The Rhine River is just as lovely as the advertisements portray it to be, dotted with old castles and steep slopes. From its source in the Swiss Alps to its delta in the North Sea, the powerful river, steeped in history at the meeting point of four nations—France, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands—truly sits at the heart of Western European civilization.
With a glass of wine in my left hand and a camera in my right, I reflected from my private balcony on the AmaKristina that a Rhine river cruise was undoubtedly the most sophisticated way to experience the arcs and curves of this area.
The Rhine River Cruise
Basel, Germany’s Alsace
Amsterdam
Why reserve a river trip on the Rhine?
Basel
The ship made its debut in Basel, the third-largest city in Switzerland and a city renowned for its vibrant art scene. The charmingly colorful old town, however, is the true star of the show.
However, jet lag is really harsh; Basel, a small city, is the perfect location to gradually acclimate to this new time zone.
Alsace
As I prepare for the trip to Riquewihr, our captain Jan brings us to Alsace without incident in the early hours of the morning.
Time seems to have stopped here 400 years ago, as seen by the abundance of ochre-colored timber buildings that somehow survived both world wars. It is easy to understand why the fairytale village is frequently ranked as one of the nicest in France.
I buy local specialties from an enticing little shop that can accommodate only two or three people at a time because I’m not one to pass up a wine chance. Specifically, a frothy Crémant d’Alsace and a crisp, mineral Riesling. Even if lunch is only an hour away, I also find myself drawn strangely to everything delicious; luckily for my taste buds, I know better than to shun baked products when I’m in France.
Strasbourg, a nearby city that is larger and livelier than other charming Alsacian villages, does not let you down either. The ancient Petite France neighborhood and the city center are both very nice, and the reddish, almost blush-colored church is just too beautiful to put into words.
It’s simple to become bogged down in the specifics of Alsace’s constantly shifting political system. Indeed, up to World War II, France and Alsace continuously fought over the strategically important area at the base of the Vosges mountain range. However, the visit is made even more interesting by the quantity of layers!
Germany
The more we bike into the Wachau valley, the narrower and more dramatic the Rhine becomes. More castles can be found along the dizzying banks than in any other river valley worldwide.
Dragan Reljic, our cruise director, provided live commentary during the afternoon’s trip. Legends about monarchs, knights, princesses, and star-crossed lovers… The most entertaining part of the cruise, without a question.
The following morning, we docked in the picturesque town of Rüdesheim, which is a part of Germany’s alluring Romantic Rhine. A leisurely gondola ride atop Rittersaal, where a panorama of the Rhine River awaits, leads on to the sunny southern slopes and many terraced vineyards. And it doesn’t let you down—you can see the entire winemaking hamlet, which is well-known for its highly regarded Riesling and Pinot noir. As is the Niederwalddenkmal, a towering, finely carved monument that symbolized the unification of all German states when it was first opened in 1883.
Make sure to sample Rüdesheimer coffee while you’re there, particularly on cool spring evenings. It is essentially the German equivalent of Irish coffee! A healthy dosage of coffee and an even healthier amount of locally distilled brandy make up this powerful digestif, which is finished with chocolate flakes and whipped cream for good measure.
The stunning city of Cologne is the last stop on the Rhine River Cruise itinerary for Germany.
On the other hand, Cologne only has its Old Town and a small number of museums and other attractions. Its most famous feature is the Gothic Cathedral from the 13th century, which is the highest twin-spired church in the world at 157 meters and Germany’s most visited attraction. However, Cologne’s welcoming pedestrian shopping streets make it the ideal location for self-indulgence in retail therapy. I decided to stop by the vibrant Fischmarkt for a cheeky ice cream.
Amsterdam
Unfortunately, the voyage comes to an end as our captain, Jan, docks in stunning Amsterdam for our final layover. I greet my last stop with equal parts excitement and sadness. I’m thrilled to return to the picturesque canals, but I’m also sad to say goodbye to my new acquaintances.
Until my feet could no longer support me, I dared not cease the pleasure of intentionally being lost in Amsterdam. Amsterdam offers countless opportunities:
The Museum of Rijks!
The gardens of Keukenhof!
The home of Anne Frank!
The Museum of Van Gogh!
Why reserve a river trip on the Rhine?
The AmaKristina traveled 1,233 kilometers upstream of the powerful Rhine River on eight amazing days. went through twelve locks. docked in four jurisdictions. visited five UNESCO World Heritage sites, covering a period of two millennia.
