Rhine River Cruises
Medieval
castles perch on mountains which stand veiled in lush vineyards
whilst in the distance another historic port of call begins to
emerge, on a cruise along one of Europe's mightiest rivers. As
you sail along the famous waters of the River Rhine every moment
brings more of the beauty, history and culture of one of the most
beloved journeys through Europe.
From the peaks of Switzerland a trickle turns into a stream, eventually becoming the majestic Rhine, which then flows through the remarkable scenery of Germany, France and finally the Netherlands. Rhine river cruises navigate along this popular waterway, calling at fortified hill top towns and multi-cultural cities which are abundant in attractions. This cross-continental route means that on just one journey it is possible to sample the famous chocolates and cheeses of Switzerland, explore the vineyards of France and see the famous windmills of Holland.
From the vibrant city of Amsterdam passing through charming Dutch towns towards the outstanding scenary of the Rhine Gorge, this holiday encompasses the mighty Rhine's main highlights.
Departures from January to December
from £1,170
Join us on the relaxing TC Bellevue as we cruise our way through Germany and along both the scenic Rhine & Moselle Rivers. Explore fine medieval towns and the famous wine route of the Rhine, set amongst fertile vineyards and hilltop castles.
Departures from September to October
from £1,390
Discover the Rhine from the comfort of our 4-star ship as we explore the cities, towns and villages along this mighty waterway. The highlight of our journey is a visit to the fantastic Floriade 2012 in Venlo, the World Horticultural Expo which takes place once every 10 years.
Departures from May to August
from £1,523
The Rhine & Amsterdam Cruise 2012
Rhine & Moselle Cruise 2012
Floriade & the Dutch Rhine Cruise 2012The itineraries of Great Rail Journeys' Rhine river cruises have been carefully crafted to combine small rural villages like Breisach with larger, more well-known places such as Amsterdam and Strasbourg. From endless fields of tulips to winding streets edged by half-timbered houses, each destination along the River Rhine boasts a unique character that offers plenty to see and do. Guests are free to explore these ports of call independently or join shore excursions, which are included in the price on a wide selection of our cruises. Examples of excursions include city and cathedral tours, canal cruises and trips to iconic landmarks. Every excursion has been carefully chosen to give guests an authentic taste of the places that they visit.
One
of the main points of interest on cruises along this route is the
Rhine Gorge, where the river banks rise sharply to breathtaking
heights of 400 feet. On this 65km stretch of the River
Rhine cruises pass 40 hill-top castles as well as a
variety of flora and fauna. The gorge is also home to the rock of
Lorelei which is shrouded in myths and folklore. According to
legend a nymph who sat on the crown of the mountain lured sailors
to their deaths upon the rock. Guests on Rhine
River cruises which visit the
gorge can see the sculpture of the nymph on the harbour mole of St
Goarshausen. When you visit the gorge with Great Rail Journeys
you can relax and take in all the beauty of the UNESCO World
Heritage Site from the excellent vantage point offered by a cruise
ship.
All of Great Rail Journeys Rhine river cruises are aboard ships that have been specially designed for navigating rivers. Whilst cruising, guests can admire the passing scenery from a comfortable lounge with large picture windows or from the deck, where they can enjoy panoramic views and a refreshing breeze. As Rhine river cruise ships are smaller than ocean liners they are able offer an intimate and relaxed atmosphere for exploring the continent.
01904 521 936
Rail is the perfect complement to a Rhine river cruise as it allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy your holiday from the moment you meet your Tour Manager in London. Like all Great Rail Journeys' holidays, you will be escorted by a professional Tour Manager who will be on hand throughout your journey, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and ready to answer any questions that you may have. First Class rail is used whenever possible on all our Rhine river cruises, to ensure that you are able to enjoy the passing scenery, read a book or talk to your fellow passengers in utmost comfort.
The 3, 4 and 5-star ships that have been selected for Great Rail Journeys Rhine river cruises offer a superb range of amenities as well as excellent service and delicious cuisine. Every ship has been designed to offer guests plenty of options for sightseeing during their Rhine river cruise, whether they are out on deck or in a panoramic lounge. Each day of the cruise brings more activities to enjoy but you are never obligated to join in the on-board entertainment or shore excursions, it is your holiday and you are free to spend you time as you wish.