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Starting in the Alps and winding 900 miles through four countries to the North Sea, the Rhine is Europe’s most popular river for cruising. No other river abounds in more myths and legends than the ‘Father Rhine’. The rugged cliffs, forested hills and green valleys that hug its banks have long inspired artists, poets and musicians, and, in the 19th century, it became a symbol of romanticism.
If time is limited the Middle Rhine Valley is an enduring favourite. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the route meanders through one of the most famous of Germany’s 13 wine-growing regions and the stretch between Cologne and Mainz is particularly breathtaking.
Many itineraries will include visits to Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university and the red sandstone ruins of an imposing castle overlooking the Neckar River. Perched high on a promontory, 700-year-old Marksburg Castle is also notable as the only castle on the Middle Rhine to have survived intact. All in all, there are 40 castles along a 37-mile stretch of river.
Is it for you?
Couples of all ages will enjoy this romantic cruise route.
When to go
Although it’s a year-round destination, Spring and Autumn are the best times to cruise as it can get very busy in summer.
Must-see shore excursion
Picture postcard Rüdesheim, with its cobbled streets lined with restaurants and wood-framed houses, is one of Germany’s top tourist attractions.
What to take
A guide book telling you the history of the castles and plenty of spare camera batteries, film or memory cards – the Rhine is a non-stop photo opportunity.
What to try
Drink in the local atmosphere by stopping at a riverside tavern to sample wines from the Middle Rhine wine region, stretching between Bingen and Bonn and particularly noted for its aromatic, fruity Riesling wines.
What to buy
Beer steins, wood carvings, jewellery and, of course, wine
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Europe is comprehensively covered by all the big river cruise lines and many small ones. Whether you’re looking for a bargain break, a barge, a family adventure, the last word in luxury or an epic journey right across the continent to the Black Sea, a river cruise will fit the bill. Affordable Shearings Shearings Holidays offers European cruises on 10 riverboats, some chartered exclusively for its mainly over-50s clientele. … [Read more...]
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Cruise International’s deputy editor, Jessica Tooze, is on her first cruise. She is sailing down the Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam with Uniworld On the sun deck of Uniworld's latest vessel, the SS Antoinette, people are basking in the 16-degree warmth, sipping iced tea and enjoying the view. Remarkably, it’s early November and we’re docked at Kehl in Germany, so the unseasonably warm weather is a pleasant surprise. As a first-time cruiser, … [Read more...]
There’s nothing like a traditional Christmas market to get you in a festive mood: the chilly air, the crunchy snow underfoot, the wafting smell of gingerbread, the warming sensation of a spicy mulled wine, the carol singing. The great joy of a pre-Christmas river cruise on the Rhine or Danube is that you get to see a whole string of these enchanting markets – one a day if you want to. Apart from the fact that you can go home laden with hand-made, … [Read more...]
It may be one of the oldest forms of travel - linking countries and providing historic trading arteries - but today more and more people are discovering the joys of river cruising for pleasure. Rarely carrying more than 300 passengers, river cruising is an intimate and informal experience, offering a window on the world. … [Read more...]
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