Rhine River Cruises
Glide past a castle every few minutes through the fabled Rhine Gorge, from Amsterdam’s canals to the Swiss gateway of Basel — with a specialist who knows the river, the ships and the best time to sail.
The Rhine is the most castle-studded cruise in Europe. The classic week between Amsterdam and Basel threads the UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine — the Rhine Gorge — where fortress after fortress crowns the vineyards above the Lorelei rock. Add Cologne’s twin-spired cathedral, Strasbourg’s half-timbered Petite France, the Black Forest and, in spring, the Netherlands in full tulip bloom. Ships carry roughly 100 to 190 guests and dock in the center of each town. We help you choose the line, ship, cabin and season, and send up to five free quotes.
Why cruise the Rhine?
The Rhine Gorge
A single afternoon of near-constant castles, vineyards and the legendary Lorelei — the most scenic stretch of river in Germany, seen from the sun deck.
Amsterdam to Basel
Bookend the cruise with Amsterdam’s canals and the Swiss gateway to the Alps, with Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim and Strasbourg in between.
Tulip-time sailings
Late March to mid-April cruises pair the Rhine with the Dutch bulb fields and Keukenhof gardens — the most popular spring departures.
All-inclusive ease
Most fares include shore excursions, regional wine and beer with meals and central docking — no long transfers.
Castles, cathedrals and the Middle Rhine
The heart of a Rhine cruise is the 40-mile Middle Rhine between Koblenz and Rüdesheim: more than 40 castles and fortresses, terraced Riesling vineyards and the sheer Lorelei rock, all narrated from the top deck.
Shorter 4- to 5-night trips focus on the Gorge and Cologne; a full week runs Amsterdam–Basel; longer voyages combine the Rhine with the Moselle, Main or the Netherlands and Belgium. We’ll match the route to your time and interests.
Rhine river cruising in pictures
Ready to plan your Rhine river cruise?
Tell us your dates, preferred line and cabin, and whether tulip season is on your list. We’ll send up to five free, no-obligation quotes from vetted Rhine river cruise specialists.
Get up to 5 free Rhine cruise quotesFrequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for a Rhine river cruise?
Late March to April for tulips, May–June and September for warm, settled weather and vineyards, July–August for long lively days, and December for Christmas markets. Each season has its own character — we plan around water levels too.
What is the Rhine Gorge?
The UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine between Koblenz and Rüdesheim — a 40-mile run of castles, vineyards and the Lorelei rock that is the scenic highlight of the cruise.
Which cities does a Rhine cruise visit?
Typically Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Strasbourg, Breisach (for the Black Forest and Colmar) and Basel, with tulip-season and Moselle variations.
Which line is best on the Rhine?
AmaWaterways, Viking, Avalon, Scenic, Uniworld, Emerald, Tauck and CroisiEurope all sail the Rhine. We match the line to your budget and style.
How do I get a Rhine cruise quote?
Request up to five free, no-obligation quotes and compare lines, ships, cabins and dates side by side.
