River Cruises Along the Rhine

The Rhine river starts in Switzerland, flowing from small mountain streams in the Swiss Alps near Lake Toma. As it winds north, it passes through France and Germany before reaching the Netherlands. Here, it forms a delta and merges with the North Sea near Rotterdam, one of Europe's busiest ports.

The Rhine river has been a vital force in European history, serving as a trade route and military boundary. The Romans fortified it as a frontier, while medieval rulers built castles to collect tolls from passing ships and control the river traffic. It fuelled the Industrial Revolution, particularly the coal and steel industries, and became a strategic battleground in both World Wars.

Today, it remains one of the world's busiest waterways, connecting major ports and industries. The Middle Rhine Valley is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving the river's legacy as both a vital waterway and a cultural gem, which you can uncover during our Rhine cruises.

The Rhine passes through multiple countries, making our cruises hugely varied. We encourage you to read through each itinerary to get a feel for your preferred destinations and excursions. Here are some of the destinations you can visit:

• Switzerland: Discover where the Rhine begins with visits to cloud-kissing Chur, Switzerland's oldest village, and Zermatt, a picture-perfect, car-free mountain village. No trip to the mountainous regions is complete without a ride on the world-famous Glacier Express or Gornergrat Mountain Railway with its views of the Matterhorn.
• Netherlands: Explore Amsterdam's charming canals and bridges on a sightseeing tour that captures the city's unique character. Visit renowned cultural landmarks and museums or unwind in scenic parks. For an out-of-town highlight, take a trip to Keukenhof Gardens to see the breathtaking display of blooming tulips.
• Belgium: On selected tours, we offer excursions in Ghent and Bruges. Bruges is a medieval city known for its canals, cobblestone streets and well-preserved Gothic architecture, while Ghent brings together medieval landmarks, a popular art scene and delicious chocolate.
• Germany: Since the Rhine flows primarily through Germany, our cruises feature numerous destinations along the country's scenic waterways. These include the cultural city of Cologne, along with historic gems like Koblenz, where the River Rhine meets the Moselle River. The Moselle Valley is a scenic wine region with vineyards, medieval castles and riverside towns like Cochem.
• France: Strasbourg, located on the French-German border, is famed for its colourful half-timbered houses and charming cobbled streets. The surrounding Upper Rhine Valley is home to vineyards and historic towns, offering a glimpse into the region's heritage.

We operate several Rhine river cruises, at different points in the year. Many of our escorted tours take place during spring and summer, offering the chance to explore these stunning destinations in warm weather and with plenty of sunshine.

Some of our tours are seasonal. Our Springtime Tulips and Keukenhof Gardens tour aligns with the tulip season in April and May, while our German Christmas Markets of the Rhine tour takes place during the festive season in November and December.

We offer Rhine river cruises that last between five and 12 days, offering short breaks and longer holidays for those wanting to discover this part of Europe.

Our luxury cruises along the Rhine take place on the following ships:

• Amadeus Star
• Amadeus Imperial

Both ships feature spacious cabins and five-star dining, with panoramic views that let you enjoy your surroundings without going onshore. The sun decks are perfect for unwinding between excursions or taking in beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Inside, enjoy a panoramic bar, inviting lounge areas and a spa and wellness centre - ideal for a rejuvenating treatment after a day of exploring.

Choose from Classic and Deluxe Staterooms or upgrade to an Upper Deck Suite with a walk-out balcony and a river-view lounge area. All rooms come with an ensuite bathroom. There's complimentary Wi-Fi to help you stay connected, so you can share your memories day-by-day. Our Rhine cruises include 24/7 support from our Cruise Managers, ensuring someone is always available to assist and make your experience more comfortable.

Certain tours include on-land overnight stays in excellent hotels. Examples include accommodation in Zermatt on our Glacier Express & The Majestic Rhine Cruise and in Interlaken on our Top of Europe & The Majestic Rhine Cruise.

A five-star culinary experience is at the heart of our Rhine river cruises. Dine in our onboard restaurant, where skilled chefs craft dishes inspired by local flavours. Each meal reflects your onshore destination, offering an authentic taste of regional cuisine. Paired with the perfect wine or beer, every evening becomes a memorable dining experience. On the final night, we celebrate with a special Gala Dinner.

At breakfast and lunch, enjoy a buffet of freshly prepared dishes, while tea and coffee are available throughout the day.

If you're new to river cruising, a Rhine cruise is the perfect introduction. Our leisurely pace ensures you never feel rushed, and with free days built in, you can choose to explore or simply unwind onboard - it's your trip, after all. Plus, the flexibility to hop on and off at multiple destinations across several countries makes for an incredibly accessible experience. With our all-inclusive tours, you can enjoy your journey without the hassle of planning every detail.

Our Glacier Express & The Majestic Rhine tour allows you to pair a luxury Rhine cruise with a train ride through spectacular Swiss landscapes on the iconic Glacier Express, one of the world's great rail journeys. Picture views of snow-capped mountains and lush green meadows on a train ride that tops many people's bucket lists. On the same trip, you can ride the Gornergrat Mountain Railway, a historic cog railway that climbs to the summit of Gornergrat, making it the second-highest railway in Europe. Along the way, you can take in breathtaking views of the mighty Matterhorn, glaciers and snow-covered peaks as you enter a true winter wonderland.

Delve into a tapestry of cultures and dramatic landscapes while cruising the River Rhine. A river connecting six European nations, the Rhine presents unique opportunities to explore on handpicked excursions, such as touring Heidelberg's ruined red sandstone castle or exploring the Black Forest.