France and Germany River Cruises
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10 best river cruises through France and Germany
Compiled by

NinaFrance and Germany travel expert at TourRadar
- Castles along the Rhine (2026) (Amsterdam to Basel, 2026)
- Trans-European cruise from Budapest to Strasbourg (port-to-port cruise) (17 destinations)
- Jewels of the Rhine 2024|2025 - 8 Days
- Castles along the Rhine (2026) (Basel to Amsterdam, 2026)
- From Amsterdam to Basel: The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River (port-to-port cruise)
- Jewels of the Rhine 2025 - 8 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
- Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Northbound) 2025
- Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne for Wine Lovers (Northbound) 2025
- Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Northbound) 2025
- Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2026
The S.S. Antoinette sails between France and Germany, showcasing Strasbourg's historic district and Alsace's wine route. The voyage highlights dual cultural heritage through architecture, cuisine, and wine traditions along the Rhine's scenic waters.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,399
5% Off- NZ$6,079You save $320
Trans-European cruise from Budapest to Strasbourg (port-to-port cruise) (17 destinations)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. Excellent value for money!”
Gabrielle, traveled in October
MS Douce France takes you from Germany to France, featuring Frankfurt's Main Tower before concluding in Strasbourg. French cuisine, unlimited beverages, and entertainment complement visits to historic Rhine ports.
Duration 13 days Destinations Hungary, Austria, Germany, France Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
5% Off- NZ$4,259
Premium Emerald vessels link France and Germany. The route features Strasbourg's UNESCO-listed Old Town, Black Forest delicacies in Freiburg, and Heidelberg Castle, with luxury suite accommodations through wine regions.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From
5% Off- NZ$11,876
The French-German Rhine comes alive aboard S.S. Elisabeth, showcasing Alsatian culture in Strasbourg and German heritage in Cologne. Luxury river cruising includes fine dining, premium beverages, and expert-guided tours of medieval towns and wine regions.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,899
10% Off- NZ$6,209You save $690
From Amsterdam to Basel: The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River (port-to-port cruise)
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The cabins were clean, beds were comfortable. It was nice to be able to open the window and breath in fresh air along the Rhine.”
Janice, traveled in June
MS Symphonie connects France and Germany, showcasing Strasbourg's cathedral and Colmar's Unterlinden Museum. The route includes Mainz's historic center and Cologne's Gothic architecture, with French cuisine and included drinks.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
10% Off- NZ$3,473
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $12,867
63% Off- NZ$4,782You save $8,085
Duration 10 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
63% Off- NZ$8,125
Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne for Wine Lovers (Northbound) 2025
1 Review by TourRadar travelersAvalon View showcases France and Germany's Rhine treasures. La Petite France in Strasbourg, Heidelberg Castle, and Rhine Gorge's medieval fortresses capture attention. Wine tastings in Alsace and panoramic views from luxury Panorama Suites create lasting memories.
Duration 10 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
63% Off- NZ$7,629
Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne (Northbound) 2025
1 Review by TourRadar travelersDuration 10 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
63% Off- NZ$8,125
Avalon's luxury ship reveals France and Germany's Rhine region. La Petite France in Strasbourg, Black Forest villages, and Heidelberg Castle lead to Cologne's Gothic cathedral while regional wines flow freely.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
63% Off- NZ$6,110
What people love about River Cruise Tours in France and Germany
- Trans-European cruise from Strasbourg to Budapest (port-to-port cruise) (17 destinations)
Lovely, the best way to travel. It is like a tour except that your hotel is following you. Much better then being in a bus tour
- Classical Rhine Cruise (Basel - Amsterdam) (10 destinations)
Wonderful trip packed full of many beautiful villages and towns. Only complaint is it was difficult finding the boat in Basel because of 4 different pontoons and no indication as to which one.
- Trans-European cruise from Budapest to Strasbourg (port-to-port cruise) (17 destinations)
Great staff, great food and drinks
What our customers ask about France and Germany River Cruises
What are the best times of year to take a France and Germany river cruise?
River cruises between France and Germany operate best from April through September. Spring brings flowering tulips to Amsterdam and budding vineyards in Bad-Dürkheim while summer temperatures average 75°F making it ideal for outdoor exploration. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September offer fewer crowds but equally pleasant conditions. A TourRadar traveler shared about their Emerald Cruises experience: "The July weather was perfect for exploring the charming villages and enjoying the Sun Deck views of castles along the Rhine Gorge."
What are the most scenic stretches along France and Germany river cruises?
The Rhine Gorge stands out as the route's centerpiece with 40 castles dotting a 40-mile stretch between Koblenz and Rüdesheim. The Moselle Valley presents rolling vineyard slopes and towns like Cochem while the Alsace region near Strasbourg offers views of the Black Forest and Vosges Mountains. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The Rhine Gorge was absolutely breathtaking - we spent hours on deck photographing castles and listening to the commentary about each one."
How does the dining experience differ between France and Germany river cruise sections?
Each region's culinary identity shapes onboard dining. German sections feature local beer tastings in Cologne and traditional Black Forest cakes in Breisach. French portions showcase regional wines from Beaune and Provençal specialties. Ships like AmaWaterways offer specialty dining venues such as The Chef's Table. A TourRadar guest observed: "The food was exceptional - we loved how the menu changed to reflect each region from hearty German dishes to refined French cuisine."
What are the typical cabin options on France and Germany river cruise ships?
Ships like Emerald Dawn and AmaViola provide varied accommodation choices. Standard options include Panorama Suites (200+ square feet) with floor-to-ceiling windows Owner's Suites with separate living spaces and Staterooms with fixed windows. The AmaCerto's Panorama Suites measure 30% larger than typical river cruise cabins featuring premium bedding and marble bathrooms. A TourRadar guest noted: "Our Panorama Suite was incredibly spacious with stunning views through the wall-to-wall windows and the bathroom amenities were top-notch."
What are the main differences between Rhine and Rhône river cruise itineraries?
Rhine cruises focus on medieval heritage Germanic culture and wine regions through cities like Cologne Koblenz and Heidelberg. Rhône journeys highlight French culture Roman architecture and Provençal landscapes stopping at Lyon Avignon and Arles. A TourRadar traveler explained: "The contrast between the two rivers was fascinating - from the fairy-tale castles of the Rhine to the Roman amphitheaters along the Rhône each day brought new discoveries."
Which cities serve as the main embarkation points for France and Germany river cruises?
Amsterdam and Basel serve as primary departure points for Rhine cruises while Lyon anchors Rhône itineraries. Nice and Marseille connect the Rhine and Rhône segments. Ships like Emerald Dawn start from Amsterdam and Emerald Liberté operates Rhône routes. Quality hotels such as InterContinental Amsterdam offer pre-cruise stays. According to a TourRadar guest: "Starting in Amsterdam was perfect - we had time to explore the canals before embarking on our Rhine journey."
What shore excursions are typically included on France and Germany river cruises?
Most cruise fares cover guided tours at each port. Standard offerings include visits to Cologne Cathedral Heidelberg Castle and Strasbourg's historic center. Active options range from Dutch countryside bike rides to Black Forest hikes. Emerald Cruises' EmeraldACTIVE program features guided walks from Mount Königstuhl and Rhine-side cycling tours. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "The included excursions were excellent - especially loved the guided bike tour through Breisach and wine tasting in the Black Forest."