| Trip Name | From | Days | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jewels of the Rhine | $7,990 | 8 | Embark on an 8-day river cruise from Amsterdam to Zurich aboard the Emerald Dawn. Discover Alkmaar’s cheese traditions, Cologne’s Gothic cathedral, the Rhine Gorge’s castles, and the Black Forest’s culinary delights. |
| Enchanting Rhine - Cruise Only | $2,979 | 8 | Embark on an 8-day river cruise aboard the MS Amalucia, exploring cities where rich history meets modern progress. Journey along the scenic Rhine, passing 40 castles, timeless traditions, and inspiring towns like Heidelberg, where Mark Twain wrote A Tramp Abroad. |
| Enchanting Rhine | $5,709 | 12 | After spending two nights in both Zurich and Lucerne, Switzerland, board the MS Amaprima on an exclusive 7-day Rhine River cruise through the historic old towns and big cities of Germany, the historic borderlands of Strasbourg, France, and finally to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. |
| Enchanting Rhine - Cruise Only | $4,179 | 8 | From Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, this classic 8-day cruise of the Rhine & Moselle Rivers aboard the MS Amastella will take you through scenic wine country, where you can visit, hike, and tour the historic towns, museums, and canals of Breisach, Strasbourg, Manheim & Heidelberg, the castles of Rüdesheim, and Koblenz & Cologne. |
| Rhine & Moselle Fairytales | $7,459 | 18 | Join the MS Amaprima on this unique adventure starting with an 11-night cruise from Amsterdam to Zurich, followed by three magical nights in Zurich. Enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours and in many cases, choose between excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, and hikes. |
| Jewels of the Rhine | $9,190 | 8 | Embark on an 8-day river cruise on the Emerald Luna, starting in Basel and sailing through historic cities like Freiburg, Strasbourg, and Cologne. Experience the blend of culture, history, and beauty across Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands. |
Major Routes of Rhine River Cruises
Between Cologne and Strasbourg
For a short, economical Rhine River cruise, take a 5 or 6 day cruise we explore the Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture of Mainz, Worms, Speyer, Koblenz, Heidelberg, and Mannheim.
Rhine & Moselle Rivers
The Moselle River is a tributary of the Rhine River, flowing through France, Luxembourg, and finally into the Rhine in the town of Koblenz, Germany. Cruises range from 5-12 days and offer a great way to see the fairytale countryside of central Europe. Several cruises also include stops on the Main River.
Basel to Amsterdam, stopping in Strasbourg
Over about 8 days, sail the Rhine from Basel, Switzerland, starting below the river's headwaters in the Swiss Alps through Germany, France, and reaching the Atlantic Ocean at Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Wine Themed Cruises
While much of Germany has earned renown for its rich heritage of bierhauses, the Rhine Valley is acclaimed for its savory vineyards and delicious wine. Several of our cruises focus exclusively on these wine tasting experiences, like the Enchanting Rhine cruise aboard the MS Amastella.
Strasbourg forms a stop on both of these cruises and several others that feature daily wine tastings and lectures. The fabled “Alsace Wine Road” takes you to Obernai, where you can sample Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and other popular wines of this area.
To accompany the varieties of wine that you will be trying is a gourmet array of local cuisine that pairs excellently with each flavor. Along the way, you'll even have opportunities to meet the knowledgeable and experienced vintners who dedicate themselves to making the perfect bottle of wine.
The rest of your tour will be balanced between touring these historical cities and relaxing in the comfort of your luxurious river boat.
What to See & Do in Strasbourg
Situated right on the Rhine River along the French-German border, Strasbourg is the starting or ending point for many of our featured Rhine River cruises.
Only a few cruises actually spend time in this city as a destination along the way, but if you are fortunate enough to spend a day here, you will likely visit such sites as:
Why should I choose a cruise to France and Strasbourg?
Cruises are quickly becoming the most popular way to explore Europe, and France is no exception. With options to cruise the Mediterranean, the Rhone River, and the Seine River, you'll be able to see all that France has to offer from the comfort of a cruise ship or riverboat. The advantage of the cruise is that for the all-inclusive price, you will get lodging, meals, and all daily excursions and tours at a tremendous value. Plus, since your hotel is your transportation, you won't have to pack and unpack every time you visit a new city, and you will awake each day with wonderful new views of the French countryside right from your cabin window.
What should I look for on a cruise ship or riverboat in France?
It all depends on whether you're looking for a ship that explores the coastal regions and Mediterranean or a riverboat. The sea-going boats are larger mega-yachts that are often between first class and luxurious. Riverboats feature fewer amenities due to the size restrictions, but you can count on comfortable cabins, a spacious bar & lounge, and a panoramic sun deck.
Are there 5-star river vessels in France?
River ships are not given official 5-star ratings like hotels, but several newer vessels launched in recent years offer luxury-level amenities, including larger suites, refined dining, and upgraded lounges. Due to size limits on European rivers, these ships still cannot match the facilities of ocean luxury yachts, but the overall standard of comfort continues to improve each year.
Should I get a room with a balcony?
Not necessarily. Some travelers feel that a balcony is a "must" for their cruise experience – if you're in this group, then go for it. Otherwise, consider a room with floor-to-ceiling windows or a sliding glass door that opens up to the fresh air. This will save you considerable money and might even afford you more floor space in your cabin. Plus, you can always go to the sundeck to take in the panoramic views and crisp French air.
What is dining like?
It's no secret that one of the highlights of a French vacation is the cuisine, and our Adventure Life tours are no exception. No matter which part of France you are visiting, you will find gourmet cuisine prepared by local chefs.
Do river cruises ever visit destinations that aren't on the river?
Usually. The truth is, the waterways of France already provide access to some of the best sites, like the Seine River, which winds from Paris through Normandy, and the Rhone River in the southern part of the country. And French Mediterranean cruises stick to the sea. If there is a destination that is not on the river or sea route, you will dock in the closest port so that you can transfer to the site by luxury coach.
Will my vessel have WiFi?
Most France river vessels now provide onboard WiFi, but the signal may slow down or temporarily drop in rural areas or when passing through locks. Expect reliable service in major towns and cities, with occasional interruptions in remote sections of the river.
What kind of power outlets are there? Will I need a converter?
France uses Type C and Type E outlets with two round prongs and a standard voltage of 230V. Travellers from North America will need a plug adapter. A voltage converter is generally unnecessary for phones, tablets, and laptops, since most support dual voltage.
How can I save money on a France cruise?
A great way to save money on your France cruise is to browse our deals and promotions, or let us know which places you'd like to see so we can keep you in the loop for all new travel deals. Don’t go cheap on the cabin selection to save money, since this will also result in less space or maybe even less comfort.
Are cruises in France a good family vacation?
Yes! If you are traveling with younger children, then avoid the wine tasting cruises, but otherwise, we feature some very active options that are great for families. Check out our family travel article for more information.
Do Americans and Canadians need a passport and visa to travel to France?
All citizens of North America traveling to Europe need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. In recent years, it has not been necessary to apply for a visa before traveling to Europe if you plan to stay less than three months, however, this situation may change in the future. See current travel requirements on the U.S. Department of State website.