• Destination
  • Holiday types
  • Offers
  • Inspire me
  • Our services
  • Contact us
River cruises in Moselle river, medieval Cochem town, Germnay

Rhine River Cruises

Coursing along the borders of four countries, the river Rhine twists and turns past fairytale castles and half-timbered towns. Its middle section, known as the Rhine Gorge, has been awarded World Heritage Site status for its natural beauty and legend-shrouded history. If you’re searching for a European holiday that packs in history, culture and spectacular scenery, the Rhine promises an unforgettable journey

Find out more

More information about River Rhine

  • Watching castles come into view while sailing through the Rhine Gorge.
  • Trying a traditional (and boozy) Rüdesheim coffee.
  • Gazing up at the spires of Cologne’s cathedral.
  • Warming up with glühwein on a Christmas markets cruise.

So what can you expect on a Rhine river cruise?

A historical holiday to remember

The Rhine River has long been important to Europe: viewed by the Roman Empire as the edge of the civilised world, the river acted as a natural barrier between the region's Celtic and Germanic tribes. The Rhine's dramatic, mythic past is well known in the countries it travels through: the water nymph Lorelei is thought live beneath its surface, while the great German knight, Siegfried, is purported to have slain a dragon on the river's shore.

Castles, churches and medieval towns are a staple along this stretch of water. Rhine river cruises offer a chance to explore these ancient attractions and gaze back in time to a period of glorious European history. Highlights include the imposing Ehrenbreitstein Fortress at Koblenz, the 18th-century Würzburg Residenz and the Romanesque cathedral at Speyer.

Cities of culture

The cities you’ll visit depend on the itinerary you choose, but popular stop-offs on our Rhine river cruises include Cologne, with its captivating skyline of modern skyscrapers and Gothic spires; Strasbourg, with its quaint canals and soaring cathedral; and Basel, home to a cluster of museums and galleries.

Christmas cruises

No mention of the Rhine could be complete without talking about Christmas cruises. From around mid-November, the towns and cities along the river’s banks light up with festivities. Snow-capped roofs, wooden market stalls and the smell of cinnamon and glühwein – the Christmas markets along the Rhine are a festive pleasure not to be missed.

Breisach

Pretty Breisach sits just across the river from France, on the edge of the Black Forest. Its cobbled streets, hilltop cathedral and pastel-hued buildings make it a delight to explore; alternatively, venture into the Black Forest on an optional excursion to nearby Lake Titisee.

Koblenz

Historic Koblenz sits at the point where the Moselle and Rhine rivers meet. The city itself is charming, with plenty of quiet squares, quirky fountains and pavement cafes to stop off at. The star attraction, though, is the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress – a huge hilltop fortification looking down across the river.

Rüdesheim

The picturesque Rhineland town of Rüdesheim is a highlight of any visit to this region. Our excursion takes guests on a cable-car ride up to the Germania monument where you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring view of the Altstadt and the waters of the Rhine. Once back in Rüdesheim, you’ll be free to shop, relax with a coffee and some cake, or explore further at your leisure before rejoining your river cruise liner.

Speyer

Lovely Speyer is a pretty town that’s packed with historical interest. It’s easily explored on foot – sights to note include the red-brick Romanesque cathedral (a thousand years old and a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the ruins of a 12th-century synagogue, and the beautiful baroque façade of the Old Mint.

Our holidays are designed to take the hassle out of travelling, which is why all of our Rhine river cruises come with our VIP door-to-door travel service. Our experienced drivers will take you from your home to the airport and back in one of our spacious, valeted vehicles, giving you complete peace of mind from the get-go.

You’ll have a dedicated tour manager and cruise director on the ship with you – they’re there to ensure your cruise on the Rhine will be a holiday to remember. And each cruise offers superb value for money – meals, free-flowing wine and beer at lunch and dinner, and a selection of excursions are all included in the price.

newletter

Receive inspiration in your inbox

Subscribe to our newsletter for holiday inspiration and the latest special offers

For more information about how we use your personal information, please view our Privacy Policy.

Why choose a Titan Travel tour or cruise?

Our award-winning collection of holidays covers all seven continents, with carefully planned itineraries ranging from rail journeys and river cruises, to small-group adventures and trips exclusively for solo travellers.

VIP travel service

Smooth transfers to and from home with unlimited mileage

More value

From excursions to hotels, entry tickets and dining packages, we include more than any other tour.

More knowledgeable

Be guided by some of the most passionate and knowledgeable tour managers in the world, on hand to help every step of the way.

More flexible

Feel free to amend or extend your travel plans, up until final payment, and enjoy free time on your tour with us too.