13 Best River Rhine Cruises to Book Today

Flowing from the Alps just east of Switzerland into the North Sea in the Netherlands, the Rhine River is one of the largest and most important rivers in Europe. Cruising it is also one of the most invigorating and beautiful ways to see much of the continent.

The best River Rhine cruises take you on a journey through history, into modern towns, and through a range of cultures along this European river. It’s a fabulous way to spend a few hours or a few days touring Europe.

The hard part is determining which are the best river cruises on the Rhine. Numerous options exist, and while not all of them are luxurious experiences, many offer exceptional opportunities with shore excursions, insightful history, and lots of fun on board the actual cruise. A number of Rhine River cruise lines are out there to choose from; here are some of the best and the cruises they offer.

Best River Rhine Cruises to Book Today

1. Avalon Waterways Romantic Rhine for Wine Lovers

Cruise Locations: The Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland
Length: 8 days

Spend eight days exploring the wine country on the romantic, beautiful Avalon Waterways river cruise. Explore Cologne, a city that’s 2,000 years old and noted for its stunning Gothic architecture. This river cruise also has stops in Strasbourg, France, and Breisach, Germany, including into the Black Forest and Speyer.

In Speyer, you’ll enjoy a walk through the Wine Museum, visit a castle, and shop at numerous quaint shops in the center of the city. This is the best Avalon Waterways cruise for wine and history lovers. There could be local wine festivals taking place along the trip, which is well worth exploring.

Key sights along the way include:

• Amsterdam’s streets and canal houses
• A guided tour of the Jewish heritage sites in Cologne
• Wine tasting tours
• Tour of the vineyards of Rüdesheim
• Tour the stained-glass cathedral and explore the La Petite France…