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Romantic evening light on the Rhine

Rhine River Small Ship Cruises

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Explore the top-rated Rhine River small ship cruises below.  Adventure Life works with the top-rated small ship cruise lines visiting Basel, Cologne, Rudesheim, Breisach, and Mannheim, and we help match you with the perfect small ship and cruise itinerary for your specific tastes and needs. There are countless advantages to exploring on a small ship cruise versus a large cruise ship including avoiding crowds and being able to visit and explore smaller ports and scenic shorelines that large ships simply cannot access. The cost of Rhine River small ship cruises start at $1,502 for a trip of 5 to 15 days in 2024. Tell us about your dream Rhine River small ship cruise and our team of travel planners will help you make it a reality.  
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Stop in beautiful Basel, Switzerland
$9,090
Savings
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Rhine Highlights

Amsterdam-Basel - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Crystal
  • Enjoy Europe’s Rhine river
  • Explore Amsterdam’s canals
  • Stroll through Cologne
  • Discover the history of Heidelberg
Starts / Ends:
Amsterdam / Basel
Activities:
River Cruises, Small Ship Cruises
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Admire some of the most charming towns of central Europe and cruise along the Rhine. Explore the canals of Amsterdam, admire Cologne’s famous cathedral, tour Heidelberg Castle, relax in the historic spa town of Baden-Baden and stroll through romantic Strasbourg. Throughout the journey, relax …
Cruise Details
0
Lights brighten the evening at this bustling Christmas Market
$1,502
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Christmas on the romantic rhine, the enhancement of the Lorelei Rock

5 Day Itinerary aboard MS Gérard Schmitter
  • Discover Lorelei Rock
  • Experience Marksburg castle
  • Explore Rudesheim
Starts / Ends:
Strasbourg / Strasbourg
Activities:
Local Market Visits, Small Ship Cruises, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Relaxed
This is a 5-day Christmas on the romantic rhine, the enhancement of the Lorelei Rock Cruise, where you will be able todiscover the famous legend of the Lorelei Rock and experiencemagic in the air at Strasbourg's Christmas market, one of the most majestic markets in Europe. Your journey will …
Cruise Details
0
Explore Basel
$9,490
EXPLORE

Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle

Basel - Frankfurt - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Pearl
  • Explore Ratstatt
  • Discover Rudesheim
  • Cruise along the Rhine Gorge
  • Step into Cochem
Starts / Ends:
Basel / Frankfurt
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on an 8-day charming castles & vineyards cruise from Basel to Frankfurt aboard Scenic Pearl. Discover Breisach, a resilient town blending food, wine, and history. Ratstatt awaits with its Baroque charm amid the Black Forest. Indulge in a suite-delivered coffee and breakfast before …
Cruise Details
0
Ehrenfels Castle on Rhine River near Rudesheim
$2,599
Savings
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The Enchanting Rhine - From Basel to Amsterdam

8 Day Itinerary aboard MS Amalucia
  • Join a panoramic tour of Strasbourg
  • Hike up the Philosopher's Path
  • Bike along the Rhine
  • Tour the canals of Amsterdam
Starts / Ends:
Basel / Amsterdam
Activities:
River Cruises, Small Ship Cruises
Activity Level:
Relaxed
This 8-day journey reveals the hidden treasures and magnificent gems of the Rhine, one of Europe´s most fascinating rivers. Explore splendid cities and charming villages nestled between Basel and Amsterdam, home to timeless traditions that still remain intact.Enjoy daily excursions with a …
Cruise Details
0
Old city of Koblenz by night
$6,790
Savings
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Jewels of the Rhine

Amsterdam - Zurich - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Emerald Dawn
  • Enjoy a Black Forest tour
  • Explore the past on a walking tour
  • Witness the beauty of Strasbourg
  • Discover the City of Literature
Starts / Ends:
Zurich / Amsterdam
Activities:
Biking, Hiking, Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Capture every moment and memory that you have on this 8-day sailing adventure withEmerald Dawn. Visit historic places that transport you to the good old days of the past. Learn why these cities are so special when discovering the old architecture and structures preserved for the present day. Tour …
Cruise Details
0
Discover charming Heidelberg
$7,390
Savings
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Jewels of the Rhine

Amsterdam-Basel - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Emerald Sky
  • Discover the charming Koblenz
  • Visit a Black Forest village
  • Discover the beauty of Strasbourg
  • Tour Heidelberg Castle
Starts / Ends:
Amsterdam / Basel
Activities:
River Cruises, Small Ship Cruises
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Join an enchanting cruise along the beautiful and storied Rhine river. Begin your journey inAmsterdam, and stop atUNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral. Explore the town ofKoblenz and visit the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady and the German Corner.A wine tasting is …
Cruise Details
0
Explore quaint towns along the Rhine
$3,999
EXPLORE

Castles Along the Rhine

8 Day Itinerary aboard River Empress
  • Tour the capital of Alsatian wines
  • Visit a Romanesque cathedral
  • Visit the Marksburg Castle.
  • Walk through Strasbourg
Starts / Ends:
Basel / Amsterdam
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Biking, River Cruises, Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
This 8-day voyage aboard the River Empress is an ideal holiday for castle lovers. Sail along the Rhine river and marvel at castles that were once mighty fortresses and get an insider’s look at one of the only castles on the Rhine that has never been destroyed, Marksburg Castle. Visit historic …
Cruise Details
0
Visit beautiful and historic Strasbourg
$4,939
EXPLORE

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps

13 Day Itinerary aboard MS Amaserena
  • Explore Amsterdam
  • Visit Cologne Cathedral
  • Cruise through the Rhine Gorge
  • Admire views of the Lake Como
Starts / Ends:
Amsterdam / Basel
Activities:
Hiking, Small Ship Cruises, Urban Exploration, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Start by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll discover not only the grand city of Cologne but charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of …
Cruise Details
0
$3,499
EXPLORE

Magnificent Moselle & Rhine

Strasbourg to Frankfurt - 10 Day Itinerary aboard River Queen
  • 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Experience historic Speyer
  • Explore Cochem’s castles
  • Let Moselle and Rhine captivate you
Starts / Ends:
Frankfurt / Frankfurt
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Biking, Land & Sea Exploration, Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Germany’s spectacular backdrops and breathtaking natural wonders will reveal themselves as you cruise along the alluring Moselle and Rhine rivers. SeeStrasbourg, a dynamic city that has changed its nationality four times, has a lot to offer.Savor a one-of-a-kind experience in historic Speyer, …
Cruise Details
0
Explore the inspiring Amsterdam
$11,190
Savings
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Splendours of Europe

Amsterdam - Budapest - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Emerald Destiny
  • Explore Amsterdam
  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Explore Vienna
  • Visit towns
Starts / Ends:
Amsterdam / Budapest
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Biking, Hiking, Small Ship Cruises
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on this 15-day Splendors of Europe cruise aboard the Emerald Destiny from Amsterdam to Budapest. This trip includes a scenic route through the countries of the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Begin the exploration in Amsterdam, and delve into the history of the Dutch …
Cruise Details
0
Enjoy a cozy Christmas market in Cologne
$16,990
Savings
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Christmas & New Year

Amsterdam - Budapest - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Opal
  • Explore Amsterdam
  • Experience Rhine Gorge
  • Visit Würzburg
  • Discover Cologne
Starts / Ends:
Amsterdam / Budapest
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on a 15-day cruise aboard the Scenic Opal. Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and gift-giving have been cherished traditions in Europe for centuries. Explore these customs afresh in various towns. Experience a special Christmas celebration between Rüdesheim and Würzburg. Then, feel the …
Cruise Details
0
Explore Cologne
$11,190
Savings
EXPLORE

Splendours of Europe

Amsterdam to Budapest - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Emerald Sun
  • Explore the Dutch Golden Age
  • Pass the infamous Lorelai Rock
  • Visit Würzburg
  • Discover Vienna’s famous sights
Starts / Ends:
Amsterdam / Budapest
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on a 15-day Splendour of Europe cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest aboard Emerald Sun. Explore Amsterdam's picturesque canals, cafés, and art galleries. Visit the cathedral city of Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany and the largest on the Rhine. Admire hilltop castles, including …
Cruise Details
0
Visit beautiful and historic Strasbourg
$2,463
EXPLORE

Christmastime in Alsace and Germany

Northbound - 5 Day Itinerary aboard Avalon Envision
  • Experience the Black Forest
  • Explore cozy Christmas markets
  • Visit historic Heidelberg Castle
  • Tour the Strasbourg Cathedral
Starts / Ends:
Basel / Frankfurt
Activities:
Christmas Market Visits, River Cruises, Small Ship Cruises
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Board your comfortable ship in Basel and set sail fromSwitzerland to France and Germany. With beautiful passing views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated, this is a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Continue your Christmastime river cruise to Breisach, …
Cruise Details
0
Romantic evening light over Basel
$3,499
Savings
EXPLORE

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps - Cruise Only

8 Day Itinerary aboard MS Amaserena
  • Taste Kölsch beer
  • Visit Cologne Cathedral
  • Cruise through the Rhine Gorge
  • Discover Lake Lucerne
Starts / Ends:
Amsterdam / Basel
Activities:
Hiking, Small Ship Cruises, Urban Exploration, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Start by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll discover not only the grand city of Cologne but charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of …
Cruise Details
0
View of Strasbourg city
$3,799
Savings
EXPLORE

Medieval Treasures - Cruise Only

8 Day Itinerary aboard MS Amaprima
  • Explore “La Petite France”
  • Discover Speyer's Cathedral
  • Taste Romerberg's culinary delights
  • Enjoy historical Miltenberg
Activities:
Biking, Hiking, Small Ship Cruises, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Marvel at some of Europe’s grandest Baroque jewels at the Würzburg Residenz. Visit one of Mark Twain’s favorite cities, Heidelberg, and meander through Miltenberg, with its half-timbered houses that lean crookedly against one another. Take a gondola ride over Rüdesheim’s …
Cruise Details
0
Stroll through the romantic streets of Amsterdam
$3,499
Savings
EXPLORE

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps - Cruise Only

8 Day Itinerary aboard MS AmaMora
  • Taste Kölsch beer
  • Visit Cologne Cathedral
  • Cruise through the Rhine Gorge
  • Discover Lake Lucerne
Starts / Ends:
Amsterdam / Basel
Activities:
Hiking, Small Ship Cruises, Urban Exploration, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Start by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll discover not only the grand city of Cologne but charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of …
Cruise Details
0
Cruise the Rhine through Cologne
$5,039
EXPLORE

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps

13 Day Itinerary aboard MS AmaMora
  • Explore Amsterdam
  • Visit Cologne Cathedral
  • Cruise through the Rhine Gorge
  • Admire views of the Lake Como
Starts / Ends:
Amsterdam / Basel
Activities:
Hiking, Small Ship Cruises, Urban Exploration, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Start by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll discover not only the grand city of Cologne but charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of …
Cruise Details
0
View of Strasbourg city
$3,899
Savings
EXPLORE

Medieval Treasures - Cruise Only

8 Day Itinerary aboard MS Amacerto
  • Explore “La Petite France”
  • Discover Speyer's Cathedral
  • Taste Romerberg's culinary delights
  • Enjoy historical Miltenberg
Activities:
Biking, Hiking, Small Ship Cruises, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Marvel at some of Europe’s grandest Baroque jewels at the Würzburg Residenz. Visit one of Mark Twain’s favorite cities, Heidelberg, and meander through Miltenberg, with its half-timbered houses that lean crookedly against one another. Take a gondola ride over Rüdesheim’s …
Cruise Details
0
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