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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. The Disney name is synonymous with family fun, so it's not a surprise that Adventures by Disney is easily the best Rhine River cruise line for families. 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. What I really liked was that there’s no pressure to stay with the tour. You’re free to start with the tour and slip away if you find a restaurant you like or somewhere you want to linger (although it’s nice to let the guide know so they don’t wait for you). The entire ship is airy and light-filled and despite it being a small river ship, it feels more spacious and open than some large cruise ships.
Viking River Cruises Review
A European river cruise along the Rhine will reveal the best of Western Europe, from its unique scenery, to the exquisite cuisine on offer. See how you can save and contact your travel advisor to receive the greatest value on your river cruise vacation. From our heritage to our innovations, included amenities and unparalleled service, discover why the best way to travel through Europe, Asia, Africa and South America is with AmaWaterways, the Heart of the River™. Enjoy the excitement of reserving your river journey with more flexibility! Plan your river cruise now and protect your purchased services by adding our enhanced Travel Waiver Plus. Everyone still has to be back on board at the same time, so for certain port stops, you would get much less time in town if you were part of the last disembarkation group.
Ultimate European Journey (
According to legend, the robber baron Johann Lutter did this in front of his executioners. But that’s just a small feature in a city that otherwise has great things to offer. The equestrian statue of Wilhelm I at the Deutsches Eck, for example, where the Moselle and Rhine rivers meet. Or the Electoral Palace and, of course, right outside the city gates, the castle Burg Stolzenfels, which was built in 1250 and extensively restored, indeed almost rebuilt, in 1826 according to plans by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. The Rhine passes through over 1200 kilometres on its way from the Alps to the North Sea. Anyone who follows its course will travel through epochs and countries, and see fascinating cities and romantic castles.
Grand European Tour
Add to that a well-timed, well-chosen glass of wine or classic cocktail (best enjoyed at sunset, up on deck) – and the temptation becomes too great to resist. But there’s nothing quite like the anticipation of gliding up to the promenade of a river port, snatching tantalizing glimpses of what lies ashore. You’ll discover classic wine villages and picturesque 16th-century old towns. You’ll explore tiny cobbled streets and alleyways leading past quirkily crooked, half-timbered houses to quiet, intimate squares. Then it’s back to your ship - for the next stage of your enchanting River Rhine cruise. 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.
Grand Central Europe (
I know river cruising is not for everyone so if you’re curious about Viking specifically or more generally wondering what there is to see and do along the Rhine River, I thought I’d recap our trip to show you the highlights. Begin your journey in the picturesque city of Basel and end in imperial Vienna, two showstopping destinations to highlight your cruise. Uncover the best-kept secret in river cruising, the Moselle, as you sail past some of Europe’s most serene and vineyard-lined landscapes. Discover the roots of our Christmas traditions as you explore some of Europe’s most charming towns.
A Portrait of India
River Cruises Plan a River Cruise - Cruise Critic
River Cruises Plan a River Cruise.
Posted: Mon, 06 Nov 2023 21:36:09 GMT [source]
Admire terraced vineyards dating back to the Romans and taste the region’s renowned red and white wines. Savor the culinary traditions of Alsace and explore Amsterdam, Basel and Cologne. The winter season is an ideal time to visit, with fewer travelers and easier access to landmarks. 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.
Post: Basel
Dive deep into the region’s culture, natural wonders, traditions and historical significance in a one-of-a-kind experience along the Rhine. The Rhine River can be a food-and-wine paradise and AmaWaterways is the best choice if you're a foodie or oenophile. All of AmaWaterways' European ships are members of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, a prestigious international gastronomic society. The line's intimate Chef's Table restaurant -- where all guests get to dine free once during their cruise -- also ups the gourmet credentials. While Uniworld brings luxurious touches to a romantic cruise, those who want to spoil themselves no matter the reason would do well to check out Tauck's Rhine River cruises. Out of the 67 cabins on its 130-passenger vessels, 22 are suites -- the highest ratio on any European riverboat of the same size.
Pre: Basel
For a couple stops on the journey, boats running in opposite cities are docked together. I would recommend this trip if you enjoy small colorful towns, World War II history and good food. Recently, I sailed on my first Viking River Cruise up the Rhine River to explore Switzerland, Germany, France and The Netherlands on their classic ‘Rhine Getaway’ river cruise. Charming and poetic, the compositions of Debussy created a beautiful bridge between romanticism and the developing modern world. So too will your ship, the Riverside Debussy, deliver the rich history of Europe along with all the modern comforts that bring you joy.
Our ship on the river Rhine
11 Best Things to do on a Rhine Cruise - Cruise Critic
11 Best Things to do on a Rhine Cruise.
Posted: Tue, 02 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Blend a passion for the good life with culture, art, architecture and the timeless landscapes of Northern France. All the local guides were quite knowledgeable and Viking provides headsets so you can clearly hear. There’s even a designated group for those who wish to tour at a slower pace.
One night we had an Austrian / German night, with local specialties like sauerkraut, sausages, pretzels, schnitzel and plenty of German beer. I thought that was such a nice touch given that I’m addicted to my phone. Internet service is a slower than usual, as it’s satellite service on the river and therefore inherently slower. My favorite part of our floor was the coffee & espresso bar to grab pastries and java any time of day. I helped myself to endless madeleines and double dark chocolate muffins. Each ship has a giant painting of the Nordic god at the top of the main staircase, dedicated to the deity it’s named after.
The river cruise operator also offers a series of “discovery” excursions, hands-on, interactive experiences that often focus on culture and cuisine. 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. 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. Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich cultures of the Middle Rhine, a UNESCO Site boasting turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, medieval towns and stunning scenery.
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. 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. 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.
When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Viking offers both pre and post extensions, which are a fun way to see more of Europe and combine the best of both worlds (guided group tours with individual trips). They have a handy map to show the journey along the Rhine River and make it easy to see what your options are each day. If you happen to pick an optional that conflicts with an included tour or a different optional tour, the website lets you know immediately.
