Have questions? We're here.
Explore quaint towns along the Rhine

Castles Along the Rhine

Basel - Amsterdam - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard River Empress
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Rhine River trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Embark on an 8-day cruise from Basel to Amsterdam aboard the River Empress. Experience the romantic beauty of the Rhine on this enchanting cruise—Sail between Germany and France, exploring Alsace's rich culinary and winemaking heritage. Visit historic cities like Cologne and Strasbourg, marvel at majestic castles, and savor fine white wines in charming villages. Discover the fairytale town of Rüdesheim and get an insider's view of Rheinstein Castle.
Spring flowers in MannheimCologne's famous cathedral at sunset from the Rhine.Evening light over KehlWander the streets of RudesheimExplore quaint towns along the Rhine
Highlights
  • Wander Strasbourg’s cobbled lanes and half-timbered homes
  • Stroll through Boppard’s picturesque village along the Rhine
  • Discover Koblenz’s eclectic architecture and colorful past
  • Visit Cologne’s Old Town and its three medieval gates
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Basel | Embark

Upon arrival at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, a representative will greet you and transfer you to the ship.

Day 2: Breisach

Breisach is your gateway to the Alsatian wine road and your launching point for an excursion along the celebrated Route des Vins, which hugs the foothills of the Vosges mountain range.

This morning, enjoy leisure time as you sail the scenic Upper Rhine to Breisach.

Featured Excursions: Alsatian Villages

A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Day 3: Kehl (Strasbourg)

See Strasbourg on foot with an insightful local expert, where this historic town with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered homes, giant stork nests, and impossible-to-resist pastry shops will win your heart. Kehl, directly across the river from Strasbourg, will be your ship’s base while you explore the Alsatian capital. If you’re feeling adventurous, take advantage of Uniworld’s bicycles or Nordic walking sticks and explore the banks of the river.

Featured Excursions: Strasbourg Panoramic Tour with Cathedral and Old Town Walk

You have the entire afternoon to see more of Strasbourg on your own.

Day 4: Mannheim (Speyer)

Speyer—“spire” in English—is well named since the four red towers of the Romanesque cathedral dominate the Old Town.

Choose between Private Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate Visit and Tasting or Formula 1 Racetrack or Germersheim’s Secret Garden & Collections.

Day 5: Rüdesheim | Boppard

Experience Germany's fabled Rhine River in the towns of Rüdesheim and Boppard. Enjoy a private tasting of estate-grown Rieslings at Castle Vollrads, stroll through beautiful Boppard, or hike through some of the most beautiful landscapes that line the Rhine.

This morning, cruise out of Rüdesheim and into the sublimely beautiful and romantic Upper Middle Rhine Valley.

Featured Excursions: Castle Vollrads Wine Tasting

Choose between Boppard Village Stroll or Let's Go: Rhine Hiking.
 

Day 6: Boppard | Koblenz

Get to know Koblenz, a historic town with a colorful past and eclectic architecture, and visit the stunningly medieval Marksburg Castle. As you come upon picture-perfect Koblenz, you sail past Deutsches Eck (German Corner) with its historic monument to Kaiser Wilhelm I.

Choose between the Rheinstein Castle Visit, The Four Lakes Cable Car, the Koblenz Walking Tour, or Let’s Go: Bike Koblenz along the Rhine.

Day 7: Cologne

History buffs will enjoy an expertly led tour through Cologne’s Old Town, where three medieval gates remain standing, as does the old city hall with its Renaissance facade. Wander through the city’s historic center and take in its charming atmosphere, narrow alleyways flanked by old houses, and countless breweries. No matter how you choose to explore Old Town, you can also have ample free time to explore independently.

Featured Excursions: Cologne Walking Tour

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you in the evening.

Day 8: Amsterdam | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Ship/Hotel

River Empress

River Empress Lobby
River Empress main lounge
Captain's lounge and library

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Rhine River Cruises.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
 
River Empress Classic Cabin
Classic
Magnificently appointed riverview stateroom located on the Moselle Deck (151 sq ft - 14 sq m) . Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hairdryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen, and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, backlit magnifying mirror, cozy bathrobes, and slippers.
River Empress Deluxe Cabin
Deluxe
Sumptuously appointed riverview stateroom located on the Danube and Main Deck (151 sq ft - 14 sq m) . Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hairdryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen, and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, backlit magnifying mirror, cozy bathrobes, and slippers.
River Empress French Balcony Cabin
French Balcony
Luxuriant appointed riverview stateroom located on the Rhine Deck (151 sq ft - 14 sq m) with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hairdryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen, and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, backlit magnifying mirror, cozy bathrobes, and slippers.
River Empress Suite
Suite
Lavishly appointed riverview suite located on the Rhine Deck (214 sq ft - 20 sq m) with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hairdryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen, and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Hermès bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, waffle bathrobes, and slippers. Additional special amenities and services.

Notes

Please Note: Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.

- All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
- Single Supplement applies for single accommodation. Solo occupancy pricing is dependent on cabin type, contact us for details.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Bilingual English-speaking guide
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • All gratuities, shipboard and shoreside 
  • Bicycles & Hiking Sticks equipment if needed
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water
  • Guided “Do as the Locals Do” and “Let's Go” programs
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
  • Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Airport Tax
  • Port Fees
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Passport or Visa fees

Map

When to Go

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

Top Rhine River Travel Destinations

Rhine River Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Rhine River

Rhine River Trips by Duration

Rhine River Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By