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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View from the harbour of Basel, Switzerland

Christmastime in Alsace & Germany (Southbound)

Frankfurt to Basel
5 Days from $2,742

Join on this 5-day unique and unforgettable Christmas river cruise aboard Avalon Impression in Frankfurt, Germany, then sail up the Rhine River to Basel, Switzerland, past scenic landscapes and quaint towns with holiday decorations and lighting.

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

Strasbourg-Remich
7 Days from $2,106

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!

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!

Holland and the Romantic Rhine Valley

Amsterdam to Strasbourg
7 Days from $1,906

In this 7-day journey, sail through the romantic Rhine River, passing along quaint villages, beautiful gardens, lush vineyards and towering castles. Experience the comfort and amenities of MS France as you cruise from Amsterdam to Strasbourg.

Christmastime in Alsace and Germany

Northbound
5 Days from $1,999

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.

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.

Rhine Christmas Markets

Basel to Amsterdam
8 Days from $3,995

Begin this magical 8-day Rhine River cruise in Basel as you explore Christmas Markets along the Rhine River all the way to Amsterdam. Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and explore the iconic markets on this charming European Christmas markets river cruise.

Fields of tulips stretch as far as the eye can see

Tulips and the Rhine

Zurich to Amsterdam
8 Days from $2,595

Discover the architecture, history, and natural beauty of the Rhine region on this delightful cruise from Zurich, Switzerland to Amsterdam. Admire famous Dutch tulips, explore the Black Forest region, wander through Strasbourg, visit Cologne, and so much more on this 8-day cruise aboard Emerald Dawn.

Enjoy a cozy Christmas market in Cologne

Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Basel to Amsterdam
8 Days from $3,395

Explore the different Christmas markets in Europe with Emerald Destiny on this 8-day cruise. Visit several towns, from Basel to Amsterdam, and shop before Christmas time.

Festive Time on Romantic Rhine

Basel to Amsterdam
8 Days from $3,149

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.

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

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise Only	$3499	8	Dec 6, 2022	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
Rhine Christmas Markets	$3995	8	Dec 14, 2022	Begin this magical 8-day Rhine River cruise in Basel as you explore Christmas Markets along the Rhine River all the way to Amsterdam. Enjoy the … 0
Tulips and the Rhine	$2595	8	Apr 8, 2023	Discover the architecture, history, and natural beauty of the Rhine region on this delightful cruise from Zurich, Switzerland to Amsterdam. Admire … 0
Christmas Markets on the Rhine	$3395	8	Dec 12, 2022	Explore the different Christmas markets in Europe with Emerald Destiny on this 8-day cruise. Visit several towns, from Basel to Amsterdam, and shop … 0
The Enchanting Rhine - From Zurich to Amsterdam	$4679	12	Dec 23, 2022	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
Captivating Rhine - Cruise Only	$3199	8	May 18, 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	$3899	8	Jun 22, 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.