Must-See Sights from a CroisiEurope Rhine Cruise
The Rhine is one of the most scenically loaded rivers in the world the concentration of castles, cathedral cities, UNESCO landscapes, and wine culture per kilometre of sailing is extraordinary. Here is the definitive guide to what no Australian traveller should miss on a CroisiEurope Rhine cruise.
Must-See from the Ship
The Middle Rhine Gorge
The 65 km UNESCO World Heritage stretch between Bingen and Koblenz is the centrepiece of every Rhine cruise. More than 40 medieval castles appear in sequence Marksburg (the only Rhine valley castle never destroyed or heavily altered), Rheinfels (the largest castle ruin in the Middle Rhine), Katz and Maus ('Cat' and 'Mouse' castles, built by rival noble families to control the river toll), and Schönburg (now an atmospheric hotel).
The Lorelei Rock the 132-metre slate cliff where, in legend, a siren lured Rhine sailors to their deaths rises at the gorge's narrowest point. The ship slows. The captain announces it. The correct response is to be on the sun deck with a Riesling.
The Rhine at Night (Cologne)
Cologne Cathedral, illuminated against the night sky, viewed from the ship moored below one of the most powerful urban images on any European river cruise. If your ship overnights in Cologne, an evening walk to the cathedral forecourt and back along the Rhine promenade is the perfect post-dinner activity.
Tulip Fields (Netherlands, April May)
On spring Rhine departures, the sailing through the Dutch tulip fields flat landscapes of red, yellow, and purple stretching to the horizon on both banks is unlike anything else in European river travel. The best conditions are mid-April. The Keukenhof Gardens (7 million bulbs) are accessible by excursion from the Amsterdam port.
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Must-See Ashore
Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
Non-negotiable. The largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe, the most visited monument in Germany, and one of the genuinely overwhelming architectural experiences in the world. Enter and look up. The nave 43 metres high, 86 metres long is one of the great interior spaces of European Christianity. The Shrine of the Three Kings is in the high choir. The Gerhard Richter window (2007) is in the south transept.
Strasbourg's Grande Île and Petite France
The UNESCO World Heritage old town is small enough to walk entirely in two hours but complex enough to reward full days of exploration. The Cathedral astronomical clock (programmed in 1574, still functioning) strikes at 12:30pm arrive early for the best position. Petite France the former tanners' district with its canal reflections, geranium window boxes, and half-timbered maisons is the most photographed area in Alsace.
Rüdesheim Wine Tasting and the Gorge Viewpoint
Rüdesheim's cable car to the Niederwald Monument provides the best elevated view of the Rhine Gorge from directly above the vineyards, looking down on the river and the castle-crowned hillsides. The tasting room at the cable car's base (or at the Drosselgasse wine lane) provides regional Riesling to accompany the view.
Keukenhof Gardens (Spring Only)
The world's largest flower garden, open from late March to mid-May. 7 million tulip, hyacinth, daffodil, and narcissus bulbs flowering simultaneously across 79 hectares. In peak week (mid-April), this is one of the most spectacular horticultural experiences in the world. Book this excursion immediately on boarding it sells out on every spring Rhine departure.
Enquire with CroisiEurope Australia
For bookings, brochures, or any questions about CroisiEurope itineraries, contact our dedicated Australian team.
Phone: 1300 739 652 | Email: contact@croisicruises.com
Website: www.croisieuroperivercruises.com.au | Tweet World Travel, 544 Magill Road, Magill SA 5072
2027 departures are open for booking now.
