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250+ Rhine river cruises with 733 reviews

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Legendary Rhine Cruise (Mainz-Amsterdam) MS Crucevita

"Our cabin was quite comfortable. We had a relaxing and smooth cruise on the Rhine." Caroline, traveled in September 2023

Legendary Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam-Mainz) MS Crucevita

"everything exceeded our expectations." Marybeth, traveled in May 2024

Classical Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel)

"A good balance of excursions and relaxation and good food and wine." Frances, traveled in September 2022

Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024

"Wonderful meals, very clean accommodations. We enjoyed the included tours and activities." Rick, traveled in May 2019

Rhine Experience Amsterdam & Rotterdam 2024

"Helpful responsive staff." Andrew, traveled in April 2024

Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2024

"Food and staff were above average par none!!!" George, traveled in August 2022

River Cruise Historical

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps 2024 Start Amsterdam, End Basel

"Fantastic trip. All staff amazing." Paul, traveled in August 2018

River Cruise Family Historical +1

Classical Rhine Cruise (Basel - Amsterdam)

"The food was delicious and presented elegantly. I would highly recommend and plan to book again." Diana, traveled in April 2024

Castles along the Rhine (2024) (Amsterdam to Basel, 2024)

From Amsterdam to Basel: The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River (port-to-port cruise)

"Good value with excellent service and food." Paul, traveled in October 2023

Reviews of Rhine Cruises

I went on this cruise with my 83 year old mum, and we had the best time. The ship was very nice and the crew were all so friendly, from the Captain, to the mangement and reception staff, to the bar and wait staff, kitchen staff and room attendants - they felt like family by the end of our cruise. They also made a big celebration for my mum’s birthday ? Also a big shout out to Jessica, our cruise guide, and Renata the on board entertainer - both beautiful and accommodating ladies ❤️ We saw amazing places and beautiful scenery. The food was first class and the cocktails amazing. I would recommend this cruise to anyone.

Well organised with plenty to see.

A good balance of excursions and relaxation and good food and wine

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"After a shaky start and staying in Basel,had to travel to Mannheim to join the tour incurring 149.66 pounds for train and 30 Euros for taxi in Mannheim which will need reimbursing we joined the boat and from then on all was well organised by Jessica. The food and service was excellent.A trip of a lifetime for my husband as I had been before beside the Rhine.

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"Great service, good guides, excellent food

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7 Rhine River Cruises for Every Type of Traveler

Whether you love the idea of sailing past dozens of castles and forts or are eager to explore one of europe’s more underrated wine regions, there’s a rhine river cruise for you..

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A cruise down the Rhine River remains one of the most popular vacation options for travelers looking to get a taste of central Europe.

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

One of the world’s great rivers, the Rhine, marks a storied stretch of winding waterway that spans 765 miles and six nations— Switzerland , Liechtenstein, Austria , Germany , France , and the Netherlands—from the Swiss Alps on to the North Sea. European river cruise itineraries here most commonly glide through four of these countries in one whirlwind week, on regular runs between Basel, Switzerland, and Amsterdam , with stops in France and Germany along the way.

It’s a romantic route marked by the region’s legendary castles and half-timbered houses, hillside vineyards, and fairy-tale Black Forest landscapes—along with a pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Apart from all that surface beauty, cruising the Rhine affords an immersive contextual understanding about how this ancient highway and trade route—pivotal since ancient Roman times through to today—has contributed to the history, culture, and economic development of greater Europe. The Rhine is one of the busiest and most economically important waterways in Europe , and your journey will also take you past hulking factories and stacks of shipping containers for a behind-the-scenes look at how essential goods are transported across the continent.

A Rhine River cruise provides seamless door-to-door delivery to the attractions of bigger cities like Basel, Strasbourg, Cologne, and Amsterdam, as well as access to less-visited but entirely worthy destinations such as Koblenz and Rüdesheim in Germany, where you’ll get your fill of castles, churches, museums, and wineries—all from the comfort of your floating hotel with accommodations, meals, and guided excursions included.

In 2022, the Rhine River experienced one of the worst droughts in recent history —some parts of the river in Germany dropped to below 16 inches of water in key navigational areas. The drought affected the flow of cargo and river cruise ships. While ships are still sailing , keep in mind that low water levels may affect river cruise itineraries by shortening the amount of time that passengers have in port when ships are forced to sail at a slower pace.

Nevertheless, river cruise companies have seen a major rebound in demand since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Rhine river cruises are still among the most popular sailing itineraries in Europe. Here, we present seven of the best Rhine River cruises (in no particular order) for every type of experience, whether it’s food, family adventure, wine—or something else—that floats your (river)boat.

AmaWaterway’s “Captivating Rhine” itinerary runs from Amsterdam to Basel, while its “Enchanting Rhine” cruise runs in the opposite direction.

Photo by Bjoern Wylezich/Shutterstock

AmaWaterways: Captivating Rhine

Cost: From $3,000 per person Days: 8 days Departure Port: Amsterdam, the Netherlands Final Port: Basel, Switzerland (AmaWaterways’ Enchanting Rhine Cruise runs from Basel to Amsterdam and is the same itinerary, just in the opposite direction)

The seven-night “ Captivating Rhine Cruise ” sails between Amsterdam and Basel, with stops in Germany (Cologne, Rüdesheim, Ludwigshafen, and Breisach) and France (Strasbourg)—it’s a paradise for wine lovers. Itineraries include wineries, vineyards, and cellars: Hike through the vineyards of the winemaking town of Rüdesheim; visit the “Great Vat,” an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine barrel in Heidelberg; or taste the famous white wines of Alsace in Riquewihr. Some notable varieties to sample include riesling, which is known as the “queen of the grapes” along the Middle Rhine, while red wine drinkers will enjoy Germany’s full-bodied and velvety spätburgunder (known as pinot noir in France and made using the same grapes).

However, there are plenty of other things to do on this cruise for those who want to experience the culture of the towns along the route or hope to stay active on vacation. AmaWaterways has several cruise excursions available for each port on its itinerary, including gentle walking tours with local guides and bike tours through the gorgeous central European countryside. (Tip: Don’t miss the bike tour of Strasbourg, which explores the charming city’s modern role as one of the de facto capitals of the European Union, as well as its historic Alsatian identity with a well-informed local guide and leisurely 10-mile ride.)

Viking regularly travels up and down the Rhine with its line of over 40, nearly identical sister ships.

Photo by Shutterstock

Viking: Paris to the Swiss Alps

Cost: From $3,299 per person Days: 12 days Departure Port: Paris, France Final Port: Zürich, Switzerland

Viking, which bills itself as “the thinking person’s cruise,” is a major player on the Rhine, where it operates more than 40 riverboats—nearly identical sister ships with a capacity for 190 guests. Of particular interest to history buffs is its “ Paris to the Swiss Alps ” cruise tour, a four-nation trip that bookends a seven-night sailing on the Moselle (a Rhine tributary) and Rhine with a two-night, hotel-based stay in both Paris and Zurich . After taking a coach from Paris, guests visit Luxembourg en route to Trier, Germany, the embarkation point for a voyage that stops in Bernkastel, Cochem, Koblenz, Mainz, and Speyer in Germany, as well as Strasbourg, France. The cruise ends in Basel before continuing on by ground transfer to Zurich.

The itinerary is loaded with history-rich excursions. Among the highlights is the American Cemetery where more than 5,000 World War II soldiers repose in Luxembourg; a tour of relics of Roman baths, an amphitheater, and city gates at Trier; a visit to the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz to explore the history of the printing press; a stroll through the palace and gardens of Versailles in France; and Germany’s historic university city, Heidelberg.

Frankfurt, Germany, was the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who penned the play Faust .

Avalon Waterways: Active & Discovery on the Rhine

Cost: From $2,849 per person Days: 8 days Departure Port: Amsterdam, the Netherlands Final Port: Frankfurt, Germany

The Avalon Waterways “ Active & Discovery on the Rhine ” itinerary incorporates an array of customizable excursion options that emphasize physical activity. Choose from guided tours like kayaking the canals of Amsterdam, hiking through the Netherland’s De Hoge Veluwe National Park (140,000 acres and home to red deer, wild boars, and pine martens), jogging while sightseeing in Cologne, or biking through Düsseldorf. Or set out on your own in ports with loaner bikes and Nordic walking sticks on hand. The river cruise operator also offers a series of “discovery” excursions, hands-on, interactive experiences that often focus on culture and cuisine.

Adventures by Disney

Cost: From $5,399 per adult; from $4,899 per child Days: 8 days Departure Port: Amsterdam, the Netherlands Final Port: Basel, Switzerland

River cruise lines have long catered to the over-50 crowd, but the industry has been shaking things up in recent years with the emergence of several family-friendly river itineraries . Leading the charge is the six-year-old partnership between Disney (via its Adventures by Disney tour operating arm) and AmaWaterways; their seven-night Rhine River itineraries unfold aboard two ships, the 156-guest AmaLucia and the AmaSiena. Both riverboats include rare connecting staterooms and suites, designed with families in mind, and fun onboard activities like cooking classes, karaoke nights, and swimming in the heated pool.

Sailing between Amsterdam and Basel, the ship stops in France (at Strasbourg) and Germany (at Mannheim, Rüdesheim, and Cologne) en route. Excursion highlights—all led by up to eight Disney-trained “Adventure Guides”—include a “Black Forest adventure” outing, where you can choose between an alpine toboggan run or a zipline ride and hike to Germany’s highest waterfalls at Triberg Waterfalls; a visit to a chocolate museum in Cologne; horseback riding in Riquewihr (the French village that inspired Beauty and the Beast ); an indoor winter park in Neuss, Germany (for a sledding or tubing adventure, no matter the season); and the Rhine requisite and fun-for-all-ages Heidelberg Castle tour and Amsterdam canal cruise. Note that itineraries are suggested for kids ages eight and up, and a minimum age of four years old applies.

European river cruises are especially popular around the holiday season when Christmas markets are in business.

Photo by ecstk22/Shutterstock

Scenic: Christmas on the Rhine

Cost: $4,195 Days: 8 days Departure Port: Amsterdam, the Netherlands Final Port: Nuremberg, Germany

Scenic Cruise’s “ Christmas on the Rhine ” takes the best parts of a typical Rhine river cruise and sprinkles in a little holiday magic. Taking place just once a year from December 21 to 28, this cruise sails during Christmas—a memorable way to observe the holiday. The journey begins in Amsterdam, where guests are invited to take a river canal tour or visit the nearby towns of Alkmaar and Schermerhorn, home to windmills that date back to the 16th century. Then the ship will wind its way through Cologne, Rüdesheim, Würzburg, and Bamberg before finally ending in Nuremberg. There are plenty of places in each port to soak up the festive European atmosphere, while making time to pick up a Christmas-themed trinket or two in either Amsterdam or Cologne, Germany.

The moist, but well-drained soil of the Netherlands provides the perfect growing conditions for tulips.

Photo by Travelpixs/Shutterstock

Uniworld: Tulips and Windmills

Cost: $4,699 Days: 10 days Departure Port: Amsterdam, the Netherlands Final Port: Antwerp, Belgium

Uniworld’s “ Tulip and Windmills ” cruise begins on the Rhine, but then veers to the west toward Belgium. While in the Netherlands, travelers can look forward to skipping through acres of tulips at Keukenhof Gardens and getting up close and personal with Kinderdijk’s 19 UNESCO-protected windmills that have guarded the low country from rising sea levels for centuries. Guests will also get to visit small, charming Dutch towns, such as Enkhuizen, Hoorn, and Veere, and take in the dazzling skyline of Rotterdam. Art fans will be sure to especially enjoy this itinerary, which features stops at the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo (which houses nearly 100 works by Van Gogh) plus a tour through the world-renowned Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which has been nicknamed the “home of the Dutch masters.” Once in Belgium, visitors can take in Ghent’s world-renowned architecture on a walking tour and learn about the UNESCO World Heritage site Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp. Be sure to munch on those Dutch and Belgian pastries when you can.

Tauck’s Rhine Enchantment intinerary combines two appealing modes of transportation: cruising and trains.

Photo by Gaspar Janos/Shutterstock

Tauck: Rhine Enchantment, Amsterdam to Milan

Cost: $6,400 Days: 11 days Departure Port: Amsterdam, the Netherlands Final Port: Milan, Italy

OK, I know what you’re thinking: There are no waterways that directly connect Amsterdam with Milan. Tauck’s “ Rhine Enchantment ” itinerary combines arguably two of the most popular modes of leisure transportation in Europe: cruise ships and rail. After sailing from Amsterdam to Basel (with stops in places like Düsseldorf and Heidelberg), guests will take a train along a stunning route through the Alps to Milan. The cost of the trip includes three nights at the Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan during the Italian leg of the journey, a private boat ride on Lake Como, and a gala evening at a baroque palace situated along the Rhine near Wiesbaden, Germany.

This article was first published on June 10, 2019. It was updated on August 19, 2022.

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Choosing The Best Rhine River Cruise For You

Whether this will be your maiden voyage or river cruising is a cherished annual tradition… you're looking for a European family vacation steeped in history and culture or want to celebrate Oktoberfest or the holidays in old-world style — Tauck's meticulously curated collection has the best Rhine River cruise for you.

Best For First Timers - The Rhine, Swiss Alps & Amsterdam

Seven nights on the Rhine with one of the best rated cruise lines in the world delivers the perfect introduction to river cruising, as you journey from Amsterdam to the Swiss Alps. After exploring the "Venice of the North" (as Amsterdam is often called), you'll travel to Kinderdijk , a Dutch village boasting The Netherlands' largest concentration of windmills.

As your voyage continues, you'll be treated to a Tauck Exclusive reception and dinner with entertainment at Schloss Ehreshoven , a 15th century castle and famed filming location. Cruise through Germany, where excursions include your choice of a visit to Stuttgart (home of luxury automakers Porsche and Mercedes-Benz) or to the tranquil spa town of Baden-Baden.

After arriving in the heart of Alsatian wine country, you'll also enjoy a private reception in the Unterlinden Museum. Even after disembarking in Basel, your adventure is far from over. To cap off your journey, enjoy a two-night stay in Bern including an excursion that will have you ascending to the "Top of Europe" at Jungfraujoch .

View the full itinerary for our Rhine River Cruise from Amsterdam to Switzerland .

Best For Families - Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure

Our Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure is one for the generations – with an eight-day itinerary delivering experiences that delight passengers of all ages. After boarding your ship in Basel, the thrills begin on the bank of Lake Lucerne, where you'll hop in a gondola for a 7,000-foot ascent to the peak of Mt. Pilatus. After some time to explore, climb aboard the world's steepest cogwheel train for a pulse-pounding 48-degree descent back down to Lucerne!

You'll become "French for a Day" when your ship docks in historic Strasbourg. Learn useful French phrases, sing along to favorite French songs and, best yet, taste decadent chocolates!

The next leg of your voyage has you traveling through charming towns – and time – for a Tauck Exclusive grand dinner and evening at Burg Satzvey , a 12th-century castle with an authentic medieval experience. An on-board highlight is Carnival Night, where you and your family create your own costumes to join in this vibrant celebration while cruising through the Middle Rhine.

Plan your family fun. Explore our Rhine Family River Cruise .

Best For Experienced Travelers - Rhine Enchantment, Amsterdam to Milan

Even if you've cruised the Rhine before, you've never experienced it quite like this. Our 11-day Rhine Enchantment, Amsterdam to Milan cruise includes high-speed rail travel to Milan and an added daytime excursion to Lake Como.

Highlights include a Tauck Exclusive event – including dinner and entertainment – at Schloss Biebrich, an 18th-century palace in Wiesbaden, Germany; a bicycle ride through the famed Black Forest followed by lunch and, of course, Black Forest cake for dessert; a three-night stay at the 5-Star Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan; and a six-course lunch at a family-owned trattoria on the island of Isola Comacina in Lake Como.

See the Rhine in a new way on our Rhine Valley River Cruise .

Best For Holiday Spirit - Christmas Markets Along the Rhine

If you believe the holiday season (November through December) is the best time of the year, our eight-day Christmas Markets Along the Rhine river cruise through France and Germany will make your spirits bright.

See Strasbourg's Marchés de Noël , the oldest and largest Christmas market in all of France. Here, a dozen holiday markets fan out along the Grand Rue under the watchful eye of the cathedral—be sure to stop in the Bredle Market so you can taste the tiny, traditional cakes of Alsace. Browse the artisans' stalls in Baden-Baden's Holiday Market in the Black Forest. Then it's onto Heidelberg's Weihnachtsmarkt, spanning five city squares, with a setting as serene as any snow globe. Finally, peruse the decorated shops and stalls of enchanting Rüdesheim, home to Europe's largest live nativity scene…and take part in a cookie baking demonstration and tasting¬—learning the secrets of traditional lebkuchen and Rüdesheimer coffee.

On-board holiday experiences include sipping glühwein (German mulled wine), a festive tree-trimming party and a lecture on Strasbourg's storytelling traditions.

Ready to start the celebration? View our Rhine Christmas Markets Cruise .

Best For Beer Lovers - Autumn Along the Rhine... Munich's Oktoberfest

Raise your stein to toast Autumn Along the Rhine... Munich's Oktoberfest , a river cruise from Amsterdam to Munich embarking in September…and visiting the largest festival in the world. In addition to classic Rhine River sights and experiences, you'll be treated to a robust collection of beer-themed excursions along your journey.

Sample goods from local breweries and eateries with the Amsterdam Brews & Bites Adventure walking tour. Taste craft brews in Old Town Düsseldorf. Indulge in a Tauck Exclusive beer-pairing lunch with a brew master in Heidelberg. And spend two nights in Munich – a stone's throw from the city's historic Oktoberfest fairgrounds – for the traditional celebration of beer including reserved seating for lunch with live entertainment in an exclusive Oktoberfest brewery tent.

Three cheers to a lively Oktoberfest. Explore our Germany Oktoberfest River Cruise .

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Rhine river cruises

Discover a world of fairy tale landscapes and historical backdrops along the Rhine River.

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Explore the delights of the Rhine River

Sail on a voyage of discovery on board a Rhine river cruise and unveil gems such as the Black Forest and the cultural Meccah of Amsterdam. A mesmerising route through mainland Europe, the Rhine offers an abundance of unique charm to lose yourself in.

Uncover the jewels of the Rhine

A world of experiences

Enlightening experiences await on your Rhine river cruise. Journey from the Netherlands and through the heart of Germany, along the eastern border of France and into the north of Switzerland, enjoying all the sights on the way.

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8 best river cruises in Europe, from the Douro to the Danube

E urope is a continent built on its rivers, with many having played a vital role in the formation and development of its most important cities . From the Thames to the Tiber , they are an ever-flowing reminder of the continent’s long and varied history.

The opportunity to sail along these rivers, among the world’s most beautiful and peaceful waterways, is a temptation that’s easily given in to. Of course, a river cruise is about more than just spending time floating on the water (although that option is available, should you wish). It’s about the towns, cities and landmarks along the way.

These trips will take you on a relaxing and slow-paced journey to vineyards and valleys, tours and excursions, returning each night to your own floating hotel. Each day offers quick stops to discover some of the continent’s most important cultures at your own pace.

The Independent has rounded up eight of the best Europe river cruise packages, from epic continental crossing and to the finest Christmas markets to explore.

Capitals of Eastern Europe, Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises’ Capitals of Eastern Europe itinerary is a 16-night trip covering the main cities on the Danube. It sets sail from Vienna, the elegant and sophisticated Austrian capital, and it finishes in Constanta, Romania, before a quick final journey overland to Bucharest to end your trip with a two-night stay.

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On the way you’ll visit a host of towns in Hungary, Serbia and even Bulgaria, but on this trip the bigger cities are the main attraction. Vienna is followed by Bratislava – where Baroque palaces meet a typically Eastern European Old Town – and then Budapest . The Hungarian capital is a highlight: from festooned “ruin bars” and thermal baths to a spectacular neo-Gothic parliament building, the city has a wide variety of architecture, activities and things to do.

How to book

The tour lasts for 17 days, starting from £5,445pp. This price includes return flights, one excursion in each port of call and all meals. vikingrivercruises.co.uk

North Rhine & The Netherlands, TUI

Alongside the Danube, the Rhine is one of Europe’s main cruise rivers. Many operators have several Rhine packages; TUI’s offering covers a stellar range of cities for a very affordable price. Its ships have two dining options (a bistro and a more formal restaurant) with al fresco seating, as well as a wellness and activity area on the top deck. No excursions are included, but this does give you free rein to choose whatever activities you like.

The first two days are spent in Amsterdam , where you’ll have ample time to wander its canals and green spaces, such as the Vondelpark, or visit attractions such as the Anne Frank Museum, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.

Days three and four bring you to Rotterdam and Dusseldorf. You can enjoy the port area in the Netherlands ’ second city or simply marvel at its dramatically different modern architecture, while Dusseldorf provides a variety of museums and concerts alongside a lively Old Town. On days five to seven, you’ll visit four picturesque riverside cities and towns: Bonn, Koblenz, Boppard and Oberwesel. There are waterfront bars and restaurants galore, and each has its own slice of history (think of a Beethoven museum in Bonn and a memorial to the ruler who united Germany in Koblenz).

From £1,639pp for this seven-night trip, including three meals per day (you can add coffee, alcohol and other drinks on an all-inclusive basis for an extra £20 per night) and return flights. tui.co.uk

The Douro, Riviera Travel

A trip along the northern Douro River can offer views to rival even the most idyllic of Algarve beaches. This trip starts in Porto , where bars and restaurants line the banks in the Ribeira (Riverside) district, but it is worth climbing the various hills to see other areas and sites, such as the cathedral and Dom Luis I Bridge.

After setting off along the Douro, your first two stops are Pinhao – a picturesque wine town, famous for being at the heart of the Port-producing region of the country – and Castelo Rodrigo, a 12th-century walled village located in the highlands. Day four will see you visit Salamanca, the Spanish sandstone city famous for its cathedrals and university.

The next two days are spent in Peso da Régua and Lamego – two small hillside towns – before returning to Porto on day seven. The cruise ends here, but the holiday doesn’t; this package also contains a three-night stay in Lisbon . After travelling to the capital by coach, you’ll visit the nearby towns of Coimbra (day eight) and Sintra (day 10), while you’ll have a day in the capital sandwiched in between; while in Lisbon, take in the city’s unique Manueline and Pombaline architecture while wandering through its grand squares, and visit Sao Jorge castle or the city’s famous Time Out Market.

This 11-day cruise is priced from £1,599pp, including all meals on board, excursions, airport transfers and coach travel where necessary.  rivieratravel.co.uk

Idyllic Rhône, Scenic Cruises

Scenic Cruises’ luxury Rhone sailing takes you through some of the best sections of southern France , starting in Lyon . The regional capital has 2,000 years of history, so it’s blessed with a Roman amphitheatre right through to a Renaissance Old Town. Your first trip will take you north along the Saone River to Macon, a famous wine region in Burgundy.

The next two towns, Vienne and Viviers, offer spectacular views of the Rhone before you arrive in Avignon. You can enjoy a private concert at the Palais des Papes – once a Papal residence – as well as a cooking class onboard, but a visit to the city itself is worth it to wander its narrow streets and charming squares, starting with the Place de l’Horloge. Your final day takes you to Arles, at the mouth of the Rhone – from here, you can travel home, stay in the city or carry on towards Marseille .

Prices start at £2,999pp for the eight-day cruise. The package includes 20 meals, the premium concert experience, cooking lessons and 19 shore activities, ranging from walking tours to wine tastings. scenic.co.uk

Holland & Belgium, Avalon Waterways

Avalon’s eight-day cruise of the Low Countries is an excellent way to experience some of the region’s best cities in a relaxing way. It starts and ends in Amsterdam , where you’ll have a number of nights to wander its scenic network of canals lined with beautiful 17th-century buildings.

When you move on to Belgium, you’ll visit Ghent , Brussels and Antwerp on consecutive days. More tranquil canals await you in Ghent, and those who enjoy being by the water can continue this in Antwerp’s waterfront area. Brussels has more than its fair share of landmarks and museums (all centred around Grand Place, the main square and Unesco Heritage Site), but the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (Antwerp) and St Bavo’s Cathedral (Ghent) are definitely places to visit during the other stops. Day six will take you to Rotterdam before you head back to the Dutch capital.

From £2,453pp. Meals and some activities are included; there are additional excursions in each destination that can be purchased. avalonwaterways.co.uk

Danube Delights, Emerald Cruises

This trip from Emerald Cruises takes you along the famous river to Regensburg. It starts with two nights in Budapest , with a traditional Hungarian folklore show and tour of Buda Hill on offer, along with any solo sightseeing you’d like to do. Days three and four take you to Bratislava and Vienna, where you can enjoy cycling tours and hikes.

Krems and Durnstein are the last two stops in Austria before you head to Passau, the German “City of Three Rivers”. At the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, the city is home to an impressive cathedral and Old Town. After disembarking at Regensburg, you make your way to Munich , where a good plan is to spend time exploring the Bavarian capital before you fly home.

From £1,849pp for this eight-day cruise, which includes five guided tours, 20 meals and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board. emeraldcruises.co.uk

Christmas Markets on the Rhine, Ama Waterways

There’s something quite special about experiencing Christmas celebrations on a river cruise through Europe. On this AmaWaterways voyage, you sail the Rhine, boarding in Amsterdam and with a first stop in Cologne. The Gothic cathedral provides the backdrop for one of the country’s best Christmas markets, where you’ll find dozens of stalls selling festive items, many of them handmade. Other markets include the more elaborate Heinzels Wintermärchen in the Old Town and the Markt der Engel (a more rustic affair in the city’s Neumarkt square). For those who want to mix in a bit of sightseeing, the Museum Ludwig and Roman-Germanic Museum can give you a taste of arts and history.

Next on the itinerary, you’ll visit the German towns of Heidelberg and Speyer, where more markets await, before arriving in Strasbourg, France. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of French and German culture, a warm festive spirit and plenty of opportunities to wander the markets that are spread throughout the town. Wander further afield and you’ll find Petite France, a pretty district known for cobblestone streets and canals. Holidaymakers return to Germany for the penultimate stop in Breisach, before disembarking in Basel (though you can always stay in Switzerland for a taste of Swiss Christmas markets).

From £3.149, including meals and some activities; flights and airport transfer not included. amawaterways.co.uk

European Sojourn, Viking River Cruises

This ultimate itinerary bisects Europe to take passengers from Amsterdam to Bucharest, via sections of the Rhine, Main and Danube among other European rivers. Along the way, passengers will visit some of Europe’s principal cities – think Budapest, Amsterdam and Vienna – smaller (but just as beautiful) riverside settlements such as Passau and Bamberg, and lesser-known towns including Vidin and Kolocsa.

Hidden gems range from Melk, an Austrian town in the underrated   Wachau Valley wine-making region, Osijek, the fourth-largest city in Croatia, and Kinderdijk, a Dutch village famous for its set of 19 windmills. With 23 days, eight countries, 20 towns and cities, and at least 10 Unesco World Heritage Sites, there’ll be plenty to see as you traverse the length of central Europe.

From £8,045pp, including flights, 19 guided tours, all meals, transfers and amenities. vikingrivercruises.co.uk

Read more: Best hotels in Europe 2024: Where to stay for a city, beach or retreat break

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• River Cruising

Engine noise on Viking Longships

By RCnotcola , September 8, 2018 in River Cruising

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I have a Viking river cruise on the Rhine on a longship booked in 2020. I'm in room 125 in the lowest level of the ship. I see that this room is the closest to the engine compartment. I'm a little concerned that I might hear the engine while sleeping. Has anybody had problems with the engine noises with rooms that are close to it?

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Room 125 is actually next to the crew rooms, and the engine should be further back. On our first Viking cruise, we were close to it, but didn’t hear a thing. Each of our other cruises with Viking have been in the “Aquarium Class” rooms and engine noise has never been an issue.

Hope this helps!

TakingFlight

We were in cabin 339 on one cruise and you could definitely hear engine noise (or some other loud banging noises) at night in our cabin. We got a great deal on that cruise and it was the last cabin available so I didn’t stress about it too much.

We were in cabin 106 on a Viking Rhine cruise last month. We didn't hear any engine noise, but because the river was so low we heard a lot of noise from silt and gravel being kicked up from the bottom. It wasn't a constant noise, though. It was also noisy when we went through some of the locks. Nevertheless, we thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and wouldn't hesitate to book an "aquarium class" cabin again.

OnTheJourney

We were on a Tauck ship - upper level - I can't say I experienced engine "noise" but did feel excessive vibrations at times during the late night hours. In looking back on it, it may have been mostly while we were sailing against the current during the first part of the trip.

Anyone else have problems in cabin 339? I just booked that room as it was the last balcony left and have been having misgiving ever since.

Don’t worry, just bring some good ear plugs and you’ll sleep like a baby. The noise by no means affected our love for Viking. We’ve since taken another cruise and are booked for Provence next October.

Ryan...we leave on the 20th of this month. Noticed you mentioned water level. Were you able to sail entire portion? Were you on the the Rhine?

We were in 122 on the Viking Kvasir in July. I didn't notice any engine noise, but sometimes there were scraping noises especially when going through locks. It didn't bother me, though, and my husband didn't complain about it either.

Before the cruise, I was concerned about noise related to the crew quarters and their stairway to the upper decks being right behind us. We never heard anything from them at all - except when we happened to meet one there and said Hello!

So we too have decided that we're happy to stay in the aquarium cabins and have extra money for optional excursions and souvenirs!

Yes, scLewis we were on the Rhine and we were able to sail the entire way (Amsterdam to Basel). Have a great trip!

Thanks for the fast response! I hesitate to change to a different cabin as there are no other veranda cabins available this week. I could save a little money and go to French Balcony (we are not getting any better deal on this room than any other balcony cabin would be), but we really wanted to treat ourselves to a veranda. Did you hear much noise from the public area above?

We were in 337 last year and have booked the same cabin (on a different Longship/itinerary) for next year. Noise from above was never an issue as it's aft of the walking track and the seating area so without significant traffic overhead during the day, and we didn't hear anything at all from below, e.g. banging/engine noises as mentioned in post 3.

When you think about it, Viking would have been mad to have put the most expensive suites above the engines if there was any danger of their premium customers being seriously disturbed by mechanical noise.

We were in 337 last year and have booked the same cabin (on a different Longship/itinerary) for next year. Noise from above was never an issue as it's aft of the walking track and the seating area so without significant traffic overhead during the day, and we didn't hear anything at all from below, e.g. banging/engine noises as mentioned in post 3.   When you think about it, Viking would have been mad to have put the most expensive suites above the engines if there was any danger of their premium customers being seriously disturbed by mechanical noise.

Thanks! That was my thought, but I found it odd that on nearly every sailing that had a veranda available, it was 339. The Viking rep told me he thought it was because it was the farthest away from the dining room, which may be true, but it seemed funny to me. He assured me it was quiet, but I wouldn't expect him to tell me that it was noisy, even if that was true. Good to hear that you had a good experience!

Thanks for the fast response! I hesitate to change to a different cabin as there are no other veranda cabins available this week. I could save a little money and go to French Balcony (we are not getting any better deal on this room than any other balcony cabin would be), but we really wanted to treat ourselves to a veranda. Did you hear much noise from the public area above?   Patty

No noise from the public area above—and that’s without earplugs! Take the veranda!

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