7-Day Rhine Cruises

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Rhine itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaRhine travel expert at TourRadar

• 6 Day Rhine River Cruise Itinerary, incl. Cologne and Amsterdam

  A 6-day river cruise links 4 major cities across Germany and Netherlands, featuring 21m² balcony cabins on A-ROSA SENA. Full days explore Rotterdam's maritime port, Amsterdam's historic district with 7,500 listed buildings, and Utrecht's cathedral views and canal houses.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cologne, Germany

    Arrive early to explore Cologne before the 5:00 PM departure. Visit the Gothic Cathedral (Kölner Dom) right when it opens at 6:00 AM to avoid crowds. The dome viewing platform is best visited before 10:00 AM for shorter lines and better city views. You can store your luggage on the ship while exploring since most hotels have late check-in times.

    
  • Day 2

    Rotterdam, Netherlands

    You'll cruise the Rhine all morning and reach Rotterdam at noon with almost 12 hours to explore Europe's largest port city. Take a water taxi from the cruise dock to see the Cube Houses and Markthal food hall. Stay until evening departure to see Rotterdam's light art collection light up the Erasmus Bridge.

    
  • Day 3

    Amsterdam

    You'll have a full day in Amsterdam after arriving in the morning. Book Anne Frank House tickets online 2-3 months ahead since they sell out fast. Some ships dock in Lelystad instead, so plan for a 1-hour shuttle ride to central Amsterdam if needed. Skip Dam Square between 11 AM-4 PM when it gets packed with tour groups.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Utrecht

    Utrecht deserves the two-day stop. Take the first Dom Tower tour at 10 AM for the best city views without crowds. The canals here have unique wharf cellars and feel more local than Amsterdam's waterways. Just remember that local shops close early on Mondays.

    
  • Day 6

    Return to Cologne

    You'll arrive in Cologne around 4 AM. Planning to explore more? Store your bags at the Hauptbahnhof lockers (€5-8) and visit the chocolate museum when it opens at 10 AM for a nice end to your trip.

    

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• AUTUMN CHARM OF THE RHINE (Dusseldorf - Dusseldorf) MS VISTA RIO

  Rhine cities beckon on this 5-day cruise to Düsseldorf, Cologne's Cathedral, Koblenz's German Corner, medieval Rüdesheim, and historic Mainz. MS Crucevita provides French balcony cabins and gourmet dining while passing UNESCO-listed landscapes for approx. $570 per day.

  

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  • Dusseldorf Germany

    69 mi

  • Koblenz Germany

    38 mi

  • Mainz Germany

    14 mi

  • Rudesheim am Rhein Germany

    78 mi

  • Cologne Germany

    21 mi

  • Dusseldorf Germany

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• 7 Day Rhine River Christmas Markets Itinerary, incl. Cologne and Strasbourg

  This 7-day festive Rhine cruise aboard the AMADEUS Riva stops at 5 destinations including Koblenz, Speyer, Strasbourg, Mainz, and Cologne. You'll sail through the UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine Valley past the legendary Lorelei Rock, and see cultural landmarks in Koblenz where the Mosel meets the Rhine. Attend Christmas mass at Speyer's Imperial Cathedral and check out Mainz's famous Gutenberg Museum.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cologne, Germany

    Plan to arrive by 10:30 AM for boarding and settling in. Visit the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market when it opens at noon to avoid the afternoon rush. Stop by the Heimat der Heinzel market in the Old Town for local Kölsch beer and traditional lebkuchen cookies. It's less crowded than the Cathedral market and offers a more relaxed experience.

    
  • Day 2

    Koblenz & Middle Rhine Valley

    Visit the Deutsche Eck Christmas market in Koblenz when it opens at 10 AM. After lunch, enjoy a 3-hour scenic cruise through the Middle Rhine Valley. You'll see more than 20 castles and the famous Lorelei Rock. The sun deck offers the best views but bring warm clothes. December temperatures usually range from 35-40°F (2-4°C).

    
  • Day 3

    Speyer

    Arrive early morning in Speyer to visit the Christmas market by the UNESCO-listed Romanesque cathedral. Looking for the best Glühwein? Head to the stand near the Old Mint building. You can keep the special mug for a small deposit. If you're interested in midnight mass at the cathedral, arrive 45 minutes early to find seats.

    
  • Day 4

    Strasbourg, France

    A short 1.5-hour morning cruise takes you to Strasbourg, known as the "Capital of Christmas." Visit Place Broglie market before 2 PM when it's quieter. Check out the huge Christmas tree in Place Kléber and the covered market at Place de la Cathédrale. Take a walk through the small streets of Petite France to find unique Alsatian ornaments away from the crowds.

    
  • Day 5

    Mainz

    Start at the Gutenberg Museum at 9 AM before the Christmas market opens at noon. The market spans five town squares, with Domplatz offering the most beautiful views. Try the local specialty near the Dom: Weck, Worscht un Woi (bread, sausage, and wine).

    
  • Day 6

    Cologne

    Back in Cologne for a full day. Visit the cathedral in the morning before tour groups arrive. The Angels Christmas Market on Neumarkt looks particularly beautiful after 4 PM when they turn on the lights. Want a perfect photo? Head to the KölnTriangle viewing platform across the river around sunset (4 PM in December).

  • Day 7

    Cologne Departure

    On your final morning, you can store luggage at the central station for €5 per locker if you have a late departure. The Alter Markt opens at 11 AM for last-minute shopping. It's about a 15-minute walk from the river to the train station. Give yourself extra time if you're carrying shopping bags.

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