What are the best stops along the Rhine River in September?

The Rhine River offers excellent stops during September when temperatures are mild and crowds have thinned. Key destinations include Heidelberg where castle light shows illuminate the evening sky and Rüdesheim where visitors can sample local wines along the historic Drosselgasse. The Rhine Gorge UNESCO site shows its first autumn colors while the Black Forest region provides comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. Cities like Cologne and Amsterdam are noticeably quieter than peak season. A TourRadar reviewer notes: "The September timing was perfect for exploring outdoor markets in Cochem and enjoying coffee at riverside cafes in Basel."

Which cruise lines offer the best September Rhine River experiences?

Top cruise operators maximize September's pleasant weather with themed voyages. AmaWaterways runs specialized wine cruises while Avalon Waterways features their Suite Ships® and CroisiEurope delivers authentic European experiences. Most routes last 7-10 days between Amsterdam and Basel with luxury hotel options like the Schweizerhof in Lucerne available for extended stays. According to TourRadar reviews: "AmaWaterways' wine harvest cruise in September was exceptional with perfect weather for vineyard tours and castle visits."

What type of accommodation options are available on Rhine River cruises in September?

Ships range from upscale vessels like the AmaSerena with balcony suites to well-appointed boats like A-ROSA BRAVA offering multiple room categories. The Avalon Imagery II provides 200-square-foot Panorama Suites with river views. Premium hotels such as the Marriott in Cologne serve as bases for pre or post-cruise stays. One TourRadar traveler commented "Our cabin on the upper deck of MS Lafayette had floor-to-ceiling windows perfect for watching the changing September landscapes."

What are the most scenic stretches of the Rhine River to cruise in September?

The Rhine Gorge UNESCO World Heritage site between Koblenz and Rüdesheim shows its early autumn colors in September. Castles dot the clifftops while vineyards between Cologne and Strasbourg begin their harvest. The Middle Rhine Valley draws consistent praise with one TourRadar reviewer noting: "The September afternoon light made the castles and vineyards look absolutely magical."

What are the best shore excursions available on Rhine River cruises in September?

September's mild weather suits outdoor activities perfectly. Options include walks on Heidelberg's Philosopher's Path bike rides through Rüdesheim's vineyards and tours of Strasbourg's La Petite France quarter. The Black Forest open-air museum gondola rides to Niederwalddenkmal and Rhine Gorge castle explorations round out the offerings. According to a TourRadar review: "The September weather was perfect for the guided bike tours through the vineyards and visiting the medieval castles above the Rhine."

How crowded are Rhine River cruises and attractions in September?

September strikes an ideal balance with reduced crowds and comfortable temperatures. Major sites like Cologne Cathedral and Heidelberg Castle become more accessible. Ships including AmaWaterways' AmaPrima and Avalon's Vista typically carry 150-160 passengers creating an intimate atmosphere. As one TourRadar traveler mentions: "Traveling in September meant we could enjoy all the sights without the summer crowds especially in popular spots like Rüdesheim and Strasbourg."

What special events and festivals can I experience along the Rhine River in September?

September brings wine harvest celebrations to Rhine River towns like Rüdesheim and Bernkastel. The Rhine in Flames festival lights up castle-lined shores with fireworks. Visitors can join traditional wine-pressing in the Moselle Valley and attend harvest concerts at Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The wine festivals in September were a highlight - we got to participate in grape harvesting and enjoy fresh wine tastings at local vineyards."

Rhine Cruises in September 2026

10 Rhine river cruises in September 2026

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Explorer
From Frankfurt to London GO
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Germany Netherlands Belgium France England
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Rhine Seine
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
From
US$2,347per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
9 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
European Dance GO
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Italy Austria Hungary Slovakia Czech Republic Germany Netherlands Belgium France England+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Danube Rhine SeineVltavaVienna Budapest Prague+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From $4,021
US$3,618per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
13 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
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River Cruise
Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2026
4.6 (63 traveler reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Switzerland Germany France Netherlands
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ships
Avalon Panorama Avalon Vista Avalon Envision Avalon View+3 ships
River
Rhine
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
10% Off
From
US$3,999per person
+$231 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Sep, 2026
7 spaces left
5 Sep, 2026
7 spaces left
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River Cruise
Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2026
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Netherlands Germany France Switzerland
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ships
Avalon Panorama Avalon Vista Avalon Envision Avalon View+3 ships
River
Rhine
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
10% Off
From
US$3,599per person
+$231 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Sep, 2026
7 spaces left
8 Sep, 2026
7 spaces left
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River Cruise
Enchanting Rhine 2026
1.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Switzerland Germany France Netherlands
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ships
AmaViola AmaCerto AmaPrima AmaSiena AmaLucia AmaStella Old+4 ships
River
Rhine
Operated in
English
Operator
AmaWaterways
10% Off
From
US$3,799per person
+$250 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Sep, 2026
10 spaces left
5 Sep, 2026
7 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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River Cruise
Classical Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Netherlands Germany France Switzerland
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ships
AMADEUS Queen Amadeus Star Amadeus Cara Amadeus Riva AMADEUS Aurea+4 ships
River
Rhine
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Lueftner Cruises
10% Off
From
US$2,691per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Sep, 2026
8 spaces left
21 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
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River Cruise
Captivating Rhine 2026
4.9 (9 traveler reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Netherlands Germany France Switzerland
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ships
AmaViola AmaCerto AmaPrima AmaSiena AmaLucia AmaStella Old+4 ships
River
Rhine
Operated in
English
Operator
AmaWaterways
10% Off
From
US$2,599per person
+$250 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Sep, 2026
10 spaces left
10 Sep, 2026
7 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
European Bliss GO
Duration
20 days
Destinations
Czech Republic Germany Netherlands Belgium France Switzerland Italy Spain+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Rhine Seine Vltava
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From $4,617
US$4,156per person
Price based on Private Double Room
14 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
28 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
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River Cruise
The Majestic Rhine & Lucerne - Zurich
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Frankfurt-am-Main, Mainz, Rudesheim am Rhein, Koblenz,Rhine Gorge,Moselle Valley,Cochem,Ludwigshafen,Heidelberg,Rastatt,Baden-Baden,Black Forest,Kehl,Breisach,Basel,Lucerne,Zurich+13 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ships
Emerald Destiny Emerald Sun+1 ship
River
Rhine
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
60% Off
From $10,020
US$4,025per person
Price based on Private Double Room
15 Sep, 2026
10 spaces left
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River Cruise
Northern Rhine Experience 2026
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Germany Netherlands Belgium
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
A-ROSA AQUA
River
Rhine
Operated in
English, German
Operator
A-ROSA
60% Off
From
US$1,351per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
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River Cruise
Rhine Experience Netherlands & Belgium 2026
3.4 (5 traveler reviews)
"Clean boat, staff efficient, abundant food."
elizabeth, traveled in July
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Germany Netherlands Belgium
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
A-ROSA AQUA
River
Rhine
Operated in
English, German
Operator
A-ROSA
60% Off
From
US$1,168per person
Price based on Private Double Room
12 Sep, 2026
2 spaces left
26 Sep, 2026
2 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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River Cruise
Rhine Experience Amsterdam & Rotterdam 2026
4.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Helpful responsive staff."
Andrew, traveled in April
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Germany Netherlands Belgium
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
A-ROSA SENA
River
Rhine
Operated in
English, German
Operator
A-ROSA
60% Off
From
US$1,877per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
12 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
River Cruise
SPECTACULAR RHINE, Cologne – Strasbourg-Basel – Cologne
4.3 (27 traveler reviews)
"The level of service was perfect, attentive without being smothering. The staff anticipated our needs and were proactive in meeting them."
David, traveled in May
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Germany France Switzerland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ships
MS Crucevita MS Vista Gracia MS Vista Rio+2 ships
Regions
Rhine Rhine Valley
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
Crucemundo
20% Off
From $2,171
US$1,737per person
+$88 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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River Cruise
Rhine Highlights 2026|2027 - 8 Days
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Netherlands Germany France Switzerland
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ships
Scenic Jewel Scenic Jasper Scenic Opal Scenic Amber Scenic Ruby Scenic Pearl+5 ships
River
Rhine
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
69% Off
From $9,390
US$2,870per person
Price based on Private Double Room
23 Sep, 2026
8 spaces left
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River Cruise
Rhine Highlights with Switzerland 2026|2027 - 12 Days
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The trip itself was the usual wonderful Scenic Cruise. Our admiration and respect for Scenic remains very strong."
DAVID, traveled in June
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Amsterdam, Koblenz, Baden, Basel, Montreux, Bern, Gstaad,Lucerne,Zurich+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ships
Scenic Opal Scenic Ruby Scenic Pearl+2 ships
River
Rhine
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
55% Off
From $13,400
US$6,030per person
Price based on Private Double Room
23 Sep, 2026
8 spaces left
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