Rhine River Cruises
Sailing between the Netherlands and Switzerland, Rhine cruises pack a historical and cultural punch in just one or two weeks. The scenic highlight is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a 65km-stretch of castles, historic towns and vineyards. For centuries, this region has had a powerful influence on composers, writers and artists.
There are three popular routes along the Rhine and its tributaries; the Amsterdam to Basel route, Spring tulip season on the lower Rhine, and the Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers route. Amsterdam to Basel, Europe’s second most popular cruise route next to the Upper Danube. This cruise meander through the legendary canals of Amsterdam, past the breathtaking cathedral in Cologne (pictured above), then on to Germany’s Black Forest and France’s Alsace regions. The real highlight is the Rhine River Gorge, with 40 ancient castles on cliffs above the river, at the end of which you can sip Riesling wines in Rudesheim. Spring Tulip Season on the lower Rhine and canals of the Netherlands and Belgium typically begin and end in Amsterdam, and offer brilliantly colourful landscapes.
The Rhine, Main and Moselle Rivers offer a longer itinerary that feature some of the best views of Central Europe. Adding to the Rhine route above, you will cruise between Nuremberg, Germany and Luxembourg, taking in stunning castles nestled in vineyards on the Moselle, often referred to as the most beautiful river in Europe.
Featured Rhine River Cruises
There’s a whole world of possibilities out there, here are just a few we’ve hand-selected for you to discover.
Enchanting Rhine
Grand cities blend in perfect harmony with their historic past and their progressive future. Inspirational towns have given way to great stories, poetry and music, like Heidelberg, where Mark Twain wrote A Tramp Abroad. Timeless traditions remain intact—from the making of Kölsch, Cologne’s legendary brew, to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its river banks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike.
Enchanting Rhine
Grand cities blend in perfect harmony with their historic past and their progressive future. Inspirational towns have given way to great stories, poetry and music, like Heidelberg, where Mark Twain wrote A Tramp Abroad. Timeless traditions remain intact—from the making of Kölsch, Cologne’s legendary brew, to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its river banks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike.
Captivating Rhine
Contoured by vineyard-clad hills and castles from yesteryear, the legendary Rhine captivates. Experience the allure of France’s Alsace region in its welcoming capital, Strasbourg. Discover Breisach, rising above the vineyards of the Rhine, and Freiburg, one of Germany’s sunniest cities and gateway to the Black Forest. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavors—Rüdesheimer coffee and Kölsch beer—and to touch history up close with guided hikes and bike rides. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, journey into the heart of the destinations you visit.
Captivating Rhine
Contoured by vineyard-clad hills and castles from yesteryear, the legendary Rhine captivates. Experience the allure of France’s Alsace region in its welcoming capital, Strasbourg. Discover Breisach, rising above the vineyards of the Rhine, and Freiburg, one of Germany’s sunniest cities and gateway to the Black Forest. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavors—Rüdesheimer coffee and Kölsch beer—and to touch history up close with guided hikes and bike rides. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, journey into the heart of the destinations you visit.
Romantic Rhine
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers takes you across Germany, Holland, France, and Switzerland! This magnificent cruise begins in Amsterdam where you will cruise its famous canals. Visit Cologne, a 2,000 year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture; sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, offering beautiful views of ancient castles on cliffs 400 feet above the water; cruise to the charming wine town of Rüdesheim; marvel at Strasbourg’s red-sandstone Gothic-style cathedral; and stop in Breisach, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.
Romantic Rhine
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers takes you across Germany, Holland, France, and Switzerland! This magnificent cruise begins in Amsterdam where you will cruise its famous canals. Visit Cologne, a 2,000 year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture; sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, offering beautiful views of ancient castles on cliffs 400 feet above the water; cruise to the charming wine town of Rüdesheim; marvel at Strasbourg’s red-sandstone Gothic-style cathedral; and stop in Breisach, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.
Rhine Getaway
Explore one of Europe’s best-loved rivers, the Rhine. Discover the turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns and spectacular scenery of the Middle Rhine—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste the region’s renowned white wines, the roots of its terraced vineyards reaching back to Roman times. Savor the various culinary traditions of Alsace. From Amsterdam and Cologne to Basel, this journey reveals a rich landscape of beauty and culture.
Rhine Getaway
Explore one of Europe’s best-loved rivers, the Rhine. Discover the turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns and spectacular scenery of the Middle Rhine—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste the region’s renowned white wines, the roots of its terraced vineyards reaching back to Roman times. Savor the various culinary traditions of Alsace. From Amsterdam and Cologne to Basel, this journey reveals a rich landscape of beauty and culture.
Canals, Vineyards & Castles
This magnificent cruise begins in Amsterdam with a canal cruise along the elegant grachten. Next is Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture. You’ll sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, enjoy a stroll through its famous cobblestone Drosselgasse. Along the Moselle River, stop at the picturesque town of Cochem where the Riesling grape is cultivated. Visit Reichsburg Castle, and join an excursion to historical Luxembourg City.
Canals, Vineyards & Castles
This magnificent cruise begins in Amsterdam with a canal cruise along the elegant grachten. Next is Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture. You’ll sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, enjoy a stroll through its famous cobblestone Drosselgasse. Along the Moselle River, stop at the picturesque town of Cochem where the Riesling grape is cultivated. Visit Reichsburg Castle, and join an excursion to historical Luxembourg City.
The Romantic Rhine
Discover the heritage and beauty of the River Rhine on our 7-night Basel – Amsterdam river cruise aboard one of Tauck’s intimate riverboats. Visit the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, exploring regional delights in the historic cities, towns and countryside linked by the Rhine. Set your own pace with choices along the way: castle visits, bicycling, mountain heights, a spa resort and more. Your exclusive experience on this cruise is a private family-style farm-to-table dinner in the country at the Ecolut-Center, dedicated to forest sustainability.
The Romantic Rhine
Discover the heritage and beauty of the River Rhine on our 7-night Basel – Amsterdam river cruise aboard one of Tauck’s intimate riverboats. Visit the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, exploring regional delights in the historic cities, towns and countryside linked by the Rhine. Set your own pace with choices along the way: castle visits, bicycling, mountain heights, a spa resort and more. Your exclusive experience on this cruise is a private family-style farm-to-table dinner in the country at the Ecolut-Center, dedicated to forest sustainability.
Rhine & Moselle Delights
From Switzerland’s pristine cities to the colorful canals of Amsterdam, delve into the history, legends and culture. Wander through postcard-perfect towns such Riquewihr, Freiburg, Bernkastel and Cochem. Let your inner adventurer out as you hike through vineyards and bike along the rivers. Soar high above the Rhine with a gondola ride in Rüdesheim and above the Moselle with a hike to Reichsburg Castle. Uncover the secrets of Trier’s Porta Nigra— often referred to as the second Rome. Grand Baroque palaces, whimsical gardens and a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, provide you with the best these regions offer.
Rhine & Moselle Delights
From Switzerland’s pristine cities to the colorful canals of Amsterdam, delve into the history, legends and culture. Wander through postcard-perfect towns such Riquewihr, Freiburg, Bernkastel and Cochem. Let your inner adventurer out as you hike through vineyards and bike along the rivers. Soar high above the Rhine with a gondola ride in Rüdesheim and above the Moselle with a hike to Reichsburg Castle. Uncover the secrets of Trier’s Porta Nigra— often referred to as the second Rome. Grand Baroque palaces, whimsical gardens and a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, provide you with the best these regions offer.
Cities of Light
Sail Europe’s most iconic rivers: the Moselle with its steep vineyards; the castle-studded Rhine; and the Main, lined with quaint villages. Taste legendary Moselle Rieslings. Survey the Rhine from 900-year-old Marksburg Castle. Explore Prague’s Lobkowicz Palace on a Privileged Access tour designed just for us by Prince William. Savor French, German and Czech cuisine. With bookends in Paris and Prague, this 12-day journey celebrates Europe’s most luminous ports.
Cities of Light
Sail Europe’s most iconic rivers: the Moselle with its steep vineyards; the castle-studded Rhine; and the Main, lined with quaint villages. Taste legendary Moselle Rieslings. Survey the Rhine from 900-year-old Marksburg Castle. Explore Prague’s Lobkowicz Palace on a Privileged Access tour designed just for us by Prince William. Savor French, German and Czech cuisine. With bookends in Paris and Prague, this 12-day journey celebrates Europe’s most luminous ports.
Rhine & Moselle Fairytales
The fabled, castle-laden Rhine and its breathtaking tributary, the Moselle, offer fascinating scenery of Europe’s steepest riverside vineyards. Encounter some of the prettiest towns of Alsace that blend German and French heritage into one enchanting masterpiece. Visit Trier, once known as the second Rome, and Koblenz, where history meets at two rivers. Marvel at the grandeur of Mannheim’s glorious Baroque Palace and at the Schwetzingen Palace Gardens. Colorful canals and glistening lakes, mighty fortresses and castles, and hearty beer and delicate wines can all be experienced on this fairytale journey.
Rhine & Moselle Fairytales
The fabled, castle-laden Rhine and its breathtaking tributary, the Moselle, offer fascinating scenery of Europe’s steepest riverside vineyards. Encounter some of the prettiest towns of Alsace that blend German and French heritage into one enchanting masterpiece. Visit Trier, once known as the second Rome, and Koblenz, where history meets at two rivers. Marvel at the grandeur of Mannheim’s glorious Baroque Palace and at the Schwetzingen Palace Gardens. Colorful canals and glistening lakes, mighty fortresses and castles, and hearty beer and delicate wines can all be experienced on this fairytale journey.
The Rhine & Moselle
From the Netherlands to Switzerland, through Germany, France and Luxembourg, see the marriage of French and German culture in Strasbourg; mingle with jet setters in Baden-Baden; check out the ancient university town of Heidelberg and medieval masterpieces like Bernkastel, Trier and Cochem. Pay tribute to those who fell in the Battle of the Bulge at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial; get a true taste of Europe with regional specialties, local wines and folk traditions; and enjoy an exclusive special dinner at a castle in Germany.
The Rhine & Moselle
From the Netherlands to Switzerland, through Germany, France and Luxembourg, see the marriage of French and German culture in Strasbourg; mingle with jet setters in Baden-Baden; check out the ancient university town of Heidelberg and medieval masterpieces like Bernkastel, Trier and Cochem. Pay tribute to those who fell in the Battle of the Bulge at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial; get a true taste of Europe with regional specialties, local wines and folk traditions; and enjoy an exclusive special dinner at a castle in Germany.
Magnificent Europe
From Amsterdam to Budapest, experience the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless river cruise vacation. Amsterdam is loved for its vibrant mix of sophisticated architecture and classic squares and canals. Tour Cologne—the stunning 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, offering the most beautiful view of the Rhine River, and stop in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim. Visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey in Melk, then sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley. This truly is a river cruise to remember!
Magnificent Europe
From Amsterdam to Budapest, experience the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless river cruise vacation. Amsterdam is loved for its vibrant mix of sophisticated architecture and classic squares and canals. Tour Cologne—the stunning 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, offering the most beautiful view of the Rhine River, and stop in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim. Visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey in Melk, then sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley. This truly is a river cruise to remember!
Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat
Pass through five countries including the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Private shore excursions take you to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic districts of Budapest, Vienna, and Bamberg, and the Wachau and Rhine valleys. In Vienna, take your choice of visits to Schönbrunn Palace or the Sisi Museum at the Hofburg, and attend a grand Imperial Evening in a traditional palace. In Amsterdam, tour the famed Rijksmuseum. Visit Köln Cathedral, Melk Abbey, medieval towns like Regensburg, Budapest’s Heroes’ Square and much more!
Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat
Pass through five countries including the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Private shore excursions take you to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic districts of Budapest, Vienna, and Bamberg, and the Wachau and Rhine valleys. In Vienna, take your choice of visits to Schönbrunn Palace or the Sisi Museum at the Hofburg, and attend a grand Imperial Evening in a traditional palace. In Amsterdam, tour the famed Rijksmuseum. Visit Köln Cathedral, Melk Abbey, medieval towns like Regensburg, Budapest’s Heroes’ Square and much more!
Grand European Tour
Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the food and wine of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz and linger in Budapest’s Café Gerbeaud. Indulge all your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe. Our most iconic itinerary traces the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging encounters at every bend.
Grand European Tour
Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the food and wine of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz and linger in Budapest’s Café Gerbeaud. Indulge all your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe. Our most iconic itinerary traces the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging encounters at every bend.
Tulip Time Highlights
Cruise from Brussels to Amsterdam for quintessential scenes of windmills, waterways, and rows of blooming color. Sail to Ghent, “The Diamond of Flanders”, and visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral with its stunning Flemish artwork. On to Bossuit for moving battlefield remembrances, including In Flanders Fields Museum. You’ll tour the Delta Works in Veere—a marvel of flood-protection. In Kinderdijk, see 19 windmills built in 1740 for water management. You’ll see why windmills are a symbol of Holland! Take in the tulips in the flower farm regions of Zaandam and Haarlem, and conclude with a guided canal cruise in Amsterdam.
Tulip Time Highlights
Cruise from Brussels to Amsterdam for quintessential scenes of windmills, waterways, and rows of blooming color. Sail to Ghent, “The Diamond of Flanders”, and visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral with its stunning Flemish artwork. On to Bossuit for moving battlefield remembrances, including In Flanders Fields Museum. You’ll tour the Delta Works in Veere—a marvel of flood-protection. In Kinderdijk, see 19 windmills built in 1740 for water management. You’ll see why windmills are a symbol of Holland! Take in the tulips in the flower farm regions of Zaandam and Haarlem, and conclude with a guided canal cruise in Amsterdam.
Tulip Time
Celebrate spring in the Netherlands and Belgium when the Keukenhof Gardens and Floralia come alive. Experience Amsterdam’s colorful canals, the whimsical Kinderdijk windmills and the art of Rubens and Michelangelo. Discover the timeless traditions of Delft porcelain and revel in the medieval architectural treasures of Bruges, Middelburg and Ghent. Throughout your journey indulge in Belgian chocolates, warm waffles and delicious cheeses—all while savoring the storybook atmosphere of the region.
Tulip Time
Celebrate spring in the Netherlands and Belgium when the Keukenhof Gardens and Floralia come alive. Experience Amsterdam’s colorful canals, the whimsical Kinderdijk windmills and the art of Rubens and Michelangelo. Discover the timeless traditions of Delft porcelain and revel in the medieval architectural treasures of Bruges, Middelburg and Ghent. Throughout your journey indulge in Belgian chocolates, warm waffles and delicious cheeses—all while savoring the storybook atmosphere of the region.
Belgium & Holland in Spring
Everywhere you look, a kaleidoscope of colorful images… on walking tours and bicycle rides… in the seasonal pageantry of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths abloom in Keukenhof Gardens… in Kinderdijk windmills and coastal villages steeped in cultural treasures… at a Tauck Exclusive dinner in a palace museum rich with Old Dutch art masterpieces… in gabled houses dressed in maritime lore along Amsterdam’s tree-lined canals… on walking tours of cobblestoned Ghent and the fairy tale streets of Bruges… during discoveries about immigrant voyages and local brew in Antwerp and sculpted monuments in Belgium.
Belgium & Holland in Spring
Everywhere you look, a kaleidoscope of colorful images… on walking tours and bicycle rides… in the seasonal pageantry of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths abloom in Keukenhof Gardens… in Kinderdijk windmills and coastal villages steeped in cultural treasures… at a Tauck Exclusive dinner in a palace museum rich with Old Dutch art masterpieces… in gabled houses dressed in maritime lore along Amsterdam’s tree-lined canals… on walking tours of cobblestoned Ghent and the fairy tale streets of Bruges… during discoveries about immigrant voyages and local brew in Antwerp and sculpted monuments in Belgium.
Tulips & Windmills
Admire the genius of the Dutch Masters at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum. Explore Hoorn’s seafaring heritage, Arnhem’s World War II history and Antwerp’s Renaissance splendor. See colorful ribbons of farmland as Dutch tulips come into bloom. Sample Belgian beers and chocolates. Step into the Middle Ages in Bruges. Roam Keukenhof Gardens, the world’s largest floral park. The best time to see the Low Countries is spring, and the best way to see them is on our 10-day cruise.
Tulips & Windmills
Admire the genius of the Dutch Masters at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum. Explore Hoorn’s seafaring heritage, Arnhem’s World War II history and Antwerp’s Renaissance splendor. See colorful ribbons of farmland as Dutch tulips come into bloom. Sample Belgian beers and chocolates. Step into the Middle Ages in Bruges. Roam Keukenhof Gardens, the world’s largest floral park. The best time to see the Low Countries is spring, and the best way to see them is on our 10-day cruise.
Christmas Markets Along the Rhine
This Christmas market experience wows you with special holiday touches like an onboard tree-trimming party… glühwein and other treats aboard the riverboat, decorated in a festive seasonal theme… a traditional European Christmas dinner with all the fixings… special evenings of onboard holiday-themed entertainment… walking in the footsteps of celebrities at the Kurhaus casino in Baden-Baden… a lecture on Alsatian storytelling traditions in Strasbourg… a cookie-making demonstration in Rüdesheim… a traditional German lunch in Heidelberg and much more!
Christmas Markets Along the Rhine
This Christmas market experience wows you with special holiday touches like an onboard tree-trimming party… glühwein and other treats aboard the riverboat, decorated in a festive seasonal theme… a traditional European Christmas dinner with all the fixings… special evenings of onboard holiday-themed entertainment… walking in the footsteps of celebrities at the Kurhaus casino in Baden-Baden… a lecture on Alsatian storytelling traditions in Strasbourg… a cookie-making demonstration in Rüdesheim… a traditional German lunch in Heidelberg and much more!
Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this delightful winter cruise on the Rhine River, which takes you across Germany—and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland! In Amsterdam, take a canal cruise along the elegant grachten, visit Cologne, a 2,000 year-old city known for its Gothic architecture, and pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. I At every stop, you’ll experience the magical charm of this time of year, with the towns decked out in festive lights and décor, and the Christmas markets waiting to be explored.
Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this delightful winter cruise on the Rhine River, which takes you across Germany—and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland! In Amsterdam, take a canal cruise along the elegant grachten, visit Cologne, a 2,000 year-old city known for its Gothic architecture, and pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. I At every stop, you’ll experience the magical charm of this time of year, with the towns decked out in festive lights and décor, and the Christmas markets waiting to be explored.
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year and get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glühwein at the Cologne Christmas Market, let the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France captivate you in Strasbourg, meander through Heidelberg’s majestic market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town, and marvel at the world’s largest Advent calendarin Gengenbach. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year and get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glühwein at the Cologne Christmas Market, let the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France captivate you in Strasbourg, meander through Heidelberg’s majestic market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town, and marvel at the world’s largest Advent calendarin Gengenbach. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.
Christmas on the Rhine
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as you journey through storybook villages. Sample tasty yuletide treats and regional delicacies as you browse colorful stalls for handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts. Admire the twinkling lights of Cologne and revel in the merry atmosphere of the Rhine Valley, as storefront displays, wine cellars and markets embrace the holiday season. This 8-day voyage is a joyful celebration of festive cheer.
Christmas on the Rhine
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as you journey through storybook villages. Sample tasty yuletide treats and regional delicacies as you browse colorful stalls for handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts. Admire the twinkling lights of Cologne and revel in the merry atmosphere of the Rhine Valley, as storefront displays, wine cellars and markets embrace the holiday season. This 8-day voyage is a joyful celebration of festive cheer.
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.
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