Table Of Content
After lunch back on the ship we took the coach for our afternoon excursion to the famous university town of Heidelberg, which escaped bombing during the Second World War. A ruined castle on the hill gives the town a romantic aspect and our first walk was around its courtyards and stone facades carved with statues and pillars. Our first stop was in Strasbourg, to explore the city and do a wine tasting tour. Some itineraries leave the Rhine at Koblenz to meander along the Moselle tributary and stop at Cochem. This postcard-perfect town is topped by a medieval castle where you can see a giant suit of armor, and the old town is filled with traditional half-timbered black and white houses.
Classical Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel) (10 destinations)
In Amsterdam, dozens of museums beckon, from the Rijksmuseum to the Van Gogh Museum. Navigating through the winding waterways of Europe, the Rhine River emerges as a glistening vein that traces the pulse of the continent’s rich heritage. As travelers seek to immerse themselves in this flowing narrative, Rhine river cruises stand out as a journey unlike any other, boasting a blend of picturesque landscapes and time-honored luxuries. Avalon Waterways was one of the first lines to recognize that not all river cruise passengers want to do the same thing. With that in mind, Avalon offers Active & Discovery itineraries on the Rhine with options to suit both active travelers and those who prefer to explore in a more laid back manner. Lüftner Cruises specialise in European river cruises on the Rhine, Danube, Rhône and other destinations in Europe, with personal service and Austrian hospitality.
A morning tour of Speyer
This sponge ball filled with cream and covered with chocolate, was created in the 17th century, in honour of Prince Frederick V and his wife Elizabeth Stuart, daughter of the king of England. At the front of the cathedral we noticed a stone bowl 2 metres wide and learned of the custom that each new bishop had to fill it with wine for the people of Speyer as part of his inauguration. The Amadeus Princess moored in Speyer, just a five minute walk from the small town with a very big Romanesque Cathedral. In past centuries the town had a large Jewish population who were invited here by the German Emperors to oil the wheels of commerce. By morning we arrived in the small town of Speyer, with a visit to the university town of Heidelberg in the afternoon. After lunch back on the Amadeus Princess, we boarded the coach once more for an afternoon excursion.
The Best Rhine River Cruise Destinations
Reservations are often not possible for regular day cruises but it is worth planning a bit in advance to take advantage of savings deals to get the best value (and finest views) from a cruise. Most cruise lines now also accept online ticket purchases but several still prefer to sell tickets directly at the quay or on board cruise boats. The Rhine River is a very popular day-trip destination from cities such as Cologne (Köln) and Frankfurt am Main.
A lot of wise folks kick off their journey in Amsterdam – it’s easy to get to, packed with charms, and the vibes are just the right kind of lively to set sail on an epic journey. Well, they aren’t exactly champagne and caviar 24/7, but they’re definitely not bottom of the barrel. Think of Viking like business class – it’s got that extra legroom and attention to detail that makes you feel a bit fancy. It’s where you get the whole shebang – think Lorelei Rock, those postcard-perfect castles, and vineyards that could make a teetotaler swoon. Why not stretch your legs and stay at one of the cozy Hotels on Long island? Switch from river views to ocean blues, and who knows, maybe you’ll spot some seafaring folklore of your own.
Day 3 – Speyer and Heidelberg
Each page serves as a culinary map, directing you to the finest dining spots and local specialties, ensuring that your palate is as well-traveled as you are. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual foodie, “THE ULTIMATE RHINE RIVER CRUISE TRAVEL GUIDE” will lead you to the heart of the river’s culinary delights. This puzzle captures the serene beauty of the Rhine River as it gracefully winds through the city, with a majestic cruise ship adding life to the picturesque scene.
Here, you taste both the privilege of seclusion and the savor of regional wines. Tauck’s journeys are crafted for those with an insatiable curiosity—a rare endeavor in luxury cruising, making it both a cruiser’s delight and a scholar’s treasure. We had been able to dip into interesting riverside towns, each with its own story to tell, while enjoying a comfortable and luxurious base on the Amadeus Princess. After our castle visit we walked down to the old town where narrow stone staircases lead down from the old monastery building above the town.
It was restored in the 1860s by the wealthy German industrialist, Jacob Louis Ravené, who used it as a summer residence. We found our cabin, which was compact but comfortable with plenty of storage. Late in the afternoon there was a safety briefing and then a captain’s welcome cocktail, before we enjoyed our 5 course meal in the restaurant washed down by local wines.
Christmas on the Rhine & Moselle
Beneath the vines are beds of slate, which act like a radiator to help ripen the grapes. We enjoyed our walk around the pedestrianised centre of the town with plenty of cafes and beer gardens. Near the old stone bridge were the marks of the water levels in past centuries when the town had flooded.
Afterward, enjoy a locally brewed beer at one of the waterfront bars along the Rhine -- hoppy and slightly bitter kolsch brews are the norm around Cologne. The Rhine starts its journey in Switzerland's Alps and passes through iconic cities in France (including Strasbourg), Germany (Dusseldorf and Cologne) and the Netherlands. A European river cruise along the Rhine will reveal the best of Western Europe, from its unique scenery, to the exquisite cuisine on offer. We're here to answer your questions about Uniworld cruises and ships, as well as any of our special offers.
If you’re considering a Rhine River Cruise, the Rhine cruise map should give you a good feel for the places you might visit and things to enjoy. Click on the white dots to see more photos of the places we visited or read more about our trip below and at the Online Travel Journal. A former Roman settlement, it is one of Germany's oldest towns and noted for is large Romanesque-style cathedral. Speyer also has a rich Jewish heritage with a traditional mikveh bathhouse dating back to 1128. Situated on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle, the 19th-century Ehrenbreitstein fortress -- one of Europe's largest castles -- towers over Koblenz. Ships dock near the impressive equestrian statue of Emperor William I and from here it’s a short stroll to several fountains that form the centerpiece of the town’s squares.
You can harness that dreamy atmosphere on Uniworld's one-of-a-kind boutique vessels, like the River Queen. The Disney name is synonymous with family fun, so it's not a surprise that Adventures by Disney is easily the best Rhine River cruise line for families. Adventures by Disney charters AmaWaterways ships that carry only 140 passengers, and brings their own spin to the sailings through Adventure Guides who are trained in all things kids.
In 2024, no regular Rhine boats cruise between Linz and Koblenz in either direction. KD also does not offer Mosel cruises other than the panorama cruise in Cochem. See also Loreley Valley Rhine River Day Cruises for tips on sensible routings and cruise times between ports on the very popular Middle Rhine Valley. Stroll the pedestrian-only Drosselgasse; sample local wines at a quaint restaurant. To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.
Several options for taking a short river cruise - Travel Weekly
Several options for taking a short river cruise.
Posted: Wed, 05 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
For those whose travel fantasies are draped in opulence and individuality, Uniworld’s Castles along the Rhine cruise is akin to stepping into a moving castle itself. Each ship boasts an interior as rich and diverse as the Rhine’s own cultural tapestry, setting the stage for an intimate journey swathed in luxury. Step aboard a Viking River Cruise, and you’re stepping into a world where luxury and legend intertwine.
Henk holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School and an MSc in Development Finance from the University of London. Köln-Düsseldorfer, or simply KD, is the largest operator of pleasure boats for short and full single day cruises on the Rhine River in Germany. KD has been in business since 1827 but the oldest KD boat in operation is the SS Goethe first launched in 1913. Luxury merges with academia in events like exclusive dinners at regal estates, such as the famed Schloss Johannisberg.
The gift shop at the entrance is a great place to buy another famous Dutch symbol -- a pair of wooden clogs. The Anne Frank House is the city's most popular attraction, where poignant exhibits include the Jewish schoolgirl's wartime diary. You'd also do well to stop by the Van Gogh Museum or to view Dutch masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum, including Rembrandt's "The Night Watch." A cruise along the Rhine River will typically include ports of call in France, Germany, Switzerland, and The Netherlands. Popular Rhine River cities visited on a river cruise include Amsterdam, Basel, Cologne, Strasbourg and Rudesheim.
No comments:
Post a Comment