We pick some key spots on this European river ideal for tourists and relaxed travellers
Ideal for idealists and romantics amongst us, the River Rhine is one of Europe’s most written-about and celebrated rivers. Finding its origins in the mountains of Switzerland, and passing through France, Germany and Holland before discharging into the Atlantic Ocean, it is also one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations.
There are numerous Rhine river cruises available from the UK’s most trusted cruise providers such as avaloncruises.co.uk, catering to couples, singles, families or elder travelers.
Whether you decide to cruise the whole river or specify one particular area, indulge your imagination with us as we highlight some of the Rhine’s finest stop-overs.
1. Loreley Rock
A stunning granite edifice which has mythic credentials – said to belong to a siren named Loreley who would bewitch sailors from her rock and bring them crashing onto the granite. With reefs and a few rapids, it truly is an exciting part of the stretch- the narrowest part of the Rhine between Germany and Switzerland. It’s also an excellent point for a little wine tour, as the neighbouring area was also under Loreley’s spell, producing the famous Riesling that the Rhine is now so celebrated for.
2. Mainz
A delightful ancient city which has an equal love for history and intellectualism as it does for great wine and good times. A sizeable stop on your Rhine tour, Mainz is bursting with incredible architecture and cathedrals, as well as excellent taverns. Wiesbaden, the capital of Hesse, is not too far away and makes a lovely quieter break for those who want a little breather.
3. Koblenz
A 2,000 year-old town founded by the Romans, at the meeting point of four hills and two rivers. A stunning place to take in the majesty and dense history of the Rhineland, with a medieval, story-book charm amongst its steeples, cobbled lanes and glimpses of the river.
