Rhine/Moselle/Main Rivers
Rhine River cruises specialize in history and culture. You’ll sail through amazing scenery, complete with fairytale castles and discover some of the oldest and most historic cities in Germany.
The Journey: The Rhine flows from Switzerland to Amsterdam in the Netherlands, passing towns and cities in France and Germany brimming with history. The Moselle River flows into the Rhine from northeast France and Luxembourg. The Main River flows into the Rhine from eastern Germany. If you cruise along this segment, you will end up in the Main Danube Canal, which connects to the Danube.
The most popular Rhine cruise is a one-week sailing from Amsterdam to Basel in Switzerland, or the reverse itinerary.
One-week itineraries usually stop at Cologne, famous for its twin-towered Gothic cathedral, and Koblenz. The Rhine and Moselle Rivers at this point are dominated by the Ehrenbreitstein fortress which is one of the largest castles in Europe. You will then sail through the Rhine Gorge, which stretches for 65km and passes the unforgettable Lorelei. This lower section of the river, with miles of castles, churches and steep riverside vineyards is truly a memorable experience.
River boats also usually visit Rudesheim in one ofGermany’s top wine-growing areas.Heidelberg is where the oldest university inGermany is located, and it will evoke images of the Student Prince as you gaze over the castle walls to see theMainRiver below. You will also visitSpeyer which has a fabulous Romanesque cathedral,Strasbourg which is home the famous cathedral as well as the European Parliament, and Breisach which is the gateway to theBlack Forest.
The optimum experience in European river cruising has to be a two-week cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, or the reverse, using the Rhine, Main, Main Danube Canal and Danube, or a three-week voyage from Amsterdam to the Black Sea, flying home from Bucharest in Romania.
Must Do: Enjoy a glass or two of the local wine in one of the little shops and wine bars located in the quaint back alleyways off the main square.
In Strasbourg, the Gothic Cathedral is a must do. Then head for lunch in the big square outside. You can enjoy a choucrout. (That’s the French name for sauerkraut, which is popular there because the city has been both French and German many times through its history.) But, remember that the portions are huge and you may want to share.
