All the incredible Rhine River cruises to add to your wish list

There’s no better experience than cruising with someone you love, and the Rhine River is bursting with romantic magic. Onboard this Avalon Waterways Romantic Rhine cruise, you’ll cruise for eight days floating down the majestic river as you make your way to four countries. During your cruise, you’ll be on board one of Avalon Waterways’ ultra-luxurious longships. The ship is decked with Wi-Fi access, a well-stocked library, a fitness centre, and a spacious Sky Deck.

Beginning in Switzerland, you’ll visit France, Germany, and Holland. Along the way you’ll be treated to stops and tours in iconic European locations such as Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Strasbourg, France, Heidelberg Castle, Cologne and finally finishing in Amsterdam.

Key stops:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Cologne, Germany
• Rüdesheim, Germany
• Mainz (Excursion to Heidelberg), Germany
• Strasbourg, France
• Breisach (Excursion to Black Forest), Germany
• Basel, Switzerland

Over the course of ten days, Viking Cruises will take you through the heart of Germany’s majestic Rhine River. With stops and tours in The Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, you’ll be sure to get a well-rounded taste of the Rhine. Along the way you’ll be treated to views of fortresses, grand cathedrals and medieval towns.

You’ll begin your cruise in Amsterdam, where you can explore the city’s famous canals, museums and Dutch gastronomy. After this, you’ll float down to Nijmegen, a city with over 2,000 years of history, including sights such as Grote Markt and weighhouse. Along the Rhine you’ll stop into Cologne, Mainz, Heidelberg, Speyer, Strasbourg and Basel where the borders of France, Germany, and Switzerland all converge.

Key stops:

• Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Nijmegen, The Netherlands
• Cologne, Germany
• Scenic Sailing: Middle Rhine
• Mainz, Germany
• Heidelberg, Germany
• Speyer, Germany
• Strasbourg, France
• Breisach, Germany
• Basel, Switzerland

One of the most magical time of year to embark on German river cruises is when its close to Christmas. The Rhine River region is home to some of Germany’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets. There are cruises that are entirely dedicated to showing passengers the magic of Germany’s Christmas markets whilst floating along the Rhine River. This particular cruise comes in at $572 for five days of exploring up and down the iconic German river.

Starting in Düsseldorf, you’ll make your way to Koblenz, Mainz and Rudesheim before finally stopping in Cologne. During the festive season, Cologne will be peppered with Christmas markets where you’ll be sure to snag artisanal decorations, gifts and food. After a day of sightseeing and getting into the festive spirit, you’ll return to Düsseldorf where your cruise will finish.

Key stops:

• Dusseldorf
• Koblenz
• Mainz
• Rudesheim
• Cologne

Every year from about mid-March to mid-May, the cities of Holland and Belgium turn into kaleidoscopes of colours as crocus, daffodils, hyacinths, tulips bloom. This eight-day UniWorld cruise is dedicated to taking passengers right through the heart of Holland and Belgium along the Rhine River where you’ll get a front row seat to the natural beauty of the European Spring. Starting in Brussels, you’ll float towards Antwerp, Maastricht, Cuijk, Heusden and then along the Rhine River to Schoonhoven and Amsterdam.

Key stops:

• Brussels
• Antwerp
• Maastricht
• Cuijk (Nuenen)
• Heusden
• Schoonhoven (Kinderdijk)
• Amsterdam