rhine boat tour strasbourg

Strasbourg Rhine River Cruises

10 best rhine river cruises to strasbourg for 2024-2025, christmas on the romantic rhine, the romantic rhine valley and the rock of lorelei, delightful christmas markets in the neckar valley, the magic of christmas: savory delights and holiday traditions on a rhine river cruise, the valley of the romantic rhine, the moselle and the main, 4 rivers: the neckar, romantic rhine, moselle, and sarre valleys, christmastime in alsace and germany, rhineland and dutch christmas, european classic cruise - alsace & lorraine, top 6 luxury rhine river cruises for 2024-2025, strasbourg travel guide, france overview, when to visit europe: seasons & temperatures.

• Orangerie: a leisurely park, which also happens to be the oldest in the city.
• Place de la Republique
• European Parliament
• “La Petite France” neighborhood , where you can see the Gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock.
• Take a bicycle tour of the city
• Travel the “Alsace Wine Road” to visit Obernai

Best Luxury River Cruises in Europe

Choosing the best european riverboat for you, strasbourg faqs, top strasbourg travel destinations, strasbourg trips by departure date.

• 2024 Strasbourg trips (58)
• 2025 Strasbourg trips (31)
• May 2024 (25)
• June 2024 (24)
• July 2024 (28)
• August 2024 (28)
• September 2024 (29)
• October 2024 (26)
• November 2024 (19)
• December 2024 (22)
• November 2025 (18)

Top Experiences in Strasbourg

• Strasbourg Cruises (62)
• Strasbourg River Cruises (53)
• Strasbourg Luxury (25)
• Strasbourg Cultural (18)
• Strasbourg Food & Wine (7)

Strasbourg Trips by Duration

• 5 day trips (9)
• 7 day trips (6)
• 8 day trips (32)
• 11 day trips (5)
• 12 day trips (3)

Strasbourg Trips by Activity

• Strasbourg wine tasting (37)
• Strasbourg biking (31)
• Strasbourg hiking (25)
• Strasbourg village visits (23)
• Strasbourg urban exploration (16)
• Strasbourg christmas market visits (14)
• Strasbourg small ship cruises (14)
• Strasbourg local market visits (8)
• Strasbourg archaeological site visits (4)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

Cruises on the Rhine

110-METRE VESSELS - QUAI DES BELGES

• Access via the southern lock (écluse SUD), open from 7 am to 4 pm every day except Friday, when it is open until 3 pm
• Access via the northern lock (écluse NORD) open 24h/7 all year round
• Waste disposal facilities at the lock gates: glass • cardboard • bio-waste • household waste
• Five-minute walk to the nearest tram station at Place d’Islande
• Riverside and shore facilities for grey and black water disposal
• Riverside services for diesel includes engine oil and oil filter recycling
• Supplies to berths by 19- and 38-tonne refrigerated trucks to P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5
• Drinking water supplies to the 5 berths

135-METRE VESSELS - RUE DE LA MINOTERIE

• Direct access without going through the locks
• Guaranteed draught of 3.50 m
• Bus and car parking space for tourist guides and other personnel
• Space for bike hire
• Supplies to the 4 berths by 19- and 38-tonne refrigerated trucks
• Drinking water supplies to 4 outlets with flow rate of 20m3/hour (see Fees)
• Waste recycling area: glass • cardboard • bio-waste • household waste
• Pedestrian access to urban bus line No.2 at Rue du Port du Rhin near the Harbour Master’s office 650 metres away
• 900 metres to tram station for trams to city centre, to local shops, banks and supermarket, etc
• Riverside engine oil and oil filter recycling
• Wintering of vessels with no passengers and minimal crew available in November, January, February and March

Would you like to take a cruise on the Rhine?

The PAS provides you with details of the companies that include a stopover in Strasbourg:

Pour toutes questions techniques ou commerciales concernant les services aux compagnies fluviales :

Detailed Itinerary:

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Join us on an excursion common for both Classical and Discovery excursions packages: tour by river boat through old Strasbourg by night (depending on availability.)

The morning will be spent cruising. Join us for the excursions proposed:

CLASSIC : Touristic train, tasting of wines and visit of the museum of mechanical music.

DISCOVERY: Hiking through the vineyards in Rudesheim

Free evening in the famous Drosselgasse, the little street famous worldwide for joyful athmosphere and Rhineland bands.

The morning will be spent cruising. Join for a tour to explore old Koblenz in the company of our hostess.

The morning will be spent cruising. In the afternoon, join us for the excursions proposed:

CLASSIC: Guided visit of Mainz and the Gutenberg museum

The morning will be spent cruising. Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided visit of Heidelberg. Tonight is our gala evening and dinner.

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.

Advisements:

• A valid passport is required for travel. Passports must be valid at least 6 months after the last day of travel.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the cruise operator and the Captain of the ship reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise .
• Until further notice, it is only possible to select one of the 2 excursions packages on offer. You will thus only be able to book the Classic Package OR the Dynamic Package. Please advise at the time of booking the excursion package you wish to choose.

Prices Include:

Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day • Drinks including water, wine, beer, fruit juices and coffee served during meals on board • Drinks from the ship's bar (except for champagne and wines from the wine list) • Double-occupancy cabin with shower in bathroom • Onboard entertainment • Assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess • Welcome cocktail • Gala dinner • The excursions included in the package selected (Choose only ONE excursions package: Classic -or- Discovery) • Port fees

Prices Do Not Include:

Individual arrival and departure (airfare; transfers) • T ravel Cancellation Insurance • Wines from the wine list • Champagne from the onboard bar • The drinks served during excursions or transfers • Gratuities • P ersonal expenses

Back to Top of Page

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!

River cruising is a type of travel that involves navigating a river on a small, often luxurious, ship. Unlike ocean cruises, river cruises take passengers on journeys through inland waterways, such as the Danube, Rhine, Nile, Yangtze, Mekong, and many other rivers around the world. River cruises typically offer a more intimate and relaxed experience than ocean cruises, with smaller ships and fewer passengers. The itineraries often focus on exploring smaller towns and cities along the river, allowing passengers to get a closer look at the local culture and history. This can include visits to historical landmarks, museums, and cultural sites, as well as opportunities to sample local food and wine. River cruises often include a variety of amenities and services, such as fine dining, entertainment, educational lectures, and excursions. Some river cruises are all-inclusive, while others offer optional add-ons for certain activities or services. River cruising has become a popular way to explore Europe, Asia, and other regions of the world, with many cruise lines offering a wide variety of itineraries and ship sizes to suit different preferences and budgets.

With so many River Cruise Companies vying for this ever increasing number of passengers, each claiming to be the best option in the Budget, First Class or Deluxe categories, it has becomes quite difficult for travelers to know which is the best River Cruise Company, River Boat, Destination or Itinerary for them! Without years of experience and the knowledge and access to information that those years bring, consumers run the risk of paying more than they need to, or getting less than they expected to!

That is where we come in! RiverCruiseLines.com, a service of Smart Traveler and MisterCruise.com, puts you in touch with the best cruise counselors for your lifestyle and budget - and our service is FREE.

In fact, we guarantee that, at the time of your river cruise reservation, you will never pay more than if you booked it yourself directly! In addition to absolutely NOT paying more using our services, for over 80% of our reservations, our customers pay less, sometimes much less, than if they booked it themselves!

So, please, look around, get some ideas, and whenever you feel ready for some assistance, simply fill out the River Cruise Quote Request Form. You will enjoy exceptional value when you book your discount river cruises and discount luxury cruises with RiverCruiseLines.com. Act now for the best deals on Yangtze River Cruises, Nile River Cruises, Europe River Cruises or Mississippi River Cruises and sail away with bonus offers such as free onboard spending and free upgrades. Plus, discount river cruises include all meals, accommodations, and countless onboard activities. Discount river cruises are the way to save — plan your cruise vacation of a lifetime before these phenomenal river cruise deals are gone.

"Mister Cruise" Peter Coloyan Sr. President, Smart Traveler

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

**************************

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!

Here are some ways in which they can help

Knowledge of destinations.

River Cruise Specialists have extensive knowledge about the different river cruise destinations available worldwide. They can provide information on the various ports of call, cultural attractions, and local experiences that each destination has to offer. This information can help you make an informed decision about which river cruise itinerary will best suit your interests and preferences.

Expertise on Cruise Lines & Ships

River Cruise Specialists can provide information about the different river cruise lines and ships that service various destinations worldwide. They can help you choose the best cruise line for your specific needs, taking into account your budget, travel style, and desired level of comfort.

Experience and Advice

River Cruise Specialists the experience and expertise to provide valuable advice on how to get the best value for your river cruise dollar. They can offer insider deals, promotions, and discounts, as well as provide guidance on how to choose the right cabin category and when to book.

Customization

River Cruise Specialists can help you customize your river cruise experience, tailoring it to your specific interests and preferences. They can help you choose the right shore excursions, onboard activities, and dining experiences to ensure that your river cruise is a truly personalized and memorable experience.

River Cruise Specialists can help you navigate the wide range of options available for worldwide river cruises, providing you with the knowledge, expertise, and advice you need to make an informed decision and get the best value for your river cruise dollar.

Don’t make a costly mistake by booking online or direct. Only a live, experienced River Cruise Specialist can provide the personalized service, experience, access to proprietary pricing, and knowledge of all amenities on the different lines, and ships – and can help compare multiple options! They can also provide additional travel arrangements, such as airfare, travel insurance, pre or post cruise stays and local excursions.

Plus, getting your river cruise booked is only the core part of the process for a successful, less stressful vacation experience. Advice and assistance with your river cruise travel document requirements, travel safety, health requirements, luggage delivery and all other concierge services can best be provided by a River Cruise Specialist!

Completing our River Cruise Quote Request form is the first step to getting true expert advice.. We have been selling, and sailing, river cruises since 1984. We can help you find what is right for you! For avid river cruisers, please join our mailing list, as we will soon be announcing special, Concierge escorted river cruises for those traveling single, with special needs, 55+, and niche cruises for wildlife viewing experiences, Food & Wine, and more!

Special Offer

Save up to 50% on river cruises contact us today.

River cruise Lines

THEME CRUISES

Christmas & Holiday River Cruises

Civil War History

European History & Politics

Oberammergau Passion Play

River cruise destination, check out river cruise destinations view now, cruise companies.

River Cruise Quote Request

Want to get more information on GREAT RIVER CRUISEL DEALS - We can help you!

Please click on below button and complete form with as many specific details as possible One of our Expert Cruise Agents will contact you soon. Thank YOU!

We have received your quote request, will get back to you as soon as possible after review request

Use our River Cruise Quote form and a River Cruise Counselor will contact you ASAP. Our website is open 24/7, to contact our River Cruise Counselors and for trip planning!

Smart Traveler - 1127 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Ste 255, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

• [email protected]

Quick Links

• Cruise Companies
• Destinations
• Theme Cruises
• River Cruise Ships
• Travel News
• Special Offers
• Terms & Conditions
• Travel Links
• Partner Links

Newsletter Subscribe

Contact a Luxury Cruise Specialist for our Free Concierge services on all River Cruises Call 1-833-742-7847 M-F 9A-5P PST for the expert services of experienced, professional river cruise agents!

© 1995-2024 Smart Traveler All Rights Reserved

We have received your quote request,

will get back to you as soon as possible after review request.

You can instant contact using details

One Day In Strasbourg, France: My Favorite Rhine River Cruise Stop

Published July 29, 2022

A Rhine River cruise between Switzerland and the Netherlands is one of the most enchanting ways to explore a large section of Western Europe . The cities and towns along the Rhine are all so quaint, with rich histories shaped by the river. You can tell that many of these cities were centers of cultural exchange, influenced by military struggles to control the strategic waterway.

All of these things are especially true of Strasbourg, a French city with a German-sounding name . Strasbourg sits almost on the border of the two countries in the region of Alsace. Today, it is one of the Europe’s most important cities. That’s because many European governmental institutions are based in Strasbourg.

I recently went on a Viking Rhine River Cruise , and we docked in many beautiful places in France and Germany. However, Strasbourg was probably my favorite stop . If you’re planning on spending a day in this fascinating city, this post will explain what you’ll have time to see and do! Below is a list of the different attractions I found noteworthy.

Petite France

Cathédrale notre-dame de strasbourg, food in strasbourg.

This beautiful district is the perfect place to start exploring Strasbourg in the morning. It’s quieter than the area surrounding the Notre Dame Cathedral, but it’s just as quaint. Petite France is known for its idyllic canals and half-timbered buildings . That’s the name for the distinctive German architectural style that has wooden support beams on the exterior of buildings, as shown in the photos below.

We were briefly introduced to Petite France during our walking tour of Strasbourg led by Viking Cruises. However, I’m glad I came back later in the day to spend a bit more time here. The waterways and the colorful homes make Petite France such a picturesque area!

On the west end of Petite France, you’ll encounter the Ponts Couverts de Strasbourg, a series of old brick towers and bridges that cross the canals. This happened to be where our guided tour of the city began.

Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral is the city’s most famous landmark. Like the majority of things featured in this post, this massive church is located on Grande Île , an island that comprises the historic center of town. As you can see on the map below, various bridges connect Grande Île to the rest of the city.

The massive Notre-Dame Cathedral dominates the city’s skyline. That’s because at 466 feet tall (142 meters), it is one of the tallest churches in the world . That height may not sound extremely impressive compared to today’s modern skyscrapers, but the following facts from the church’s  Wikipedia page  give a better sense of just how exceptional it is.

• This was the tallest building in the world from 1647 to 1874 (over 200 years).
• It is the sixth-tallest church in the world at the time of writing.
• The Strasbourg Cathedral took over 400 years to be built, and was completed in 1439.
• It is the tallest still-standing structure built entirely during the Middle Ages.

Pictures of the cathedral don’t do it justice, either. In person, its intricate brown sandstone exterior and somewhat asymmetric design (with only one spire that’s not centered) make it one of the most memorable churches I’ve ever visited.

If you’re visiting Strasbourg on a guided tour organized by a cruise, they will probably bring you inside the church. The interior is absolutely worth seeing, especially the astronomical clock that can be found towards the front of the sanctuary.

Finally, I highly recommend climbing the spiral staircase to see the surrounding cityscape from the top of the church. This was not included on our Viking River Cruise excursion, but I’m glad I did it on my own.

A long winding staircase can be a little disorienting and tiring, but there are little platforms to step to the side and catch your breath if you need to. At the very least, this cathedral had one-way foot traffic on two separate staircases (one for going up, one for coming down). That isn’t always the case!

On a nice sunny day, the view from up above really is spectacular. Strasbourg is a beautiful city, including its rooftops!

Located directly northeast of Grande Île, this neighborhood has a German name that means “New Town.” As that name suggests, the architecture here does generally look newer than in the historic center, but it’s still impressive. The Jardin de la Place de la République is a nice area to walk around, and the Église réformée Saint-Paul is another beautiful church to see on the Ill River.

Krutenau is the lively area southeast of Grande Île. I only had a brief walk through, but the riverfront walk is quaint. It offers views of the Palais Rohan and the Église réformée Saint-Paul in Neustadt.

The most famous dish in Strasbourg is sauerkraut , so some family members and I definitely wanted to try it. After some browsing, we ended up at  Aux Armes de Strasbourg , a local restaurant on Gutenberg Square. We got two appetizers: escargot, plus a plate that had shredded veggies, a small salad, and a breaded cold meat item that I don’t know the name of. I liked the escargot, and the fresh veggies were fine, but that bread and meat thing was a little odd to me.

For my main dish, I got “choucroute des Armes 6 garnitures, pommes nature” which was translated into English as “sauerkraut with 6 trimmings, steamed potatoes.” I don’t know exactly what I was expecting, but I think the word ‘garnitures’ made me think of ‘garnishes.’ I was probably expecting the dish to come with sauerkraut and six small sides, maybe some veggies, maybe some small meat portions. Instead, it came with a mountain of meat! There was so much that it completely covered the sauerkraut, and it just ended up being a ton of food. However, all those sausages, potatoes, and other bits didn’t have a ton of flavor.

If I’m being honest, this wasn’t my favorite meal during our time in France and Germany. I’m glad we tried to find local food and didn’t just settle for a burger or pizza in Strasbourg, but the sauerkraut plate wasn’t amazing. You might want to research food options a little more in depth before arriving. Or if you’re coming in on a cruise, ask the program director for lunch recommendations in town!

Make the Most of a Day in Strasbourg!

Other than our underwhelming lunch, Strasbourg really impressed me. I wish I had more time to explore, but short visits are what you get when you’re traveling by cruise!

If you’re about to embark on a day trip to Strasbourg, I hope this blog post has been helpful for planning purposes! Are you headed that way soon? Will you be visiting as part of a Rhine River cruise? Leave a comment below and let me know! Thanks for reading, and enjoy your time in this historic city!

Share This Post With Fellow Travelers!

This post was published on July 29, 2022

Recent Posts

• Virgin Voyages Food Review: Restaurants, Bars, And More Aboard The Scarlet Lady
• The Weekend Getaway Guide To Charlotte, NC: A City Fit For A Queen
• Where To Eat In Guadalajara: My Top Restaurant And Bar Recommendations
• 2023 End-Of-Year Summary & Sneak Peek 2024

How To Visit Lausanne, A Beautiful Lakeside City In French-Speaking Switzerland

The caffeinated man behind the blog.

Hi, I’m Kevin ! I’m a coffee addict from Seattle, and I love to travel. Caffeinated Excursions is a record of my trips. Since I started blogging in January 2018, I’ve lived in Mexico, Vietnam, and Brazil. I moved to Chicago in 2021 and love exploring this amazing city. Thanks for checking out my blog!

Where I Am Now 📍

• North America
• South America
• United States
• Latin America
• Solo Travel
• Weekend Trips
• Food Guides
• Coffee Guides
• Tour Reviews
• Guest Posts
• Travel Thoughts
• 360 City Guides
• Chicago 360
• Rio de Janeiro 360
• São Paulo 360

Where I’ve Been

Upcoming Trips

• Minneapolis, MN (May)
• Portland, ME (Jun)
• Washington, D.C. (Jul)
• Seattle, WA (Aug)
• Portland, OR (Aug)
• Philippines (Jan 2025)
• Australia & NZ Cruise (Feb 2025)

Click To Follow!

• Opens in a new tab

Support the Blog!

Subscribe via email.

• Entries feed
• Comments feed
• WordPress.org

You Might Also Like

One Day In Geneva, Switzerland: Main Attractions, Food Ideas, And More

A Viking Rhine River Cruise Review: Basel To Amsterdam

This post has 3 comments.

I will take the Viking cruise in April. I really enjoy your article about Strasbourg. You wrote “We were briefly introduced to Petite France during our walking tour of Strasbourg led by Viking Cruises. However, I’m glad I came back later in the day to spend a bit more time here. ..” How do you came back? by bus, taxi or walk from the port?

If I remember correctly, the Viking walking tour of Strasbourg ended at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, and Petite-France is only about a fifteen minute walk away. We were given a few hours in the afternoon to explore Strasbourg on our own without a guide.

Thanks you so much.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Our covered boats are heated     -     Our boat specially equipped to accommodate wheelchair users is unavailable due to annual maintenance work    -      The toilets are temporarily closed     -     Batorama does not work with GET YOUR GUIDE, VIATOR, or any online platform outside of its own booking website     -

Strasbourg, 20 centuries of history

Duration 1h10

See more schedule

• No more departures available today

Autres circuits

Phare Citadelle

Duration 45 minutes

Round Trip; Parliament – Cathedral

Duration 17 min

Strasbourg, History through Builders

Strasbourg, the European

Duration 45min

Strasbourg Grande Île

Duration 0h45

Top Rhine River Day-Trip Cruise Lines in Germany

Published on March 18, 2024

by Henk Bekker

in Germany , N24 , Rhine / Rhein River , Rhine River , River Cruises

Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) is the best Rhine River day trip cruise line with excursions from Cologne (Köln), Koblenz, Rüdesheim, and the Loreley Valley.

Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) and the Weisse Flotte Rhein are the best-known day-trip riverboat cruise lines on the Rhine River in Germany and are good choices for short to all-day excursion cruises. Popular day-trip cruises are to tour the Loreley Valley between Rüdesheim, St Goar, and Koblenz or panorama sightseeing cruises in larger cities such as Cologne, Düsseldorf, Cochem ( Mosel ), and Frankfurt ( Main ).

The Rhine River is a very popular day-trip destination from cities such as Cologne (Köln) and Frankfurt am Main. Trains run on both banks of the Rhein but nothing beats a cruise on the river itself. Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) has the largest number of boats on the Rhine River and has many cruises through the lovely Loreley Valley that could be as short as an hour or all day. Several further companies operate cruises on the Rhine and past the Lorelei (Loreley). Special savings deals are available on many cruises.

The KD Rhine Pass savings deal has not been on sale in recent years but Get Your Guide offers easy booking (and often sensible cancelation options) for day-trip cruises on the Rhine departing from many popular cities such as Cologne , Düsseldorf , Bonn , Koblenz , Boppard , Ruedesheim , Cochem , and Frankfurt . Most cruise lines now also accept online ticket purchases but several still prefer to sell tickets directly at the quay or on board cruise boats.

Tips for the Best Rhine River Day Trip Cruises in Germany

Day-trip cruises on the Rhine River are very popular in Germany with departures available from many cities and even small towns on the Rhine. Reservations are often not possible for regular day cruises but it is worth planning a bit in advance to take advantage of savings deals to get the best value (and finest views) from a cruise.

• Rhine riverboats differ in size in and between companies but there are little real noticeable differences between boats. Often it is best to simply take the next boat to depart.
• Most boats cruising on the Rhine River have their own restaurants and bars but it is acceptable to consume your own food and drink on the open decks of Linienfahrten , i.e. cruises with stops en route.
• The high season for Rhine River day cruises is from end April to early October. However, regular cruises operate usually from late March to late October.
• Cruises in winter months are very limited but often a few cruises may be available during the Christmas market Advent season. Departures are most likely from Rüdesheim and Cologne .
• Return trips on most Rhine River cruise lines are only marginally more expensive than one-way cruises. Often cruising up and down river on a scenic part of the river may be more rewarding than going a longer distance in one direction.
• If space is available, bicycles are transported for free on some boats — KD charges €3.50.
• Show Deutsche Bahn tickets (or often any public transportation ticket) if applicable when buying boat tickets and discounts are often applied – check German Railways timetables and book train tickets online at Deutsche Bahn . (If available, select the town name with KD at the end to include instructions on how to reach the boat landing from the train station.) The timetables sometimes include boat trips too.
• Smaller lines are often slightly cheaper than the Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) boats. However, the price difference is very small and the discounts offered by KD and the higher number of departures may well outweigh any price disadvantage.

See also Loreley Valley Rhine River Day Cruises for tips on sensible routings and cruise times between ports on the very popular Middle Rhine Valley.

Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) – the Largest Pleasure Day Cruise Line on the Rhine in Germany

Köln-Düsseldorfer, or simply KD , is the largest operator of pleasure boats for short and full single day cruises on the Rhine River in Germany. KD has been in business since 1827 but the oldest KD boat in operation is the SS Goethe first launched in 1913.

Köln-Düsseldorfer is generally a good choice for day cruises on the Rhine. KD has the largest number of departures by far of all Rhine pleasure boat lines. This allows passengers to make more stops en route if desired — remember to indicate all planned stops when buying tickets as separate tickets are issued for each leg of the cruise.

During the high season, KD has at least two boats doing the daily cruise route from Rüdesheim and Bingen to Koblenz (and return) with further boats cruising between Mainz and Boppard. Many more KD boats cruise between Bonn and Linz with the occasional boat starting from Cologne.

In 2024, no regular Rhine boats cruise between Linz and Koblenz in either direction. KD also does not offer Mosel cruises other than the panorama cruise in Cochem .

KD also often has arrangements with other local boat operators to offer a high number of departures.

Köln-Düsseldorfer historic SS Goethe paddle steamer from 1913 is the oldest regular cruise boat on the Rhine River. The Goethe steams daily (except Monday) from Koblenz to Rüdesheim and back — just over 6 hours upstream and just less than 4 hours going back.

Depending on the season, KD has scheduled cruises on the Rhine, Mosel , and Main rivers and panorama cruises in Düsseldorf , Cologne , Cochem , and Frankfurt . The Middle Rhine and Loreley Valley remain the top cruise by far.

Special Savings Deals KD Rhine River Boat Day Cruises

Köln-Düsseldorfer offers a wide range of special savings deals to make Rhine River day trips cheaper. Different discounts generally cannot be combined and official identification may be required. Also, discounts are only available for tickets bought in person for regular cruises and are usually only valid if KD’s own boats are used:

• Birthday Child – irrespective of age, a passenger and any partner may cruise for 50% off on the specific birthday date.
• Special family passes are good value. Sometimes the family day deals are available: Family Day — Wednesdays up to three children under 13 cruise for free per paying adult.
• Children between 4 and 13 cruise on KD for only €9 per day as long as they are accompanied by a fare-paying adult (up to 3 children per adult). Children under 4 sail for free.
• School children and students under 27 pay only half price if the above discounts are not applicable.
• Seniors over 60 receive 20% discount on all cruises.
• Dog tickets are €3.90 per cruise — dogs must be kept on a leash the whole cruise.
• On Tuesdays and Thursdays, cyclists sail two for the price of one on one-way trips (two cyclists and two bicycles – or a tandem – are required!). Ironically the bicycle ticket (€3.50 per bike per cruise) is not discounted.

For more details on these and other saving fares see Rhine River Day Cruise Saver Fares .

Weisse Flotte Rhein Rhine River Day Cruises in Germany

A few independent Rhine boat cruise operators cooperate under the Weisse Flotte Rhein banner. However, these companies set their own schedules and prices. These companies cruise on all parts of the Rhine but departures and cruises are most frequent in the vicinity of the Rhine where these independent boat cruise lines are based. Many cruise lines offer discount combination tickets for cruises and sightseeing sites.

Note that Rundfahrt (circular cruises) and Panorama Cruises usually mean that it is not possible to leave the boat en route or at a destination other than the original departure point, while Linienfahrten allow passengers to disembark anywhere en route, as is mostly the case with KD cruises.

The Weisse Flotter Rhein companies in geographical downstream order:

Bingen-Rüdesheimer Rhine River Day Cruise Pleasure Boat Line

Bingen-Rüdesheimer offers cruises in the Rüdesheim and Bingen area, as well as up to three daily cruises through the Loreley Valley to St Goar and St Goarhausen. Rüdesheim has a popular Christmas market and is one of the few towns along the Rhine that offers some cruises during the winter season. Bingen-Rüdesheimer still honors the tradition Geburtstagtarif — free cruises on a birthday. The child an bicycle fares are also slightly cheaper than KD and dogs mostly cruise for free.

See also Rhine River Cruises from Rüdesheim – a great town to start or conclude a Rhine day cruise.

Loreley Linie Weinand from Kamp Bornhofen

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. Once a week, it is possible to cruise all the way to Rüdesheim and back.

Bonner Personen Schiffahrt Rhine Cruises

Bonner Personen Schiffahrt cruises on the Rhine mostly from Bonn with panorama cruises in the former German capital as well as Rhine cruises mostly to Linz — some may be booked online. Cruises between Linz and Koblenz are rare and usually only for repositioning boats after Rhine in Flames fireworks shows.

Rössler Linie Rhine River Boat Cruises in Germany

Rössler Line is based in Rüdesheim-Assmannshausen. Rössler has mostly shorter Rhine cruises in the Rüdesheim vicinity but Rössler occasionally cruises down the Loreley Valley past Die Lorelei to St Goar / St Goarhausen. The shorter cruises in the popular Rüdesheim area may include visiting castles or winetastings — many may be booked online .

Köln Tourist Personenschiffahrt am Dom

Köln Tourist competes with KD in its home town Cologne. Although it offers some excursion cruises, it mostly operates panorama sightseeing cruises in the Cologne area including special harbor cruises and cruises with an emphasis on culinary events, dancing, and parties.

See also Loreley Valley Rhine River Day Cruises for tips on sensible routings and cruise times between towns from Koblenz to Mainz and Top Rhine Day Cruises from Cologne for similar information on cruises from Cologne (Köln), Bonn, and Düsseldorf.

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 Cruise Lines in Germany

Comments are closed.

To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen.

Batorama, boat-tours on the river Ill

BATORAMA, Strasbourg's boat trip provider, offers 70-minute city tours all year round. Discover the must-sees of the Alsatian capital, such as the Petite France district, the Neustadt (the imperial quarter), as well as the European institutions. The ships are either covered and heated or cooled, or else opened up in fine weather. Using the individual headphones, you can listen to commentaries in 12 languages, with a children's commentary available in 4 languages. For the attention of coach drivers and group transport professionals: Drop your passengers off at Parc de l’Etoile and have them embark on one of our ships less than 100 metres away to reach the city centre and enjoy a comprehensive visit. Price: € 17.20 (reduced rate: € 10.70). Procedure: with advance booking, every day at 9:45 am (except July, August and December), arrival at Palais des Rohan 1 hour 45 minutes after departure.

• Pets allowed : yes

Congés/fermeture annuels : 02>26/01 ; 02>09/07 ; période de Noël

Fermeture hebdomadaire : Lundi, Dimanche, Dimanche soir

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Linkedin
• Share on Mail

Fields marked with an asterisk are required. Without this information, we will be unable to respond to your request. Alsace Destination Tourisme will process your personal data in accordance with the relevant legislation and our data protection policy for customers, partners and prospective customers which you can access here . 

Your message has been successfully sent!

Documentation

• Neuf-Brisach, ideal city of Vauban
• Boat trip on the Rhine
• Combined steam train and boat trip
• Christmas in Alsace Rhin Brisach

More infos...

Depending on your profile, for couples, for families, if it rains, in proximity.

• Passing the Rhine
• Colmar and his region
• Strasbourg, european capital
• Amusement parks
• Getaway in Switzerland

Guided tours

Culture and heritage.

• The fortifications of Vauban
• Monuments and museums
• Breisach am Rhein
• Combined trip
• Neuf-Brisach, city and fortifications
• For the Kids

Activities and amusement

• Going with the flow
• Big thrills
• Bicycle trips
• Swimming pools an thermal baths
• Inside activities
• Events program
• Restaurants
• Bars and tea salons
• The markets

Accommodations

• Furnished accommodation
• Camping-cars area

Moving around

• How to get there
• Bus schedule
• Bike location
• Tea salon and bars
• Picnic at the Rhine
• Local producers

Practical information

• The shop of the tourist office
• Download our documentation
• The tourist office
• Our engagements

Don't miss anything during your stay

Liesel will share you her favourites every day

Discover the Rhine!

Take a boat trip from Breisach am Rhein for one or two hours on the Rhine, with a lock passage if conditions allow (in the event of heavy traffic, and depending on the weather, the boat may not be able to pass through the lock). Discover our culinary cruises, theme evenings…

Top 3 cruises over the Rhine

Panorama round trip.

A 2-hour trip along the Old Rhine and the Rhine Canal, including a trip through the lock (if possible) and a tour of the port of Breisach and Neuf-Brisach. 17€

Napoleon, the Imperial feast

During this 4.5-hour tour, you'll discover the Rhine and the Alsatian canals as you contemplate the panorama, while enjoying a 4-course menu. 79€

Culinary cruises

2-hour trip including a meal on board, depending on the season: spaghetti feast, asparagus delight, chanterelle, game meal, goose... 40-42€ (28€ for the "Spaghetti feast")

Useful information

• April to december (not on mondays)
• Several departures per day
• Snacks on board
• Dogs are allowed dependin on the type of cruise
• Provide cash on board (no credit card payments)
• Show up 15 min before
• Booking at the tourist office

The boat trip can be combined with a steam train ride. 3-hour tour on Sundays from mid-May to mid-October.

Privacy Overview

Travel Alert Advisory

• WHAT'S INCLUDED
• DATES & PRICES
• CONNECTIONS

Overview Captivating Rhine

7- night cruise, 7- night cruise with 2-nights amsterdam 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 2-nights amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise 7-night cruise with 2-nights amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise, cruise from : amsterdam to basel, cruise from :, countries: france, germany, netherlands, switzerland france, germany, netherlands, switzerland, rivers: rhine, captivating rhine at a glance.

• Amsterdam to Basel
• Amsterdam to Zurich

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

Experience More Connections

• Terms and Conditions
• Lost & Found
• Passenger Ticket Contract
• Employment Opportunities
• Privacy Policy
• Unsubscribe
• Cruise Finder
• Destinations
• Vietnam & Cambodia
• Wine Cruises
• Golf Cruises
• Christmas Markets
• Land Packages
• Mission Statement
• Why AmaWaterways
• The Luxury Of More
• Already Booked
• Kristin's Blog
• Media Library
• Travel Advisor Portal

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

River Cruises from Strasbourg

A cruise starting in Strasbourg is a great way to experience river cruising. We have 106 cruises that range from 3 days up to 13 days in length. The most popular time for river cruises leaving Strasbourg is December.

106 Strasbourg river cruises with 119 reviews

• River Cruise
• Christmas & New Year

Christmas on the romantic Rhine, the enchantment of the Lorelei Rock (port-to-port cruise) - DOUCE FRANCE

Trans-European cruise from Strasbourg to Budapest (port-to-port cruise)

Lovely, the best way to travel. It is like a tour except that your hotel is following you. Much better then being in a bus tour

Magic of Advent on the Rhine (Strasbourg - Cologne)

The Romantic Rhine Valley and the Rock of Lorelei (port-to-port cruise) - LAFAYETTE

The romantic Rhine Valley and the rock of the Lorelei (port-to-port cruise)

We could not fault anything. We had a wonderful time and the staff were very attentive.

Christmas on the romantic Rhine (port-to-port cruise) - MONET

Delightful Christmas Markets in the Neckar Valley (port-to-port package)

Christmas on the romantic Rhine, the enchantment of the Lorelei Rock (port-to-port cruise) - GERARD SCHMITTER

5 Different Rivers: The Rhine, Neckar, Main, Moselle, and Saar (port-to-port cruise)

My first experience of river cruising. Loved every minute of it. Croisi is a great company and is exceptional value for money

Christmas on the romantic Rhine (port-to-port cruise) - LEONARDO DA VINCI

• Sightseeing

Delightful Christmas Markets in the Neckar Valley

good overall. the day spent in heilbronn was disappointing. we had no local guides, which I understand is a violation of European regulations which state at all local stops there will be a qualified local guide. also, we spent over 3 hours in a restaurant there, time which would have been better spent exploring the town. specifically, we should have gone back to Heidelberg earlier in the day. I don't understand the Heilbronn stop or what happened.

A Bountiful Christmas in Alsace and the Black Forest (port-to-port cruise)

I was told drinks were provided with meals. That was not true and had to pay for all of it. I was expected to pay for drinks and did not have water either. I did not like that we were sailing at night while we slept. And would have liked to have seen the Christmas market at night.

• Wine tasting

Alsace: land of tradition and gastronomy (port-to-port cruise)

excellent crew and excursions included

Christmas on the romantic Rhine, the enchantment of the Lorelei Rock (port-to-port cruise) - MONA LISA

Loved the boat but our stay was not long enough and I would have liked to see the another xmas marked

What people love about River Cruise Tours from Strasbourg

The experience as a whole was great, it was our first experience on a cruise of any kind. Food and staff were excellent. Everything was well planned out.

Fabulous trip, loved it. Fantastic good and staff. Would highly recommend

Generally very good. Food was excellent. Staff were all excellent. Airconditioning in bedroom could have been better. Wifi signal was not great. The most dissapointing thing was that despite the fact that the informaion we were provided with (before the start of cruise) stated that the trips were all included in our package, we were advised after the first day on board that this was not correct and that further trips would have to be paid for in addition.

Travel Styles

River cruise from strasbourg.

• to Strasbourg (93)
• France Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 10 Day France Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 7 Day France Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• 10 Best River Cruise Companies (with Reviews)

Rhine, Strasbourg and Heidelberg River Cruise for solo travelers

8 days from only $3,499pp

Price Includes

• Useful Info
• Cruise Director

Personalize Your Holiday

Ships available.

FREE Superior drinks package on all European river cruises

find out more

The price you see is the price you pay

• Seven nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite, with river views 
• Eight guided tours including Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Cologne, Rüdesheim and Koblenz, and visit to Colmar
• Live classical quartet recital on board 
• All meals on board from dinner on your day of arrival through to breakfast on your day of departure, including a welcome dinner and the Captain’s Dinner 
• Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides 
• Complimentary on-board tea and coffee 
• Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi
• Services of a Riviera River Cruises cruise director

A spectacularly scenic cruise of wonderful contrasts, from refined and historic Heidelberg to delightfully quaint Boppard and the old world charm of medieval Strasbourg plus the enduring allure of the glorious Rhine Gorge. Stepping aboard you will appreciate the superb surroundings of your floating luxury hotel for the next seven nights with spacious and well-appointed cabins or suites, private bathrooms and meticulously prepared fine cuisine.

From Cologne, we slip our moorings and head on our journey south to Koblenz spending a morning exploring this historic town sitting at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers then continuing to the beautiful old town of Boppard for the evening. Continuing our journey we navigate through the outstanding natural beauty of the world-famous Rhine Gorge onto Mainz famous for the ‘Gutenberg’ Bibles. Next we enjoy a guided tour of stunning Heidelberg, on the route of Europe’s ‘Grand Tour’, nestling by the picturesque river Neckar.

By day five, we arrive in Strasbourg, a delightful city with its center largely unchanged since the 14th century, a mosaic of winding alleys and lanes lined with quirkily crooked, half-timbered houses. During periods of its history Strasbourg has been both German and French, and today you can see this influence in its language, cuisine and appearance, creating a truly individual city. Then to Colmar, almost embarrassingly perfect - a typically quaint medieval Alsatian town.

The following day we return journey downstream, stopping in Rudesheim one of the liveliest towns on the river, before continuing through the Rhine Gorge to Cologne. Here we enjoy a guided walking tour of the city with time to explore the stunning cathedral, an excellent finale to this most wonderful cruise.

Your Itinerary

• DAY 1 EMBARK IN COLOGNE
• DAY 2 KOBLENZ & BOPPARD
• DAY 3 RHINE GORGE & MAINZ
• DAY 4 HEIDELBERG
• DAY 5 STRASBOURG & COLMAR
• DAY 6 RÜDESHEIM
• DAY 7 COLOGNE GUIDED TOUR
• DAY 8 DISEMBARK IN COLOGNE

EMBARK IN COLOGNE

Arrive in Cologne, where your five-star floating hotel is moored. The dedicated English-speaking crew welcomes you on board and helps you to your cabin. After settling into your spacious and tastefully furnished accommodation, there’s time to familiarise yourself with this splendid ship before welcome drinks and dinner in the stylish restaurant. 

KOBLENZ & BOPPARD

When you peek out from your cabin this morning, you’ll realize the ship has slipped quietly away from Cologne; the view that greets you is of vine-covered valleys sides aglow in the morning light, bidding you a warm welcome to the charms of the Rhine. There’s nothing quite like that feeling of anticipation when gliding alongside the promenade of a river port, snatching tantalizing glimpses of what lies ashore, and Koblenz – beautifully located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers – doesn’t disappoint.

The city is immersed in two millennia of history: founded by the Romans, it was successively occupied by the Franks, chosen as a residence of the German prince electors, conquered by the French and fortified by the Prussians! All have left their marks in the city’s rich array of castles, churches, and historic buildings. Koblenz is a romantic’s dream – forest-covered hillsides dominate the skyline, while the lower slopes are strewn with pretty, half-timbered buildings so typical of the Rhineland. After a satisfying breakfast, we disembark to enjoy an insightful guided tour through ‘Old Koblenz’, a patchwork of narrow streets and squares, many lined with exquisitely restored traditional houses and cozy cafés. 

There’s time to explore on your own, maybe taking in a little shopping, before ambling back to the cruise ship. We continue upstream as we enjoy our first relaxing lunch on board and before long we arrive in Boppard, a gorgeous town on a dramatic, almost U-shaped river bend. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’, Boppard is renowned for its storybook medieval atmosphere of cobbled streets and ancient houses. Here we’ll enjoy a guided tour lead by one of our local experts, with highlights including the beautiful white stone St. Severus and Carmelite churches, the marketplace with the ruins of the fortress and the old town with its charming winding alleys and half-timbered houses. The early evening is an ideal time to wander along the town’s attractive riverside Rheinallee promenade before thoughts turn to tonight’s menu, prepared by the ship’s chef and served to your delight in the restaurant.

RHINE GORGE & MAINZ

Slipping our mooring in Boppard we cruise through the Rhine Gorge, where the waters narrow to one-fifth their normal width and flow more swiftly. Sheer valley walls soar 600 feet and magnificent birds of prey glide above. Teutonic knights built the numerous redoubtable castles as symbols of their power and to extract tolls from ships, but the fortresses now stand as silent ruins on forested hillsides as reminders of how fortunes change with the passage of history. This really is the magical Rhine of our imagination, so find a comfortable spot on the Sun Deck or in the forward observation lounge and enjoy the experience of cruising this famous stretch of water. 

Your next port of call is historic Mainz for an unmissable guided tour. The city is renowned today as Germany’s wine capital but whose most famous son was Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the movable type printing press. The excellent city museum houses a reconstruction of his workshop and, outstandingly, two original 1455 Gutenberg Bibles. The museum is in a beautifully restored 17th-century building in the heart of Mainz’s Old Town, opposite the impressive Romanesque cathedral.

Overnight we cruise further downstream and, after breakfast, we take a short drive to Heidelberg, undoubtedly one of Germany’s most perfect architectural treasures and all the more remarkable because it escaped bombing during the Second World War. Set in an almost idealized German landscape, this jewel sits on the banks of the River Neckar, surrounded by forests and with an imposing castle dominating the church spires and terracotta gabled roofs of the compact Aldstadt – the romantic Old Town. Its 14th-century university, one of the most prestigious in Europe, lends Heidelberg a genteel atmosphere rather similar to its ‘twin’ town – Cambridge. During the 19th century, it was the center of Germany’s Romantic Movement, on the route of the ‘Grand Tour’ and visited by many artists including JMW Turner, who captured its splendors for eternity. There are few more delightful places to explore, as you’ll discover on our guided walking tour, which reveals its principal attractions – including the magical stone bridge with its twin white towers – and local secrets. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore on your own before returning to the ship to enjoy the gorgeous views as the sun sets.

STRASBOURG & COLMAR

By breakfast, we’ve arrived in France and the charming city of Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region. The city is a complete delight – its center a mosaic of winding alleys and lanes lined with quirkily crooked, half-timbered houses largely unchanged since the 14th century. During its history Strasbourg has been both German and French, and you see influences of both in its language, cuisine and appearance, creating a truly individual ambiance. This morning, we explore this delightful city on a walking tour with a local guide leading us to its enchanting center – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – taking in the Petite France quarter of pretty canals lined with classic pastel-colored houses crisscrossed with timbers and with flower-filled window boxes, the famous multi-towered Ponts Couverts, or covered bridges, and, of course, the stunning Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, which Victor Hugo memorably described as a ‘veritable tiara of stone’.

Just south of Strasbourg lies a picturesque wine route, virtually an open-air museum of romantic medieval villages, cobbled streets and Renaissance chateaux strung like pearls on a necklace against a sweeping backdrop of rolling hills. We enjoy all this on a splendidly scenic drive, soon arriving in the medieval town of Colmar, the best-preserved in Alsace. Little known outside the area, it’s a magical concoction of canals, former merchants’ houses, ancient religious buildings, and antique shops. The cathedral quarter is surrounded by pastel-colored half-timbered houses displaying the intricate wrought-iron hanging signs so typical of this area of Europe. We’ve plenty of time here to sit, enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by or just wander. We return to the ship in Strasbourg for dinner.

After a relaxing morning cruise, we arrive in Rüdesheim by late afternoon for a wonderful walking tour – if you imagine a typical Rhine town, then this would be it! Narrow crooked streets lead down to the sweeping river with a backdrop of wooded and vine-covered slopes. Riesling is the specialty grape here and Rüdesheim has many atmospheric Weinstuben where you can sample local wines produced from the surrounding vineyards. On board tonight, we enjoy a culinary spectacular – the Captain’s Dinner – featuring a range of irresistible specialties from the countries and regions we visit during our cruise. This special occasion is hosted, of course, by the Captain himself.

COLOGNE GUIDED TOUR

This morning, early risers can enjoy phenomenal views as once again we pass through the Rhine Gorge where, in Wagner’s Ring Cycle, the Rhine Maidens guard lost treasure, the ‘Rheingold’. What better way to spend the morning than relaxing on the Sun Deck beneath dramatic rocky, vineyard-topped valley sides dotted with romantic ruined castles.

The valley sides dissolve and hills give way to plains as we progress majestically to Cologne. This afternoon you can discover this fascinating city on our tour led by a local guide who’ll help you get the most out of your visit, which of course takes in the twin-spired cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, miraculous survivor of Second World War bombing and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took six centuries to complete, and among its many treasures are the magnificent stained glass windows and gilded sarcophagus said to contain the remains of the three kings from the Nativity story. We also see the vibrant Old Town, beautifully restored and boasting an abundance of excellent shopping and cozy bars, some of which still brew their own beer. As night falls, a sumptuous dinner provides the perfect finale to this memorable cruise through the romantic River Rhine.

DISEMBARK IN COLOGNE

After breakfast this morning, the crew bids you farewell before you disembark the ship.

Prices are per person, based on one person in a twin cabin for sole occupancy. The price includes: 

• Full board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day; if you choose to travel with us on any of the full day excursions by coach, a packed lunch will be provided. Anyone choosing to stay on the ship may of course have lunch in the restaurant
• Morning/afternoon tea and coffee
• All visits and excursions as mentioned
• Coach travel as mentioned
• The services of a Riviera River Cruises cruise director

Useful Information

• Currency: Euro
• Languages: German, French
• Countries: Germany, France

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for the duration of your cruise. Please note that speeds may vary.

We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your vacation with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the vacation due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns. 

Meet Cruise Director Hanna

Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet - from €6.30 per person

Embark on a fantastical adventure into the world of automatic musical instruments. See the impressive collection of fascinating musical instruments that function like computers, ranging from tiny, delicate music boxes to an enormous orchestrion.

Please call us to enquire further.

You May Also Like

Scroll for more

A PDF copy of this cruise itinerary will be emailed to you. It can be printed or emailed to your fellow travelling companions to assist you in your trip planning.

Your itinerary has been sent!

Thank you. Please check your email to view your itinerary PDF.

Email for an enquiry

Ways to get in touch, success thank you for your enquiry, forgotten password.

Please enter your Email Address below to request a password reset link.

  The form is not valid.

Magazine Download

To download your FREE copy of Discover magazine we just need a few details.

We take your privacy very seriously and won't pass on your contact details to anyone else.

Thank you. Please click below to view the magazine.

Schedule a Call Back

If we are unable to reach you we will leave a voicemail message. We won't try again unless you ask us to.

Request Received

Thank you for scheduling a call back request. We will call the number provided within the time(s) specified.

ACCESS DENIED

You do not have permission to perform this action. For access, please contact the website administrator.

To download your FREE copy of the Guide to River Cruising, we just need a few details.

Thank you. Please click below to view the guide.

You will receive an email confirming your registration shortly.

Vacation added to wishlist!

Sorry, we couldn't update your wishlist.

Please try again, or if this has happened multiple times, check whether your browser is set to allow cookies on this site.

This vacation is already on your wishlist

Would you like to remove it or view your wishlist?

Are you sure?

Are you sure you want to remove this vacation from your wishlist?

Wishlist updated

The vacation has been removed from your wishlist

Your wishlist could not be updated

Something went wrong while trying to update your wishlist. Please try again.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience

We use cookies and similar technologies on this website for functional, analytical, and marketing purposes., we use first party cookies as part of our site functionality and to analyse site performance and usage. we use third party cookies, from approved and vetted partners, to personalise marketing and advertising. by using this website, you are agreeing to our privacy policy , cookie policy and to cookies being set by this website..

7 Best Cities on the Rhine River: Stops On An AmaWaterways Cruise

T his past Christmas season, my husband and I explored some of the best cities on the  Rhine River with AmaWaterways . Our ship, the AmaMora, sailed from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands on an 8-day cruise. We visited everything from delightful small towns to bustling big cities. 

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our  disclosure policy  for more details. Thank you for your support!

The Rhine River winds its way from Switzerland to the Netherlands, and there are many river boat tours that make their way along the route. Sailing on the river is a lovely way to see medieval towns and historic buildings from the comfort of a single accommodation.

If you are looking for a cruise that travels through the Rhine Gorge, visits charming towns, and shows you all the joys of river cruising, then an AmaWaterways Rhine River Cruise is for you.

Best Cities on the Rhine River Cruise You Won’t Want to Miss

Whether your journey begins or ends in Basel, be sure to spend some time exploring the 3rd-largest city in Switzerland. Basel is known for its museums and architecture and as a starting point for many Rhine cruises.

While in Basel you can visit the Kunstmuseum Basel (the city’s art museum), take a city walking tour , or go shopping.

We enjoyed fondue dogs and rösti at Basel’s Christmas market in Barfüsserplatz. There are several markets throughout the city, so plan to explore them all if you have time.

Our European river cruise began in Basel, but on the first day, we took a bus to the Swiss city of Lucerne (which isn’t on the Rhine River). We spent our day trip to Lucerne walking around the old town, learning about the city’s history, and exploring the local Christmas markets. 

The town occupies an idyllic spot on the shores of Lake Lucerne and is surrounded by the Swiss Alps, including Mount Pilatus, which is just under 7,000 feet tall. If you have time, you can ride the cogwheel train or cable car to the top for epic views.

We didn’t have time, so we explored the Dying Lion Monument (a stone lion carved into the side of a rock to honor Swiss mercenaries killed in the 18th century), walked on the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke – which is featured in just about every photo of Lucerne), and admired the architecture of the Old Town. There were several Christmas markets throughout town that we enjoyed.

We would recommend a traditional Swiss lunch at  Restaurant Fritschi  before returning to the ship.

3. Strasbourg

Strasbourg is located on the border of France and Germany and is one of my favorite cities in the  Alsace   region. It’s home to the European Parliament and the famous Parc de l’Orangerie. The day we visited with AmaWaterways it was snowing, and it seemed straight out of a fairy tale!

Our first stop was the Strasbourg Cathedral , also known as the Cathedral of Notre Dame. This impressive Gothic structure dates to the 15th century.

Inside you will find stunning stained glass windows, a massive organ, and an astronomical clock that dates to the Renaissance period. For panoramic city views, head up to the platform. (Note: this may be closed due to inclement weather).

Afterward, we strolled through La Petite France, a neighborhood known for its charming half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and local shops and cafés. We shopped at some of the local Christmas markets and grabbed delicious treats – bredele and mulled wine (highly recommend)!

Part of Strasbourg’s charm is found in wandering through its streets. Allow some time to visit all of the nooks and crannies before returning to the ship. This was one of the best cities on the Rhine River for exploring on our own.

If your cruise offers, be sure to take the evening trip to Gengenbach to see the world’s largest Advent calendar. The charming town sits on the edge of the Black Forest and its advent display is stunning.

4. Heidelberg

I was thrilled to  visit Heidelberg , as it rained for two days straight the last time we visited. This time we enjoyed a beautiful sunny day. Technically, Heidelberg isn’t on the Rhine River (it’s on the Neckar), but it was part of our cruise.

Heidelberg is one of the crown jewels of Baden-Württemberg in Germany. The city houses the oldest university in Germany, Heidelberg University, and one of the  coolest castles in Europe , Heidelberg Castle.

Our first stop was the castle, an imposing fortress that towers over the city and sits upon Königstuhl Hill. Originally, it was two castles, an upper and a lower, but in 1537 a lightning bolt destroyed the upper castle. Not to worry, this is still a massive complex of red sandstone ruins to explore. 

Take time to walk through the castle grounds and former garden, find the Heidelberg Tun (the world’s largest wine barrel), and the pharmacy museum.

If you are exploring on your own, we highly recommend a guided walking tour . Be sure to check out the panoramic views from the observation terraces.

After spending time in the castle, make your to the Old Town (Altstadt). This can be reached by stairs or funicular.

In the charming Altstadt, you can see the famous Old Bridge, meander through Marktplatz, and if you have enough time, make your way to the Philosopher’s Walk (a walking path on the other side of the Neckar River).

We had enough time to enjoy a meal in the city center and walk along the main pedestrian shopping street, Hauptstrasse. Our favorite Christmas market is the one in Karlsplatz.

5. Rüdesheim 

A stop in Rüdesheim offers a variety of opportunities for exploring this wine-making region.

The town is known for its Rheingauer riesling and Rüdesheimer coffee (made from 3 sugar cubes, coffee, and Asbach Uralt brandy). AmaWaterways had both a wine tasting and coffee tasting the night of our arrival in the city. Wine lovers will enjoy the riesling, but I chose the coffee and was not disappointed!

During the day, my husband and I split up and tried different activities. He chose the gondola ride over the vineyards and a hike. I chose to explore the Christmas markets, wandering along Drosselgasse (the main street) and shopping for souvenirs. It was also an option to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, but we opted to skip that.

That afternoon, our cruise ship traveled along the stretch of the Rhine known as the Rhine Gorge, Romantic Rhine, or Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This popular destination is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In this area, the banks of the Rhine are dotted with over 40 castles, all in different states of preservation. We saw Burg Rheinstein, Katz Castle, Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, and Klopp Castle to name a few.

In the evening, we visited  Lahneck Castle , a 13th century medieval castle overlooking the Rhine and Lahn rivers. This was our favorite excursion on the trip. Visiting a castle at night gives off all sorts of spooky vibes and amazing photo ops.

We had a tour with one of the docents and learned about the castle’s connections to the Knights Templar and Idilia Dubb, a Scottish girl who disappeared in the castle while on a family holiday in 1851.

​ It’s difficult to miss the city of Cologne, with the Cologne Cathedral dominating the skyline. We arrived in the city on the Saturday before Christmas, and to say it was crowded is an understatement. 

We had an amazing city tour and kölsch beer tasting organized by AmaWaterways. Afterward, we spent time exploring the city’s Christmas markets and touring inside the cathedral.

Don’t miss the Heinzels Wintermärchen, dedicated to house elves. It has unique souvenirs, an ice skating rink, and some delicious  Christmas market foods .

Cologne is one of the largest cities on the Rhine along with Strasbourg and Rüdesheim. This makes it a great option for shopping.

Other places in Cologne that are worth visiting if you have extra time include the  Lindt Chocolate Museum  or taking a  kölsch brewery tour .

7. Amsterdam

​ Amsterdam was the final stop on our river cruise and a perfect place to wrap up our holiday travels. We planned an extra day here after the cruise ended to make the most of our time in the city.

AmaWaterways had arranged for a guided tour that took us through the city and included a stop at a local café. We sampled authentic Dutch apple pie , which honestly does not taste anything like the American version.

At its conclusion, we walked on our own to the  Anne Frank House for a tour . **Note: Be sure to make your reservations in advance.**

We spent an extra day exploring Amsterdam, visiting the Van Gogh Museum, and wandering through the Jordaan District. 

Unfortunately, the Amsterdam Christmas market scene is not like the German one. There are many holiday decorations throughout the city, but the markets are few and far between. If you plan on souvenir shopping in the markets, we recommend doing so in Germany or France.

Conclusion: Best Cities on the Rhine River

These were some of the best cities on the Rhine River that we saw on our AmaWaterways cruise. If you’re traveling this route during the Christmas season, you are in for a magical experience! 

The post 7 Best Cities on the Rhine River: Stops On An AmaWaterways Cruise appeared first on Kids Are A Trip™ .