The Rhine River winds through Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. With more than 40 castles lining the majestic banks of the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the Rhine River is straight out of a fairytale. Its tributaries are the breathtaking Moselle River, the “river less traveled,” which flows along dramatic vineyard-clad landscapes, and the meandering Main River, fringed with half-timbered German towns where storybook tales were born.

Together, the Rhine, Main, and Moselle are the perfect trilogy for creating your client’s “once upon a time” memories.

Pictured: Rhine Gorge, Germany

 

Captivating Rhine Itinerary Map (2025)

The Rhine River is strong and regal on its path, originating in Switzerland and flowing all the way to the North Sea. With immense cathedrals, enchanting half-timbered villages, and more than 40 castles strung like pearls in its UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, this river offers a fairytale experience at any time of year.

Pictured: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam features a labyrinthine network of over 165 manmade canals upon which AmaWaterways guests may choose to set out on an included canal cruise. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amsterdam also features 1,281 bridges, 1,550 “monumental buildings,” 2,500 houseboats, and miles of colorful, quaint cobblestone streets.

Pictured: Cologne, Germany

On select itineraries, guests will have a chance to visit the stunning 13th-century Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second tallest structure in the city. The Cathedral is one of the only pre-war buildings which survived repeated Allied bombings during World War II.

Pictured: Düsseldorf, Germany

Düsseldorf sits on both sides of the Rhine with the Old Town on one side and a modern cityscape on the other. Tour the Old Town to see the Art Academy, Castle Tower, and the “longest bar in the world” with over 250 bars!

Pictured: The Rhine Gorge, Germany

This 40-mile stretch of scenic landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches from Rüdesheim to Koblenz, Germany, and is dotted with historic hilltop castles and fortresses. We sail through the Rhine Gorge on every Rhine River departure, providing guests with a view of castles on both sides of the ship as the Cruise Manager comments on the history and legends that have made these landmarks famous.

Pictured: Rüdesheim, Germany

The gateway to the UNESCO-designated Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Rüdesheim is known for its winemaking, especially its superior Rieslings, which guests can taste on select included excursions. Guests can soar above the local vineyards by gondola or enjoy a hike through the rolling hills. In the evening, taste Rüdesheim’s world-famous coffee – set aflame with brandy and whipped cream or enter the

Pictured: Heidelberg, Germany

Perched along the Neckar River, the university town of Heidelberg is known for its historic role in German Romanticism. Your clients may retrace the footsteps of great thinkers while hiking the Philosopher’s Path, go on a walking tour that includes the historic red sandstone remains of Heidelberg Castle with its 220,000-liter Great Vat of wine. With your free time, go shopping in town in search of the Heidelberg Student’s

Pictured: Colmar, France

Located in the Alsace region, Colmar is a beautiful village in France featuring cobblestone lanes and colorful half-timbered houses pulled straight from the pages of a storybook.

Did you know? Colmar is the birthplace of French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who most notably designed the Statue of Liberty in 1886.

Pictured: Strasbourg, France

The capital of Alsace, Strasbourg is beloved for its wine culture and its immense Cathedrale de Notre Dame. The cathedral is the world’s fourth tallest church and an excellent example of 15^th-century Gothic architecture. Strasbourg has changed hands between France and Germany multiple times throughout history and its unique multicultural heritage is evident throughout the city’s architecture and cuisine.

Pictured: Lahneck Castle, Germany

Pictured: Lucerne, Switzerland

Enjoy an early start to the sailing season along the Rhine and Danube rivers. Our beautiful AmaLucia will take them on immersive Rhine River journeys throughout this month of romance.

Pictured: Reims, France

OPTIONAL LAND PACKAGES

Extend your Rhine River journey with an optional pre- or post-cruise land package in:

• Paris, France
• Champagne (Reims), France
• Lake Lucerne & Zurich, Switzerland
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Prague, Czech Republic

Pictured: Treasures of the Rhine & Main itinerary map (2025)

Sailing on the Rhine, you take a turn into the Main River (pronounced “mine”) at the city of Mainz and suddenly you find yourself transported to a completely different time. This narrow river provides an intimate sailing filled with close encounters with central Germany’s charming scenery and authentic countryside. Visit cities and towns with stunning Baroque and Gothic architecture, and sample traditional Bavarian beer and famous Franconian wine.

Pictured: Wertheim, Germany

Founded before the 12th century, the precious town of Wertheim lies at the confluence of the Tauber and Main rivers. Hike up to Wertheim Castle, the former residence of the Earls of Wertheim, or cycle along the Main River on a guided bike tour. Prefer to explore the world through your tastebuds? Join a hands-on workshop with immersive pretzel baking at a local bakery!

Würzburg, Germany

The UNESCO-designated Würzburg Residenz looks over the colorful homes and winding streets of Würzburg, Germany. Built during the 18th century, this extraordinary Baroque palace is one of the largest in Germany and boasts an opulent interior and beautiful Court Gardens.

Select itineraries offer a hike, walking tour, and/or a guided bike ride along the “Romantic Road” between Würzburg and Kitzingen.

Pictured: Bamberg, Germany

Built on seven hills with a church on each one, Bamberg has been referred to as the “Franconian Rome.” A favorite photo-stop, the Old Town Hall was built on a tiny island in the middle of the Regnitz River. Bamberg is in the heart of Germany’s “beer country”, and guests can taste the town’s famous smoked beer on an included excursion.

Pictured: Nuremberg, Germany

Located on the history-making Rhine-Main-Danube Canal that made modern day river cruising possible, Nuremberg flourished in the Middle Ages. Guests interested in the history of WWII may join a guided tour that includes the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and infamous Courtroom 600 featured in the Nuremberg Trials between 1945 and 1946.

Guests sailing along the Main River with AmaWaterways will join a local wine festival in Volkach, Germany. Meet local wine princesses who will introduce guests to regional wines and lead the celebrations before crowning one of AmaWaterways’ own guests as an honorary wine princess!

Pictured: Prague, Czech Republic

Considered by some to be one of the most beautiful rivers in the world, the Moselle is often thought of as the “best-kept secret in river cruising.” It is stunning to visit any time of the year – in the springtime, enjoy purple wisteria and blooming fruit trees, lush greenery of ancient vineyards in the summer, and stunning colors in the fall. It is known for breathtaking scenery, Europe’s steepest vineyards, colorful half-timbered medieval villages, charming towns such as Bernkastel and Cochem, and Germany’s oldest city of Trier known as the “Rome of the North.”

Pictured: The Moselle Loop, Germany

Scenic Sailing on the Moselle River

With some of Europe’s steepest vineyards, colorful medieval villages, and charming towns lining the banks of the river, guests will be treated to picturesque views as they glide along the Moselle River.

Pictured: Mainz, Germany

Mainz, Germany
While visiting Mainz, guests can learn about the legacy of Johannes Gutenberg, who revolutionized printing by inventing the moveable metal type technique, at the Gutenberg Museum.

Pictured: Cochem, Germany

Cochem, Germany

Reichsburg Castle has towered over the quaint town of Cochem, Germany since 1051. Guests can enjoy a scenic hike to the castle or set out on a walking tour of the historic town below.

Pictured: Bernkastel, Germany

The winemaking town of Bernkastel has been cultivating grapes for more than 500 years. The legend of Bernkastel’s famous “doctor” makes for a unique wine tasting experience. Berkastel features a beautiful market square, narrow cobblestone lanes and the ruins of Landshut Castle. Guests can explore this historic monument and take in the breathtaking view from its panoramic vista.

Pictured: Roman Amphitheater, Trier

Trier, Germany

Founded in 15 BCE, Trier is the oldest town in Germany and is considered the “Rome of the North.” It is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Porta Nigra, the largest Roman gate north of the Alps, and an immense amphitheater that once seated 20,000 spectators. Join a walking tour or hike above Trier to Petrisberg Hill to glimpse the Roman Amphitheater below.

Often overlooked, the Moselle River offers incomparable beauty, fine wines and historic cities. From spring through autumn, charming towns with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets welcome guests, making a trip ashore almost as unforgettable as their scenic cruise.

OPTIONAL LAND PACKAGES

Extend your Rhine & Moselle River journey with an optional pre- or post-cruise land package in:

• Paris, France
• Champagne (Reims), France
• Lake Lucerne & Zurich, Switzerland
• Amsterdam, Netherlands

What’s Included on your AmaWaterways Land Package?

• Overnight stays at 4- and 5-star hotels conveniently located near the major sites
• Daily breakfast at the hotel
• Guided city tours and enriching excursions such as museum visits and tastings
• Convenient transfers and portage service between your hotel and ship
• The services of a professionally trained Cruise Manager throughout your river cruise and land package

Pictured: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Add 2 nights Amsterdam, Netherlands pre-cruise

Stroll among Amsterdam’s iconic meandering canals, bridges, and distinctive architecture. Visit Zaanse Schans, observing authentic 17th- and 18th-century windmills, houses, and shops that were relocated to this picturesque hinterland.

Add to: Captivating Rhine, Rhine & Moselle Fairytales, Rhine & Moselle Splendors, Rhine & Moselle Delights, Medieval Treasures, Christmas Markets on the Rhine, Magnificent Europe

Pictured: Zurich, Switzerland

Add 2 nights Lake Lucerne, 2 nights Zurich pre- or post-cruise

Learn more about the “Little Big City,” Zurich, and Lucerne, with its iconic Lion Monument commemorating the lives of Swiss Guards during the French Revolution. Starting 2025, ride a cable car up the picturesque Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains.”

Add to: Captivating Rhine, Enchanting Rhine, Rhine & Moselle Fairytales, Rhine & Moselle Splendors, Rhine & Moselle Delights, Medieval Treasures, Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Pictured: Paris, France

Add 3 nights Paris, France pre- or post-cruise

See Paris’s iconic sites, including the former artists hub, Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Elysees.

Add to: Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle, Rhine & Moselle Splendors, Europe’s Rivers & Castles

Pictured: Champagne, Reims

Add 2 nights Reims, 1 night Paris pre- or post-cruise

Known as the unofficial capital of Champagne, Reims is home to a 13th-century Gothic cathedral as well as many impressive wine cellars. It is also home to many historic WWI sites you will tour, including the Belleau Wood American WWI monument. You will also take a scenic drive on the Routes des Champagnes and see many of the famous Champagne houses such as Épernay and Hautvillers.

Add to: Europe’s Rivers & Castles, Rhine & Moselle Splendors, Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle.

Pictured: Lake Como, Italy

Add 3 nights Lake Como, Italy pre- or post-cruise

Some places, you simply must see to believe. Gaze at the azure waters and impressive villas that line the stunning shores of Lake Como. Feel the rush of the wind and the sun on your skin during a scenic boat ride on Lake Como.

Add to: Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps, Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles

Pictured: Prague, Czech Republic

Add 3 nights Prague, Czech Republic pre- or post-cruise

Prague is considered the “City of a Hundred Spires,” and its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy leisure time to discover such sites as Prague’s medieval astronomical clock and the romantic Charles Bridge. Sample some of the world’s best beer during a special tasting tour.

Add to: Treasures of the Main & Rhine, Medieval Treasures

Insider Tip: select Rhine, Main, and Moselle river cruises have been specially designed with embarkation and disembarkation ports linking up so you can easily combine two, three or even four different itineraries in a row.

Sip your way through the wine regions of the Rhine, Main, and Moselle on a Celebration of Wine River Cruise. Take a deep dive into local wine culture, from dry Rieslings and rich Pinot Noirs on the Rhine to full-bodied, earthy Franconian wines along the Main River to some of the world’s oldest vineyards adorning the banks of the Moselle Valley.

Experienced Wine Hosts

Enhanced Epicurean Experiences