The Rhine river originates in the alpine mountains of Switzerland and flows in a general Northern direction to the North Sea. Though the Rhine river is by far not the longest river in Europe it is probably one of the most important considering its significant role in European history and its role as the most important inland waterway of Europe. During its journey to the North Sea, the Rhine river crosses parts of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, France, Germany and finally the Netherlands.

A river cruise on the Rhine river takes you to different landscapes, valleys, cities and towns all with a distinct historical heritage. Learning some of the stories and tales associated with the Rhine river helps in understanding the complexities of European history. The famous Song of the Nibelung, the quintessential German epic poem of medieval times takes place partly at the Rhine river and while crossing the Loreley gorge you will enjoy the breath-taking view to this pictoresque German landscape.

There are many attractions alongside the Rhine river. All to be enjoyed easily and without any hassles from board of your Rhine river cruise ship.

First, the very river itself. The Rhine river is Europe's most important inland waterway. Thus ship traffic on the Rhine river is heavy even today and you will enjoy looking on the many different cargo ships, from modern container cargo ships to old-fashioned bulk cargo ships. A Rhine river cruise is without any question a pleasure for all ship-lovers.

Second, some of the landscapes along the Rhine river are among the most amazing in Europe. The Upper Rhine valley is a broad valley between the Black Forest of Germany (the home of the coccoo clock) and the Vosges in France. The Middle Rhine between Rüdesheim and Bonn is the heart of every Rhine river cruise. It is this landscape which formed the background of the romantics about the Rhine river. A narrow gorge flanked by steep and sometimes rocky slopes with the Loreley rock as the most famous outpost makes for amazing views. The many centuries-old castles along the Rhine river give testimony of the embattled history of this European region. The many hills and walls along the Middle Rhine alone host about seventy castles all with their distinct history. The Rhine river crosses many famous and traditional wine regions of Europe. Indeed the heart of the German wine-making tradition is associated with the Rhine river. The Lower Rhine, now a broad and mighty river, flows through the low lands of the Netherlands gained and secured from the ocean by a century-long battle with its many dams, channels and dikes.

Third, the cities along the Rhine open a window to European history as far back as to the ancient Roman times. The list of famous, story-rich cities along the Rhine is almost never ending. Basel in Switzerland, Mulhousen and Strassbourg in France, Koblenz, Mainz and Köln in Germany, the famous cities of the Netherlands like Amsterdam. These are just a few of the cities you will be able to explore during a Rhine river course. In addition, many river cruise organizers offer short excursions to more cities and treasures around the Rhine river like the famous Heidelberg in Germany or even Antwerp in Belgium.

As with other river cruises in Europe there is a wide variety of available travel packages from different cruise organizers. Again, it is possible to chose between short river excursions centered around one city or landscape (for example the Loreley) and longer river cruises (up to about ten to fifteen days) covering the whole Rhine river. Hence, the prizes vary. A complete Rhine river cruise costs about USD 2000 to USD 3000 depending on the time and the category level of the accommodation. There are even longer option available linking the Rhine river with the Danube river (using the Rhine-Main-Danube channel). In principle you can even travel from the Netherlands to the Black Sea traversing the whole continental Europe during one long voyage.