France and Germany Tours & Trips

Best time to visit France and Germany

• Spring 2026

  Spring is an ideal season for Rhine River journeys, with clear skies giving you perfect views of hilltop castles and noticeably fewer tourists in the riverside towns. Our travelers often gravitate towards tours that blend Amsterdam's tulip gardens in full bloom with laid-back cruises past medieval fortresses. Most spring itineraries mix guided walks through Colmar's historic center, Strasbourg's Petite France quarter and also free time to explore. You'll find 7-day routes linking Basel to Amsterdam at an easy pace, while 10-day options venture into the Black Forest, Alsace region and deeper local spots. The ships provide comfortable cabins with panoramic windows, and you'll enjoy regional wines paired with meals. What makes these spring trips special is the balance - you might spend your morning discovering Heidelberg Castle, then find a quiet spot to watch afternoon light dance across the vineyard slopes.

  • May 2026 popular 62 tours
• Summer 2026

  Summer brings long days perfect for outdoor exploring along these routes. The river cruises make great use of the extended daylight - starting with early walks through Amsterdam's quiet morning canals and ending with sunset drinks on deck as you pass the Lorelei Rock. Our travelers tell us they particularly enjoy tasting wines up in Rüdesheim's hillside vineyards, taking small boats through Strasbourg's flower-filled waterways and walking the cool paths of the Black Forest. The coach tours take full advantage of the nice weather too, with trips up to Heidelberg's castle by cable car and plenty of time in Baden-Baden's elegant gardens. You'll find our customers spending their free time at outdoor cafés in Lyon's old quarter and taking evening walks through Marseille's lively port area.

  • June 2026 66 tours
  • July 2026 67 tours
  • August 2026 popular 83 tours
• Fall / Autumn 2026

  The Rhine routes linking France and Germany shine during autumn's arrival, creating perfect touring conditions for multi-country exploration. Our most popular journey begins in Marseille, winds through Burgundy, Alsace and up into the Black Forest, with excellent timing for wine harvest celebrations in Beaune, Rüdesheim and other charming stops. Medieval towns like Colmar and Riquewihr become even more captivating against the backdrop of fall foliage, while cultural experiences range from underground art exhibitions at Carrières de Lumières to intimate cooking workshops in Strasbourg's premier kitchens. Autumn adds a special dimension to guided walks through Baden-Baden's parks, and canal tours in Strasbourg take on extra appeal as golden leaves reflect in the water. What sets these routes apart is their thoughtful balance of organized activities and free time, allowing travelers to discover local wine taverns and authentic restaurants at a relaxed pace during harvest time.

  • September 2026 73 tours
  • October 2026 popular 85 tours
  • November 2026 70 tours
• Winter 2026 / 2027

  The Rhine valley really comes alive during winter, especially on those December cruises between Basel and Amsterdam. You'll find Christmas markets filling the historic squares of every port town, where our travelers love browsing local crafts while warming up with cups of mulled wine. The winter tours include some special touches - there are evening concerts inside Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral and guided walks along Carcassonne's fortress walls when they're all lit up at night. One spot our customers always photograph is Colmar's old town, where the traditional half-timbered houses look particularly charming with a dusting of snow.

  • December 2026 popular 61 tours