Rhine River Cruises

Embark on a river cruise along the Rhine - stretching from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea you'll cruise through France, Germany and the Netherlands. Choose from 6,373 river cruises along the Rhine travelling with the world's leading river cruise lines.

Quick Search Search 6,373 river cruise departures along the Rhine

Popular Rhine River Cruises View all

8 Days Amsterdam to Basel

Operator: Avalon River Cruises

From 2,555pp
Save 1,620pp

8 Days Basel to Amsterdam

Operator: Avalon River Cruises

From 2,651pp
Save 1,624pp

8 Days Amsterdam to Basel

Operator: Viking River Cruises

From 2,299pp
Save 1,100pp

8 Days Amsterdam to Basel

Operator: Uniworld River Cruises

From 3,561pp
Save 330pp

The Rhine River

Map of the Rhine River

Where does the Rhine start & finish?

The Rhine River originates in the Swiss Alps and flows through six countries including Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The river ultimately empties into the North Sea at Rotterdam after covering a distance of approximately 1,230 kms (760 miles), making it one of Europe's major rivers.

Castle-Studded Journey

The Rhine boasts the highest concentration of castles in the world along its Middle Rhine section, particularly between Koblenz and Bingen. This stretch is known as the "Romantic Rhine" and offers a fairy-tale backdrop.

The Lorelei Rock

This steep rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine near St. Goarshausen, Germany, has inspired myths and legends for centuries. According to folklore, a siren named Lorelei bewitches sailors from atop the rock, causing them to crash — adding a dash of intrigue to your journey.

Culinary Cruising

The Rhine valley is not just rich in scenic beauty but also in gastronomy. It's a wine lover's paradise, with regions like Alsace in France and the Rheingau in Germany producing some of the world's finest Rieslings.

Popular starting ports for cruising the Rhine

Amsterdam, Basel, Cologne and Zurich are the most common logistical starting ports for your Rhine river cruise.

Rhine in Flames

If you time it right, you could experience the "Rhine in Flames," an annual event where spectacular firework displays are set off from castles and boats, illuminating the river. It's a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle that adds magic to your river cruise.

FEATURED RIVER CRUISE OPERATORSFeatured Operators View all

Avalon
One of our favourite sayings that describes Avalon Waterways is ‘the possibilities are as wide open as the views’. From Europe to the Galapagos and Asia, more you can cruise in relaxed luxury with Avalon Waterways, with choices as unique as you. Avalon offers you a range of choices from excursions, dining options, activities that help you tailor your experience.

Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
Rhine Rivers861
Budget:Premium
Known For:Panorama Suites
Fleet Size:16
Trafalgar
Trafalgar's river cruises combine decades of expertise with local connections, iconic sights and expert hosts to deliver effortless, unforgettable journeys. more From scenic sailing to biking along the riverbanks or relaxing onboard, our itineraries let you explore each destination at your own pace - both onboard and ashore.
Rhine Rivers110
Budget:Affordable & Premium
Known For:
Fleet Size:2
Viking
A Viking river cruise is the discerning traveller’s dream. Whether you choose to visit Egypt, Asia, Europe or the Mississippi, our itineraries are designed more to immerse you in the history and culture of each destination. With us, you could be exploring a local food market with our head chef one day and experiencing an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a world-famous museum the next.

Our state-of-the-art ships take you right into the heart of each destination, and you won’t find any kids or ‘nickel and diming’ on board. In fact, our fares include everything you need - from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call. This unique combination of features has become affectionately known as ‘the Viking difference’.

Viking has 70 award-winning river ships sailing all over the world, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board to discover the Viking difference for yourself.
Rhine Rivers3,151
Budget:Premium
Known For:Scandinavian Design
Fleet Size:94

Discover Must Do Experiences and Highlights Along The Rhine

Amsterdam
Amsterdam

Cycle the streets and explore the winding canals. Or dive into the arts with a visit to the Van Gogh Museum and explore the Rijksmuseum, with works dating back to the Middle Ages.

Cologne
Cologne

Discover medieval treasures and vibrant galleries in Old Town, visit the Dom, Germany's largest cathedral, or just sit back and enjoy a crisp Kölsch beer - only brewed in Cologne - Prost!

Rüdesheim
Rüdesheim

Delight in picturesque Rüdesheim with a stroll through Drosselgasse lane, sample wines from the surrounding Rhine Valley vineyards or marvel at the Mechanical Music Museum.

Strasbourg
Strasbourg

A cultural fusion of France and Germany, Strasbourg's UNESCO World Heritage Grande Île does not disappoint, showcasing the Strasbourg Cathedral as well as the charming la Petite France.

Freiburg
Freiburg

Set in Germany's Black Forest Region, take in the expansive views of this vibrant and eco-friendly town from Schlossberg, or quietly wander down cobblestone streets in Münster market.

Latest Reviews What our clients are saying about their journeys along the Rhine

An Xmas markets trip Rhine and Moselle Christmas Markets with Lucerne and Zurich , WA, Australia, Nov 2025
Thanks Hannah for yet another well organised river cruise. Looking forward to August. Our second Travelmarvel cruise, both have been good but we have to say that after eight with Avalon they are still number one with us. Travelmarvel was comfortable and food was OK but little extras that Avalon do like happy hour in the lounge are no longer on Travelmarvel. read more They have a pub at the other end of the boat which not very many people bothered to walk to. Also all cruise companies have cut out plastic water bottles but Avalon last time we used them in August did leave two glass bottles for cabin use. Travelmarvel tell you to bring your own. So simple little things that make travel a happy thing are missing.
Christmas memories for a lifetime Rhine and Moselle Christmas Markets with Lucerne and Zurich , QLD, Australia, Nov 2025
From the first point of contact through to the end, we were communicated with clearly and very promptly. Tracey forwarded information from the service provider as soon as she received it and followed up our queries in a very timely fashion. She was very professional and efficient but also friendly and approachable. The Christmas market cruise including read more flights and land stays in Lucerne and Zurich, which was made even more special knowing we were in capable hands. We had nothing to worry about.
Budapest to Amsterdam river cruise European Gems - Budapest to Amsterdam , NSW, Australia, Nov 2025
Rachael was a fantastic agent. Thanks, Rachael - brilliant. We did the two week cruise with Travelmarvel, and because it’s an Australian company, it was loaded only with Australians and Brits. This was perfect. Staff fabulous. Boat fabulous. We had the cheapest of the rooms and it was fine. Oh, and the food was really great. Thanks Travelmarvel, and thanks Rachael.
Absolutely fabulous Travelmarvel Cruise on Europe's 3 rivers   European Gems , NSW, Australia, Nov 2025
I could fault nothing! The cruise was fantastic, the ship was clean, beautifully decorated with all the comforts.. Barbara our director looked after us completely. Laura looked after the dining room and Alex did a great job with the bar. Our cabins were clean and comfortable thanks to Phyu our attendant. The free daily tours were interesting with knowledgeable read more local guides. I would definately travel again with this company. Hannah our Global Journeys' agent was very helpful and efficient. She got us great deals and looked after our airfares too. Thank you Global journeys 🙏 it was a winter wonderland.