Amsterdam, Netherlands
You will discover that most of the Rhine cruises featured online will start or end in Amsterdam. This gateway to Europe is known for its canals as well as Rembrandt and Dutch master paintings. For example, the Rijksmuseum displays Rembrandt's work as well as other Dutch masters. The Anne Frank House is also another must-see attraction.
Best Time To Visit
Taking a cruise in the Netherlands normally is propitious from April to October, with peak seasons covering July and August.
You Should Know
The river IJ in the city separates north and south Amsterdam. The name, which is a single letter in the Dutch language, does not technically reference a river. The "river" is actually a former bay, or more precisely a long lake, although it is still called a river. Besides having hundreds of kilometers of canals, Amsterdam also has around 1,200 bridges.
Cologne, Germany
One of the highlights of a visit to Cologne is the magnificent cathedral known as Gothic Dom – begun in 1248 and finally finished in 1880. The two towers of the structure were briefly known as the tallest towers in the world. Besides this grand historical site, Cologne also offers plenty in the way of shopping and dining.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to see Cologne is during the fall, from September to November, or in the spring (April to June). Both times are ideal for sightseeing. While summer (July to August) is both warm and pleasant, it does tend to get a bit humid.
You Should Know
Cologne is known as Germany's capital of carnivals. The city features one of the oldest perfume factories in Europe. You can learn more about perfumes and colognes at the Cologne Museum, which is located in Glocken Alley. Old Town in Cologne blends the old with the new, which makes the area atmospheric and interesting walkthrough.
Koblenz, Germany
Siting where the Moselle and Rhine Rivers meet, Koblenz is famous for its fortress, named Ehrenbreitstein, the largest stronghold in Europe. It watches over Koblenz on a towering hillside next to the waterway. The city also features a giant monument of Kaiser Wilhelm I, which dates back to 1897. The statue overlooks the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers.
Best Time To Visit
April, October, and November are the best times to see Koblenz, as you will avoid the heat, humidity, cold, and rain that prevails during the other times of the year.
You Should Know
The best way to travel up to Ehrenbreitstein and get rewarded with a Rhine River view is to take the cable car. Not only can you see some great river views from the fortress, you can also see some magnificent scenery when crossing the river via a cable car.The cable car system in Koblenz carries as many as 7,000 people during peak seasons, or during June through August.
Rudesheim am Reim, Germany
Popularized by the Romantics in the early 1800s, Rudesheim was noted for its remoteness and solitude. However, this busy tourist town no longer carries that distinction, as it is known for its wine-making and Rieslings. The town even features a wine museum inside a castle.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to plan a visit to Rudesheim is between Easter and the middle of October. Otherwise, the restaurants and other attractions will not be open, which can put a damper on your cruise planning. The only exception is during the Christmas Market, which takes place from late November through December.
You Should Know
Drosselgasse represents a lane lined with taverns, eateries, and shops – a nice place to visit when tourist season is at its peak. Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet is a museum that displays automated musical instruments. Bromserburg Castle features the Rheingau Wine Museum. If you go during a colder part of the year, try Rudesheim coffee. It is a delightful coffee that includes brandy, whipped cream, and sugar.
Middle Rhine Gorge
Known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Middle Rhine stretches 40 miles between Koblenz and Bingen and features hillside vineyards and fairy tale castles. In fact, some of the Rhine day cruises only go through this part of the Rhine region.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to cruise this section of the Rhine is from May to mid-October. That way, you can more easily see the sights or get a bite to eat in nearby towns.
You Should Know
The Loreley is a rock found at the narrowest section of the river. The rock lies south of St. Goarshausen, where, it is said, a devious nymph lives. The rock was mentioned in a poem by Heinrich Heine, and was later made into a song. This area of the Rhine is usually featured on both long and short trips because of the scenic banks and historic sites.
Heidelberg, Germany
Sitting on the banks of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is not directly situated on the track most Rhine River cruises take, but can be reached within an hour on a shore excursion by train. The university town is famous for its partly ruined castle.
Best Time To Visit
Heidelberg bustles with events from May through August, with the highest temperatures seen during June and July (around 89 degrees Fahrenheit).
You Should Know
Heidelberg was a favorite location of writers Mark Twain, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Max Weber and Friedrich Hegel. While Heidelberg easily connects to other cities by train, the train is located in the newer section of town. Most of the sights are located in the Old Town area. Therefore, you need to take a taxi if you plan to go sightseeing.
Strasbourg, France
One of the most beautiful cities in France, Strasbourg reminds visitors of Amsterdam, with it canals, museums, and charming houses. The picturesque neighborhood of Petite France is indeed Idyllically quaint. This is the ideal place to go on a food tour or on a chocolate lover's adventure.
Best Time To Visit
You should visit Strasbourg during the summer (or June through August), as the temperatures are amenable and you will enjoy soft and delightful breezes.
You Should Know
Rhine river cruises normally don't dock in the town of Strasbourg. Instead, they leave cruise-goers off at Kehl, Germany, which sits a short distance over the international bridge from Strasbourg. Most of the cruise lines run shuttles from Kehl into Strasbourg, which take under 15 minutes.
Mainz, Germany
A noted university town, Mainz sits at the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers. Known for its carnival celebrations, Mainz is also known as the former hometown of the inventor and printer, Johannes Gutenberg, who lived and work in Mainz during the 1400s.
Best Time To Visit
An escape to Mainz is ideal during the months of August through November.
You Should Know
Within walking distance of the river is the Gutenberg Museum, which displays examples of books and Bibles printed by the Gutenberg Press, which is also on display. A major attraction in Mainz is also the Romanesque cathedral, Mainzer Dom, built between the 11th and 13th centuries.
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