4 Incredible Countries You’ll Explore on a Rhine River Cruise

A rivership is an enjoyable environment for a vacation, to say the least. With their rooftop pools and jacuzzies, exquisite cuisine, and spectacular views—it’s tempting to never leave the ship.

But, of course, the main reason travelers choose a river cruise is because of the adventure—the amazing, breathtaking stops along the way. With that in mind, here is a glimpse of the historic, romantic, and awe-inspiring countries you can explore on a Rhine River cruise.

With so many river cruise options throughout Europe, it can be tough to decide where to start. Your budget, taste, and sense of adventure should be the driving factors.

Do you want to spend more of your time in Switzerland, Germany or France? What about the Netherlands? Let’s take a closer look at destinations along the Rhine for some insight.

Switzerland

A pristine alpine wonderland, Switzerland is beautiful any time of year. It’s known for its snowy mountain caps in the winter and lush green hills in the summer. Whether you take a scenic train ride through the Alps or travel the Rhine by ship, Switzerland will have you feeling like you’ve walked into a fairytale.

Basel

Many Rhine River cruises start or end in Basel, which is its art and museums. The city has the highest concentration of museums in the country and is centered around a market square, making it easy to tour.

Basel sits right between France and Germany, so it represents well the influence that the two countries have had on Swiss culture. Enjoy this melding of cultures as you dine alfresco at a cafe along the banks of the river.

Lucerne

Lucerne is one of the world’s prettiest cities. Wandering through its streets, you’ll encounter a city dotted with beautiful bridges, medieval architecture, and cafes and chocolate shops that will satisfy your sweet tooth. A summer evening in Lucerne will make you never want to leave. Book a ride on Lake Lucerne while you’re at it for a truly memorable experience.

Zurich

Zurich is the banking capital and economic hub of Switzerland. It's also a city with fascinating pre-medieval roots and a breathtaking natural setting.

From the Hauptbahnhof—Switzerland’s largest railway station—you can catch a train and be on a crisp, glistening mountain peak in a matter of minutes. You can also explore the city’s rivers and its magnificent, swimmable lake. Whether you're interested in fine dining or hiking trails up Uetliberg, you will find an adventure to suit you in Zurich.

France

The views, the history, and the food and wine are just a few of the reasons that France tops the list for many travelers. On a Rhine River cruise, you’d likely stop in Strasbourg, the beautiful and historic capital city of the Alsace region.

Wine & Dine

France is a world leader in gastronomy. Whether you’re stopping at a bakery in the morning for a fresh croissant and cafe au lait, a light lunch of a croque monsieur, or a full 3-course French dinner, your dining French experiences will be a very memorable aspect of your travels. When in Strasbourg, consider the Cave des Hospices for a wine tour and light beverage during the afternoon.

Leisure

If wine tasting isn’t your idea of a relaxing afternoon, there is no shortage of activities in Strasbourg. The Parc de l’Orangerie, Parc de la Citadelle and the botanical gardens are all equally serene places for an afternoon walk or bike ride.

Shopping

Strasbourg offers a variety of modern stores, local boutiques, and street markets that will please the shoppers in your group. Most of Strasbourg’s picturesque old town is centered on Grande Île, an island in the middle of the city.

Christmas markets in Strasbourg are so popular you can find them any time of year. Make your way to the southwest corner of the Grande Île to Un Noël en Alsace to browse Christmas decor. And if you happen to be in Strasbourg during the holiday season, take a glass of vin chaud (mulled wine) to keep you warm along the way.

Germany

A trip to Germany usually includes destinations like Berlin, Munich and other metropolitan areas. A river cruise, though, will take you to cultural hubs and quaint cities you may not otherwise get to experience. Rüdesheim and Cologne provide an authentic German experience.

Rüdesheim

Rüdesheim is a charming hamlet known for its production of Reisling wine. You’ll notice the influences of history and modern winemaking on city culture. Cobblestone streets and medieval-style castles lie just outside the vineyards and tasting rooms.

During your stop in Rüdesheim, you might choose between excursions like Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, a gondola ride, or hike through the vineyards followed by a wine tasting.

Another favorite outing is to take the cable car over the vineyards, up to the Niederwald monument and then stop at the local shops on the way back to the ship.

Cologne

A 2,000-year-old city, Cologne is best known for its colorful rows of houses and famous Christmas markets. In contrast to the small-town charm of Rüdesheim, Cologne is a larger city and a cultural hub of this area of Germany.

Where Rüdesheim is medieval and rustic, Cologne is more Gothic and modern. Visible from the Rhine River, the Cologne Cathedral is a must-see landmark. Its two towers are still some of the largest peaks in the city.

Excursions in Cologne may include a Holy City walking tour and cathedral visit, Kölsch Beer tasting, or a bike tour of the area.

The Netherlands

What better way to end a cruise than right in the heart of the Netherlands- Amsterdam?

Known for its red-light district and carefree way of life, Amsterdam offers an array of cultural experiences. Cruising one of the world’s most elaborate canal systems is a fine way to experience much of the beauty this city has to offer.

If you prefer to observe the canals by land, you can opt for a tour through the bohemian neighborhood of Jordaan, with its trendy cafes, eateries, and shops. After grabbing a coffee, head to one of the many historical landmarks in this part of town. The Anne Frank House is located just outside Jordaan and across from the historical Westerkerk Cathedral, where Rembrandt was buried in 1669.

The People

The people in the Netherlands are truly some of the kindest and friendly people in Europe. Described as modest, direct and very prompt, most visitors feel warmly welcomed in this city.

The Food

One of the most pleasant surprises of a trip Amsterdam is the food. If you’re craving something with a pinch of salt, I recommend Bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), kibbeling (deep-fried fish) or snert (split pea soup).

After dinner, enjoy a selection of sweets including Dutch licorice, poffertjes (puffy pancakes) or stroopwafels (eat them while they’re warm and gooey).

The Creativity

You’ll find more peculiar shops and art displays in Amsterdam than almost anywhere else in the world. From stores with cows on the ceiling to mouse mansions to displays dedicated entirely to tulips, entertainment in Amsterdam lies around every corner.

These are just a few of the amazing destinations on a Rhine River cruise. Is a certain country calling your name? Give me a call today to talk about all the options for your Grand Journey.