Rhine, Main & Moselle River

The legendary rivers

A mighty river by anyone’s standards, the Rhine flows through six countries and has served as a link between the north and south of Europe since the Romans. The Main River is considered one of its major tributaries, while the ‘romantic’ Moselle meets it in Koblenz.

Starting its life in the Swiss Alps, this exceptional waterway has long functioned as a border between the fairytale-like landscapes of western Germany and France’s Alsace. It meanders through steep vine-clad hillsides, past age-old castles and medieval towns, until it reaches the Netherlands, ending its journey in the North Sea. Reaching over 760 miles, this magical river picks up a number of major cities along the way. Quirky and enigmatic Amsterdam is the first stop on many of our Rhine, Main and Moselle river cruise itineraries, while Basel, Strasbourg and Cologne, all call its banks home. Once trading posts, they have since flourished into the major cities they are today. You’ll experience fascinating sights as you sail through the ‘heart of Europe’ where rich history, inimitable landscapes and proud cultures have thrived for years, and will do so for many more.

Great for architecture enthusiasts Great for history buffs

As you journey to some of Europe’s oldest settlements, stories of former monarchs, legends of wicked rock formations and vineyards that have been producing some of the continent’s best wines for centuries, come to life. Museums pay homage to decades of culture and the modern world respects its elder counterparts. The perfect route for history buffs, whether architecture, art, music or science is your passion.

“From the moment we stepped on board to the fond farewell, we were constantly amazed and delighted at the thoughtfulness and wonderful service provided by the staff.”

Samblas

Amsterdam

The Dutch capital may be small, but it certainly packs a lot of personality. Recognized for its artistic heritage and postcard-worthy narrow terraced houses with gabled facades, the romantic cobbled streets and winding canal system reminds you of a simpler time. An eclectic museum district attracts fans of history, art, science and culture, while visits to cosy coffee shops, unique bars and excellent restaurants can be navigated easily by bicycle or along the central waterways.

Rüdesheim

In Germany’s Rhine region, the quaint town of Rüdesheim is surrounded by soaring hills lathered in Riesling producing vineyards. Ancient fortresses and monuments from the country’s past speckle the landscape, beneath which snug wine bars and taverns offer cups of Rüdesheimer coffee or glasses of regional wine. A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum showcases three centuries of musical instruments, from self-playing music boxes to a gigantic piano-orchestrion.

Koblenz

At over 2,000 years old, Koblenz is one of Germany’s oldest cities. Rich in culture, it features museums that celebrate everything from 20th century French art to delightful winding streets. Ancient history is brought to life at the spectacular Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. The secondlargest preserved fortress in Europe, it dates back to the year 1000 and houses Landesmuseum Koblenz, the Ehrenmal des Heeres army monument and the Koblenz youth hostel.