I love river cruising and my very first river cruise was on the Rhine River – from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Holland. It’s one of Europe’s most legendary rivers and it’s a great one to ease into river cruising as you can do it in 7-days. This journey takes you along the Rhine River, into 4 countries including Germany, France, Holland and Switzerland.
We started in Basel and went from South to North. But you could just as easily start in the ever popular, modern city of Amsterdam, Holland. There is much to do with the renowned museums and the abundance of restaurants, which are set amongst the elegant squares and charming canals. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten, or waterways, are lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”
Another stop is in Cologne, Germany—a 2,000 year-old city known for its gothic architecture—will be an exciting stop with its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns. While you’re there, why not try a locally brewed Kölsch beer?
On this cruise you will pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. And nearby, in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum to see the impressive collection of historical self-playing instruments.