Medieval castles. Breathtaking scenery. Spectacular sites. Delicious wine and beer. There are many beautiful things to see and experience on a Rhine River Cruise.
Flowing from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea, the Rhine runs through Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, France, and the Netherlands, bringing endless daily possibilities for discovery to your stateroom door.
If setting sail on the Rhine has piqued your interest, here is a look at some of the amazing experiences you can expect along the way.
Jump in the Rhine in the summertime
Don't miss out on your opportunity to literally go with the flow down the Rhine. In August, held annually in Basel, Switzerland, Rhine Swim Day sees swimmers enjoying a refreshing dip as the current takes them away along the river. Some swimmers even make their way to work this way, strapping a waterproof bag with shoes and a change of clothes onto their backs. If you're inclined to take part in the festivities, bring a Wickelfisch — a waterproof bag in the shape of a fish which was invented in Basel — along for the journey, and you'll fit right in with the locals.
Drink up the Riesling in Rüdesheim and the Kölsch beer in Cologne
Prost! It's important to stay hydrated as you set sail and what better way to do that than by enjoying some local libations? While in Cologne, learn about Kölsch beer's history, which is unique to the city and is made using a warm-fermenting process followed by being aged for two months near the freezing point. Of course, getting a firsthand taste of the end result while you're there is also very important in the name of research and quenching thirst.
Next up, is the charming town of Rüdesheim am Rhein, which is known for its winemaking production, especially Riesling. Take a break from exploring its charming cobblestone streets to find out for yourself what makes the local wine so special.
Find out if legends are true
There's nothing like a good story to make a place come alive as you learn about its rich and fascinating history. Ask your local guide about the legend of Lorelei as you visit the massive slate rock, which overlooks the Rhine and is home to the Lorelei Amphitheatre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sits on top of the rock. According to the tale, a beautiful maiden threw herself into the river in anguish over a faithless lover. She was then transformed into a siren and lured fishermen to destruction.
And they said romance is dead.
Step back in time in the Netherlands
Amsterdam is often associated with its canals, tulips, and carefree nature. While those are certainly important aspects to the city, there is so much more to discover in the capital city, such as thriving art, culture, and food scene. After visiting the Anne Frank House, you can head to the nearby bohemian neighborhood of Jordaan, which is lined with trendy cafes, eateries, and shops.
Some fantastic museums for art lovers include the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. If photos are more your thing, don't miss out on Foam, a photography museum set in an old canal house.
And while you're there, don't forget to try the pancakes! No matter where you decide to go, there is something to captivate your interests or tastebuds.
Are you ready to set sail on your Rhine River Cruise? Contact me and I'll be happy to answer all your questions and perhaps, start planning your next river cruise! Schedule you're free consultation now! (or just give me a call!)
