The Romantic Rhine River

Old Father Rhine, as it is often referred to by the Germans, is Europe's most important waterway, flowing from its source in the Swiss Alps 1,230 kilometers to its mouth,the North Sea.  

For centuries, the Rhine has been Europe's busiest river, with some of the heaviest commercial shipping in the world, yet its beauty and history has inspired folklore tales of the Lorelei and Nibelung, as well as legends surrounding the castles and fortresses. 

The Rhine is a photographer's dream for cruising, with miles of vineyard covered slopes, and fairytale-like castles to create perfect backdrops. 

Most commonly considered a German river, the Rhine flows through six countries: Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein, Germany, France and the Netherlands.

River cruisers are a tremendous opportunity to travel across a continent while only unpacking once. On its journey from the Swiss Alps to its mouth in Germany, between Bingen and Bonn, the Middle Rhine flows through the most beautiful and dramatic Rhine Gorge. This stretch of the river is known as the "Romantic Rhine," a World Heritage Site featuring more than 40 castles and fortresses dating back to the Middle Ages. The most popular section of the Rhine is between Cologne and Mainz. Cologne is a popular stop on river cruise itineraries of the Rhine.

Who would enjoy a Rhine River Cruise? Romantics, wine lovers, photographers, history buffs, epicureans. While its appeal to food and wine connoisseurs is clear, anyone with an appreciation for natural scenic beauty combined with cultural attractions like oom-pah bands and distinctive local fare will enjoy soaking in all the Rhine has to offer. Couples and multigenerational travelers will find plenty of attractions making a Rhineland cruise fun for everyone.