A Rhine River Cruise is undoubtedly one of the most pleasurable first-time river cruising experiences a traveler can possibly enjoy. Like Huck Finn rafting down the Mississippi, a Rhine River cruise journey will relax your mind and body and make the stresses of a busy work-life seem thousands of miles away — after all, they are!
Flowing over 500 miles north — yes north, unlike most of the rivers and waterways in North America, which flow south — and east from Basel, Switzerland, the Rhine River can take you to ports in France and Germany on the way to Amsterdam and the awe-inspiring Waterways of Holland.
Enroute, you will experience a taste of what makes Europe: its outstanding museums such as the renowned Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank house in Amsterdam; spectacular gardens, including Holland’s fabled Keukenhof Gardens, home to over seven million flowers; Cologne with its spectacular, UNESCO-World-Heritage-designated cathedral; and castles, castles, castles along the upper-middle Rhine valley, a magnificent 40-mile stretch of Germany running between Koblenz and Rudesheim. This region, too, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only a short cruise away from all the remarkable castles is the magnificent Black Forest and its world famous spa town, Baden-Baden, the incredible family-owned winery in Cochem (you’ll love their Rieslings) and of course the Heidelberg and its remarkable "Schloss" (German for castle).
A particularly spectacular sight is Rhinestone Castle, which seems to sprout right out of jagged rock high above the river. One of the oldest castles on the Rhine, this fairytale fortress still has a working drawbridge. From the battlements, you will enjoy sweeping views of the Rhine River. From a vantage point just beyond the rock where the castle resides will provide you an unparalleled photo opportunity to shoot one of the most photographed and least know castles in the world — it’s a must photo-op.
The Rhine is fine almost anytime. If you want to avoid the crowds, take a trip in early May or October. If wine is your thing, then a fall harvest-time cruise in October is a must. For late September and October cruises, you’ll also pick up one of the “funnest” things we have ever done, what the Brit’s would call a “pub-crawl.” That’s the world famous month-long Oktoberfest the very festive time where almost all of German celebrates.
Even if you are not a beer lover, this is a “don’t miss” opportunity to be in an environment like nothing you’ve ever seen. It’s most like our Mardi gras in New Orleans, but more wide-spread throughout the country. Visiting on a Rhine River cruise means that you don’t have to fight the crowds nor pay an exorbitant amount for hotel accommodations as you return each evening to the comfort and quietness of your sumptuous floating hotel. Oh yes, less we forget, you’ll be astounded and the hundreds, yes we said hundreds of local, fresh sausages and kielbasas that are offered up within each of the beer gardens you visit — they’re a delectable must!
If you are like my wife and I we enjoy Canada and New England in the fall — oh those majestic fall colors and you can experience similar color pallets on the northern part of the Rhine as you cruise in either direction during the peak fall months — just another reason to enjoy a Rhine River cruise.
All of us at Premier River Cruises agree that if you’re planning for your first river cruise, a 7 to 11 day Rhine River cruise is the perfect introduction to river cruising. Your days a packed with beauty, history and culture, your nights are festive, rewarding and relaxing. This cruise has wide appeal for everyone as it is so diversified. For the photojournalist among you, please make sure you bring along a light weight tripod for the best results.
No matter the reason or season, the Rhine is a truly magical combination of sights and sounds, steeped in mystery, lore, and legend. A river cruise vacation along the Rhine will bring you a lifetime of memories – and the longing to cruise Europe’s rivers again and again.
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