Moment 01
The Rhine Gorge
The UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine: castle after castle above terraced vineyards, and the legendary Lorelei.
The Rhine.
Western Europe · The Netherlands to Switzerland
A Rhine River cruise is a scenic and culturally rich journey through some of Europe's most picturesque landscapes. Sailing through the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland, you'll pass fairy-tale castles perched on hilltops, charming medieval towns, and vineyards that stretch right down to the water.
Each stop along the route tells its own story, from Amsterdam's iconic canals to Basel's rich heritage. Along the way you'll encounter the towering Cologne Cathedral, the castle-dotted Rhine Gorge, and Strasbourg's enchanting blend of French and German influence.
Whether you're sampling local Riesling in Rüdesheim, wandering the medieval streets of Speyer, or marveling at the views from Breisach, every destination adds something singular to the journey. With the comfort of a luxury ship and immersive excursions ashore, a Rhine cruise is a wonderful way to experience the history and beauty of Europe's heart.
- The river
- 765 miles
- Countries touched
- Four
- Classic sailing
- 7 nights
- Ships dock
- City center
What you'll remember
Moments along the way.
Moment 02
Cologne's cathedral
Twin Gothic spires soaring above the river, one of the great churches of Europe.
Moment 03
Alsace in Strasbourg
Half-timbered lanes, the canal-laced Petite France quarter, and a culture that is gloriously both French and German.
Moment 04
Storybook Christmas markets
In December the river towns glow with some of the most famous Christmas markets in all of Europe.
Moment 05
Riesling country
Steep vineyards above the river pouring some of Germany's finest Riesling, tasted at the source.
Moment 06
Castles on the heights
A skyline of medieval castles and ruins crowning the cliffs of the Middle Rhine.
The route
A sample sailing.
6 stops · Amsterdam to Basel
Tap a stop to jump to that day · drag to explore
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1 Day 1Amsterdam, Netherlands
Board in the city of canals, gabled houses and Golden Age art, with the windmills of Kinderdijk an easy excursion.
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2 Day 2Cologne, Germany
Dominated by its soaring twin-spired Gothic cathedral, with a lively riverside old town and Kölsch beer to match.
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3 Day 3Koblenz & the Rhine Gorge
Cruise the dramatic heart of the Rhine: castle after castle on the vine-clad slopes above the legendary Lorelei rock.
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4 Day 4Rüdesheim, Germany
A storybook wine town of narrow lanes, the famous Drosselgasse, and Riesling vineyards climbing the hills.
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5 Day 5Strasbourg, France
The capital of Alsace, where half-timbered Petite France and a great cathedral meet a French-German table.
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6 Days 6-7Basel, Switzerland
Disembark at the meeting point of three countries, a gateway to the Swiss Alps and the Black Forest.
Every sailing we book is tailored: this is a starting point, not a package.
When to go
The best time to sail.
The Rhine rewards the spring grower and the autumn vintner alike, with a December coda no other river quite matches. Here is how we book the year: vineyards waking, the harvest in, and the markets aglow at Cologne and Strasbourg.
April–June
Mild days, blossom and green vineyards along the river before the summer peak.
September–October
Wine-harvest season in the Rhine and Alsace, golden light and thinner crowds.
July–August
Warm, lively high season. We book the best ships and cabins well ahead.
Late November–December
The celebrated Christmas markets light up Cologne, Strasbourg and the river towns.
January–March
The river pauses: ships winter over and the gorge lies grey and quiet until spring. The move now is to lock in the year's best cabins.
Good to know
The Rhine cruise questions.
How long is a Rhine river cruise?+
The classic Amsterdam to Basel sailing is 7 nights. Shorter segments and longer combined Rhine-Moselle or Rhine-Main-Danube voyages are also available.
When is the best time to cruise the Rhine?+
Late spring and early fall are ideal, and December brings the famous Christmas markets. Summer is warm and busy. The river does not sail in deep winter.
What is included on a Rhine cruise?+
Typically your cabin, all onboard meals, many guided excursions, and beer and wine with dinner. We confirm exactly what each line includes before you book.
Which direction is better, Amsterdam to Basel or Basel to Amsterdam?+
Both cover the same highlights; we choose the direction that best fits your flights and any city stays you would like to add at either end.
From the journal
Reading on The Rhine.
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The Rhine?
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