rhine river tour from frankfurt

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Rhine Cruises from Frankfurt-Am-Main

A cruise adventure starting in Frankfurt-Am-Main is a great way to see Rhine. We have 9 tours that range from 5 days up to 9 days. The most popular time for tours from Frankfurt-Am-Main is September, which has the most cruise departures.

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

• River Cruise

The Majestic Rhine 2024|2025 - 8 Days

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

Fall colors of Rhine MS Crucevita 4*sup

Romantic Rhine, Alsace and Netherlands Crucevita Main Cabin

Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Southbound) 2024

The Best of the Rhine with 2 Nights in Frankfurt 2024

The Best of the Rhine 2024

Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Southbound) 2025

The Best of the Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne 2024

The Best of the Rhine with 2 Nights in Frankfurt and 2 Nights in Lucerne 2024

• River Cruise from Frankfurt-am-Main (9)
• Family from Frankfurt-am-Main (8)

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A Taste of Rhine (Northbound)

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise
• Take a Guided Walk of Cologne visiting twin-steepled gothic cathedral
• Cruise through the magnificent Rhine George and enjoy the locals delicacies
• Visit the Mechanical Music Museum in Rüdesheim
• Small Ship Cruises
• River Cruises
• Netherlands
• Rhine River
• European Union

Full Itinerary

Day 1: frankfurt, germany | embark.

• Accommodation

Day 2: Rüdesheim–Koblenz

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Cologne, Germany

Day 4: amsterdam, holland, day 5: amsterdam, holland | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

Avalon Imagery II

Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $450, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover/Novus, and American Express. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• General Terms & Conditions - Avalon Waterways/ Globus Family of Brands

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
• 4 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, maps, canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
• Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
• Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
• Panoramic windows
• Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
• Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
• Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Additional excursions during free time
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• Alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or on board your vessel
• Passport or Visa fees

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Primus-Linie: your Frankfurt, your region, your river experience

Frankfurt city life, romantic views of the Rhine valley and glittering celebrations: we love to create special moments! Join us for a great variety of river cruises in Frankfurt , Mainz , Wiesbaden and many other locations along Main and Rhine

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Boat charter all year round

Sunset X Skyline - Frankfurt by night

experience Frankfurt's skyline at night!

Frankfurt Sightseeing Tour

our classic panorama tour, departure every hour: daily from 11am - 5pm!

enjoy a bbq along Frankfurt's beautiful skyline: July 7th

Information

• Landing Stages
• Food Service
• Route Information
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• Corporate Events
• Meetings & Conferences
• Rhine in Flames

Inspirations

365 days of variety on Main and Rhine

With its 5 boats Primus-Linie is the largest and most modern shipping company in the state of Hessen. Its tradition dates back to the year 1880. Offers include sightseeing tours of Frankfurt as well as day excursions and event tours on Main and Rhine.

Popular boat charters include company parties, anniversaries, christmas parties, weddings and presentations.

Popular business charter occassions include company events, anniversaries and christmas parties, on board.

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• Tours & Activities

Rhine Valley Trip from Frankfurt including Rhine River Cruise

• Transport by air-conditioned bus
• Professional guide
• Lunch (full-day trip) or dinner (half-day trip)
• Wine tasting
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Please note that in winter season we do charter boat trips, when regular cruise lines do not operate. On few occasions, i. e. low waters etc. we may visit a castle instead.
• Audioguide in several languages (only on the boat) available on request
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infant seats available
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

Sadly some of the negative reviews about this tour is quite true. We chose to do this tour because we didn't know the route ourselves to navigate the boat schedule and drive routes along the Rhine river. The pick-up from the Frankfurt am Main city center was very convenient. The tour guide was very personable. They take you to a monument in Rudesheim up a hill to take in the panoramic view of the Mainz river, they give you the option to take this ski-lift down to the river valley from there for an additional 5.5 euros per person, which I would highly recommend. The views are spectacular. The lunch - as per the horrible reviews - is very accurate. A cheap small piece of pork schnitzel and fries on the side. Drinks and dessert are NOT included and you have to pay. It's a pretty bad lunch. Then the ferry ride down the Rhine is super nice. takes 40 mins, then they take you back to Rudesheim to the same place you had lunch to do a wine tasting.. but the wine tasting is pretty sub-par....they serve you 4 types of local wines in what can only be called a plastic cough syrup cups. And tasting means you get one table spoon of wine to slurp back in those awful cups. It didn't do the wine any justice (which aren't cheap wines either) but this is probably the worst wine tasting experience I've had. Then they give you some free time to roam around a town before being driven back to Frankfurt. It's not terrible if it's your first time but honestly.. think they need to upgrade/update the itinerary as it's quite a routined and lacks much excitement.

Booked this trip as v were reaching Frankfurt at 8 in the morning and din intend to waste a day. The guide was good and quite friendly . Comfortable journey . The boat ride was okay. Have travelled in better ones . The info being provided on the boat wasn’t very clear...

We would have preferred to have our drinks at the lunch included in the total price. Also, we were unaware that an optional ski lift ride was part of the tour.

The Rhine itself is amazing and very beautiful, but this trip felt like almost a scam. The meal we sad at best, it was turkey and fries... that's a meal? Also they made us go back to that horrible restaurant twice! The actually boat ride was the shortest section of the river they could do. This is not worth your money, go to a different company.

The Rhine was beautiful and we got a very good glimpse of the beautiful stretch including the Loreley rock. We also saw it by coach as we drove to the cruise embarkation point. We saw a bit of the small town leading up to the river and that was quite nice. Lunch and wine tasting were very basic, but we didn't go for the food. The local wine, however, is quite good quality. They're famous for good reason.

The river cruise was beautiful, the bus ride was fine on the way to the cruise, but the ride back was a rush and a little scary. The food was nothing special and the wine tasting didn't impress.Still I am happy I did it and would recommend it to others.

The guide of our trip Michael was very humourous and delightful and it made the trip more enjoyable than it already was. The view from both the bus and the boat were spectacular. The food was good and the restaurant was well decorated. (Note that you have to pay for the drinks.) The portion of wine tasting was not much (We’re totally ok with that) and two of the sweet wines tasted really good. The tour is definitely worth going if you have to stay in Frankfurt for a few days!

Ride was good, very informative guide who provided necessary information. Lunch at restaurant was good

Michael made a world of difference to this trip. The sights were spectacular and became more alive with the knowledge and funny wit of our guide. He was very entertaining.

Found the restaurant a little dark and uncomfortably small so could not stay for lunch. The river cruise was wonderful. The only part of the trip you are not moving on and off the bus. Wish it was just an extra half hour to visit some of the villages more but overall a trip worth doing.

The cruise on the Rhine River is wonderful. It was very relaxing while taking in the sites. It was challenging to hear the history being told over the speakers on the boat. The restaurant seating for lunch was tight and it was the same location for the wine tasting but it was fun. Our bus had an air conditioning problem and the water was leaking from the cargo shelf above. The driver and the tour guide did everything they could to make the passengers comfortable.. even handing out umbrellas!

Great tour and great tour guide. The locations we visited were all beautiful with a rich history and great sights. Lots of opportunities for great photos both on land and on the river. We took a bus from Frankfurt and made a few stops along the way before reaching the river. The river cruise lasted about 1 1/2 hours. The views on the river were stunning. The crowing achievement was the Lorelei rock and statue the statue is after the rock so be prepared with your camera!. Beautiful villages along the way, so much so my wife and I were trying decide which house we would want to live in! At the city we at stopped before the river, my wife took the ski lift down to the bottom and she got some great photos of the area. It had beautiful views of the Rhine. She had to pay an extra 10 euro for that but she felt it was worth the money. The ship was great and we went on the first day they started the tours so there wasn't a ton of people on the ship. The ship also offers drinks at extra cost. We were able to go topside and get some great views and pictures of the Rhine valley and all the castles! It was the best part of the whole tour! My only complaint comes about the food that they offer. They took us to a really cool looking restaurant. It looked like a place where the food should have been better than what we got. They served Schnitzel with fries the fries looked and tasted like American McDonalds fries that had been sitting out for a bit. The Schnitzel was medium sized, plain, and tasted like it was frozen then re-heated like a frozen dinner from the supermarket. It didn't taste bad but I thought it would have been restaurant quality not re-heated from frozen at home quality. The German food I had previously eaten even at the German train stations! was so great that I was really expecting better but instead we got more of what I would have expected from a cheap tour in the US. Also, they served Apfelstrudel for dessert but, spoiler alert, it was at extra cost, not included in the lunch. They might have mentioned this online but I don't remember reading about it and they certainly didn't say anything when they were taking orders for it so I wrongly assumed it was at no extra cost. It was around 8 euro per dessert. It was not very good. A dessert from your typical Germany bakery would knock your socks off for far less money. This tasted like a processed American pastry. So I felt overcharged and underwhelmed by the food. I would have gladly paid more money for this tour had it included a full meal that was Germany quality. Overall it was a great experience. Improve the food and this would be a great tour to take that would offer a high quality German experience that would leave me wanting more.

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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

Do you have any questions or want to book a trip? We are happy to help.

+49 (0) 211 274 032 50

Monday - Friday 09:00 am - 06:00 pm Saturday 09:00 am - 01:00 pm

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• Day tour in the Rhine Valley
• Audio System

Description

Tour 1 - day tour to the rhine valley.

Come with us to one of the most beautiful destinations in Germany: the Rhine Valley. The most spectacular section of the river from Rüdesheim to Koblenz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see a good part of it.

The winding Rhine loops through the mountain ranges, the small, traditional villages, the steep terraces of the vineyards and the mighty medieval castles on both sides of the bank form the magnificent panorama of this river landscape.

Above the vineyards you have a wonderful view of the valley. In the warmer seasons, it's worth taking a slow cable car ride down to the river (optional). Lunch is served in our selected event location directly on the bank in Assmannshausen.

The boat trip is one of the highlights of your trip.

click to enlarge

To learn more about the ancient tradition of wine growing, we offer you another culinary event: a wine tasting with local wines. You can also buy wine to commemorate your stay in one of Europe's best wine regions. This also takes place in the event location mentioned above.

The Rhine Valley has a 2000-year-old, exciting history that you will learn more about: from the soldiers and settlers of the Roman Empire to the time of the knights in the Middle Ages, the farmers and monks, the international merchants and traders. And from the tradition of shipping, because to this day the Rhine is one of the most important waterways in Europe.

On some winter days, or on rare occasions of high or low tide, we substitute a visit to a castle or historical site for the cruise.

You can book this excursion all year round, the Rhine Valley is worth seeing at any time of the year. Discover the fascination of this cultural and natural landscape on a varied day trip.

Rüdesheim / Drosselgasse: stop for shopping. Then the bus will bring you back to Frankfurt.

Note: There is no regular boat traffic in winter. If a boat trip is not possible, we offer you a visit to a castle as an alternative.

Price is inclusive:

• German / English tour guide
• Transport from/to Frankfurt (bus or van)
• Boat trip (or castle visit or similar)
• Lunch (drinks not included) in an event location
• Event: Wine tasting (not an extensive tasting)
• Adult: € 149,00 
• Children: € 79,00 (until 12 years)

Starting point:

• Frankfurt, Wiesenhüttenplatz 38 / Sidewalk – Your guide will meet you there. The departure point is near the main train station. Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before departure. Important: Please do not enter this Le Meridien Hotel on this place. We do not pick up guests in the hotel lobby or directly in front of the entrance.

additional bookable:

• pick up & drop off from / to hotel in Frankfurt
• € 10,00 pp / way

buy ticket directly here:   Tickets

Call us or use our booking form.

Changes to the tour are reserved

© Header picture: cmfotoworks, Fotolia 42846473 © Post picture: World Travel Images, Fotolia 17492287

Departure times.

daily:  11: 15 h - 19: 00 h (Approx) also on all holidays

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

Activity provider, payment / cancellation policy.

• Credit card payment

• 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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Cancellation Policy

Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.

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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.
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The Rhine Valley- Top Things to do on a Day Trip From Frankfurt

From postcard views to breathtaking natural beauty, from castles and hills to mouthwatering food, The Rhine Valley has it all for everyone who wishes to go looking. Come with us as we take you through the top things to do there to have an unforgettable time!

Guten Tag Wanderlusters! Get ready to be whisked away to the land of picturesque landscapes, enchanting towns, and centuries-old castles. It’s time to turn our compass needles towards the Rhine Valley.

Just a stone’s throw away from Frankfurt, Rhine Valley has scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage all bundled into one. So, grab your travel hat and passports and get ready to dive into an unforgettable escapade with a list of top things to do there. 

Table of Contents

How to Reach Rhine Valley from Frankfurt

If you love the idea of gazing out of a train window as the scenic landscapes pass you by, taking the train is the way to reach the Rhine Valley. Head to Frankfurt’s main train station, Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, and hop on a direct train to any of the charming Rhine Valley towns. Trains run frequently, so you won’t have to keep waiting long. 

Tour Bus: 

If you are not in the mood to worry about transportation logistics then no need to worry. You’ll find plenty of guided tours that will whisk you away from Frankfurt and take care of everything for you. All you’ll have to do is be there to be mesmerized. Look for Rhine Valley day trips that include transportation, expert guides, and an exciting itinerary that matches our list of things to do there.

Do road trips enchant you? Do you prefer having the freedom to stop wherever your heart desires? Then you must consider renting a car in Frankfurt. The drive to the Rhine Valley is quite smooth and straightforward, so no worry there. And the scenic route will make it all the more fun for you and your loved ones. 

Cruise: 

For a truly magical experience, sail your way to the Rhine Valley. Keep your eyes peeled for river cruises departing from Frankfurt, pick one of your choice and let the gentle waves carry you through the heart of the region. 

Combination of Train and Bike:  

Get your adventure on and go a little extra. Take a train from Frankfurt to one of the towns in the Rhine Valley and rent a bike from there. It is the best way to explore the picturesque landscapes at your own pace, stop for a wine tasting, and soak in the Rhine Valley’s beauty up close.

Top Things to do in Rhine Valley 

Cruise along the river rhine.

The best way to kickstart your Rhine Valley adventure is by taking a relaxing cruise along the River Rhine. Marvel at the rolling hills, lush vineyards, and fairytale castles that dot the landscape. Let the gentle breeze caress your face, and immediately you’ll feel like you’re sailing through a painting. Don’t forget to snap some IG worthy shots, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the legendary Lorelei rock too.

Visit The Old and Charming Medieval Castles

The Rhine Valley is home to some of the most magnificent castles in the continent of Europe. And each has its own unique history. One of them is Burg Eltz, nestled in a deep forest, which will transport you back in time with its fairytale appearance. Another one is Marksburg Castle, situated on a hill, and it also offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. 

Revel in Some Wine Tasting Extravaganza

In Vino there is truth and to know more of it The Rhine Valley is the place for you. Because it is very famous for its vineyards and world-class wines. Go to Rüdesheim or Bacharach, where you can indulge in some delightful wine tasting experiences. Sip on refreshing Rieslings and rich Pinot Noirs as you learn about the art of winemaking from the passionate locals. 

Stroll Through Enchanting Fairytale-like Towns

The Rhine Valley is peppered with enchanting, storybook-like towns that seem like they’ve appeared straight out of a fairy tale. Visit Bacharach, a medieval town with half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. And also remember to wander through the romantic streets of Oberwesel. And yes, don’t forget to explore the historic city of Mainz, where you can visit the impressive Mainz Cathedral and the Gutenberg Museum as well.

Get your Adrenaline on with Some Hiking and Biking

Nature lovers, rejoice! The Rhine Valley offers a plethora of hiking and biking trails, catering to all levels of adventurers. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the Rheinsteig trail, which winds through vineyards, forests, and awe-inspiring viewpoints. For two-wheeled enthusiasts, the Rhine Cycle Path offers a fantastic way to explore the region at a leisurely pace.

Take a Detour to the Famous Black Forest

While in the region, you must extend your adventure and take a short detour to the Black Forest. A mere few hours away, this magical woodland boasts fairytale landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and absolutely awesome villages. And of course, once there you must indulge in some delectable Black Forest cake also. 

Experience the Rhine in The Flames Festival

If your visit coincides with the Rhine in Flames Festival, consider yourself lucky! This annual event lights up the night sky with a spectacular fireworks display set against the stunning backdrop of the Rhine River and its castles. It’s a sight you won’t want to miss!

Discover Loreley and its Charms

No trip to the Rhine Valley would be complete without paying homage to the mythical Loreley. According to legend, a beautiful siren named Loreley used to sit on a rock and enchant sailors with her mesmerizing voice, leading to their demise. Visit the Loreley Visitor Center, learn more about the legend, and take in the breathtaking views of the river.

Savor The Famous Rhine Valley Cuisine

You cannot simply imagine leaving without getting a taste of the local cuisine.The Rhine Valley is not only famous for its wines but also for its amazing cuisine. You must try some traditional German dishes like schnitzel, sauerbraten, and bratwurst. Also devour some  local specialties such as Rheinischer Sauerbraten (marinated roast beef) and Handkäse mit Musik (cheese with onions and vinaigrette). And yes, don’t forget to pair your meals with the region’s finest wines for an authentic experience.

Relax with The Rheinfels Spa Experience

After all the exploring, you will definitely want to pamper yourself at one of the area’s luxury spas. Rheinfels Spa, located in Sankt Goar, will provide you a perfect blend of relaxation and rejuvenation. Unwind in its thermal baths, saunas, and steam rooms, all the while gazing at the breathtaking views of the Rhine River. Your body will surely thank you after you’ve treated yourself to a soothing massage or spa treatment.

Live for The Night with The Drosselgasse Nightlife

As the sun sets, the fun at The Rhine Valley only just begins. Head to Rüdesheim’s famous Drosselgasse. It is a lively street filled with charming pubs, wine bars, and live music venues which will make you live for the night like never before. Join the locals in singing traditional German songs and dancing the night away.

Explore the Scenic Drachenfels Hill and Castle

For the lovers of mythology and panoramic views, a visit to Drachenfels Hill and Castle is a must. According to the famous legend, this hill was home to a dragon that was slain by the hero Siegfried. Total Game of Thrones vibes! Also remember to take a short hike up the hill or ride the Drachenfels Railway to reach the top, where you’ll be welcomed by breathtaking vistas of the Rhine Valley.

Attend a Local Festival and Get The Local Feels

All the festival lovers, The Rhine Valley has more to offer to you. There are many festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from wine and food to culture and music. What else could one want for? So remember to check the local calendar for events like the Rheingau Wine Festival, the Rüdesheimer Wine Market, or the Bacharach Wine Festival. And have an unforgettable time.

So Wanderlusters, now you know what to do if you ever find yourself in the Rhine Valley or want to plan a vacation. 

Grab your swimming suits, sunglasses and backpacks and head to this land of scenic beauty. And who knows you might take more than just good memories back with you. 

Some FAQs For You

The prettiest place on the Rhine will obviously depend on your own particular preferences. But some popular scenic spots you might want to check out include Bacharach, St. Goar, and the Loreley Rock.

Absolutely, you can definitely walk along the Rhine River. There are many designated paths and promenades where you can take walks.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as the saying goes. But both the Danube and Rhine offer stunning landscapes, historic towns, and charming vistas. You can choose as per your own preferences. 

The best time to visit the Rhine River is during late spring to early autumn (May to September). So that you can enjoy pleasant weather and have a good time.

Swimmers, this is good news for you. Swimming is allowed in some areas of the Rhine Valley. But yes it can be dangerous due to strong currents and shipping traffic. 

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Unveiling the wonders of culture and tradition!

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4-Day Castle Road & Rhine River Cruise Rail Tour (4R01)

Rhine River Cruise. A perfect tour if you have 4 days/ 3 nights in the Frankfurt Rhein-Main Area. Often booked by trade fair or congress visitors as a beautiful extension to their stay before they fly out of Frankfurt Int. Airport.

Rhine River Cruise ships near St. Goar ©Thomas H. Giesick

The valley is narrow, the currant of the Rhine River is strong and wild, there is a mysterious echo; is there someone singing, up there on that steep rock…….? As the saga tells us, many a ship found its end here, its men confused by the beautiful Loreley, sitting on her rock, combing her long, blond hair, beguiling the mariners with her songs … .

Come and see for yourself the place where the myth of Loreley emerged, experience the beautiful nature and the romantic towns of Rudesheim and Sankt Goarshausen, enjoy outstanding hospitality, food and of course a glass or two of the famous Rheingau wines. The tour includes second class rail tickets. (see the tableau this is already included in the price of your tour ) .  Here you also find everything else that is included:  rail tickets and tours.

Price per Person

Would you like to submit your personal information so we can check availability for your specific travel dates for this beautiful tour? On our BOOKING INQUIRY page you find a form which you may use to forward your personal information:

View 4 Day Castle Road & Rhine River Cruise Rail Tour (4R01)  Rail Tour  in a larger map

Day 1 Frankfurt

It only takes 11 minutes from the Airport local train station located below baggage claim in arrival Hall 1 of Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt Central Station. The fare is covered by the “ Frankfurt Card ” which is already included in the price of the vacation package.  Your hotel is located in short walking distance of Frankfurt Central Station . Although Frankfurt is not part of the Romantic Road, it still is an honorable location to start this Romantic Road Coach tour. Frankfurt is a very modern metropolis which nevertheless offers many historic sites such as the Romerberg  (hill of the Romans) with its beautifully restored timber-framed houses , of course the Goethe Haus where the world famous poet once lived, the Paulskirche , symbol for democracy and freedom in Germany, “ Alt-Sachsenhausen “, where in Schellgasse number 6 you will find Frankfurt’s oldest timber-framed house which was built around 1291, to name only a few of Frankfurt’s historic landmarks.

Frankfurt Central Station and Concert Hall Frankfurt ©Thomas H. Giesick

The Frankfurt Museum Riverbank is one of the most important locations for museums in Germany and Europe. The exhibition buildings are lined up on both sides of the Main riverbank, several famous museums are to be found in the city centre. Visit the “ Stadel “, the German Museum of Architecture as well as the Museum of Applied Art or the “ Schirn Kunsthalle ” to name only a very few. Don’t miss out on Frankfurt’s “ Zeil “, a huge pedestrian zone where shopping is the name of the game. So, if you arrive early enough in Frankfurt, visiting this interesting metropolis is certainly worthwhile.

Day 2 Rudesheim

Today a train takes you from Frankfurt Central Station to Rudesheim am Rhein, gate to the Mittelrheintal , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stunning valley measures around 65 kilometres in length, here the majestic Rhine Rivers breaches the Rheinische Schiefergebirge (schistose mountain). Along the Mittelrheintal are so many historic monument s and c ultural landmarks as just about no where else in Europe. The vineyards  are towering high above the rapidly floating Rhine River – beautiful landscapes to see!

Especially during your Romantic Tour  (ticket included) which starts right in the Old Town of Rudesheim am Rhein: by  cable car  you will be “sailing” above vineyards (where the white wine “Riesling” is grown) when you take a ride up to the “Niederwald”-Monument – the “ Germania “. The monument symbolizes the foundation of the German Empire . From the Germania Monument you will walk on an easy walk  to the “Hotel Jagdschloss Niederwald “, built in the 18th century as a hunting lodge . Here you may have a cup of coffee or have lunch. By  chair lift you will then take a ride down to Assmannshausen, “sailing” above vineyard where red wine is grown. A short Rhine River Cruise  will first take you to the historic Rheinstein Castle . The way uphill to the Castle is for people who like to take a hike – the walk to the Castle may be challenging for people who have problems walking up- or downhill. In this case you may consider to just stay on the Cruise ship which will take you back to Rudesheim am Rhein). For those of you taking the hike: take some time to visit the Castle ( admission included ) – the roots of the castle date back to the late 13th century and the setting within the vineyards above the Rhine River is absolutely stunning. You have a great view from the Castle. A riverboat will then take you back to Rudesheim am Rhein.

Rudesheim is not only famous for its “ Drosselgasse ” (a lively alley with restaurants and taverns stretching from the river into Rudesheim Old Town). Rudesheim am Rhein is also famous for its scenic location in midst steep vineyards along the Rhine River and for the Riesling which is grown here. The Riesling is a dry white wine which is very popular in Germany. Explore the Old Town of Rudesheim and also maybe take a walk into the vineyards from where you have great views of the Rhine River and the scenic area surrounding it. If your arrival in Frankfurt is before noon you may consider taking a funicular ride up to the “ Niederwalddenkmal ”, a monument which was constructed to commemorate the foundation of the German Empire. From next to the “Germania” figure you have a great view over Bingen (across from the Rhine river). In the evening make sure to try a glass of Riesling and enjoy dinner in one of the many  wine taverns , e.g. at the Wine Restaurant Rudesheimer Schloss where you will find local specialties as well as German “ Gemutlichkeit ”.

Niederwald Monument, Vine Yards in Rudesheim am Rhein ©Diana Schulz and View Katz Castle in St. Goarshausen ©Thomas H. Giesick

Day 3 – Rhine River Cruise through the Upper Rhine Valley

Today a cruise ship of the “Weisse Flotte” ( White Fleet ) operated by the largest Day-Cruise company – the “KD”, Koln-Dusseldorfer – will take you from Rudesheim am Rhein thru the very scenic and romantic Upper Rhine-Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The cruise follows the Rhine downstream for 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) to St. Goar which is located across from the famous Loreley Rock . Along this cruise you will get off the Cruise ship three times to visit scenic wine villages along the way. For your visit of Oberwesel , St. Goar and Bacharrach you have about two hours in each of the villages. Total cruising time will be a little more than 4.5 hours (both ways), 1:40 hours downstream and almost 3 hours upstream. So actually on your way back from St. Goar you will have more time to see the historic villages, castles, ruins and scenic landscape . We will provide you with detailed tour information for this Rhine Cruise so you will be able to identify the Castles and historic sights you see along this beautiful Rhine River cruise!

You will be back in Rudesheim am Rhein in the evening – right in time to get ready for another night in this scenic wine village. If you plan to book this tour during winter time please be aware that there is a limited cruise schedule which we will arrange for you.

Day 4 Frankfurt International Airport 

If you still have time before you have to travel to the airport you may consider taking a hike into the vineyards. At your convenience, take the train to Frankfurt International Airport where your tour ends. Travel time is a little less than an hour.

Would you like to download an overview of the 4 Day Castle Road & Rhine River Cruise Rail Tour (4R01) as a pdf to print it out or to forward it to a friend? Please download it right here:

Download Itinerary

This is already included in the price of your tour

The tour package we provide includes a day by day itinerary as well as all tickets, vouchers and information necessary to enjoy a great independent tour. It also contains general information about the cities you visit which you can downloaded from our website once your tour is confirmed. Book Tour

This is not included in the price of your tour

• Airfare from/to your origin to/from Frankfurt International Airport
• all meals other than breakfast (which is included)
• gratuities (tips)

You have booked the tour already and would like to download the to- europe tour package  for this tour now? Please download them right here:

Download Package

CASTLE ROAD & RHINE RIVER CRUISE Hi Thomas, My wife Lynne and I want to extend our thanks for your efforts in providing us with an exceptional fantastic 4 day tour of Frankfurt and Rudesheim and the additional day in Frankfurt. The arrangements, schedule and hotels were all great. All the additional considerations with respect to locality, convenience, timing, etc reflects on you as being a super organized individual and always thinking of your clients. A job very well done in our eyes. The Rudesheimer Schloss Hotel was a five star experience. The owners treated us almost as royality, we wish we could have stayed longer. Many thanks – Bob and Lynne T., Delta, British Columbia, Canada  

We are fortunate to have travelers from all over the world on our pre-packaged tours and we would love to have your feedback ! If you have been traveling along this tour with us, please leave us a review below – we greatly appreciate your time! (your Email address will not be displayed)

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Pleasure Boat Cruises from Mainz and Wiesbaden on the Rhine and River Main

Day-trip riverboat cruise excursions depart from Mainz and Wiesbaden on the Rhine River to the Loreley Valley and on the Main to Frankfurt in Germany.

Boat cruises on the Rhein and Main rivers depart daily from Mainz and Wiesbaden in Germany during the high season. Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) has excursion cruises downriver on the Rhine past Rüdesheim to the Loreley Valley and Koblenz. Primus boats cruise occasionally between Frankfurt am Main and Rüdesheim with stops en route in Mainz and Wiesbaden. Primus also offers event cruises from Mainz and Wiesbaden. It is no longer possible to cruise all the way from Mainz to Cologne on a single day-trip excursion.

Cruising on the Rhine River from Mainz and Wiesbaden

The longest possible regular day-trip cruise excursion on the Rhine River is currently from Mainz or Wiesbaden to St Goarhausen just downriver from the Loreley Valley. This cruise includes the most scenic part of the river — the narrow, steep valley with endless castles and picturesque villages and vineyards between Rüdesheim and St Goar / St Goarhausen near the Loreley Rock. The once-popular eleven-hour cruise from Mainz to Cologne (Köln) is no longer possible, although, with a boat change, it is possible to continue all the way to Koblenz (around two hours downstream from St Goarhausen).

Cruising on the Rhine River is possible daily from Mainz and Wiesbaden from mid-April (or Easter) to mid-October. In the off-season, special events may bring the boats out but in winter , cruises are more likely from Rüdesheim , Frankfurt , or Cologne . Cruises are usually more frequent over weekends, especially during the spring and autumn seasons.

The Rhine Valley is wide with the river fairly slow-flowing from Mainz to Rüdesheim. Travelers with limited time should consider taking the train from Mainz or Wiesbaden to Rüdesheim or Bingen from where many more cruises are available per day. Boats from here cruise the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage-listed  Middle Rhine Valley , the most beautiful part of the Rhine with endless castles and the famous Loreley Rock.

Boat Cruise Times on the Rhine River from Mainz and Wiesbaden

The main cruises from Mainz and Wiesbaden to St Goarhausen are on the Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) riverboats. During the main season, a daily boat departs from Mainz around 9 am and from Wiesbaden-Biebrich 15 minutes later. The boats return from St Goarhauen at around 13:00.

Some of the stops on the Mainz to Koblenz with average cruise times between ports are — note a boat change is usually necessary at St Goar / St Goarhausen:

Note: (L) left bank, R right bank. Passenger and car ferries are available in among other Rüdesheim-Bingen and St Goar-St Goarhausen.

It is easy to return by train from any port — it is mostly just a short walk from the boat landing to the station (except in Wiesbaden).

See timetables on German Railways website .

KD is the largest operator of Rhine River pleasure cruise boats and offers many  special discount fares  worth considering. Mainz to St Goarhausen on KD is around €63 one way (but only €69 return).

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.

Cruising on the Main River from Wiesbaden and Mainz

Mainz is at the confluence of the Rivers Main and Rhine with Wiesbaden only a few kilometers downstream. During the summer season, Primus Line offers cruises a few times per week from Frankfurt am Main to Rüdesheim with stops en route in amongst others Mainz and Wiesbaden.

The cruise time from Frankfurt am Main to Mainz is around two hours (three hours for the upriver cruise). In contrast to KD, tickets on Primus are almost always for return journeys. It is usually possible to return by train for the same price but this must be indicated when the tickets are bought.

Primus cooperates closely with other cruise lines making it possible to change in Rüdesheim from a Primus line boat to a different boat to cruise down the Middle Rhine and Loreley Valley. However, note that some discount offers and bicycle policies may differ.

Event Cruises from Mainz and Wiesbaden

Primus Lines and KD offer special panorama cruises from Mainz and occasionally from Wiesbaden. These are mostly only once a week or so during the main season and not as frequent as the regular cruises in Frankfurt am Main , Koblenz , Cologne , or Düsseldorf .

These cruises usually include meals and need prior reservations.

Cruising from Mainz and Wiesbaden in Germany

Mainz, the state capital of Rhineland Palatinate, and Wiesbaden, the state capital of Hessen, are located on opposite sides of the Rhine River in Germany. However, both cities somewhat turned their backs on the famous river with the town centers away from the Rhine itself. Getting to the boats from the relevant main train stations (Hauptbahnhof) is fairly easy:

• In Mainz, Rhine and Main boats depart from quays (Pier) behind the Rathaus / Rheingoldhalle on the left (west) bank of the Rhine River. It is around half an hour’s walk from the central train station to here. As buses 28,54,55,56,57,60,61,68,70,71,90,91 all stop at Rheingoldhalle/Rathaus a suitable bus departs almost every minute for the 15-minute journey. The old town center with the cathedral is close enough to the piers for easy walking.
• In Wiesbaden, the center of town and main train station are even further away from the Rhine River and not a simple stroll. Here, boats depart from quays in Wiesbaden-Biebrich. It is a 15-minute bus ride from Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) to the stop Biebrich Rheinufer. Buses 3 and 4 make the journey several times per hour.

Boat cruises upriver from Mainz and Wiesbaden are very rare, although a few special excursion cruises are available each year mostly heading to Heidelberg. Multiday-boat cruises frequently sail between Mainz and Strasbourg in France and Basel in Switzerland. Cruises upriver from Mainz are possible at larger Rhine towns such as Mannheim (and Worms & Heidelberg) and Speyer .

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.

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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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Burg Rheinstein

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How to visit the German cities hosting Euro 2024 between games – with amazing beers and local-loved restaurants

• Dean Scoggins , Deputy Head of Sport
• Published : 21:14, 8 Jun 2024
• Updated : 21:14, 8 Jun 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

GERMANY is not all football, frankfurters and beer.

Admittedly, it is usually outstanding at all three.

With the Euros starting there next week, the focus is on Der Mannschaft – as the national team is known – on the field of play.

But if you can tear yourselves from the wooden benches serving lager and sausages near the stadiums, Germany’s cultural experience away from Berlin and Munich might just surprise you.

Sure, go for the footie, but once the game is over and the plastic pint cups have been cleared, these cities have a lot to stay for, as Dean Scoggins reveals.

STADIUM: MHPArena (Stuttgart Arena), home of club Stuttgart in Bundesliga . Capacity 50,000.

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FAMOUS FOR: Being the home of Mercedes and Porsche — and most of the 660,000 residents seem to drive one. Tours of the museums are available.

BUT DON’T MISS: The vineyards. We have not deviated too far from beer, but Stuttgart is located in the Neckar Valley and is a producer of high- quality wine .

Down in the city, the beautiful Schlossplatz and Schillerplatz are main squares to enjoy the buzz of the area.

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Warning: There will be fan zones here during the tournament.

Do not miss the Market Hall. It is indoors and features incredible stalls that are great for lunch, including unbelievable pretzels in the city that claims to have invented them.

The climate and soil here are ideal for growing and the steep hills all around city are used by small and large growers.

Unusually, a couple of minutes from the centre, you see vines growing in gardens between buildings.

As they drink most of it locally, not too much gets exported, so do not miss your chance.

At Weinmanufaktur Stuttgart — yes, literally a wine manufacturer — you can get a brilliant tour of the cellars and, whisper it, a couple of free glasses of wine, a short taxi ride out of the city.

Tip: The Sauvignon Blanc is a steal at €13.

Do not drink too much, though, as a hike up to the Sepulchral Chapel is recommended. Expect gorgeous views over Stuttgart at sunset, taking in the whole Neckar Valley.

It is also a brief walk to the city’s best-kept secret for dinner — restaurant Rotenberger Weingartle.

Here, you can sample the Swabian (local) food.

I had the amazing Swabian plate, which features slow-cooked pork in a rich wine sauce, and pasta, reminiscent of mac ’n’ cheese.

All washed down with stunning regional wine or beer as the sun sets over the valley. What football?

WHERE TO STAY: Kronenhotel, Stuttgart. Modern but family-run and a short walk to city centre. Around £100 per night including a brilliant breakfast.

See kronenhotel-stuttgart.de/en .

STADIUM: Deutsche Bank Park, home of Eintracht Frankfurt in Bundesliga , capacity 58,000.

Focus match: England v Denmark , June 20.

FAMOUS FOR: It is where the German money is. The German banks are situated in Frankfurt. Oh, and sausages.

BUT DON’T MISS: The skyline is obviously impressive with the banking district high-rises dominating. But downtown Frankfurt is known as the “newest old town in the world”.

After much of the city needed to be rebuilt after World War Two , Frankfurt invested in rebuilding the Romerberg main square and surrounding area as it was before.

It is like being on the set of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang , minus the Child Catcher, so taking a leisurely walk among the overhanging buildings is fantastic, with plenty of places to stop for a sausage.

I know, it is not meant to be only about beer and sausage but when in Frankfurt . . . 

The cathedral is stunning and so is the amazing Carmelite Monastery.

It is a place where the monks help feed the local homeless and, incredibly, is virtually silent — only steps away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Frankfurt sits on the Rhine, so take a river cruise in the evening and enjoy a glass of local wine as the city’s buildings start to light up.

End the evening in Lorsbacher-Thal. This restaurant, a favourite with the locals (you will have to book), is not to be missed. It is place where the wealthy bankers sit alongside the locals.

It serves the city’s apple wine (which is like a flat cider that some tourists add sparkling water to) and the best schnitzel I’ve ever had.

You sit on wooden benches, tight to tables around you, while waiters fly around serving sharing starters and ceramic jugs of apfelwein.

It is buzzing and the food is everything you’d want after a day around the city.

WHERE TO STAY: Lindley Lindenberg, quirky rooms close to the river, specialising in vegan food for breakfast. Very cool rooftop bar. Around £90 per night including vegan breakfast.

See thelindenberg.com/en/hotels/lindley .

STADIUM: RheinEnergie Stadium, home of FC Koln in 2. Bundesliga (second division), capacity 55,000.

Focus match: England v Slovenia, June 25.

FAMOUS FOR: Eau du Cologne  . . . but the locals prefer to think of the cathedral, a World Unesco Heritage site, and their local beer as the reasons to sniff out another visit.

BUT DON’T MISS: Standing in front of the Cologne Cathedral of St Peter and St Mary’s Chapel is a wow moment.

The Shrine of the Three Kings is here and the gothic architecture is incredible, dominating the city skyline and sitting on top of the hill, yards from the river and central station.

A walk around is a must and it was incredibly left unfinished for more than 350 years — perhaps the builders were enjoying a local beer.

Did someone say beer? OK, so this is not just supposed to be about German brews. But a trip to Cologne, or Koln, is not complete without visiting the local brauhauses.

The brauhauses are pubs where the beer is served in very small, thin “stange” rod glasses, holding only 200ml of lager.

Before you complain, this is specifically so the beer does not go flat and warm after being exposed to too much oxygen.

And before you get two-thirds down one, another one is served by waiters called kobes carrying a wreath tray of a dozen beers.

To stop them, you must put a beer mat on top of your glass! To count the beers drunk on your table, they tally up on the nearest bar mat.

Beer in Koln is unique. If — and only if — it is brewed in the city, it is called kolsch.

The atmosphere in the brauhaus is unlike anywhere else, with families playing cards and customers breaking out into impromptu singing.

There are dozens of breweries in the city. We went to one called Fruh.

Locals say Cologne “is a feeling” and I can’t disagree, as it will be the place I go back to first. Kolsch me!

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WHERE TO STAY: Lindner Hotel has large, modern rooms, is near the cathedral and has a great buffet breakfast. From £100 a night with breakfast.

See lindnerhotels.com .

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Benny Gantz, man in the middle squeezed out by Israel's Netanyahu

In the traumatic aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, as hundreds of thousands of Israeli reservists rushed to join the ranks to fight Hamas, Benny Gantz said he felt it was his duty to join the war effort.