France and Germany River Cruises
A cruise through France and Germany will show you amazing sights. The Rhine River connects Cologne's cathedral through Strasbourg's old town to Mainz's half-timbered center. German cities like Cologne and Mainz bracket French Strasbourg along this central European waterway. Medieval architecture lines the river as it passes vineyards climbing hillsides and castles topping ridges throughout the Rhine Valley from Germany into France.
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Diane • traveled in July, 2024
Unfortunately the Rhine was flooded and our trip had to be adjusted. We felt the company did a great job of keeping us informed with all changes as quickly as they happened.
SPECTACULAR RHINE, Cologne – Strasbourg-Basel – Cologne - J
joanna • traveled in August
The boat was immaculate. The pace very relaxing. The staff was very warm and inviting. The value for money was excellent.
LEGENDS OF RHINE (Amsterdam-Mainz) MS River Diamond 5*
Our traveler's Moments
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SPECTACULAR RHINE, Cologne – Strasbourg-Basel – Cologne
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Rhine Enchanting Christmas Markets 2026
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FASCINATING RHINE (Mainz - Mainz) MS River Diamond 5*
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Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Northbound) 2025
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The romantic Rhine Valley and the rock of the Lorelei (port-to-port cruise)
10 best river cruises through France and Germany
Compiled by

NinaFrance and Germany travel expert at TourRadar
- Enchanting Rivers of Europe Grand Journey
- Christmas Markets on the Rhine 2026
- Rhine & Moselle Splendors (Wine Cruise) 2026
- Classical Rhine Cruise - AMADEUS Cara (Basel - Amsterdam)
- Rhine Panorama 2026
- Amsterdam & Tulips & the Rhine 2026 - 10 Days
- Rhine Christmas Markets 2025 - 8 Days (from Zurich to Amsterdam)
- Active & Discovery on the Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Southbound) 2026
- Timeless Rivers of Europe: the Rhine and Seine with 2 Nights in Lucerne 2026
- Timeless Rivers of Europe: the Rhine and Seine with Swiss Alps, 3 Nights in Lake Como & 1 Night in Lucerne WWII Remembrance & History Cruise
Luxury Scenic ships wind through France and Germany's wine regions. Château Siaurac and prestigious Médoc vineyards welcome visitors. Private concerts at Trinity Chapel, exclusive tastings, and after-hours access to Les Bassins de Lumières in Bordeaux create memorable moments.
Duration 52 days Destinations Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $45,899
20% Off- US$36,558You save $9,341
French and German waterways lead to enchanting Christmas markets and historic sites. The itinerary includes Strasbourg's Christkindelsmarik, medieval Colmar, and Heidelberg Castle. Wine tastings complement the cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
20% Off- US$4,499+$250 upfront costs
AmaCerto's route between France and Germany showcases Strasbourg's La Petite France and the UNESCO Rhine Gorge. Wine tastings in Rüdesheim and Alsace complement luxury staterooms with twin balconies and regional cuisine at The Chef's Table.
Duration 8 days Destinations Luxembourg, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
20% Off- US$4,598+$250 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $2,585
15% Off- US$2,197You save $388
Sail between France and Germany aboard A-ROSA SILVA through medieval quarters and wine regions. The UNESCO Speyer Cathedral and historic Koblenz await your visit. Savor gourmet buffets featuring live cooking stations.
Duration 10 days Destinations Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator A-ROSA From
15% Off- US$1,817
Emerald Sun sails through France and Germany, highlighting Strasbourg's Neustadt District and Rhine Gorge. Kehl's historic center and German vineyards offer cultural insights. Guided tours and gourmet dining with regional wines round out each day.
Duration 10 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $12,100
46% Off- US$6,505You save $5,595
Scenic Space-Ship connects France and Germany, showcasing Strasbourg's Grand Ile and Baden-Baden's thermal baths. Premium amenities complement visits to Christmas markets and historic sites along the Rhine.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $12,790
58% Off- US$5,395You save $7,395
Luxury ships with expert guides traverse France and Germany's waterways. Strasbourg's culinary scene, Heidelberg Castle, and Black Forest traditions at Vogtsbauernohf museum await, while premium onboard amenities and regional wines enhance each day.
Duration 10 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
58% Off- US$5,298+$231 upfront costs
Avalon's luxury ships connect France and Germany's scenic rivers. The Gothic cathedral of Strasbourg, Black Forest villages, and Normandy's D-Day beaches tell their stories. Panorama Suites frame UNESCO Rhine Gorge castles while regional wines complement local cuisine.
Duration 17 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, France Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
58% Off- US$10,047+$462 upfront costs
Suite Ships reveal France and Germany's scenic waterways. The journey encompasses Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral, Black Forest villages, and the Rhine Gorge. Vernon's Monet gardens, Rouen's medieval quarter, and Paris's landmarks come alive through expert guided tours.
Duration 19 days Destinations Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
58% Off- US$10,997+$462 upfront costs
What our customers ask about France and Germany River Cruises
What are the best times of year to take a France and Germany river cruise?
River cruises between France and Germany operate best from April through September. Spring brings flowering tulips to Amsterdam and budding vineyards in Bad-Dürkheim while summer temperatures average 75°F making it ideal for outdoor exploration. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September offer fewer crowds but equally pleasant conditions. A TourRadar traveler shared about their Emerald Cruises experience: "The July weather was perfect for exploring the charming villages and enjoying the Sun Deck views of castles along the Rhine Gorge."
What are the most scenic stretches along France and Germany river cruises?
The Rhine Gorge stands out as the route's centerpiece with 40 castles dotting a 40-mile stretch between Koblenz and Rüdesheim. The Moselle Valley presents rolling vineyard slopes and towns like Cochem while the Alsace region near Strasbourg offers views of the Black Forest and Vosges Mountains. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The Rhine Gorge was absolutely breathtaking - we spent hours on deck photographing castles and listening to the commentary about each one."
How does the dining experience differ between France and Germany river cruise sections?
Each region's culinary identity shapes onboard dining. German sections feature local beer tastings in Cologne and traditional Black Forest cakes in Breisach. French portions showcase regional wines from Beaune and Provençal specialties. Ships like AmaWaterways offer specialty dining venues such as The Chef's Table. A TourRadar guest observed: "The food was exceptional - we loved how the menu changed to reflect each region from hearty German dishes to refined French cuisine."
What are the typical cabin options on France and Germany river cruise ships?
Ships like Emerald Dawn and AmaViola provide varied accommodation choices. Standard options include Panorama Suites (200+ square feet) with floor-to-ceiling windows Owner's Suites with separate living spaces and Staterooms with fixed windows. The AmaCerto's Panorama Suites measure 30% larger than typical river cruise cabins featuring premium bedding and marble bathrooms. A TourRadar guest noted: "Our Panorama Suite was incredibly spacious with stunning views through the wall-to-wall windows and the bathroom amenities were top-notch."
What are the main differences between Rhine and Rhône river cruise itineraries?
Rhine cruises focus on medieval heritage Germanic culture and wine regions through cities like Cologne Koblenz and Heidelberg. Rhône journeys highlight French culture Roman architecture and Provençal landscapes stopping at Lyon Avignon and Arles. A TourRadar traveler explained: "The contrast between the two rivers was fascinating - from the fairy-tale castles of the Rhine to the Roman amphitheaters along the Rhône each day brought new discoveries."
Which cities serve as the main embarkation points for France and Germany river cruises?
Amsterdam and Basel serve as primary departure points for Rhine cruises while Lyon anchors Rhône itineraries. Nice and Marseille connect the Rhine and Rhône segments. Ships like Emerald Dawn start from Amsterdam and Emerald Liberté operates Rhône routes. Quality hotels such as InterContinental Amsterdam offer pre-cruise stays. According to a TourRadar guest: "Starting in Amsterdam was perfect - we had time to explore the canals before embarking on our Rhine journey."
What shore excursions are typically included on France and Germany river cruises?
Most cruise fares cover guided tours at each port. Standard offerings include visits to Cologne Cathedral Heidelberg Castle and Strasbourg's historic center. Active options range from Dutch countryside bike rides to Black Forest hikes. Emerald Cruises' EmeraldACTIVE program features guided walks from Mount Königstuhl and Rhine-side cycling tours. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "The included excursions were excellent - especially loved the guided bike tour through Breisach and wine tasting in the Black Forest."


































