Jewels of the Rhine from Basel, 7 September 2026 (7 nights)

A stunning Swiss city sitting on the Rhine, and the borders of both France and Germany, Basel is truly unlike anywhere else in the world. Considered the cultural capital of Switzerland, this city boasts a charming historic centre, a dynamic modern art scene with museums of all kinds to enjoy, a culinary landscape you’ll want to spend time exploring, and a lively atmosphere fostered by the confluence of Swiss, German, and French cultures. It’s somewhere where tradition is held in high regard, but innovation is encouraged. No matter what type of traveller you are, you’ll find something to enjoy in Basel; and, when you leave, you’ll have fond memories of your time here. For those looking for an unrivalled view of the surrounding scenery, a trip up one of the towers on Basel Cathedral is a must; or, for the best views along the river itself, a stroll over Mittlere Brücke is not to be missed. Beyond that, a plethora of incredible cultural experiences await – whether you’re spending time exploring the Kuntsmuseum Basel, checking out Basel Zoo, or even spending some time soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the local cuisine in one of the riverside buvettes.

A charming German town situated along the Rhine, which is just a bridge away from France, Breisach is a picturesque place with a skyline dominated by Breisacher Stephanmunster – a 13th-century Romanesque Gothic cathedral towering over this region bordering the Black Forest. Home to one of Europe’s largest wine cellars, this is an ideal destination for anyone interested in the wineries and vineyards found throughout the Rhine Valley; you’re certain to find a scenic spot to sip on something delicious when in Breisach, anyway, even if the winemaking process doesn’t interest you as much as the final product. Interestingly, much like other towns and cities along parts of the Rhine which act as a border to France, Breisach also spent some time as a French territory – having been given to France during the Peace of Westphalia in 1684, before being annexed back to the Grand Duchy of Baden in 1805. This, and its continued close proximity to parts of France – Volgelsheim and the unique fortified town of Neuf-Brisach to be specific – have afforded Breisach a unique culture and cuisine. So, when you’re not enjoying a scenic riverside stroll or venturing further afield to appreciate the vibrant valleys surrounding this town, you can expect an incredible culinary experience here. Somewhere offering travellers a slower-paced shore experience, this destination is a refreshing example of authentic life on the Rhine and somewhere where everyone will find something they enjoy.

Sitting just across the Rhine from the French city of Strasbourg, Kehl is a charming German town boasting modern amenities, plenty of idyllic places to take a stroll, and more than enough authentic cafes and restaurants for you to enjoy when you arrive. With fewer than 40,000 residents, Kehl will never feel busy; but, as a small city surrounded by beautiful landscapes littered with branching waterways from the Rhine, there’s still a buzz about this place. It’s something of a hidden gem along the river Rhine, and somewhere where you won’t need to worry too much about tourist traps and the pressure of ticking major landmarks off your sightseeing travel wish list. However, its location on the French-German border has afforded it a rather interesting history – it’s spent time as a French territory more than once over the centuries, with it technically being a suburb of Strasbourg as late as 1953!

Sitting across the Rhine from the German town of Kehl, Strasbourg is an eclectic French city with an intriguing history, a unique culture that bridges this region’s past and present, and a significant role in modern international relations; it’s one of the de facto capitals of the European Union alongside Brussels, Luxembourg City, and Frankfurt. Right on the border between France and Germany, Strasbourg encapsulates everything great about the region on either side of the Rhine, boasting a charming old town full of half-timbered buildings and interesting historical monuments alongside a progressive modernity that will ensure everyone visiting will find something to their liking. If you’re a fan of unique museums, you’ll find an abundance of them among the interesting sites littering this city; the engaging Museum of Seismology and Earth Magnetism sits in the Jardin du Palais Universitaire (University Palace Garden), which is just a stone’s throw from an incredible Planetarium and not far from the picturesque Parc de L’Orangerie. You’ll also find plenty of museums and galleries dedicated to both modern and fine art alongside an abundance of restaurants and cafes giving you the chance to sample the unique blend of French and German cuisines found here. It might be just a bridge away from Kehl, but Strasbourg is a striking city unlike any other; with an addictive lively atmosphere, yet ample opportunity to take a laid-back approach to your visit, this is one destination you’ll want to return to – time, and time, again.

A historic city on the banks of the Rhine and Moselle, Koblenz is one of the oldest settlements in Germany and set against a dramatic backdrop of vibrant forest-covered mountains and sweeping vineyards; so, at the very least, you’ll enjoy some breathtaking views when you arrive. However, that’s far from the only thing to look forward to in this fantastic destination. At the convergence of the two rivers you’ll find the famous Deutsches Eck (German Corner), an iconic symbol of the Unification of Germany, and along their banks you’ll find countless scenic spots to sip on local wine, alleyways leading to hidden boutiques and quaint restaurants alongside a wealth of historic landmarks to explore. In the area around Koblenz, you’ll find even more impressive castles to visit, rewarding hiking routes to adventure along, and breathtaking views of the Rhineland waiting. A modern metropolis that balances traditional, authentic experiences with the comforts of contemporary life and indulgent cuisines, Koblenz is easily a highlight on any cruise through Germany and Central Europe.

A charming, inspiring German city sitting on the Rhine river, Cologne is a culture-rich cruise destination boasting an inviting, lively atmosphere, a host of modern attractions and activities, impressive historic landmarks, and a culinary experience you’ll want to spend some time savouring. If you’re looking to take a trip ashore with some medieval flair, Cologne’s remarkable Old Town is bound to charm you with its winding cobblestone streets, picturesque squares tucked away from the hustle and bustle, and abundance of authentic cafes, restaurants, bars, and breweries. When here, you’ll find yourself in the shadows of the breathtaking Cologne Cathedral – the tallest cathedral in the world and this city’s most iconic landmark. Don’t worry, though, you’re not going to be limited to an experience inspired by the Middle Ages when you’re in Cologne; the reformed and rebuilt Rheinauhafen district is a highlight of the modern delights throughout the city and a focal point for state-of-the-art architecture. Once an important harbour on the river, you’ll find a variety of interesting historic structures and sites here; however, you’ll also find unique museums, stylish cafes, some of the finest restaurants in the city, and fantastic views along the Rhine. A city of contrasts, with both the historic and modern charms of Cologne equally exciting, there’s one universal truth when it comes to visiting this remarkable city: you’re going to have a fantastic time, whatever you decide to do when you’re ashore.

A major German city with a rich history, charming culture, impressive landmarks, and contrasting experiences that will suit every type of traveller, Düsseldorf is easily one of the most exciting destinations you can visit when you’re cruising along the winding Rhine River. Boasting a remarkable historic city centre with more than enough museums to visit, this is a dream for history buffs. Similarly, though, culture vultures will also find an incredible variety of experiences to explore – with world-class architecture to admire, art exhibitions to attend, and so much more. You’ll also find an impressive culinary scene in Düsseldorf; while there will be plenty of places to enjoy traditional German foods and beverages, this city is also home to Europe’s third-largest Japanese community. So, if you want to sample something a little more exotic, a trip to the vibrant Little Tokyo is in order. This cultural hotspot is complemented by Japanese gardens in Düsseldorf’s expansive Nord Park, which is just one of the charming green-spaces worth spending some time wandering through when the sun is shining. If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors, Düsseldorf has several major parks and scenic riverside routes, and you’ll find even more idyllic landscapes to admire further afield. Although, with just so much to explore and enjoy in Düsseldorf itself, you may want to save that for your next visit to this remarkable city.

Wander along picturesque canals, explore world-class museums, and enjoy the vibrant culture of this iconic Dutch city.