What We Love
Wine and Food: Snack on German sausages or sample French Alsatian dishes like “choucroute garnie,” a huge platter of meats, sauerkraut, and potatoes. Wash it down with a Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) or a crisp Riesling.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cologne Cathedral, Strasbourg's historic center, Speyer Cathedral, the windmills of Kinderdijk, and Amsterdam's canal ring will thrill culture vultures.
Best Known For
The Romantic Rhine Valley: The gorgeous stretch between Rüdesheim and Koblenz offer a UNESCO-designated parade of castles, small towns, and picture-perfect vineyards lining steep hillsides.
Christmas Markets: Special cruises visit holiday markets filled with crafts, food, and wine. We especially like those in Cologne, Rüdesheim, and Strasbourg.
Best Ports
Strasbourg: Visit the Gothic cathedral to see its performing astronomical clock (full show at 12:30 pm) and take in spectacular views from its platform. Then sample local gingerbread and circle the Old Town island on a sightseeing boat.
Cologne: Another spectacular Gothic cathedral awaits here, but there's also an underground archaeological museum, plus dockside cafés and shops.
Rüdesheim: Stroll the narrow streets of the Drosselgasse district, packed with half-timbered buildings decked in vines. History buffs will want to visit the 10th-century Brömserburg Castle.
Amsterdam: Wander the canals on foot or by boat, marvel at the Rijksmuseum's Rembrandts, queue up for the Anne Frank House, explore the street market along Albert Cuypstraat (closed Sundays), or shop the Jordaan district, full of galleries, restaurants, and shops.
Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
It's Not All Picturesque: Some stretches of the Rhine are more industrial than romantic.
