A Rhine River Cruise is the perfect way to visit a number of charming European cities and towns and dip into the wonderful culture of each. Cruising is such a relaxing way to holiday, drifting downstream in a comfortable vessel with like-minded people and attentive service. Plus, being able to see a number of attractive places en route means you can be sure that there’s something for everyone.
We love Rhine River Cruises here at GN Holidays, and we really think they have the best of both worlds – it’s a beautiful, picturesque river, perfect for nature lovers, and is also home to some fascinating locations to visit along the way. With this in mind, here are some of our favourite Rhine River Cruise destinations.
Koblenz
Koblenz is a historic city that sits at the point where the Rhine meets the Moselle River. In centuries gone by, it was a very important economic centre, and today we can see many of the ruins from old fortifications that were built in the Middle Ages. For those interested in history, Koblenz has an extremely rich one which is certainly worth exploring.
Even if history isn’t your thing, it’s difficult not to be impressed by the old castle of Ehrenbreitstein, which towers over the right bank of the Rhine, and Fort Konstantin, strategically located in the heart of the old city. This latter fortification now houses an interesting carnival museum – perfect for a little extra culture. There are also many old palaces, churches and marketplaces to be seen here. Make sure you also visit the Basilica of St. Castor and the beautiful Rheinanlagen Gardens!
Rüdesheim
Rüdesheim also has a rich cultural and historic background. The region is one of Germany’s most prominent wine producing areas and there are some lovely vineyards to be seen here. Wine lovers will want to take a trip to Brömserburg Castle, where the Rheingau Wine Museum has over 2,000 exhibits delving into the region’s past and cultural development.
History buffs will be delighted by the thousands of years of history they can discover, particular in Drosselgasse. This charming cobbled street is packed with buildings, restaurants, bars and shops that have done business in the same location for centuries in some cases. You can also find excellent entertainment venues and eateries here. This is a fantastic stop-off on a Rhine River Cruise as there is so much opportunity here to immerse yourself in local culture.
Bacharach
Bacharach is an immediately impressive town as it comes into view from the cruise ship, owing to the proud ancient architecture that dominates the skyline. The twelfth-century Burg Stahleck Castle is like something from a fairy-tale story overlooking the Lorelei Valley. The fortification is part of a series of hilltop castles which have earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Altes Haus is perhaps the oldest building in Bacharach, housing an ambient restaurant with deep rooted heritage that proves attractive to visitors year after year. The gothic romance of the ruins of Wernerkapelle also draws in many fascinated tourists.
Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf has a reputation as a centre of art and fashion. There are dozens of museums and countless art galleries, ruins and gardens so you’ll never be short of things to do in the city. Though it’s difficult to write up a must-see list as there are so many great attractions, the Old Town (Altstadt) is certainly a highlight, where historic buildings have been extraordinarily well-preserved. The neighbouring Ehrenhof district is also well worth a visit – you can see the domed Tonhalle concert hall constructed in 1926 as the base of the city’s orchestra, Düsseldorfer Symphoniker.
Top Tip: Düsseldorf’s Embankment Promenade is enjoyed by locals and tourists all year long as a hotspot for sightseeing and people-watching. This is a great place to take a stroll and perhaps stop at a café.
We hope we’ve been able to give you a taste of what’s waiting for you when you embark on a Rhine River Cruise with GN Holidays. When you book with a specialist in the industry, you can be confident that your getaway will be a roaring success.
Looking for something a little livelier? Take a look at our selection of party and music themed holidays!
Here at GN Holidays, we’re happy to talk about the services we offer and how you’ll benefit from making a booking with us. Our friendly and professional staff are on hand to answer enquiries and take bookings, so when you’re ready, just call on 01895 83 33 33 or visit our website to learn more.
