Plan Your Vacation River Cruise on the Enchanting Rhine
See France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland

Why not plan a cruise on the Rhine River for your next vacation in Europe? Imagine a relaxing river cruise along the beautiful Rhine River. The cruise ship will take you through four European countries, from Basel, Switzerland, north to Amsterdam in the Netherlands, with several stops in Germany and France along the way, for a week of vacation pleasure.

A beautiful river cruise vacation is a relaxing, convenient and gracious way to enjoy the historic places, medieval towns and breathtaking scenery along the banks of the Rhine River. Along the Rhine River you can visit 5 beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

1. Highlights of the Rhine River Cruise Vacation
2. Points of Interest on the Rhine River Cruise Vacation
3. What People Like About a River Cruise Vacation

Highlights of the Rhine River Cruise Vacation

Rhine River cruises take you through four European countries, from Basel, Switzerland, north to Amsterdam in the Netherlands, with several stops in Germany and France along the way. It's eight days of vacation pleasure. A beautiful river cruise is a relaxing, convenient and gracious way to enjoy the historic places, medieval towns and breathtaking scenery. Along the Rhine River you can visit 5 beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You might even extend your vacation with a couple of days in Lucerne and the Swiss Alps.

Points of Interest on the Rhine River Cruise Vacation

The Rhine River originates in the Swiss Alps and then flows north toward Basel, Switzerland. Next the Rhine becomes the border between France and Germany, and then runs through Germany. The picturesque Middle Rhine Valley is graced by pastoral towns, vineyards and dozens of castles and fortresses. After its passage through the Netherlands, the Rhine empties into the North Sea.

You can arrange to be met at the Basel airport and transported to your ship. The first port of call is Breisach, Germany, gateway to the Black Forest and its incredible scenery. The Black Forest tour includes sightseeing, a clock-making demonstration, wood carving, and possibly your choice of a vineyard tour or an expedition to Colmar.

The next stop on your cruise vacation is Strasbourg, France. Strasbourg's historic city center, called the Grande Île or Grand Island, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Strasbourg is also the site of the European Parliament. Strasbourg is a blend of both French and German cultures, with inspiring churches, medieval covered bridges, parks and modern architecture. During a guided walking tour in Strasbourg, you'll visit Strasbourg Cathedral and sample Alsatian food.

The next port of call on the Rhine River cruise is Mannheim, Germany. During the 18th century, Mannheim was the home of the "Mannheim School" of classical music composers. The city has 3 museums, a palace and several churches. An side excursion to Heidelberg features the ruins of Heidelberg Castle that overlook the city and the scenic Neckar River Valley. Heidelberg University, Germany's oldest, was founded in 1386.

Near the dock in Speyer is the imposing Romanesque cathedral that dates from the 11th century, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains the tombs of 8 German monarchs.

Rudesheim is a wine-making town, well-known for its nightlife, and one of Germany's most popular tourist attractions. Near Rudesheim is the Lorelei rock, where, legend has it, siren women bewitched the hearts of passing sailors. Stroll the cobbled streets of Rudesheim, enjoy the nightlife and sample the local wines.

The passage of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, called the Rhine Gorge, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site between Koblenz and Bingen in Germany. It is remarkable for a unique combination of geological, historical, and cultural features, fossils, folklore, ruins of legendary castles, and a micro-climate favorable to vineyards.

Next on the Rhine River cruise is Braubach, Germany, a walled medieval town where you can visit the 700-year-old Marksburg Castle and museum. It is a fully preserved medieval fortress, with courts, ramparts and a towering keep.

Cologne is the jewel of the Rhine, the oldest city in Germany, founded by the Romans more than 2000 years ago. You can see against the skyline of Cologne the twin towers of Cologne Cathedral, a popular tourist attraction. This Gothic cathedral was begun in 1248 and finally completed in 1880. It contains the relics attributed to the Three Magi. Some of the gates of the original medieval city are still standing. There is also a local brewery, Old Town, St. Martin's Church, and dockside taverns, cafes and shops.

Your Rhine River cruise takes you to Kinderijk, Holland, in the Netherlands, another UNESCO World Heritage Site chosen for its 19 historic windmills and waterworks that keep the land dry. You can enjoy local Dutch artisan cheese and taste a distilled juniper liquor called jenever. Holland is also known for its tulips, wooden clogs, and traditional costume. Try your skill at sjoelen, which is Dutch table shuffleboard.

The final destination of your Rhine River cruise is Amsterdam, capital city of the Netherlands. Make time, if you can, to a view the paintings of the Dutch masters at Rijksmuseum and to visit Ann Frank House. You will be escorted to the Amsterdam airport for the trip home.

What People Like About a River Cruise Vacation

A river cruise is a comfortable and time-saving vacation that includes more sightseeing and stopovers during your travels. The modern ships are marvels of design. You can see the Rhine River from each stateroom, the restaurant, lounge and sundeck. The river cruise is all inclusive. Three meals a day are provided, as well as the Welcome Cocktail Reception and the Captain's Farewell Dinner. The cruise staff provides your accommodations and meals, so you can relax and enjoy the vacation experience.

Vacationers on a river cruise don't have the hassle of packing and unpacking, reading maps and rushing to make your connections. And when you arrange for air travel with your cruise company, transportation to and from the airports is often included. Knowledgeable guides and recorded audio headsets are on hand for your walking tours.

Ask your travel agent or check with some of the well-known cruise operators like Viking River Cruises. You can have the time of your life on a memorable Rhine River cruise.

I hope you have an exciting vacation.
I wish you a very happy day.

Your Travel Agent Jeff, at TravelWelcome.com

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Plan a River Cruise on the Rhine River



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