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Fairy-tale castles, ancient vineyards, historic towns… a Rhine River cruise has all this and more
A cruise on the Rhine River offers a variety of experiences from exploring the landmark sights of a lively cultural city and strolling along the peaceful cobbled streets of a traditional wine town, to cruising through the UNESCO-listed scenery of the Middle Rhine Gorge with its vineyards and castle-topped hills.
Flowing from the Swiss Alps, the Rhine River wends its way through the heart of Europe and into the Netherlands, where it meets the North Sea. Along the way this 765-mile-long river flows through Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Liechtenstein, and there are more towns and cities on its banks than you’ll find on any other river in the world. Its main tributaries are the Moselle, Lahn and Main rivers.
Top Rhine Cruises
Discover the cultural cities, historic towns and traditional villages of the Rhine River
A cruise on the Rhine River and her tributaries offers the opportunity to enjoy the passing scenery and go ashore to explore a variety of riverside attractions…
Cologne, Germany
Founded by the Romans, Cologne has long been an important trading centre and was once home to the composers Schumann and Mendelssohn. The city’s main attraction is the twin-spired Gothic cathedral which dominates the skyline. There are also baroque palaces, medieval churches and a 16th-century City Hall.
Frankfurt, Germany
The city of Frankfurt sits beside the Main River. The medieval old town, in the heart of the city, is lined with half-timbered buildings, boutiques and quaint apple-wine taverns. In the central square, Römerberg, you can see the medieval Römer complex with its distinctive stepped gables, and opposite is the Old St Nicholas church.
Koblenz, Germany
Koblenz, meaning 'merging of the rivers', is situated on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. At the exact point where the two rivers meet, the Deutsches Eck, there’s a monument with a huge equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I. Above the town sits the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, a citadel built by the Prussians between 1816 and 1832.
Rüdesheim, Germany
This popular wine town has a traditional old town of half-timbered houses and is backed by terraced vineyards. Among its main attractions is the Drosselgasse, a long narrow street lined on both sides with traditional wine taverns, overlooked by the glockenspiel tower with its hourly chimes.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg has a unique blend of French and German culture. The city features cobbled streets, medieval architecture and a Gothic cathedral with an astronomical clock. Its network of historic canals are overlooked by traditional half-timbered houses.
When is the best time for a Rhine River cruise?
Spring
Spring is a truly scenic time to cruise the Rhine, when trees begin to blossom, and flowers come into bloom. Milder temperatures can also make it pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Summer
In Summer the temperature is at its highest and you can enjoy the sunshine while relaxing on the ship’s sun deck.
Autumn
In Autumn the temperature will start to cool and there are usually fewer travellers visiting the region, which can make exploring more enjoyable with fewer queues.
We offer a variety of excursions…
Step off the boat and immerse yourself in these top Rhine river cruise experiences.
Tour of Basel
Explore the city of Basel in the company of a local guide on this combined coach and walking tour. See some of the highlights on a short panoramic drive, before alighting the coach to discover the picturesque Old Town on foot. Learn about how this dynamic Swiss city has evolved over time to become a city of contrasts with historic buildings and traditions merging with striking modern architecture and a developing art scene.
Strasbourg tour and canal cruise
Visit La Petite France, Strasbourg’s old quarter and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its wealth of history and graceful architecture. Travel by coach into the city centre. Starting at the Place de la République, one of Strasbourg’s main squares, journey through the old town to the pink sandstone cathedral. From outside, your guide will share the history of this impressive building. You can go inside independently later on if you choose. Then, step aboard a canal boat for a cruise along the scenic waterways observing 12 centuries of religious, civil and military architecture.
Heidelberg and castle visit
This tour takes you on a journey back in time, as you combine a visit to the old town with a guided tour of the local castle. Explore the winding alleys of the old town and see the city’s historic squares, the oldest university in Germany and the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit). Then, after a wander through the Jewish Quarter, you can take the funicular railway up to the castle. On arrival, enjoy a tour around the inner courtyard and the castle garden before viewing the residence ruins and the famous giant barrel.
Amsterdam canal cruise
Enjoy a cruise along Amsterdam’s iconic canals, once the hub of the city’s commercial life. As you sail you can see the houses that were originally workshops and stores, and you can learn more about the city’s rich history and connection to its famous waterways.
Return UK travel service included on all river cruises
Our popular return UK travel service is the perfect way to get your trip on one of our Saga river cruise ships off to a great start, and it's included on all our river cruises.
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