Please refer to the Tauck Travel Protection Product section above for information on the coverage we can offer you. Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. 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.
Starting in the Alps and meandering 820 miles through Switzerland, France, Germany and Holland, Viking's extensive offerings of Rhine cruises take in every aspect of this beautiful waterway. There are week-long sailings -- ideal for first-time visitors -- through longer itineraries which are ideal for seasoned Rhine cruisers looking to discover more. Viking Longships have prime mooring spots in the center of town providing the option for easy independent exploration in between guided included and optional shore excursions. For something very different, Viking has a unique 15-day itinerary combining a Rhine River cruise with a Scandinavian sailing into the Norwegian fjords on one of its stylish ocean ships. Scenic Cruise’s “Christmas on the Rhine” takes the best parts of a typical Rhine river cruise and sprinkles in a little holiday magic.
Viking Rhine River Cruise: Cultural Cities
Adventures by Disney charters AmaWaterways ships that carry only 140 passengers, and brings their own spin to the sailings through Adventure Guides who are trained in all things kids. During the day passengers can relax in the uber-stylish library lounge, a smaller version of the extremely popular libraries on Saga’s ocean ships, and there’s also a small gym for the energetic. The large sun deck has a hot tub, barbecue, deck games and plenty of room for deckchairs and loungers for those who want to sit outside while the ship sails -- or enjoy a waiter-served drink in the sun after a day exploring.
You need to be out on deck for the most picturesque stretch of the Rhine between Bingen and Koblenz. You can also enjoy the view from the Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows perfect for watching the changing landscape. The 40-mile Upper Middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the banks are lined with more than 40 hilltop fortresses and lush vineyards. Your program director will highlight many points of interest, including the legendary 443-foot Lorelei Rock where a siren is said to have lured passing sailors to their doom with her haunting songs. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.
If you want to get an insight into the history of the Rüdesheim nobility, visit the beautiful courtyards on Oberstraße. European river cruises are especially popular around the holiday season when Christmas markets are in business. Amsterdam is a popular destination to begin or end a Rhine River cruise.
For starters, all of the major river cruise lines sail the Rhine, from Viking to Uniworld and AmaWaterways. That puts the best Rhine River cruise within reach for any type of traveler. However, the differences between each can make or break your Rhine River cruise experience. Take a look at our guide to find out how they differ and decide on the best Rhine river cruise for you. 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.
The city is famous for its futuristic-modern cityscape since the reconstruction after the Second World War. There are many beautiful cities, towns, and villages along the banks of Rhine. A Rhine River cruise offers travelers the opportunity to visit vibrant cities, beguiling villages, and witness an extraordinary landscape of magnificent castles, rolling vineyards and verdant forests. Tour highlights of the legendary Rhine River and discover Scandinavian wonders by sea. See the charming canals of Strasbourg’s Petite France, admire Cologne’s famous cathedral and explore Holland’s iconic windmills.
Emerald Cruises is a great option for cruisers in their earlier adult decades. The lower-priced offshoot of Australian-owned all-inclusive line Scenic has contemporary ships that tend to attract a slightly younger crowd -- with good reason. For wallet-conscious cruisers used to deals on ocean-going lines, the price of a Rhine River cruise can come as a shock. For about $1,000 less than the closet competitor, Gate 1 Travel manages to be one of the best Rhine River cruises for those watching there budget.
While a cruise is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy all the cruise has to offer, 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. 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.
Other tours are more somber, including visits to poignant World War II sites in the Colmar Pocket, one of the last regions in France occupied by German forces. Tales from legendary battles here include that of 19-year-old American soldier-turned-actor Audie Murphy, who single handedly held off an entire German platoon. Breisach is the gateway to Germany's dense and mountainous Black Forest -- the fabled setting for the Grimm brothers fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel." Typical shore excursions in this Rhine River destination are equally fantastical. You're likely to visit a cuckoo clock workshop and a get taste of authentic Black Forest cake (schwarzwalder kirschtorte in German). If history isn't quite your thing, have no fear -- this is an oenophile's dream destination, too.
