rhine day cruise from frankfurt

Rhine Cruises from Frankfurt-Am-Main

A cruise adventure starting in Frankfurt-Am-Main is a great way to see Rhine. We have 5 tours that range from 5 days up to 8 days. The most popular time for tours from Frankfurt-Am-Main is June, which has the most cruise departures.

5 Rhine river cruises from Frankfurt-Am-Main with reviews

River Cruise Historical

The Majestic Rhine 2024|2025 - 8 Days

"Was an outstanding cruise. Just the right mix of activity with rest." Steven, traveled in June 2022

River Cruise Family

Fall colors of Rhine MS Crucevita 4*sup

River Cruise Family Historical +1

Romantic Rhine, Alsace and Netherlands Crucevita Main Cabin

Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Southbound) 2025

River Cruise Family Explorer

Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Southbound) 2024

• River Cruise from Frankfurt-am-Main (5)

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Welcome Guest

Rhine valley cruise and tour from frankfurt with lunch and wine tasting.

good except River Cruise was too short

Very enjoyable day, 8 - 10 hour(s) incl. transportation, available daily, pick-up available, what to expect, travelers interested in this activity also viewed, traveler's photos.

Overall rating

Great tour guide in Michael. The actual river cruise was a disappointment - too short and could not hear the commentary. Perhaps going up stream would have been better.

This was a wonderful tour; well worth the money. You get a little bit of everything: - Bus tour to Rüdesheim am Rhein with comedic host (Michael); it's about an hour - Ski lift ride over the vineyards (in good weather ... which it was) - Lunch at a tavern down by the river (just the right size you will pay for your drinks) - Ride on the river where you get to see the beautiful scenery with quite a few castles; about 1 hour 20 minutes (would have liked this to be a little longer) - Bus ride back to tavern for a little wine tasting of a red, white, reisling and eis wine (this is a little sampling, not like when you go to a vineyard) - 30 minutes to shop or visit Rüdesheim (would have like this to be a little longer) Overall, a good experience and be sure to bring camera.

Rhine day tour

The Rhine tour.. eliminate the wine tasting sham. That is a total waste of time. Better to have more shopping time in Rudesheim.

Activity Provider ETS Touristik GmbH - Green Line Tours

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• Any cancellations made after 11:15 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.

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日本語ガイド＆オムレツ昼食付き, eur 152.00~.

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• If less than 4 participants are booked, the activity may not operate.
• Printed VELTRA voucher
• Please call the activity provider the day before to reconfirm your booking. Your voucher has the necessary contact information listed.
• If the Rhine cruise is not available during Winter season, it will be replaced with a tour around an ancient castle.
• The cable car is not included in the price.
• For a small group tour up to 8 persons, an English-speaking driver/guide will hold the tour. For larger groups over 9 persons, a bus will be provided and there will be a bus driver and a tour guide.
• Lunch is included in the tour price but additional drinks and dessert are excluded and payable on site.
• Multilingual audio guide is available on the day of the tour for 5 EUR payable on site.
• The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
• You must have a printed copy of your VELTRA voucher to present upon check-in. You will not be able to participate in this activity if you only have a digital copy on your mobile device.

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• Valid for one (1) booking per account during the designated promotional period.
• Cannot be used on the same activity on the same date and time as the first activity, or applied to activities that have already been booked.

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• River Cruises

River Cruises from Frankfurt

The perfect starting point for discovering the rhine and main.

Frankfurt is the perfect starting point for a river cruise on the Rhine and Main. The city's central location in the heart of Germany and its excellent accessibility by car, train and plane make Frankfurt a popular departure port for a cruise. The vineyards on both sides of the riverbank and the many picturesque towns along the river, such as Würzburg and Wertheim, make the Main one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. You can also continue your journey on the Danube via the Main-Danube Canal, taking you down Central Europe's longest river to beautiful historic cities like Regensburg and Passau.

Downstream, the Main River flows into the Rhine just a few kilometers behind Frankfurt, which is why Frankfurt is also an ideal starting point for a boat trip on the Rhine. From Frankfurt, you won't have far to go on the Rhine to some of Germany's most beautiful historic cities, including Mainz, Speyer and Koblenz. And last but not least, when you take a cruise from Frankfurt, don't forget to visit the city on the Main River itself. Often "Mainhattan" is dismissed as a boring city of banks and skyscrapers. A big mistake, because Frankfurt has much more to offer than just modern architecture. With the city hall "Römer" and the Paulskirche, Frankfurt has two of the most important historical sights in Germany. But the city's museum landscape is also one of the most diverse in the country. Immerse yourself in over 700 years of European art history at the Städel Museum. Experience the history of film at the DFF - Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum. Or embark on a voyage of discovery around life at the Senckenberg Naturmuseum.

• Arrival and departure

City Highlights

The UNESCO World Heritage City of Bamberg enchants its visitors with a dreamlike old town that invites you to stroll and discover. The most famous street in the city, Sandstrasse, also runs through the old town, which is also home to the Schlenkerla brewery, which has been in existence since 1405. The brewery pub is legendary and here locals and tourists alike enjoy themselves with Rauchbier and Bamberger Zwiebel. Bamberg's Romanesque cathedral of St. Peter and St. George rises above Sandstrasse. This is known as the Kaiserdom, because the imperial couple Heinrich and Kunigunde are buried here. In addition, the only papal tomb north of the Alps can be found in the imperial cathedral. Right next to the cathedral is the Alte Hofhaltung. The Renaissance building now houses the city's historical museum. Directly opposite is the Neue Residenz, which served as the residence of the prince bishops of Bamberg from 1602 and is surrounded by a magnificent rose garden planned by Balthasar Neumann. From the Rosengarten Haus you can enjoy a magnificent view over the city. The absolute highlight, however, is the Old Town Hall. The landmark of the city is located between the city center and the old town in the middle of the left arm of the Regnitz River and impresses not only because of the unusual design, but also because of the elaborate facade painting, which draws the eye.

Description and Info of River Cruises from Frankfurt

This river cruise on the Main River is a wonderful discovery tour into the scenic beauty of the Main River. In addition, you will get to know Wertheim, Würzburg and Miltenberg, three of the most worth seeing cities along the river. Your river cruise on the Main begins in Frankfurt, the city with the most impressive skyline in Germany. Make your way to the visitors' terrace of the Main Tower and enjoy the breathtaking view of the skyscrapers of the banking metropolis. But Frankfurt is not only the city of skyscrapers, it also has plenty of historical and museum highlights to offer. Visit the Römer, the Paulskirche and one of the nearly 40 museums on the city's unique Museum Embankment. Click here to get to the voyage: Main Short Trip | River cruise | VIVA TIARA | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

Idyllic shore excursions and relaxing wellness go hand in hand on this trip. From fast-paced Frankfurt, you can escape the daily grind to historic Speyer. Things continue in a similarly romantic vein in Strasbourg, where the enjoyment of French delicacies, amazing architecture and inspiring views are a must. So that you can experience all the sights with renewed energy, there is a full wellness program on board. In Mainz, numerous green spaces and the landscape shaped by the Rhine invite you to take long walks where you can simply let your mind wander. A journey that cannot be surpassed in terms of relaxation. Click here to get to the voyage: Wellness trip Upper Rhine | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

The VIVA ENJOY is getting ready for the big moment: On November 25, 2024, it's "Cast off" for our youngest and we can hardly wait to experience this very special journey together with you. We start against the imposing backdrop of the Frankfurt skyline and follow the Main upstream, where modern architecture gives way to enchanting half-timbered facades and cozy old towns. On the way to Vienna, you will have plenty of time to get to know our third own new building at your leisure. Look forward to a generous architecture, light colors and natural materials that make it easy to feel comfortable on board. No culinary wish remains unfulfilled either - from freshly grilled burgers to an exquisite menu in the specialty restaurant MOMENTS, small and large moments of pleasure will sweeten your voyage, which will be another highlight in the history of VIVA Cruises.  Click here to get to the voyage: Maiden voyage of the VIVA ENJOY | River cruise | VIVA ENJOY | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

Between excitement and relaxation, you can cruise across the Rhine with us. On land, you will explore Frankfurt and Koblenz and a variety of important sights, such as the Deutsches Eck. Exhausted from your city stroll, you will be pampered on board by our wellness program. The fabulous city of Linz invites you to let go of everyday life so that you can take your relaxation with you on board. In Cologne and Rüdesheim, you will be surprised once again by a mixture of urban elements of the city and breathtaking scenery. Click here to get to the voyage: Wellness trip Middle Rhine | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

Once across the south of Germany, the river panorama takes you along the Rhine, Main and Danube. From Frankfurt to Passau, you can enjoy the benefits of our modern ship on board after visiting exciting sights on shore excursions. Würzburg is the perfect place to taste regional wines before you stroll through the all-round enchanting little town of Bamberg. Like a journey back in time, you continue to Nuremberg and Regensburg, where historic architecture awaits you. During the eight-day trip, you will experience variety on land and relaxation on board. Click here to get to the voyage: River Panorama Rhine - Main - Danube | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

Probably the biggest advantage of a river cruise is that you have the opportunity to see a lot of the world. With our trip, you start in Frankfurt and explore Germany and the Netherlands as far as Amsterdam. Mainz, Koblenz and Düsseldorf invite you to stroll through modern cities. With their skylines and numerous shopping opportunities, they offer perfect city excursions. You can then put your feet up on board and recover from your shore excursions. The journey continues in a more leisurely fashion in Dordrecht and Rotterdam, where you will be greeted by the hustle and bustle of the city. The journey definitely lives up to the word variety. Click here to get to the voyage: From Skyscrapers to Canals | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

On a cruise from Frankfurt, you will experience a unique combination of scenic and urban highlights. With its vineyard-lined banks and numerous castles and palaces, the section of the Main between Frankfurt and Würzburg is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful stretches of river in the whole of Germany. On a Main river cruise from Frankfurt, you will also discover some of the country's most idyllic small towns and, in Würzburg, a very special tourist highlight. The Rhine, which begins just behind Frankfurt, also offers an incomparable wealth of historical sights along its banks. In cities such as Mainz, Speyer and Strasbourg, you can discover a new tale from over 2,000 years of urban history in every alleyway. No wonder that the sights of the three Rhine cities are among the most visited in Central Europe.

Our tours are an unforgettable experience for people of all ages. Due to its location at the intersection of the Rhine and Main, Frankfurt is the perfect starting point for discovering both rivers. Both the Rhine and the Main are among the most scenic and historically interesting rivers in Germany. The many old towns, quite a few of which were founded by the Romans, and the numerous castles and palaces along the banks of the Rhine and Main bear witness to the rich past of both rivers.

On a river cruise on the Rhine and Main, you will experience a new highlight around almost every bend in the river. Accordingly, a VIVA Cruises cruise has something to suit every taste. Wine drinkers can sample the fine wines of the regional wine-growing regions in the countless wine-growing villages on the Rhine and Main. Passengers interested in history will enjoy the historical sights in cities such as Speyer, Strasbourg and Würzburg. Museum-goers will get their money's worth in the diverse museum landscapes of Frankfurt and Strasbourg. And sports enthusiasts can go jogging, cycling and inline skating on the banks of the Rhine and Main, as well as kayaking on one of the two rivers.

Die An- und Abreise zu ihrer Schifffahrt ab Frankfurt organisieren alle Gäste individuell. Aufgrund seiner ausgezeichneten Erreichbarkeit per Auto, Bahn und Flugzeug ist Frankfurt am Main der ideale Start- und Endpunkt einer Flusskreuzfahrt. Selbstverständlich steht das Team von VIVA Cruises allen Kreuzfahrtpassagieren gerne mit Rat und Tat in Bezug auf die ideale An- und Abreise zur Verfügung.

VIVA All-Inclusive: for you only the best

With VIVA Cruises, "all-inclusive" means that you can relax and enjoy. Your physical well-being is taken care of with selected meals and drinks. In addition, we offer you relaxing care products. And if you do need a good connection, use our WLAN. For otherwise good connections - especially to our on-board staff - the included tip.

Welcome with a welcome champagne - to a wonderful stay on board

Full board with breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner (multi-course gourmet menus, served at the place) and snacks with free choice of table and flexible meal times

All-day high-quality, cold and hot non-alcoholic beverages, as well as a exquisite selection of alcoholic beverages; take a look at our bar menu.

High Tea: once per trip a selection of sweet and savory treats such as scones, sandwiches, cupcakes, chocolates and macarons. In addition be suitably diverse teas offered.

Daily freshly stocked mini-bar and reusable water bottle on cabin

Selected beauty products from RITUALS

Free WLAN on board - for undisturbed reception

Tipping fees for the entire crew

The right excursions to go with your river cruise

The guests on board our floating premium hotels are all different. That's why we devise an equally diverse excursion program for each of our fascinating itineraries. Whether you're an epicurean, a nature lover, or an art enthusiast, our selection of experiences will open up new perspectives on every voyage.

Arrival and departure to your VIVA ship

With VIVA Cruises you enjoy the feeling of being in the best hands from the very beginning. That's why our service is not limited to life on board, but begins with the preparation of your trip. 

You need a parking space for your vehicle, plan a convenient arrival and departure by train or would like assistance for a suitable flight? 

If you wish, we will gladly take care of your stress-free arrival and departure as well as transfers. Call us: +49 211 274 032 50 or write us an e-mail to : [email protected]

Our berth in Frankfurt is usually located at the Nizzaufer or Untermainkai, centrally located in downtown Frankfurt. You will receive further information with your travel documents. If you are traveling to Frankfurt in your own car, here is our recommendation for nearby parking garages: Frankfurt, Nizzawerft Parking garage at the theater Willy-Brandt-Platz 5 60311 Frankfurt on the Main www.parkhausfrankfurt.de/parkhaeuser/Bahnhofsviertel/Am-Theater Frankfurt, Leonhardswerft/Eiserner Steg Multi-storey parking lot at the Römer Cathedral Cathedral Street 1 60311 Frankfurt on the Main www.parkhausfrankfurt.de/parkhaeuser/Dom-Roemer

VIVA CRUISES CUSTOMER SERVICE

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Loreley Valley: UNESCO-Listed Middle Rhine River Day-Trip Boat Cruises in Germany

Boat cruises on the Rhine River, especially the Mittelrhein with the famous Loreley Rock, are popular day-trip tours from Frankfurt am Main, Airport, Cologne (Köln), Bonn, Rüdesheim, and Koblenz.

A day-trip tour including a pleasure cruise on a riverboat on the Rhine River is for many travelers a highlight of a vacation in Germany. Few tourists can afford luxurious, multiple-day riverboat cruises on the Rhine River (Rhein) but shorter and all day cruises are more common and fairly cheap. The Loreley Rock ( Die Lorelei ) is the most famous spot along the romantic UNESCO-listed Mittelrhein — many riverboats cruise this section of the Rhine River. Good public transportation links bring the Rhine within easy day-trip reach from Frankfurt am Main (city center or International Airport (FRA), Mainz , Wiesbaden , Bonn , and Cologne ( Köln ). Rüdesheim and Koblenz are probably the best towns from which to depart on Rhine River day-trip cruises. Many cruise lines have special savings offerings for children, pensioners, birthdays, anniversaries, and even cyclists.

Best Parts of the Rhine for Day Tips and Day Riverboat Cruises

The Rhine is 1,230 kilometers (765 miles) long but the best part for short day-trip cruises on the Rhine River in Germany is the Oberes Mittelrheintal (Upper Middle Rhine Valley) between Rüdesheim / Bingen and Koblenz. Here the Rhine Valley is at its most beautiful and most romantic. Statistically, a castle or castle ruin can be seen every two kilometers (1.2 miles).

The Middle Rhine was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list . The whole valley is beautiful with quaint wine-producing towns and of course numerous castles. The most famous spot is the Loreley Rock where the Rhine Valley is at its narrowest and the river flows at its fastest. Many cruise boats pipe in the music of the famous Heinrich Heine poem Die Lorelei set to rather slow, moving music. According to legend, the beautiful Loreley enchanted sailors with her beauty and singing leading to their doom in the rapids of this dangerous part of the river. Even today, many boats may only pass this section of the Rhine with special pilots on board.

Best Times to Cruise the Loreley Valley in Germany

The high season for Rhine day cruises is May to September when the highest numbers of boats cruise the Rhine River and frequent departures make unplanned cruising easy. Boats are often very busy during school vacation periods — mostly July and August. Few who can avoid traveling during these two months will regret rather sailing the Rhine in June or early September. The weather may be even more pleasant and crowds much less even on weekends.

Rhine riverboats usually cruise the Loreley Valley from late March to late October. Boats in winter are rare but it is always worth enquiring, especially during the Advent Christmas market season.

Saving Time when Cruising the Middle Rhine Valley

Spending a full day on the Rhine is pleasurable but if time is limited, it is worth considering some of the following. With a bit of planning the best of the Rhine may even be seen on a long stopover at Frankfurt Airport.

• Rhine riverboats cruising downstream cruises ( Rheinabwärts — Mainz in the direction of Koblenz and Cologne / Köln) are much faster than upstream ( Rheinaufwärts ). Mainz to Koblenz takes 5h30 while the upstream cruise takes three hours longer. (The cruise price is according to distance traveled so remains the same, although returns are much cheaper than single cruises.)
• The absolute must-see section on any Rhine River cruise is the Loreley Rock (Lorelei) seen on the Oberwesel – St Goar section of the cruise. (Disembark in St Goarhausen to climb to the top of the Loreley Rock for marvelous views but St Goar with castle ruins is a more interesting town.) The steep valley and vineyards are the main attraction rather than the rock itself.
• The best day trip goes from Rüdesheim or Bingen to St Goar or St Goarhausen — around 90 minutes downstream (almost double upstream) or, if time allows, continues further downstream to Boppard or Braubach. The Rhine Valley here is the most beautiful and most romantic.
• Cruising from Mainz to Rüdesheim and the sections closer to Koblenz is still beautiful but less interesting and only worth it if time is not pressing.
• Trains run along both sides of the Rhine River making it easy to reach a departing port or return to larger centers. Depart from Mainz or Bingen for towns on the left bank and from Wiesbaden / Rüdesheim for towns on the right bank. Not all trains, especially on the left bank, stop in all towns.

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.

Timetable for Middle Rhine River Day Cruises

The following includes the most popular stops on Rhine River day cruises. Not all boats stop at all ports and some lines are faster than others. Times indicated here are those of the largest Rhine day cruise boat line , Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD).

Rhine Town – Left (L) / Right (R) bank – minutes cruising downstream (minutes upstream)

• Mainz – L – 20 (25)
• Wiesbaden-Biebrich – R – 20 (20)
• Eltville – R – 50 (80)
• Rüdesheim – R – 15 (15)
• Bingen – L -15 (30)
• Assmannshausen – R – 20 (50)
• Lorch – R – 10 (10)
• Bacharach – L – 10 (25)
• Kaub – R – 10 (15)
• Oberwesel – L – 20 (30)
• ** Passing the Loreley Rock **
• St Goar – L – 10 (10)
• St Goarhausen – R – 25 (45)
• Bad Salzig – L – 10 (15)
• Kamp-Bornhofen – R – 10 (10)
• Boppard – L – 30 (55)
• Braubach – R – 10 (15)
• Rhens – L – 10 (10)
• Oberlahnstein – R – 10 (10)
• Niederlahnstein – R – 20 (30)
• Koblenz – L

Cruises may generally be interrupted without surcharge but stops must be specified when buying tickets. Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) has the largest number of cruises and is the best choice when planning to make many stops en route. Some of the smaller lines may have only a single cruise per day.

Rhine Day Cruises from Cologne, Mainz, and Frankfurt

Traditionally, the longest day boat cruise on the Rhine River was from Mainz to Cologne (Köln) on a Köln-Düsseldorfer boat. This downstream cruise takes eleven hours but is not currently offered or possible in a single day. Even Mainz to Koblenz requires a boat change while Koblenz to Cologne cruises are only possible a few times per year. Taking a train from Mainz , Frankfurt , Bonn, Cologne, or Düsseldorf , and other cities to cruise on the Rhine from Rüdesheim or Koblenz is often the better option.

Only a small number of scheduled boat cruises are available from Frankfurt am Main to the Rhine River. However, frequent trains to the Rhine provide fast transportation from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof or Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) to the Rhine River for day-trip excursions.

Several different Rhine day cruise lines operate on the Middle Rhine. Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) is the largest operator of Rhine pleasure boats with the largest variety of special savings offers too. Numerous day cruises are available from Cologne and Bonn with the Rhine Valley near Bonn very picturesque too. However, for most day-trippers, departing from Rüdesheim or Bingen is likely to offer the best options.

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 » Loreley Valley: UNESCO-Listed Middle Rhine River Day-Trip Boat Cruises in Germany

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A Taste of Rhine (Northbound)

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• 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
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Cruising the Rhine River in Germany

• September 25, 2014
• / By Charlie and Brittany
• / 3 COMMENTS

Germany has always been at the top of our bucket list , although we always felt it was a distant dream. A place we would visit “someday” and that someday always felt very far away. That is until we spontaneously booked a flight to Frankfurt when our plans to visit Australia fell through. Thank you, Skyscanner. The excitement of finally getting to see Germany definitely took the sting away from not going to Australia. In fact, I think I was even more excited…

Our three weeks traveling through Europe were truly incredible. We celebrated Munich’s birthday with the locals , took a day trip through the majestic Alps to the Eagle’s Nest, took an evening cruise on the Seine River and watched the Eiffel Tower glittering in all its glory , devoured beer and waffles in one of the most charming cities in the world , and strolled along the canals in Amsterdam gawking at those windows with the pretty red lights.  The first thing most people asked when we returned home from our 21 days in Europe was “which country was your favorite?” For us, there was really no debate. Germany not only reached our high expectations, but it exceeded them in every way despite our first impressions of Frankfurt . While we both fell in love with Munich and are positive we will return to explore more of Bavaria, there was one place that caught us by surprise. In fact, it wasn’t even in our original plans but we decided to make a detour to meet up with a friend in Cologne and every one made it perfectly clear we could not leave Germany without a cruise on the Rhine River.

Where is the Rhine River?

The Rhine River actually begins in Switzerland and flows through Germany, eventually dumping into the North Sea in the Netherlands. However, the section of the Rhine that we were most interested in seeing is the 65 kilo stretch of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley between Bingen and Koblenz. This is said the be the most scenic section of the Rhine due to the number of historic castles, romantic towns and wine vineyards peaking over the mountain cliffs, which is why it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Since then, it has been a huge draw for tourists all over the world to check off cruising the Rhine River from their bucket list.

Rhine River Day Cruise: Rudesheim to Koblenz

Cologne is a perfect base if you are looking to do a day cruise on the UNESCO section of the Rhine. While there are cruises that run straight from Cologne, you wouldn’t be able to see the UNESCO section in one day. Since we only had a day to spare, we decided to take the train from our Airbnb apartment ( if you want to give AirBNB a try, sign up through our referral link and we both get a $25 credit…its a win win!—> click here ) in Cologne to Rudesheim and then cruise downstream to Koblenz. By choosing this route, the cruise was only 4 hours, where if we had gone upriver, Koblenz to Rudesheim, then the cruise would have been closer to 6 hours.

Where to Buy Tickets

We had a really difficult time finding any information about how these day cruises actually work. In fact, we went to the tourism office in Cologne and talked to many other cruise companies along the river and they kept telling us what we wanted wasn’t possible – to cruise the UNESCO part of the Rhine in one day. They kept offering us cruises that left from Cologne, which wouldn’t have covered the area we were looking to see. Fortunately, we were able to find a phone number for KD, which is the boat company that offers these cruises and they were able to help us out. Unfortunately, this took us longer than we had anticipated and we nearly missed our opportunity by just barely catching the last boat of the day that would allow us to travel the entire trip between Rudesheim and Koblenz. This meant that we would not have time to get off the boat and explore the towns, but we were just glad to have made it on. That being said, we were able to purchase our tickets from the KD booth right at the port in Rudesheim. Most (or maybe all?) of the ports sell tickets right where you board the boat. You might be able to purchase online or by phone as well, but I suggest checking the website.

Cruise Life

The cruise ship was much larger than we anticipated and surprisingly not that crowded, given it was June which is considered peak season. The bathrooms were very clean, the dining area was large and often empty and there was plenty of seating available indoors and out. There was a small playground for kids to play, as I can imagine this cruise might not be the most exciting thing for them. There was also a bar selling an array of wine and beer, as well as some snacks for the ride. For a more substantial meal, we decided to visit the dining room. We were among only 1 other couple in the massive dining room, so it was very peaceful and the views were spectacular – we never missed a beat. We were delighted to see that food prices were pretty reasonable and the food was really delicious. However, I think my favorite was the Loreley Wine, named after the famous Lorelai Rock that signifies that narrowest part of the river between Switzerland and the North Sea. Legend has it that Lorelai is the name of a woman that would sit upon the rock brushing her hair, distracting the sailors causing them to crash into the rocks. This is one of the most popular sightings along the cruise.

A Few Shots of the Many, Stunning Rhine River Castles

Costs of Cruising the Rhine River

As I previously mentioned, we opted for taking the train from Cologne to Rudesheim and then cruising the river back to Koblenz. From Koblenz, we then had the take the train back to Cologne.

While 100 USD was quite the splurge for us and not exactly in our original budget, it was so worth every penny and we would definitely do it again if given the opportunity. However, next time we will plan ahead and take the first departure that would allow us to hop off the boat at some of the towns and explore a bit more. Each town had its own unique charm with castles and historic buildings to discover. You could easily spend days traversing the Upper Middle Rhine Valley and it still not be enough. That being said, we were glad we had even just a day to see it. It turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had to date.

Don’t miss our video tour of the Rhine River 

About the Author Charlie and Brittany

We are Brittany and Charlie - we traded the 9 to 5 and the so-called "American dream" to live our own dream and see the world. We sold all of our belongings and left the US in August 2013. For 5 years, we lived primarily in Thailand and built our online business and location independent lifestyle while we traveled to over 30 countries. We’ve had house sitting gigs on 3 different continents and we’ve even appeared on HGTV’s House Hunters International.

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[…] I never would have guessed we would hit 10 countries and I especially didn’t expect to be traveling to Germany and Paris and Amsterdam. There’s no telling where this year will take us, but I’m sure […]

[…] traveling through the Alps to climbing the Eiffel Tower, visiting the coffee shops in Amsterdam and cruising down the Rhine River. We were on a complete high (not just from the coffee shops) for 3 weeks, and then before we could […]

thanks for the info. we are trying to decide what to do with the 5 days we have after Rome. Not sure how current this post is, and you may have learned even more since written, but it was a good beginning for us.

thanks Barb

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The 10 best places to go on a river cruise in Europe 

Jun 7, 2024 • 8 min read

Appreciate the beautiful architecture of Budapest from the Danube © Sanga Park / Shutterstock

Cruising down a quiet, traffic-free river, surrounded by scenic riverfront views is an ideal way to see Europe . You can sip your wine while watching picture-perfect scenery breeze past – taking in castles, medieval villages and fields of flowers. 

By necessity, European riverboats are small and passenger numbers are often fewer than 200, making these cruises a far more social and intimate experience. There’s also plenty to do and see onshore, and with more frequent stops you can enjoy more onshore activities. Cruise lines are now also offering more immersive learning experiences such as cooking classes and home visits, or activities like bicycle trips and long hikes.

The hardest part is choosing where to go — which is why we've rounded up the 10 best places to go on a European river cruise. 

1. Northern Rhine (Germany)

From gorgeous river meanders and noble German cities

The northern section of the Rhine features dramatic landscapes and a host of interesting towns. Cologne (Köln), Germany ’s fourth-largest city, offers numerous attractions starting with its famous cathedral, while Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, is a park- and flower-filled delight. Heading south, the Rhine meanders between hillside castles and steep fields of wine-producing grapes. Idyllic villages appear around each bend, their half-timbered houses and Gothic steeples seemingly plucked from a fairy tale. Scarcely damaged during WWII, handsome Speyer is crowned by a magnificent Romanesque cathedral. 

2. Southern Rhine (France, Germany & Switzerland)

Explore intriguing towns in this border land

The Southern Rhine forms the border between Germany and France before becoming Switzerland ’s northern frontier. Strasbourg is the perfect overture to all that is idiosyncratic about Alsace – walking a fine tightrope between France and Germany, between a medieval past and a progressive future. Further south, the Black Forest spills into Alsace in the German town of Breisach. Unsurprisingly, given its geographical and cultural proximity to France, the locals here have a passion for a good bottle of wine. Basel, at the juncture of the French, German and Swiss borders, is perhaps where Switzerland’s Franco-Germanic roots are most evident.

3. Rhône (France)

Indulge in gourmet experiences cruising the south of France

Commanding a strategic spot at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, grand old Lyon is France’s gastronomic capital. Downstream, the Rhône forges past Vienne’s Roman ruins and the centuries-old Côtes du Rhône vineyards, opening to sunny vistas of fruit orchards, lavender fields and the distant Alps as it continues south. During the 14th century, the Provençal town of Avignon was the center of the Roman Catholic world. Its impressive legacy of ecclesiastical architecture most notably includes the soaring, World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes .

4. Western Danube (Austria & Germany)

Romantic landscapes in the heart of Europe

The baroque streetscapes and imperial palaces set the stage for Vienna ’s artistic and musical masterpieces alongside its coffee-house culture and vibrant epicurean and design scenes. Moving into Germany, the Danube gently winds its way to the Italianate city of Passau . Top billing in eastern Bavaria goes to Regensburg, a former capital and one of Germany’s prettiest and liveliest cities. Nuremberg (Nürnberg), Bavaria’s second-largest city and the unofficial capital of Franconia, is an energetic place with a history that ranges from undeclared capital of the Holy Roman Empire to the trials that judged Nazi war crimes.

5. Eastern Danube (Hungary & Serbia)

Travel a cross-section of Europe’s less-touristed east

The two great cities of this stretch of the Danube are the capitals of Hungary and Serbia respectively. Budapest has something for everyone – from dramatic history and flamboyant architecture to healing thermal waters. Outspoken, adventurous, proud and audacious: Belgrade ("White City") has a gritty exuberance and eclectic architecture making it one of Europe’s most happening cities today. While it hurtles towards a brighter future, its past unfolds before your eyes: socialist blocks are squeezed between art nouveau masterpieces and remnants of the Habsburg legacy contrast with Ottoman relics.

6. Douro (Portugal)

See spectacular terraced vineyards, the home of port wine

The Douro region, home to port wine, is simply one of the most glorious spots on earth. The Douro Valley showcases steep terraced vineyards carved into mountains, granite bluffs, whitewashed quintas (estates) and 18th-century wine cellars that draw visitors from around the world. Humble-yet-opulent Porto entices with its higgledy-piggledy medieval center, divine food and wine, and charismatic locals. Its charms are as subtle as the nuances of an aged tawny port, best savored slowly.

7. Elbe (Czech Republic & Germany)

A little-cruised but picturesque stretch of Central Europe

Covering the Czech Republic and a thick slice of eastern Germany, Elbe cruises are under-the-radar options. Prague , not on the Elbe but usually included on river cruises, contends with cities like Budapest and Paris in terms of beauty. Its maze of cobbled lanes and hidden courtyards is perfect for the aimless wanderer. The classic view of Dresden from the Elbe’s northern bank takes in spires, towers and domes belonging to palaces, churches and stately buildings: hard to believe that the city was all but wiped off the map by Allied bombings in 1945. While the city of Wittenberg is first and foremost about Martin Luther, the monk who triggered the German Reformation in 1517.

8. Seine (France)

Cruise out of Paris through northern France

Paris has a timeless familiarity, with instantly recognizable architectural icons, memorable cuisine and chic boutiques. Dining is a quintessential part of the Parisian experience, and its art repository is one of the best, showcasing priceless treasures in palatial museums. Don't miss Rouen is one of Normandy’s most engaging and historically rich destinations, with its soaring Gothic cathedral, beautifully restored medieval quarter, excellent museums and vibrant cultural life. At the mouth of the Seine, Le Havre is a love letter to modernism, evoking France’s postwar energy and optimism.

9. Main (Germany)

A seductive German river connecting to the Rhine and Danube

Rising in Franconia and joining the Rhine near Mainz, the Main (pronounced "mine") is the longest German-only river. From Bamberg to its confluence, it travels some 400km through locks and picturesque scenery, dotted with historic towns. Frankfurt ’s skyscrapers are quite a contrast to the picturesque towns that follow, though it too has a rather traditional and charming old town. Scenic Würzburg is renowned for its art, architecture and delicate wines. A disarmingly beautiful architectural masterpiece, Bamberg’s entire Altstadt is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

10. Moselle (Germany)

An intimate stretch of the wine-producing German region

Having traversed France and Luxembourg , the Moselle heads through Germany to meet its destiny with the Rhine at Koblenz. It’s a very pretty stretch of river flanked by vineyards, and makes for great leisurely cruising and exploration. With an astounding nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, gorgeous Trier shelters Germany’s finest ensemble of Roman monuments, and is enlivened by a characterful medieval center and large student population. Bernkastel-Kues are lovely twin settlements in the heart of wine country, while Cochem’s castle and pretty buildings make it a visual highlight of the Moselle .

How do I choose a route for a European river cruise?

The two major rivers for European cruises are the Rhine and the Danube. Together, they were once the northern boundary of the Roman Empire. Rhine cruises often run from Amsterdam to Basel, following the course of the river through Germany. Danube cruises start in southern Germany, wend their way through Bratislava, Slovakia; Linz and Vienna, Austria; and Belgrade, Serbia; then skirt the Bulgarian and Romanian border to reach the Black Sea.

While many first-time European river cruisers stick to these two rivers, there are many other options available. In Western Europe, you can cruise through the French countryside on the Rhône and Seine, or check out the vineyards of Portugal on the Douro. 

Even on the same river, distinct routes can be offered. One company might zip up the Rhine, allowing you to see the highlights in a few days; another might take longer, exploring smaller places along the way and offering more time for onshore experiences. You'll need to decide whether you’d like to get a look at more destinations, or more of a feel for fewer places.

When is the best time to go on a European river cruise?

Cruises on European rivers tend to begin in the spring, around March, and go through to October. Some cruises, operating in areas where Christmas markets are a feature, run right through December but inclement weather or river flooding could put a dampener on plans. Winter cruises tend to focus on places where Christmas experiences are on offer. Shorter daylight hours mean you’ll see less scenery, but the charm of the festive season has its own appeal. 

Choosing your season is very much a matter of personal preference, and there are pros and cons for each season. Summer cruises offer the most spectacular scenery, the longest daylight hours and the best weather, but the towns you visit will be far busier and you won’t be alone in port; in some smaller places, you may have to scramble across the decks of other boats to reach the shore.

Spring and autumn mean less time around the pool on the top deck, but quieter times ashore. Expect rains in spring, but also blooming flowers. Autumn is a great time to cruise the Douro, with grapes being picked and clement temperatures.

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