A river cruise is the best option for visiting the picturesque city of Heidelberg. Home to Germany's oldest university and one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, it offers a cultural experience of the highest level. Imagine yourself cruising down the dazzling Neckar River, taking in Heidelberg's incredible architecture and breathtaking scenery. As you glide under bridges and past castle ruins, your experienced English-Speaking guide will tell you the history of this fascinating city. Enjoy a wine tasting tour at a local vineyard, cycle or hike through the surrounding hills and villages, and explore historic churches and charming markets. Find your adventure below, or start planning your perfect Heidelberg vacation with one of our seasoned trip planners today.

10 Best Rhine River Cruises Visiting Heidelberg for 2023-2024

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Take a ride on the ferris wheel or take a stroll through the Christmas Market

Delightful Christmas Markets in the Neckar Valley and Fairytale-like Rothenbourg ob der Tauber

Strasbourg to Strasbourg
5 Days from $1,543

Explore charming Christmas Markets and wander in the beautiful landmarks in the Neckar Valley and magical Rothenbourg in this 5-day cruise aboard MS Victor Hugo

4 Rivers: The Moselle, Sarre, Romantic Rhine, and Neckar Valleys

7 Days from $2,106

Take this 7-day cruise aboard MS Leonard De Vinci exploring stunning cities that lies on the rivers of Moselle, Sarre, Rhine and Neckar Valleys. Get to see the famous fortress ruins and architectures that will surely give you the perfect sailing experience!

4 Rivers: The Neckar, Romantic Rhine, Moselle, and Sarre Valleys

Strasbourg-Remich
7 Days from $2,335

Embark on MS Leonard De Vinci and spend 7 days exploring the amazing cities that lie on each river including Strasbourg, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Luxembourg, Saarburg, Cochem and many more!

Ice skating at a Christmas Market in Zurich

Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Zurich - Amsterdam
8 Days from $6,790

Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard the Emerald Sun through Europe's most renowned cities, many of which host expansive traditional Christmas markets. A Rhine River cruise during the holiday season offers a unique opportunity to explore the numerous stalls, each offering perfect Christmas gifts for loved ones.

Christmastime in Alsace and Germany

Northbound
5 Days from $2,999

Enjoy this magical time of year with a Christmastime Rhine river cruise vacation starting in Basel, cruising through the heart of Germany, and ending in Frankfurt aboard the magnificent Avalon Tranquility II. Visit Breisach, Strasbourg, Speyer, and Heidelberg.

Jewels of the Rhine

Zurich - Amsterdam
8 Days from $6,790

Emerald Dawn hosts this exciting 8-day Rhine River cruise from Zurich to Amsterdam. Biking, hiking, and urban exploration tours highlight this journey crossing through the towns of Basel, Breisach, Cologne, Heidelberg, Koblenz, Mannheim, and Strasbourg.

Jewels of the Rhine

Basel - Amsterdam
8 Days from $6,790

Level up your vacation with this 8-day getaway with Emerald Dawn. Cruise from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Ehrenfels Castle on Rhine River near Rudesheim

The Enchanting Rhine - From Basel to Amsterdam

Basel to Amsterdam
8 Days from $2,499

Experience 8 days full of discovery and wonder on this complete cruise along the enchanting Rhine, one of Europe´s most fascinating rivers. Enjoy large variety of activities, tours and excursions, so that you can choose how you want to explore the magnificent cities and charming villages nestled between Basel and Amsterdam.

Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,499

Enjoy a 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel aboard the MS Amaprima. As you sail the Rhine River, visit classic Christmas markets, bike along Rüdesheim, boat down canals, and visit historic castles that highlight this region of central Europe, including stops in Cologne, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and Breisach.

Enjoy a cozy Christmas market in Cologne

Festive Time on Romantic Rhine

Basel to Amsterdam
8 Days from $3,499

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this winter wonderland journey along the Rhine River, which starts in Switzerland with stops in France, Germany, and Holland! Each town is decorated with festive lights with the strains of Christmas carols the air.

8 Best Rhine Luxury River Cruises Visiting Heidelberg for 2023-2024

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Jewels of the Rhine	$6790	8	May 11, 2024	Emerald Dawn hosts this exciting 8-day Rhine River cruise from Zurich to Amsterdam. Biking, hiking, and urban exploration tours highlight this … 0
Jewels of the Rhine	$6790	8	May 11, 2024	Level up your vacation with this 8-day getaway with Emerald Dawn. Cruise from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. 0
The Enchanting Rhine - From Basel to Amsterdam	$2499	8	Sep 28, 2023	Experience 8 days full of discovery and wonder on this complete cruise along the enchanting Rhine, one of Europe´s most fascinating rivers. Enjoy … 0
Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise Only	$3499	8	Dec 5, 2023	Enjoy a 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel aboard the MS Amaprima. As you sail the Rhine River, visit classic Christmas markets, bike along … 0
The Enchanting Rhine - From Zurich to Amsterdam	$4879	12	Dec 22, 2023	After spending two nights in both Zurich and Lucerne, Switzerland, board the MS Amaprima on an exclusive 7-day Rhine River cruise through the … 0
Jewels of the Rhine	$8290	8	Sep 25, 2023	Aboard Emerald Luna for an exciting 8-day voyage to discover the Jewels of Rhine. Sail from Zurich to Amsterdam and experience the past by visiting … 0
Captivating Rhine - Cruise Only	$2399	8	Oct 5, 2023	Enjoy two days in Amsterdam, then embark on the MS Amalucia for an 8-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, exploring the fascinating towns … 0
Captivating Rhine - Cruise Only	$2799	8	Sep 28, 2023	Embark the MS Amasiena for a 8-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, exploring the fascinating towns along the Rhine River, including … 0

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Heidelberg River Cruise & Travel Guide

Our Favorite River Ports on Cruises to Heidleberg

River cruises visiting Heidelberg also dissembark at these ports on the Rhine, Main, & Moselle Rivers:

Amsterdam, Netherlands - with its elaborate canal system, narrow houses with gabled facades, and bicycles seemingly everywhere, Amsterdam is a classic European city to explore.

Strasbourg, France - River cruises visiting Heidelberg often start or finish in Strasbourg on the Rhine, a charming French city with a strong German cultural influence.

Basel, Switzerland - The longest cruises start or finish in Basel on route to Amsterdam. Don't miss the 12th-century Gothic cathedral.

Rüdesheim am Rhine, Germany - is a famous wine region for it's Riesling wines surrounded by castles.

Koblenz, Germany - is an ancient city at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers in the picturesque Rhine Gorge.