Germany and Switzerland River Cruises
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10 best river cruises through Germany and Switzerland
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MelissaGermany and Switzerland travel expert at TourRadar
- Zurich - Lucerne & Jewels of the Rhine
- Enchanting Rhine 2025
- Castles along the Rhine (2026) (Amsterdam to Basel, 2026)
- Romantic Rhine, Alsace and Netherlands Crucevita Main Cabin
- Tulip Time Rhine River Cruise
- Castles along the Rhine (2026) (Basel to Amsterdam, 2026)
- Rhine Christmas Markets with Switzerland 2025|2026 - 12 Days
- Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Southbound) 2025
- Active & Discovery on the Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Southbound) 2025
- Romantic Rhine with Swiss Alps, 3 Nights in Lake Como & 1 Night in Lucerne (Northbound) 2025
The Rhine beckons from Basel through Germany's Black Forest region. Highlights include Heidelberg Castle, medieval riverside towns, and UNESCO-listed Strasbourg. Emerald Star-Ships provide panoramic suites during guided tours of Freiburg and Koblenz.
Duration 11 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From
- US$9,330
Luxury vessels like AmaCerto showcase Germany and Switzerland's riverside gems. Black Forest trails from Breisach, UNESCO-listed Speyer Cathedral, and the castle-rich Rhine Gorge await, with multiple guided excursions at each port.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Operator AmaWaterways From
- US$3,499
The S.S. Elisabeth glides from Germany to Switzerland, passing Rhine castles and wine regions. The Route des Vins in Breisach leads to Basel, with an optional extension to Lake Lucerne's alpine landscapes.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $3,699
20% Off- US$2,959You save $739
Cruise through Germany and Switzerland's scenic waterways, visiting Mainz's historic port and Koblenz's fortress. Experience the UNESCO-listed Rhine Valley's castles, explore medieval Rüdesheim, and enjoy guided tours with full-board dining.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, France, Switzerland, Netherlands Age Range up to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
20% Off- US$2,063
Tulip Time Rhine River Cruise
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“It was the first time I ever did a river cruise and I really enjoyed.”
Janet, traveled in March
MS Symphonie carries guests through Germany and Switzerland's finest riverscapes. The itinerary features Breisach's wine country, Cologne's Gothic cathedral, and Basel's medieval center, complemented by 23 included meals and premium bar service during the 7-night cruise.
Duration 10 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range 40 to 99 year olds Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator Tours of Distinction From
20% Off- US$3,739
The S.S. Antoinette carries passengers from Basel through German wine country. Swiss precision meets German culture aboard this luxury vessel, featuring gourmet cuisine and expert-guided tours of UNESCO sites.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $3,999
10% Off- US$3,599You save $399
Scenic Space-Ship unveils Germany and Switzerland's treasures, from Baden-Baden's Caracalla Spa to Heidelberg Castle and Strasbourg's Christmas markets. Restaurant Le Chalet demonstrates cheese-making while Fitz Ritter vineyard shares wine traditions.
Duration 12 days Destinations Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $12,265
40% Off- US$7,370You save $4,895
Avalon's luxury ships transport guests through Germany and Switzerland. Highlights include Cologne Cathedral, the UNESCO Rhine Gorge, Black Forest villages, and Mount Pilatus, accompanied by regional cuisine and FlexDining options.
Duration 10 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
40% Off- US$4,856+$210 upfront costs
Rhine castles and Lake Lucerne await aboard Avalon's luxury ships. The route winds through Black Forest villages and Basel's medieval center, concluding with two nights at Astoria Lucerne with mountain views.
Duration 10 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
40% Off- US$5,028+$210 upfront costs
Avalon's Suite Ships sail the Rhine from Basel onwards. The voyage showcases Mount Pilatus's Alpine vistas, Black Forest traditions, and medieval castles, while offering chef-prepared meals in premium lounges and Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall windows.
Duration 12 days Destinations Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
40% Off- US$5,735+$210 upfront costs
What people love about River Cruise Tours in Germany and Switzerland
- Tulip Time Rhine River Cruise
I had a great time in this river cruise. It was the first time I ever did a river cruise and I really enjoyed. Thanks Tours of Distinction! I look forward to seeing what other tours you have.
- Captivating Rhine (Christmas Cruise) 2025
I've been on three Amawaterways ship and the cruise experience has not failed me a bit. Am recommending it to more friends.
- Treasures of the Rhine cruise (Amsterdam-Basel) MS Crucevita
Great, it could do more local food & wine from the area
What our customers ask about Germany and Switzerland River Cruises
What are the main ports and highlights visited on Germany and Switzerland river cruises?
River cruises through Germany and Switzerland typically start in Basel before heading through key destinations like the Black Forest region Breisach and historic Strasbourg in France. The route connects medieval towns such as Koblenz and Cologne along the Rhine. The UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge stands out with its clifftop castles. Travelers can explore wine regions in the Moselle Valley visit Heidelberg Castle and end their journey along Amsterdam's network of canals. For pre or post-cruise stays the Hotel Drei Könige in Basel and Hotel Schweizerhof in Lucerne offer convenient locations. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Sailing through the Rhine Gorge was breathtaking - seeing all those ancient castles perched on the cliffs while enjoying lunch on deck was unforgettable."
What are the most scenic stretches along Germany and Switzerland river cruise routes?
The Rhine Gorge a UNESCO World Heritage site shows off castles set 400 feet above the water including the famous Lorelei Rock. Between Koblenz and Rüdesheim passengers see medieval castles vineyards and historic villages dot the riverbanks. The Basel to Lucerne section reveals Swiss Alpine landscapes while the Moselle Valley near Cochem presents rows of hillside vineyards. As one TourRadar traveler noted about the Romantic Rhine cruise: "The castles along the Rhine make the trip a very enjoyable cruise."
What kind of cabin options are available on Germany and Switzerland river cruise ships?
Different cabin types fit various needs and budgets on river cruise ships. The Avalon Vista provides Deluxe Staterooms at 172 square feet Panorama Suites at 200 square feet with wall-to-wall windows and spacious Royal Suites. On the Emerald Destiny guests choose between Owner's Suites Grand Suites and Emerald Staterooms. Each room comes with L'Occitane bath products climate control and WiFi access. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Our Panorama Suite on the Avalon Vista was incredibly spacious with amazing floor-to-ceiling windows - waking up to Rhine River views every morning was magical."
What shore excursions and activities are typically included in Germany and Switzerland river cruises?
Standard offerings include guided walks through ports such as Cologne's Gothic Cathedral and Strasbourg's La Petite France quarter. Active travelers can hike the Black Forest or bike along the Rhine. Cultural stops feature Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim and the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz. Basic tours come included while specialty excursions cost extra. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The included walking tours were excellent - our guides really brought the history and culture of each place to life."
What are the best times of year to do a Germany and Switzerland river cruise?
The main season runs May through September with mild weather and less rain. Spring brings flowers and smaller crowds to the Rhine while summer allows for more deck time and outdoor activities in places like the Black Forest. Fall offers wine festivals in regions like Rüdesheim. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Cruising in September was perfect - comfortable temperatures and beautiful fall colors along the Rhine Gorge."
What kind of dining experiences are offered on Germany and Switzerland river cruises?
Ships serve local dishes made with fresh ingredients offering flexible meal times and venues. Most packages include three meals daily plus complimentary drinks at lunch and dinner. Special events feature Black Forest cake making wine tastings in Rüdesheim and regional items like Cologne's Kölsch beer. Ships like the Avalon Vista offer both formal and casual dining spaces. According to one TourRadar traveler: "The food exceeded our expectations - we especially loved the local German and Swiss specialties and wine pairings at dinner."