A Four-Day Rhine River Cruise
Ginger Warder, Leaf Group Updated March 21, 2018
A Four-Day Rhine River Cruise (Photo: )
Day Trip Boat Tours Down the Rhine River
Cruise Tours of Germany
Once the major trades routes of Europe, rivers like the Rhine wind through castle-topped mountains, past verdant vineyards, and through the heart of Germany, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Spending a few days on a Rhine River cruise is a relaxing way to start or end your European vacation and will give you a different perspective on the history and natural beauty of the countryside. River cruise ships are like small, floating, luxury hotels, offering all of the amenities of land-based accommodations in an intimate nautical setting.
Choosing a Cruise
Since the historic Rhine River flows for more than 800 miles through four European countries, you can choose from several departure points and several different cruise experiences. See the tulips of the Netherlands in the spring, visit Christmas markets in December, or float past the vineyards of France during the harvest season. In addition to the international river cruise companies, who often offer longer trips, several local tour operators offer fou- and five-day cruises along Rhine routes.
The Castle Road Cruise
Germany offers many Rhine RIver cruises to choose from, including those that wind through the heart of the country past its many fairytale castles. Many of these trips go through the narrow valley near the steep rock said to be the perch of the legendary Loreley, a sea siren who lured sailors to a watery grave. One round-trip route begins and ends in Rüdesheim, easily accessible from Frankfurt. You'll begin with a day of sightseeing in Frankfurt, take the train to Rüdesheim and board your ship, and then sail past the famous rock, with stops to explore the castles of Ehrenfels and Rheinstein.
Christmas Market Cruises
For a nautical Noel, browse the festive Christmas markets of the Rhine Valley on a cruise from Remagen to Cologne. The ship docks at Oberwesel, where you'll board a bus to visit Rüdesheim and Koblenz or join an optional excursion to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum. Re-board at Koblenz just in time for the captain's dinner party. The next day, explore the holiday market stalls in Cologne to pick up hand-blown glass ornaments and other Christmas treasures, while sipping a mug of hot, mulled wine or nibbling on fancy gingerbread cookies.
Koblenz-to-Strasbourg Cruise
Visit two European countries on the Koblenz-to-Strasbourg cruise. Embark in the German city of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, and begin with a tour of the city's "old town." Dine on the ship and explore Koblenz on your own that evening, with an early-morning departure down the Rhine toward Rüdesheim. Spend the day enjoying the breathtaking scenery of castles and vineyards and the legendary Loreley Rock, docking at Rüdesheim in the late afternoon with plenty of free time to explore the main street, Drosselgasse, before dinner. The next day, cruise past Weisbaden, Nierstein, Worms and Mannheim, and visit Heidelberg Castle on an optional shore excursion. You'll arrive in Strasbourg, in the heart of France's Alsace region, early the next morning.
River Cruise Ships
Most of the river cruising ships carry between 150 and 200 passengers and have two or more decks. Usually, at least half of the cabins have windows, but if you don't get a room with a view, there's a large observation sundeck. Most ships offer both a lounge and a dining room, as well as a library and small gift shop. Rooms are equipped with televisions, telephones, hairdryers, safes and a private bath, similar to a standard hotel room. A tour director on board handles all sightseeing and land excursion arrangements, including ground transportation. Most of your meals are included, so you can unpack, relax and enjoy the scenic ride.
Euro River Cruises: Rhine River Cruise Koblenz to Strasbourg
Travel 55: Cruising the Christmas Markets of the Rhine Valley
Come to Germany: German Tourism
Ginger Warder began her career in journalism in 1978. Warder contributes regularly to several national magazines, newspapers and websites, including "France Guide," "Fido Friendly" and "Stars & Stripes." She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers, and holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Tennessee Tech.
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Warder, Ginger. "A Four-Day Rhine River Cruise." Travel Tips - USA Today, https://traveltips.usatoday.com/four-day-rhine-river-cruise-16996.html. 21 March 2018.
Warder, Ginger. (2018, March 21). A Four-Day Rhine River Cruise. Travel Tips - USA Today. Retrieved from https://traveltips.usatoday.com/four-day-rhine-river-cruise-16996.html
Warder, Ginger. "A Four-Day Rhine River Cruise" last modified March 21, 2018. https://traveltips.usatoday.com/four-day-rhine-river-cruise-16996.html
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