Rhine River Cruise

Avalon Waterways offers several wonderful itineraries on the Rhine River that allow you to really immerse yourself in the historic cities along the river. We sailed on their Active & Discovery Southbound itinerary and enjoyed the unique blend of sightseeing, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences that Avalon offers between Amsterdam and Basel. Here are some of the highlights and things we experienced along the way:

Amsterdam: We started our week-long sailing with a canal cruise in Amsterdam. There were also options for a biking tour and a painting class. We also had free time to visit one of many famous museums in Amsterdam and leisurely stroll through the city’s charming neighborhoods.

Düsseldorf: In Dusseldorf, we could choose from a guided walking tour of the city's historic Altstadt (Old Town), brewery visits for tastings of local Altbier, or a guided cycling tour along the Rhine River to see Düsseldorf’s modern architecture and scenic waterfront. Our walking tour of the Old Town also included a look at the unique subway stations near the center of town. If you go, I highly suggest choosing the tour as the combination of architecture, history, and culture really gives you a clear understanding of how the city became what it is today.

Koblenz: Our choices today included an e-bike tour to the nearby vineyards, an excursion to "Lava City" for a unique volcano experience, or a tour of the town at the confluence of the Rhine & Moselle Rivers and a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. We opted to learn more about the city of Koblenz, the history associated with its important location at the confluence of the rivers, and take the scenic cable car to the Fortress. 

We spent the afternoon relaxing onboard and enjoying our cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge. The ancient castles perched on cliffs above the water and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei are not to be missed. That evening Avalon treated us to an exclusive private reception at Rheinstein Castle. 

Heidelberg: In Heidelberg, Avalon offered excursions to the famous Heidelberg Castle and Old Town, complete with views of the Neckar River and the historic university; an active option of a hike along the Philosophers’ Way for panoramic views of the city; or a beer tour with a beer sommelier through Heidelberg's Castle Gardens. We opted for the walking tour of Heidelberg's Castle and famous sites that included sampling some great German foods from the area along the way.

Strasbourg: Our tour of choice in Strasbourg focused on the beautiful town and was highlighted by a walk through the city’s charming Old Town, including a visit to the UNESCO-listed La Petite France district, known for its canals and half-timbered houses. The other options included taking a guided hike along the Marne-Rhine Canal, or a culinary walk to explore the unique Franco-German culture through culinary tastings of foods found in the Alsace region.

Breisach & Colmar: Here there were several options to explore the Black Forest or local vineyards, but we opted to visit Colmar instead (one of Avalon's optional excursions). This tour offered a visit to this picturesque Alsace town known for its colorful half-timbered houses, winding canals, and medieval charm. Often called a "fairy-tale village," Colmar featured highlights like the Little Venice district and historical architecture that we thoroughly enjoyed.

If this area of Europe is one you'd like to visit then I highly suggest doing so on a river cruise. It gives you a seamless way to explore one of Europe's most scenic and historic areas, with access to unique experiences in each stop along the Rhine. The picturesque towns, vibrant cities, and UNESCO sites you'll visit while enjoying local flavors, art, and architecture will give you a deeper understanding of the region and its people. Give me a call when you're ready to plan your trip.