What's the best time of year to take an Amsterdam to Germany river cruise?

River cruises between Amsterdam and Germany operate most actively from May to September offering warm days and clear skies ideal for deck views. The spring months showcase Dutch tulip fields while autumn brings red and gold colors along the Rhine. Many travelers choose December specifically for the festive Christmas markets. Weather patterns vary but September stands out as a particularly reliable month according to TourRadar travelers who noted "perfect weather conditions during September cruises." Ships like the Amadeus Riva run regular routes throughout these prime seasons.

What are the most popular river routes from Amsterdam?

The Rhine River serves as the main pathway heading south through Germany with essential stops in Cologne Koblenz and the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge. Some routes connect to the Main and Danube rivers or branch into the Moselle Valley. Most journeys conclude in Basel Switzerland though select cruises continue to Budapest. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Loved seeing all the castles along the Rhine Gorge it was absolutely spectacular."

What are the common starting points in Amsterdam for these river cruises?

River cruises depart from three key locations in Amsterdam: the centrally located Passenger Terminal Amsterdam near Central Station the Amsterdam Cruise Port in the western harbor and the River Cruise Port at De Ruijterkade. Vessels such as AmaWaterways' AmaPrima and Emerald Cruises' Emerald Sun regularly use these ports. Many travelers stay at nearby accommodations like the Doubletree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station or the Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam before departure.

What are the most scenic stretches along the Amsterdam to Germany route?

The UNESCO-protected Rhine Gorge between Koblenz and Rüdesheim stands out as the route's visual centerpiece featuring 40-plus castle ruins perched above terraced vineyards. The Moselle River Valley adds another dimension with its dramatic vineyard slopes and well-preserved medieval towns. Engineering enthusiasts often point to the Main-Danube Canal as a highlight. TourRadar travelers regularly mention "the breathtaking views along the Rhine Gorge" as their journey's peak moment.

What are the most popular German cities and landmarks visited after departing Amsterdam?

The route typically features Cologne's Gothic Cathedral a UNESCO World Heritage site followed by the castle-rich Rhine Gorge and Rüdesheim's wine country. Travelers often explore Heidelberg Castle venture through Koblenz's fortress and stop at Baden-Baden's thermal springs. One TourRadar traveler described it as: "The journey through the Rhine Gorge was spectacular with fairy tale castles perched high on the cliffs and the legendary Lorelei Rock - it was like being transported through the pages of a storybook."

What are the most popular first destinations after departing Amsterdam?

Cologne serves as the first major port of call after Amsterdam. The journey from Dutch waters to this German city takes roughly 12-14 hours. Many itineraries like those from Emerald Cruises dedicate the first full day to Amsterdam's network of 165 canals before heading to Cologne. TourRadar travelers often comment on the transition noting the "friendly staff and excellent food" during this initial leg of the journey.

Germany Tours from Amsterdam

Amsterdam to Germany connects these two neighbors, exploring canals and museums, driving to Cologne's cathedral, visiting Berlin's history, discovering Munich's beer culture, and touring the Rhine Valley. It’s a true experience to see how Dutch and German cultures differ despite proximity, tasting regional beers and delicious food along the way. Combining Netherlands and Germany shows Central European diversity in manageable distances.

10 best Germany tour packages from Amsterdam

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Explorer
Amsterdam and Berlin (3 destinations)
4.2 (10 traveler reviews)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Amsterdam, Hamelin, Berlin
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
From
US$638per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Netherlands and Germany - Covering Amsterdam, Berlin and Munich in 8 days
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Netherlands Germany Austria
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
16% Off
From $2,168
US$1,821per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Amsterdam and Frankfurt in 7 days
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Amsterdam, Frankfurt-am-Main
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
15% Off
From $1,945
US$1,653per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
The Rhine & Moselle (Southbound) 2026
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Netherlands Germany Luxembourg France Switzerland
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Avalon Imagery II
River
Rhine
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
15% Off
From
US$8,412per person
+$330 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
The Rhine & Moselle: Canals, Vineyards & Castles 2026
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Netherlands Germany Luxembourg
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Avalon Imagery II
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
15% Off
From
US$4,599per person
+$231 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps (Christmas Cruise) 2026
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Netherlands Germany France Switzerland
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
AmaSerena
River
Rhine
Operated in
English
Operator
AmaWaterways
15% Off
From
US$3,898per person
+$250 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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River Cruise
Jewels of the Rhine 2026 - 8 Days (including Koblenz)
3.0 (3 traveler reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Netherlands Germany France Switzerland
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ships
Emerald Destiny Emerald Dawn Emerald Sun Emerald Star Emerald Sky+4 ships
River
Rhine
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
72% Off
From $7,690
US$2,145per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
New year in Holland and the romantic Rhine (port-to-port cruise)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The cruise was a lovely experience. The food was wonderful and varied, and well presented."
Michele, traveled in December
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Netherlands Germany France
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MS L’Europe
River
Rhine
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
72% Off
From
US$1,917per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Amsterdam and Berlin GO
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Amsterdam, Hamelin, Berlin
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
72% Off
From
US$732per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Amsterdam, Berlin and Prague GO
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Netherlands Germany Czech Republic
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
72% Off
From
US$1,099per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Amsterdam, Berlin and Prague (5 destinations)
4.3 (33 traveler reviews)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Netherlands Germany Czech Republic
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
72% Off
From
US$960per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
LEGENDS OF RHINE (Amsterdam-Mainz) MS River Diamond 5*
4.3 (20 traveler reviews)
"The food was great, the tours and tour guides were knowledgeable, and the service staff on the boat were amazing!"
Elaine, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Netherlands Germany France
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MS River Diamond
River
Rhine
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
Crucemundo
72% Off
From
US$2,459per person
+$124 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Bicycle
Easy Bike and Barge Tour Amsterdam to Koblenz
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The small number of bikers is great, the grew is fantastic, the captain also, the barge is in great shape."
Mary, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Amsterdam, Wijk bij Duurstede, Arnhem, Rees, Dusseldorf,Cologne,Bonn,Koblenz+3 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bike Planet Tours
72% Off
From
US$2,400per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Magical Rhine and Moselle Rivers (Amsterdam to Basel) (2026)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Netherlands Germany France Switzerland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
72% Off
From
US$4,699per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Amsterdam & Tulips & the Rhine 2026 - 10 Days
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Netherlands Germany France Switzerland
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Emerald Sun
River
Rhine
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
55% Off
From $12,100
US$5,505per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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