rhine river day cruise heidelberg

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Your company event on the neckar, bachelor party, your unforgettable bachelor party with up to 24 guests, you and your love with us, photo shoot, your photo shoot on the neckar, sightseeing, the most exclusive city tour on the neckar, exclusive boat rides in heidelberg, heidelberg, the neckar, you and up to 23 friends, relatives or colleagues (24 guests total): host an exclusive, stylish, private event on the river right in the heart of the city and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Let us introduce you to our pride and joy: our two beautiful wooden boats, going by the names of Orso and Pulpito . The historic boats were revamped with great attention to detail and fitted with comfortable furniture that leaves nothing to be desired. They now await your booking for events of all kind! Each boat can accomodate up to 12 guests . A boat ride on one of our 100-year-old boats in the very heart of Heidelberg is an truly unforgettable experience. For private or business events, as a couple or in a large group—we offer the perfect boat ride for every occasion. You can find everything you need to know below.

Your bachelorette party

bachelorette party – hen party – girls night out – baby shower

Your proposal

romantic dates – engagement party – marriage proposal – wedding – quick escape – wedding anniversary – anniversary

Your birthday party

birthday partys – family events – anniversary – graduation – surprise party

Your corporate event

teambuilding events – company outing – customer events – department party – team events – incentive – colleague farewell

Your photoshoot

Wedding photos – fashion photography – social media content – bridal shoot – lookbooks – couple shoot – birthday partys – girls night out

Your sightseeing tour

Sightseeing – city tour – guided tour – sightseeing tour – tourist attractions – touristing

What we offer

Take a little break on the Neckar River

Short boat trips

On our short board rides, you get to enjoy 1.5 hours aboard surrounded by up to 11 of your friends, colleagues or relatives (12 guests total) . Discover the Neckar River and Heidelberg from a completely new perspective! Drinks partly included!

for 396 € (from 33 € p.p.)

Disconnect on the river

Full boat cruises

On our extended board cruise, you get to enjoy 3.5 hours aboard surrounded by up to 11 of your friends, colleagues or relatives (12 guests total) . Discover the Neckar River and Heidelberg from a completely new perspective. All aboard for an unforgettable experience! Drinks partly included!

for 744 € (from 62 € p.p.)

Let the time stand still

Romantic boat ride for two

On this cozy boat trip, you get to enjoy 1.5 hours with your partner… just the two of you (2 guests) ! Discover Heidelberg from its most romantic side. Drinks partly included!

Do you have your very own boat trip in mind?

Tailor-made for you

Are you looking for a tailor-made experience or to accommodate more guests? Would you like to take a trip outside our regular hours? Or are you looking for more food and drink options or unique decoration for your event? Then just let us know! Corporate events, weddings or birthdays—we will gladly create an individual solution for your event that leaves no wishes unfulfilled!

Give the gift of an exclusive experience

Our vouchers

Treat your friends and loved ones to a unique gift with one of our vouchers. The voucher can be redeemed for anything from a short boat ride to a full cruise—the perfect occasion to discover the Neckar River and Heidelberg from a whole new perspective, surrounded by up to 11 friends or colleagues.

The voucher is valid for 2 years from the date of purchase and can be redeemed for all products available on our homepage!

Anything you would like to know about us or our offers?

Feel free to reach out. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Latest news

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Enjoy The Sights of Heidelberg On A Neckar River Cruise

By Helen Page 1 Comment

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Neckar River Sightseeing Cruises in Heidelberg:

Neckar River Cruise © Travel Signposts

One of the most charming ways to enjoy the sights of a city is on a river cruise .

In Heidelberg , you can do boat cruises on the Neckar River during the summer months (between May and September). These sightseeing cruises do a round trip from Heidelberg to Neckarsteinach (a town famous for its four castles) and back, offering fine views of Old Town Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley .  Commentary is provided in English, German and French.

During Heidelberg’s famous castle illuminations special boat cruises are available so that visitors can enjoy the views of the castle from the river.

The boat landing for this river cruise is at the Congresshall Stadthalle Heidelberg, Untere Neckarstraße 17 and tickets are available at the boat landing stage.

Solar-Powered Boat

Another boat that offers cruises of the Neckar River is the “Neckarsonne” , a solar-powered river boat. As the solar shuttle glides the Neckar River, commentary is provided on the highlights of Heidelberg and the surrounding areas. The duration of this sightseeing cruise is approximately 50 minutes and the cruise operates daily from March to October. Tickets are available at the landing stage at Karl-Theodor-Bridge, Alte Brücke (Old Bridge), Old Town.

For further information on these cruises, email Heidelberg Marketing at [email protected].

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About Helen Page

Helen Page is a prolific blogger and ardent traveller; she runs Travelsignposts with her professional writer and photographer husband Tony.

April 1, 2022 at 9:32 am

I use to live on the necker river It’s hessscheim Germany I use to watch the boat in the lock I would like to We experienced those days

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Home » Non Sequitur » AmaWaterways Enchanting Rhine River Cruise: Day 5 – Heidelberg, Germany

AmaWaterways Enchanting Rhine River Cruise: Day 5 – Heidelberg, Germany

June 26th, 2016 | 19 Comments

Heidelberg, Germany is one of the stops on AmaWaterways’ Enchanting Rhine River Cruise, and you won’t ever forget this beautiful city. It’s a wonderful way to see and taste what Heidelberg has to offer.

Disclosure: my mother and I were hosted for an Enchanting Rhine river cruise courtesy of AmaWaterways. No conditions were made for a review and as always, my opinions are solely mine.

Of course, our day began with a sumptuous breakfast, along with my daily croissant with Nutella (among other offerings!)

I showed you our stateroom earlier in this post , but let me share a few photos of the inside the elegant AmaCerto. This is the reception area, the main entrance to the ship and rather like the lobby of a hotel. The reception desk is on the right and there are glass doors on each side of the ship.

These were the two smiling faces that were always there to greet us at the reception desk: Christian and George. Christian was absolutely unbelievable in the fact that he always addressed us by name  and  also remembered our room numbers. I mean everyone on the ship, not just my mother and me!

There are three decks (plus the sun deck on top of the ship) on the Amacerto. In addition to the stairs, there is the glass elevator for anyone who needs to use it.

This is one of the dining tables in the main restaurant. Tastefully decorated and lovely atmosphere, just as it is in the rest of the ship.

One of the details I loved was the fresh flowers and orchids throughout the ship. My mother is getting a snack in the lounge in the photo below. It seemed as there was always some sort of presentation of light refreshments in the main lounge, whether it was cookies and fruit, or finger sandwiches and soup for those who didn’t want to eat in the main restaurant. Afternoon tea was served everyday as Orlin played in the lounge.

Here is an example: homemade shortbread biscuits (mum and I gave them 5 stars!) They were so buttery and had the perfect texture!

Now lets get back to our day in Germany. As we travelled down the Rhine, we had another delicious lunch before reaching Mannheim. This is part of what I chose that day: pork, potatoes, corn and slice of flammekueche, which is French/German-style savory pizza. It is traditionally topped with creme fraiche, lardons (bacon) and onions and it is fantastic! I also took advantage of having chips/fries with HP Sauce (many of you know how much I love HP and they had it on board!) I also had to have dessert, right?

We arrived in Mannheim, the second largest river port in Europe just after lunch. We were to leave the AmaCerto to take the bus to Heidelberg at 1:30 and would return at 6:3o in plenty of time to prepare for our very special Chaîne des Rôtisseurs dinner that evening!

Both my mother and I had been to Heidelberg in the past, but once again, we were so excited to return. The last time I’d gone was over 1o years ago, so I was due for another visit. It was about half an hour’s drive from Mannheim to Heidelberg and our tour guide had already been telling us so many interesting facts on the way. As we reached the city, we learned that the owner or selling price of the homes in Germany is not public information as it is in the US.

There was so much to see, and every part of the tour was so captivating, given the compelling history of the castle.

We went inside and both my mother and I saw something we’d never seen before (and I’d been to the Heidelberg castle twice before): the largest wine barrel in the world, with a capacity of 58,000 gallons! You can see the scale with the people at the bottom and near the top.

We both put our foot into a footprint indentation on the castle balcony which has a story behind it. Apparently, the castle was on fire and a knight couldn’t find his way out, so he jumped from above, and the footprint supposedly marks where he landed (I wondered why only one footprint?) If you place your foot into the imprint, you’re supposedly ensured a return trip! Mum and I didn’t chance it.

Our tour guide walked us back down to the city and told us where we should meet to catch the bus back to the ship, then gave us a tour of Heidelberg’s highlights. These are some of the sights on that gorgeous day (the sun was blessing us with its presence, finally!)

After walking over the bridge, we went back into the city to stroll down the Hauptstraße (main street) which runs 1.6 km, making it the longest pedestrian zone in all of Europe. It is filled with shops, cafes and restaurants and hotels.

Oh, and did I mention ice cream shops? You know the weather’s better when you can eat ice cream!

The photo of the brass cobblestone plaques are “stolpersteins” (stumbling blocks) or reminders of the Jews who were taken from their homes and workplaces.

Our guide had showed us these mementos, and told us they are still being placed all over Europe (in 18 countries so far), initiated as the world’s largest decentralized memorial by German artist, Gunter Demnig. My mother and I found them very moving and a brilliant way to remember those in the last place that they themselves chose to be.

Here is what I bought, a beautiful tin which comes with the original story. The chocolates were absolutely fantastic! Dark chocolate with a milk chocolate praline truffle filling. I’d go back for more.

We had a fabulous afternoon and after a few more side streets and stops into shops like this Schneeballen eatery (cannot believe I didn’t buy one to try), we headed back to the bus.

One last Heidelberg Castle view.

As soon as we boarded the AmaCerto, we were offered a refreshing drink. We were truly spoiled all week!

We had plenty of time to rest and get ready before our special dinner on this evening. I explained the Chaîne de Rôtisseurs in another post, but here is the description on the website:

With over 25,000 members, the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an International Association of Gastronomy now established in over 80 countries bringing together enthusiasts who share the same values of quality, fine dining, the encouragement of the culinary arts and the pleasures of the table. The distinctive character of our association is to bring together amateurs and professionals, from all over the world, whether they are hoteliers, restaurateurs, executive chefs or sommeliers, in the appreciation of fine cuisine.

AmaWaterways is the only river cruise line to be invited to join this esteemed association. Every meal so far had exceeded my expectations, so I could only imagine what tonight’s culinary creations would showcase.

Here is the menu, along with the Chef’s recommendations~

The salad was divine, with Camembert and seasonal white asparagus , which I learned that I really like, as opposed to the green kind which is much more popular in the USA. Accompanied with a lovely glass of Silvaner and the sunset, we were off to a lovely start.

Both Mum and I chose the lamb for our main course, and again, it was so perfectly prepared and no “lamby” taste whatsoever. I loved the Dauphinois potatoes , which is one of my favorite ways to have them. Doesn’t this look phenomenal?

I caught this reflection in the window during dinner.

Again, my mother and I chose the same dessert, the crème caramel , Amadeus chocolate cake and peach fruit sorbet and we were not disappointed!

I must mention our maître’d, Alex, who was such a sweetheart and always a joy to see in the restaurant. During the first day or two, I had spotted the HP Sauce and asked Alex if they happened to also have Typhoo or PG Tips tea (tea most Brits have in their homes.) Alex said they didn’t, but wanted to know more about these teas. I told him not to worry about it, as it wasn’t anything important and not a special tea, but he insisted, wanting to know how Typhoo was spelled.

Later that evening he came to me and told me that when we’d docked someone had gone into town to try to find one of the teas, but they were unsuccessful. I was shocked that they’d go to such lengths over something I just casually asked about!

This is the AmaWaterways manner of doing business and later I learned not to be surprised anymore. Alex showed me another brand of tea and asked me to try it, and since I liked it, this tea was always served to me. Talk about feeling special. :)

After relaxing in the lounge with other guests, my mother and I were ready for a peaceful night’s rest in our stateroom. The next day we were off to Strasbourg, France!

More information about the beautiful AmaCerto or AmaWaterways’ luxurious river cruises

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Continue on to Day 6: Strasbourg, France

Disclosure : my mother and I were hosted for an Enchanting Rhine river cruise courtesy of AmaWaterways. No conditions were made for a review and as always, my opinions are solely mine. I am posting this in accordance with FTC regulations.

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Reader Interactions

19 responses.

[…] was during an AmaWaterways Enchanting Rhine cruise that I discovered white asparagus. It was love at first […]

[…] Day 5 – Speyer, Germany: Heidelberg excursion including the castle. […]

[…] Continue to Day 5: Heidelberg, Germany […]

I’ve always been intrigued by a river cruise but have yet to experience one! I was in Germany once in 2001 and would love to go back one day!

My grandmother was from Germany and so it’s definitely on our travel list. Lovely photos!

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In Heidelberg’s Marktplatz , a replica of the world’s largest wine barrel, the Heidelberg Tun, is on display and a highlight of the city’s festive market. Enchanting wooden huts are decorated with reindeer, ornaments and colorful ribbons. Department store windows reflect picturesque winter scenes. Smaller markets feature unique handicrafts, such as hand-carved figurines or handblown ornaments, while Karlsplatz, framed by the romantic backdrop of Heidelberg Castle, is home to one of Germany’s most beautiful ice rinks.

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Heidelberg Day Trip with Rhine River Cruise

Heidelberg Day Trip with Rhine River Cruise. Come on and visit one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, Heidelberg Day Trip with Rhine River Cruise!

Table of Contents

• A leisurely trip to Heidelberg
• See Heidelberg Castle
• Stroll through medieval Old Town
• Ride on a Rhine steamer up to Kaub
• Wine tasting in a little tavern
• Dinner included

Known as one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, Heidelberg is an everlasting favorite among international tourists.

Departing from Frankfurt we’ll head out to this historic city. Here, we’ll explore the world-famous castle (partially in ruins) with its impressive Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Then we’ll show you the large courtyard, the grand terrace, and one of the largest wine barrels in the world: the Heidelberg Tun.

Take a walk through the medieval town center and marvel at the Old Bridge, Karlstor, the Church of the Holy Spirit, the House of the Knights with its precious Renaissance facade, and the small lanes with half-timbered houses.

The city is also home to the oldest university in contemporary Germany and the 5th oldest in Central Europe.

Leaving Heidelberg we’ll continue to the UNESCO-listed Rhine River Valley with more charming vineyards, quaint villages, and medieval castles than anywhere else in the world. We’ll take a ride on a Rhine steamer up to Kaub, followed by a wine tasting in a little tavern.

In a lovely restaurant right by the river, you will be treated to a delicious dinner, also included in the displayed price.

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Rhine Gorge, Cologne, and Strasbourg aboard a Premier River Vessel

Enchanting rhine.

Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, France

From $2,699

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

This riverside odyssey brings you along the ancient Rhine to picture-postcard towns, imperial cathedral cities, and famed wine country. You'll begin in Basel, then visit Strasbourg in Alsace. You'll have your choice of a hike or tour in the historic university town of Heidelberg, or a visit to Speyer to see the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe. Sail the stunning Rhine River Gorge, lined with ruins of medieval castles and fortresses and experience Cologne and its majestic Gothic cathedral. Conclude your cruise in the grand capital of Amsterdam, with its enchanting canals and culture. Reverse departures are also offered. Optional pre- and post-cruise Land Programs to Lucerne and Zurich are available at an additional charge.

Arrive: Basel, Switzerland

Depart: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

• Amsterdam's tranquil canals, Cologne's majestic cathedral
• The Rhine Gorge, with its castles and legends
• Medieval Strasbourg, the winemaking town of Rudesheim
• Optional guided bike tours

Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.

Dates & Pricing

Payment & cancel schedule.

At time of reservation: $400 100 days prior to departure: Balance Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Minimum fee: $200 per person 90-120 days prior to departure: $400 per person 60-89 days prior to departure: 35% of trip cost 30-59 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 7-29 days prior to departure: 80% of trip cost 6 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

• 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom, most with French balconies
• Life enriching tours and excursions daily
• All meals included aboard ship
• State-of-the-art Infotainment System in all staterooms featuring free high-speed Internet access, hit Hollywood movies, extensive music library & English language TV stations
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
• Terry bathrobes and white-on-white plush bedding
• Gourmet dining with all meals included during your cruise
• Free-flowing red & white wines from Europe's great wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every dinner on board
• Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Transfer from Basel to Lucerne
• 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Lucerne including daily Buffet Breakfast
• 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Zürich including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Special highlights including lectures, cooking demonstration, onboard music performances and piano music
• Bicycles to explore on your own & guided bicycle tours
• Services of professional Cruise Manager
• All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• All local taxes
• “Culinary Delights – Bites & Sights” excursions

Not Included

• Airfare to/from points of embarkation and debarkation of the boat
• Arrival/departure transfers
• Any activities and services described as an upgrade or optional
• Optional travel insurance
• Optional gratuities to guides or crew
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Days 1-7 (7 nights)

What the Trip is Like

This cruise is rated Level 1, Easiest , and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Daily shore excursions require a moderate amount of walking, often along uneven cobblestone streets and up and down stairs. To better accommodate guests and their individual fitness levels, AMA Waterways programs provide several levels of walking tours whenever possible: "Gentle Walkers" are designed for slower walkers to enjoy the tour in a relaxed manner, "Active Walkers" enjoy the tours at a normal pace, and there is also a "Late Starters" group offered to guests who prefer to sleep in.

Staterooms range from 160-350 square feet (depending on category), and typical hotel room amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, television, and mini-safe. Every stateroom has individually controlled air conditioning, internet access, wi-fi (free throughout the ship!) and a movie-on-demand system that offers a variety of English language channels, films and music options. Most staterooms have balconies, either walk-on or French, but lower categories just have fixed windows or portholes.

AMA is known for its efforts to bring in regional cuisine, which is always fun as you explore new countries and cultures. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style with made-to-order specialties. Dinner is multi-course. Every lunch and dinner includes free-flowing regional wines as well as complimentary beer and soft drinks. Bottled water, specialty teas, and coffees are always available free of charge. All ships have an open seating policy in the main restaurant to encourage you to meet your fellow travelers.

On Board AMA Riverboats

AMA Waterways specializes in high-end river journeys that navigate some of Europe's most famous waterways. Their ships accommodate approximately 150 passengers in comfortable staterooms, all with scenic views. While this might sound like a lot of travelers compared to Wilderness Travel's traditional small group trips, it's a modest number of passengers in the cruise ship world and there are a number of comfortable lounges, dining rooms, bars, and sitting areas on board for you to find a perfect spot to socialize or quietly relax, depending on your mood.

There is a warm and welcoming feel to all AMA cruises. From the moment you step onboard, you will be welcomed by crew, staff, and leaders who are friendly, professional and English speaking. There is a high staff to guest ratio (1:3) that assures a feeling of being well-taken-care-of at all times. Your fellow passengers will come from a variety of English-speaking countries and guests tend to mingle freely. No need to bring fancy clothes as the atmosphere onboard is casual, although guests do tend to dress up for the Captain's dinner.

Daily shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise, along with free time to explore on your own. Each tour is led by a qualified, local guide. At many stops, you'll be free to choose from one of several options. Complimentary headset systems ensure that you hear every word of your tour. AMA ships carry more than two dozen bicycles and helmets, free of charge, for your use should you want to venture into the countryside.

There is a reception desk onboard that is open 24 hours a day with somebody available to help you, should you need it. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English as the clientele is mainly North American, Australian, and European. All AMA cruises prohibit smoking inside their ships. Smoking is only permitted outside on the sun deck.

Electricity on board all ships is 220v, with 2-pin power outlets. You will need an adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you. There are no medical facilities on board although if medical services are needed, they can easily be called from shore. Laundry services are available for a fee.

All ships are equipped with either a whirlpool or a small, heated swimming pool. If you think you might want to use this, be sure to pack a swimsuit!

Tips are not included in the price of the cruise, and are entirely at your discretion. The recommended rate suggested is 3 Euros per passenger per day to the Cruise Manager and 12 Euros per passenger per day to the crew, which will be divided up and distributed. You can use your credit card for this expense. It is also customary to acknowledge a particularly good performance of a local guide by leaving a tip of 1-2 Euros per tour.

Wilderness Travel enjoys partnering with AMA Waterways because they offer a high quality product with thoughtfully planned itineraries, allowing travelers to experience Europe's most glorious architecture, medieval castles, historic villages, and idyllic countryside with minimal effort. Since these trips are relatively short, you may consider this as part of a longer, European adventure!

Client Testimonials

"I was pleased that the ship offered active shore excursions, and particularly liked our Trip Leader's talks on subjects such as the Berlin Wall. Her presentations were fascinating, and from the heart."

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Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

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Overview Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps (Taste of Christmas)

7- night cruise, 7- night cruise with 3 nights lake como pre-cruise, 7-night cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise with 3 nights lake como pre-cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights lake como pre-cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise, cruise from : basel to amsterdam, cruise from :, countries: france, germany, netherlands, switzerland france, germany, netherlands, switzerland, rivers: rhine, rhine castles & swiss alps (taste of christmas) at a glance.

• Basel to Amsterdam
• Lake Como to Amsterdam

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

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Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg River Cruise

8 days from only $2,449pp

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• Cruise Director
• Useful Info

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The price you see is the price you pay

• Seven nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite, with river views
• Return scheduled flights from 11 regional airports or seat on Eurostar from London St Pancras International with regional rail connections available
• Seven guided tours including Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Cologne, Rüdesheim, Boppard, Mainz, and Koblenz and visit to Colmar

Click here to see our departures exclusively for solo travelers

Stepping aboard you will appreciate the superb surroundings of your floating luxury hotel for the next seven nights with spacious and well-appointed cabins or suites, private bathrooms and meticulously prepared fine cuisine.

From Cologne, we slip our moorings and head on our journey south to Koblenz spending a morning exploring this historic town sitting at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers then continuing to the beautiful old town of Boppard for the evening. Continuing our journey we navigate through the outstanding natural beauty of the world-famous Rhine Gorge onto Mainz famous for the ‘Gutenberg’ Bibles. Next we enjoy a guided tour of stunning Heidelberg, on the route of Europe’s ‘Grand Tour’, nestling by the picturesque river Neckar.

By day five, we arrive in Strasbourg, a delightful city with its centre largely unchanged since the 14th century, a mosaic of winding alleys and lanes lined with quirkily crooked, half-timbered houses. During periods of its history Strasbourg has been both German and French, and today you can see this influence in its language, cuisine and appearance, creating a truly individual city. Then to Colmar, almost embarrassingly perfect - a typically quaint medieval Alsatian town.

The following day we return journey downstream, stopping in Rudesheim one of the liveliest towns on the river, before continuing through the Rhine Gorge to Cologne. Here we enjoy a guided walking tour of the city with time to explore the stunning cathedral, an excellent finale to this most wonderful cruise.

Your Itinerary

• DAY 1 EMBARK IN COLOGNE
• DAY 2 KOBLENZ & BOPPARD
• DAY 3 RHINE GORGE & MAINZ
• DAY 4 HEIDELBERG
• DAY 5 STRASBOURG & COLMAR
• DAY 6 RÜDESHEIM
• DAY 7 COLOGNE GUIDED TOUR
• DAY 8 DISEMBARK IN COLOGNE

EMBARK IN COLOGNE

Arrive in Cologne, where your five-star floating hotel is moored in the picturesque historic center. The dedicated English-speaking crew welcomes you on board and helps you to your cabin. After settling into your spacious and tastefully furnished accommodation, there’s time to familiarise yourself with this splendid ship.

KOBLENZ & BOPPARD

When you peek out from your cabin this morning, you’ll realize the ship has slipped quietly away from Cologne; the view that greets you is of vine-covered valleys sides aglow in the morning light, bidding you a warm welcome to the charms of the Rhine. There’s nothing quite like that feeling of anticipation when gliding alongside the promenade of a river port, snatching tantalizing glimpses of what lies ashore, and Koblenz – beautifully located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers – doesn’t disappoint. The city is immersed in two millennia of history: founded by the Romans, it was successively occupied by the Franks, chosen as a residence of the German prince electors, conquered by the French and fortified by the Prussians! All have left their marks in the city’s rich array of castles, churches, and historic buildings.

Koblenz is a romantic’s dream – forest-covered hillsides dominate the skyline, while the lower slopes are strewn with pretty, half-timbered buildings so typical of the Rhineland. After a satisfying breakfast, we disembark to enjoy an insightful guided tour through ‘Old Koblenz’, a patchwork of narrow streets and squares, many lined with exquisitely restored traditional houses and cozy cafés. There’s time to explore on your own, maybe taking in a little shopping, before ambling back to the cruise ship. We continue upstream as we enjoy our first relaxing lunch on board and before long we arrive in Boppard, a gorgeous town on a dramatic, almost U-shaped river bend. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’, Boppard is renowned for its storybook medieval atmosphere of cobbled streets and ancient houses. Here we’ll enjoy a guided tour lead by one of our local experts, with highlights including the beautiful white stone St. Severus and Carmelite churches, the marketplace with the ruins of the fortress and the old town with its charming winding alleys and half-timbered houses. The early evening is an ideal time to wander along the town’s attractive riverside Rheinallee promenade before thoughts turn to tonight’s menu, prepared by the ship’s chef and served to your delight in the restaurant.

RHINE GORGE & MAINZ

Slipping our moorings in Boppard we cruise through the Rhine Gorge, where the waters narrow to one-fifth their normal width and flow more swiftly. Sheer valley walls soar 600 feet and magnificent birds of prey glide on the thermals above. Teutonic knights built the numerous redoubtable castles as symbols of their power and to extract tolls from ships, but the fortresses now stand as silent ruins on forested hillsides as reminders of how fortunes change with the passage of history. This really is the magical Rhine of our imagination, so find a comfortable spot on the Sun Deck or in the forward observation lounge and enjoy the experience of cruising this famous stretch of water.

Your next port of call is historic Mainz for an unmissable guided tour. The city is renowned today as Germany’s wine capital but whose most famous son was Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the movable type printing press. You can visit the excellent museum housing a reconstruction of his workshop and, outstandingly, two original 1455 Gutenberg Bibles. The museum is in a beautifully restored 17th-century building in the heart of Mainz’s Old Town, opposite the impressive Romanesque cathedral.

Overnight we cruise further downstream and, after breakfast, we take a short drive to Heidelberg, undoubtedly one of Germany’s most perfect architectural treasures and all the more remarkable because it escaped bombing during the Second World War. Set in an almost idealized German landscape, this jewel sits on the banks of the River Neckar, surrounded by forests and with an imposing castle dominating the church spires and terracotta gabled roofs of the compact Aldstadt – the romantic Old Town. Its 14th-century university, one of the most prestigious in Europe, lends Heidelberg a genteel atmosphere rather similar to its ‘twin’ town – Cambridge. During the 19th century, it was the center of Germany’s Romantic Movement, on the route of the ‘Grand Tour’ and visited by many artists including JMW Turner, who captured its splendors for eternity. There are few more delightful places to explore, as you’ll discover on our guided walking tour, which reveals its principal attractions – including the magical stone bridge with its twin white towers – and local secrets. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore on your own before returning to the ship to enjoy the gorgeous views as the sun sets.

STRASBOURG & COLMAR

By breakfast, we’ve arrived in France and the charming city of Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region. The city is a complete delight – its center a mosaic of winding alleys and lanes lined with quirkily crooked, half-timbered houses largely unchanged since the 14th century. During its history Strasbourg has been both German and French, and you see influences of both in its language, cuisine and appearance, creating a truly individual ambiance. This morning, we explore this delightful city on a walking tour with a local guide leading us to its enchanting center – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – taking in the Petite France quarter of pretty canals lined with classic pastel-colored houses crisscrossed with timbers and with flower-filled window boxes, the famous multi-towered Ponts Couverts, or covered bridges, and, of course, the stunning Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, which Victor Hugo memorably described as a ‘veritable tiara of stone’.

Just south of Strasbourg lies a picturesque wine route, virtually an open-air museum of romantic medieval villages, cobbled streets and Renaissance chateaux strung like pearls on a necklace against a sweeping backdrop of rolling hills. We enjoy all this on a splendidly scenic drive, soon arriving in the medieval town of Colmar, the best-preserved in Alsace. Little known outside the area, it’s a magical concoction of canals, former merchants’ houses, ancient religious buildings and antique shops. The cathedral quarter is surrounded by pastel-colored half-timbered houses displaying the intricate wrought-iron hanging signs so typical of this area of Europe. We’ve plenty of time here to sit, enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by or just wander. We return to the ship in Strasbourg for dinner.

After a relaxing morning cruise, we arrive in Rüdesheim by late afternoon for a wonderful walking tour – if you imagine a typical Rhine town, then this would be it! Narrow crooked streets lead down to the sweeping river with a backdrop of wooded and vine-covered slopes. Riesling is the specialty grape here and Rüdesheim has many atmospheric Weinstuben where you can sample local wines produced from the surrounding vineyards. On board tonight, we enjoy a culinary spectacular – the Captain’s Dinner – featuring a range of irresistible specialities from the countries and regions we visit during our cruise. This special occasion is hosted, of course, by the Captain himself.

COLOGNE GUIDED TOUR

This morning, early risers can enjoy phenomenal views as once again we pass through the Rhine Gorge where, in Wagner’s Ring Cycle, the Rhine Maidens guard lost treasure, the ‘Rheingold’. What better way to spend the morning than relaxing on the Sun Deck beneath dramatic rocky, vineyard-topped valley sides dotted with romantic ruined castles.

The valley sides dissolve and hills give way to plains as we progress majestically to Cologne. This afternoon you can discover this fascinating city on our tour led by a local guide who’ll help you get the most out of your visit, which of course takes in the twin-spired cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, miraculous survivor of Second World War bombing and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took six centuries to complete, and among its many treasures are the magnificent stained glass windows and gilded sarcophagus said to contain the remains of the three kings from the Nativity story. We also see the vibrant Old Town, beautifully restored and boasting an abundance of excellent shopping and cozy bars, some of which still brew their own beer. As night falls, a sumptuous dinner provides the perfect finale to this memorable cruise through the romantic River Rhine.

DISEMBARK IN COLOGNE

This morning, the crew bids you farewell before you disembark.

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of single cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement. The price includes: 

• Seven nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite, with river views 
• Eight guided visits and tours
• All meals on board from dinner on your day of arrival through to breakfast on your day of departure, including a welcome dinner and the Captain’s Dinner 
• Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides 
• Complimentary on-board tea and coffee 
• Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi
• Services of a Riviera River Cruises cruise director

Meet Cruise Director Hanna

Useful Information

• Currency: Euro
• Languages: German, French
• Countries: Germany, France

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for the duration of your cruise. Please note that speeds may vary.

We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your vacation with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the vacation due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns. 

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Pleasure Boat Cruises from Mainz and Wiesbaden on the Rhine and River Main

Day-trip riverboat cruise excursions depart from Mainz and Wiesbaden on the Rhine River to the Loreley Valley and on the Main to Frankfurt in Germany.

Boat cruises on the Rhein and Main rivers depart daily from Mainz and Wiesbaden in Germany during the high season. Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) has excursion cruises downriver on the Rhine past Rüdesheim to the Loreley Valley and Koblenz. Primus boats cruise occasionally between Frankfurt am Main and Rüdesheim with stops en route in Mainz and Wiesbaden. Primus also offers event cruises from Mainz and Wiesbaden. It is no longer possible to cruise all the way from Mainz to Cologne on a single day-trip excursion.

Cruising on the Rhine River from Mainz and Wiesbaden

The longest possible regular day-trip cruise excursion on the Rhine River is currently from Mainz or Wiesbaden to St Goarhausen just downriver from the Loreley Valley. This cruise includes the most scenic part of the river — the narrow, steep valley with endless castles and picturesque villages and vineyards between Rüdesheim and St Goar / St Goarhausen near the Loreley Rock. The once-popular eleven-hour cruise from Mainz to Cologne (Köln) is no longer possible, although, with a boat change, it is possible to continue all the way to Koblenz (around two hours downstream from St Goarhausen).

Cruising on the Rhine River is possible daily from Mainz and Wiesbaden from mid-April (or Easter) to mid-October. In the off-season, special events may bring the boats out but in winter , cruises are more likely from Rüdesheim , Frankfurt , or Cologne . Cruises are usually more frequent over weekends, especially during the spring and autumn seasons.

The Rhine Valley is wide with the river fairly slow-flowing from Mainz to Rüdesheim. Travelers with limited time should consider taking the train from Mainz or Wiesbaden to Rüdesheim or Bingen from where many more cruises are available per day. Boats from here cruise the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage-listed  Middle Rhine Valley , the most beautiful part of the Rhine with endless castles and the famous Loreley Rock.

Boat Cruise Times on the Rhine River from Mainz and Wiesbaden

The main cruises from Mainz and Wiesbaden to St Goarhausen are on the Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) riverboats. During the main season, a daily boat departs from Mainz around 9 am and from Wiesbaden-Biebrich 15 minutes later. The boats return from St Goarhauen at around 13:00.

Some of the stops on the Mainz to Koblenz with average cruise times between ports are — note a boat change is usually necessary at St Goar / St Goarhausen:

Note: (L) left bank, R right bank. Passenger and car ferries are available in among other Rüdesheim-Bingen and St Goar-St Goarhausen.

It is easy to return by train from any port — it is mostly just a short walk from the boat landing to the station (except in Wiesbaden).

See timetables on German Railways website .

KD is the largest operator of Rhine River pleasure cruise boats and offers many  special discount fares  worth considering. Mainz to St Goarhausen on KD is around €63 one way (but only €69 return).

The KD Rhine Pass savings deal has not been on sale in recent years but Get Your Guide offers easy booking (and often sensible cancelation options) for day-trip cruises on the Rhine departing from many popular cities such as Cologne , Düsseldorf , Bonn , Koblenz , Boppard , Ruedesheim , Cochem , and Frankfurt . 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.

Cruising on the Main River from Wiesbaden and Mainz

Mainz is at the confluence of the Rivers Main and Rhine with Wiesbaden only a few kilometers downstream. During the summer season, Primus Line offers cruises a few times per week from Frankfurt am Main to Rüdesheim with stops en route in amongst others Mainz and Wiesbaden.

The cruise time from Frankfurt am Main to Mainz is around two hours (three hours for the upriver cruise). In contrast to KD, tickets on Primus are almost always for return journeys. It is usually possible to return by train for the same price but this must be indicated when the tickets are bought.

Primus cooperates closely with other cruise lines making it possible to change in Rüdesheim from a Primus line boat to a different boat to cruise down the Middle Rhine and Loreley Valley. However, note that some discount offers and bicycle policies may differ.

Event Cruises from Mainz and Wiesbaden

Primus Lines and KD offer special panorama cruises from Mainz and occasionally from Wiesbaden. These are mostly only once a week or so during the main season and not as frequent as the regular cruises in Frankfurt am Main , Koblenz , Cologne , or Düsseldorf .

These cruises usually include meals and need prior reservations.

Cruising from Mainz and Wiesbaden in Germany

Mainz, the state capital of Rhineland Palatinate, and Wiesbaden, the state capital of Hessen, are located on opposite sides of the Rhine River in Germany. However, both cities somewhat turned their backs on the famous river with the town centers away from the Rhine itself. Getting to the boats from the relevant main train stations (Hauptbahnhof) is fairly easy:

• In Mainz, Rhine and Main boats depart from quays (Pier) behind the Rathaus / Rheingoldhalle on the left (west) bank of the Rhine River. It is around half an hour’s walk from the central train station to here. As buses 28,54,55,56,57,60,61,68,70,71,90,91 all stop at Rheingoldhalle/Rathaus a suitable bus departs almost every minute for the 15-minute journey. The old town center with the cathedral is close enough to the piers for easy walking.
• In Wiesbaden, the center of town and main train station are even further away from the Rhine River and not a simple stroll. Here, boats depart from quays in Wiesbaden-Biebrich. It is a 15-minute bus ride from Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) to the stop Biebrich Rheinufer. Buses 3 and 4 make the journey several times per hour.

Boat cruises upriver from Mainz and Wiesbaden are very rare, although a few special excursion cruises are available each year mostly heading to Heidelberg. Multiday-boat cruises frequently sail between Mainz and Strasbourg in France and Basel in Switzerland. Cruises upriver from Mainz are possible at larger Rhine towns such as Mannheim (and Worms & Heidelberg) and Speyer .

More on the Rhine River in Germany

Day-Trip Excursions and Pleasure Cruises on the Rhine River:

• cruise from Rüdesheim ( cruise lines ), Koblenz ( cruise lines ), winter & Christmas
• from Frankfurt — fast trains to the Rhine , or slow boat to the Rhine
• from Mainz and Wiesbaden
• Savings Tips , Best Cruise Lines
• Lower Rhine — Cologne, Düsseldorf, Bonn to Linz
• Special events: Cruises to Rhine in Flames Fireworks , Christmas and New Year’s Cruises in Cologne , Düsseldorf , Frankfurt , and Rüdesheim
• Moselle River Cruises ( Cochem , Bernkastel-Kues, Trier, Koblenz , Burg Eltz )
• Cruises on the Main River in Frankfurt (or better By Train from Frankfurt to the Best Rhine Cruises )
• Cruises from Worms, Mannheim, Heidelberg (on the Neckar River)
• Cruises from Speyer
• Rhinefalls (Rhine Waterfalls, Schaffhausen, Stein am Rhein, Kreuzlingen) in Switzerland

Tips and Savings on Day-Trip Rhine Cruises

• The best part of the Rhine for day-trip excursion cruises in the Middle Rhine between Rüdesheim / Bingen and Koblenz . See Savings Tips and the Best Cruise Lines cruising in the Loreley Valley.
• Check train times for Germany (and most of Europe) at German Railways .

About the author:

Henk Bekker

Henk Bekker is a freelance travel writer with over 20 years of experience writing online. He is particularly interested in history, art, and culture. He has lived most of his adult life in Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark. In addition to European-Traveler.com , he also owns a travel website on the Lake Geneva region of Switzerland and maintains statistical websites on car sales and classic car auction prices . Henk holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School and an MSc in Development Finance from the University of London.

Home » Germany » Pleasure Boat Cruises from Mainz and Wiesbaden on the Rhine and River Main

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