The Essentials
The best time of the year to do a Viking Rhine River cruise depends on your personal preferences, but some factors to consider are the weather, the crowds, the scenery, and the prices. Learn more here…
The cost of Rhine River cruises varies depending on the cruise line, the itinerary, the season, and the inclusions, but generally, you can expect to pay between $1,999 and $7,299 per person for a Viking Rhine River cruise.
The start and end of a Rhine River cruise depend on the itinerary you choose, but some common options are Basel to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Basel, Paris to Prague, or Amsterdam to Bucharest. More here…
A river cruise is a great way to experience the beauty and diversity of the Rhine Valley, which stretches from Switzerland to the Netherlands.
But how do you plan the perfect Rhine River cruise? What are the best times to go, the best itineraries to choose, and the best tips to follow? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more, so you can make the most of your Rhine River adventure.
When to cruise the Rhine
The Rhine is navigable all year round, but different seasons offer different advantages and disadvantages. Here are some factors to consider when deciding when to cruise the Rhine:
- Weather: The weather along the Rhine can vary depending on the region and the season. Generally, spring and fall are mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Summer can be hot and humid, with average temperatures reaching 25°C (77°F) or higher. Winters can be cold and snowy, with average temperatures dropping below 41°F (5°C).
- Crowds: The Rhine is one of the most popular river cruising destinations in Europe, so it can get crowded during peak seasons. The busiest months are usually July and August, when many Europeans take their summer vacations. The Christmas markets in December also attract many visitors.
- Scenery: The scenery along the Rhine is stunning any time of year, but some seasons offer more spectacular views than others. Spring is a great time to see the flowers in bloom and the vineyards in bud. Summer is a great time to enjoy the green landscapes and sunny skies. Fall is a great time to admire the changing colors of the leaves and harvest festivals.
Tip: No matter when you cruise, be sure to pack layers of clothing that can adapt to different weather conditions. You may also want to bring a raincoat or umbrella, as it can rain at any time of the year.
How to Choose a Rhine River Cruise Itinerary
The Rhine River is divided into three sections: the Upper Rhine, which runs from Basel to Mainz; the Middle Rhine, which runs from Mainz to Bonn; and the Lower Rhine, which runs from Bonn to Rotterdam. Each section has its own attractions and highlights, so you can choose an itinerary that covers your preferred area.
Here are some examples of common Rhine cruise itineraries:
- Basel to Amsterdam: This is one of the most popular itineraries because it covers all three sections of the Rhine. You can visit cities like Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Cologne and Amsterdam, as well as scenic towns like Rüdesheim, Koblenz and Breisach. You can also see landmarks such as the Lorelei Rock, Marksburg Castle, and the Kinderdijk Windmills.
- Amsterdam to Basel: This is essentially the reverse of the previous itinerary, starting in Amsterdam and ending in Basel. You can enjoy the same attractions and highlights, but in a different order.
- Mainz to Cologne: This itinerary focuses on the middle section of the Rhine, which is considered the most scenic part of the river. You can explore historic cities like Mainz and Cologne, as well as picturesque towns like Boppard, Bacharach, St. Goarshausen, Linz am Rhein and Remagen. You can also admire more than 40 castles and fortresses along this stretch of the river.
- Cologne to Amsterdam: This itinerary covers part of the Middle Rhine and all of the Lower Rhine. You can visit cultural capitals like Cologne and Amsterdam, as well as charming towns like Düsseldorf, Xanten, Arnhem and Nijmegen. You can also see attractions such as the Cologne Cathedral, the Arnhem Bridge and the Delta Works.
Tip: Before choosing a cruise itinerary, be sure to check the length, price, inclusions, and reviews of the cruise. You may also want to compare different cruise lines and ships to find the one that suits your style, budget, and preferences.
What are the Best Activities and Attractions on a Rhine River Cruise?
A Rhine River cruise is not only about relaxing on board your ship, but also about exploring the amazing sights and experiences that await you on shore. You can choose from a variety of activities and attractions to suit your interests, whether you are interested in history, culture, nature or adventure. Here are some suggestions for some of the best activities and attractions on a Rhine River cruise:
History:
You can learn about the rich and fascinating history of the Rhine Valley, from ancient times to the present day. You can visit some of the most impressive monuments, museums and archaeological sites that showcase the heritage and stories of the people and events that have shaped this region. Some of the places you might want to visit are
- Gutenberg Museum: A museum in Mainz that honors Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. You can see some of his original books, including the Gutenberg Bible, as well as demonstrations of his printing techniques.
- Remagen Bridge Museum: A museum in Remagen commemorating the Battle of Remagen, a pivotal event in World War II. You can see exhibits on the history of the bridge, the military operations, and the prisoners of war.
- Roman-Germanic Museum: A museum in Cologne that displays artifacts from the Roman era, such as mosaics, sculptures, jewelry, and the famous Dionysus mosaic.
Culture:
You can immerse yourself in the diverse and vibrant culture of the Rhine Valley, from its art and music to its festivals and traditions. You can visit some of the most beautiful and inspiring places such as cathedrals, castles and gardens that reflect the style and spirit of this region. Some of the places you might want to visit are
- Cologne Cathedral: A Gothic masterpiece, it is the largest cathedral in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can admire its stunning architecture, stained glass windows, relics, and towers that offer a panoramic view of the city.
- Marksburg Castle: A medieval fortress that is the only castle on the Rhine that has never been destroyed. You can visit its rooms, dungeons, weapons and gardens and learn about its history and legends.
- Mainau Island: An island in Lake Constance known as the “flower island.” You can walk through its botanical gardens with thousands of flowers, trees and plants from all over the world. You can also visit its castle, butterfly house and children’s park.
Tip: To make sure you have a fun and safe time on your Rhine River cruise, you may want to plan ahead and book your activities and attractions in advance. You may also want to check the weather forecast, hours of operation, and entrance fees for the places you want to visit.
Nature:
You can enjoy the natural beauty and diversity of the Rhine Valley, from the mountains and forests to the lakes and rivers. You can participate in some of the outdoor activities that allow you to appreciate the scenery and wildlife of this region. Some of the activities you can try are
- Hiking: You can hike along some of the trails that follow the course of the Rhine River or branch off into the surrounding hills and valleys. You can see some of the most scenic views such as vineyards, waterfalls, rock formations and castles.
- Cycling: You can cycle along some of the paths that run parallel to the Rhine or cross over to the other side. You can explore some of the charming towns and villages, such as Rüdesheim, Koblenz, and Strasbourg, and stop at some of the local attractions and restaurants.
- Kayaking: You can kayak on some of the Rhine’s tributaries or on some of the lakes that dot the region. You can experience the thrill and adventure of navigating the rapids, currents and waves.
Why You Should Book a Rhine River Cruise Today
A Rhine River cruise is a perfect way to see and do more in Europe, without the hassle of packing and unpacking, driving and parking, or booking and canceling. You can simply relax and enjoy the journey, while your ship takes care of everything for you.
