Rhine
Together with the Danube, the Rhine was the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire and was then an important commercial waterway. It has remained so throughout history and is now the busiest river in Europe. It is also one of the longest rivers in the world – 766 miles (1232km). It has a dual source in Switzerland – Vorderrhein (or Anterior Rhine) from Lake Toma and Hinterrhein (or Posterior Rhine) from the Paradies Glacier near the Rheinwaldhorn. From Switzerland, it flows through Liechtenstein and into Austria as the Alpenhein (or Alpine Rhine). This section of the river empties into lake Constance and through the Rhine Falls (the second largest waterfall in Europe), after which it is swollen to double its previous size by the River Aar. It continues into Germany and is joined by such major tributaries as the Main and Moselle. The Middle Rhine flows through the Rhine Gorge – a UNESCO world heritage site, noted for its beautiful castles, picturesque towns and vineyards. The Lower Rhine passes through a number of important cities including Cologne, Dusseldorf and the Ruhr area – the largest conurbation in Germany.
The Rhine turns west into the Netherlands and splits into three – the Waal, Nederrjin and Ijssel. It eventually merges with two more rivers to form the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta emptying at various points into the North Sea. Canals connect the Rhine with cities and waterways across Europe. The Rhine was of major strategic importance to the Romans who stationed garrisons along its banks. The river was throughout history a natural border between countries and remains so today. It is also a river that is surrounded by legend, an inspiration to writers and composers – most notably, perhaps, Wagner’s Das Rheingold in the Ring Cycle. It is still hauntingly beautiful with fairy-tale castles, picturesque medieval towns and ancient vineyards lining its banks.
Four River Odyssey
A cruise through the enchanting valleys of the Neckar, Rhine, Moselle & Saar Rivers aboard the MS Elbe Princesse II
Elbe Princesse II
Itinerary at a glance
- Eberbach / Neckar River Cruising / Heidelberg / Rudesheim / Koblenz / Cochem / Bernkastel / Trier / Saarbrucken
Four River Odyssey
A cruise through the enchanting valleys of the Neckar, Rhine, Moselle & Saar Rivers aboard the MS Elbe Princesse II
Elbe Princesse II
Itinerary at a glance
- Eberbach / Neckar River Cruising / Heidelberg / Rudesheim / Koblenz / Cochem / Bernkastel / Trier / Saarbrucken
Across Europe by River
An epic river journey along the Rhine, Main & Danube aboard the MS River Crown with highlight performances by London Festival Opera
River Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Amsterdam / Rotterdam / Cologne / Koblenz / Rudesheim / Mainz / Miltenberg / Wurzburg / Bamberg / Nuremberg / Regensburg / Passau / Melk / Wachau Valley / Vienna / Bratislava / Budapest / Kalocsa / Pecs / Villany / Belgrade / Iron Gates / Veliko Tarnovo / Giurgiu
Three River Odyssey
A river journey between Budapest & Basle aboard the MS River Crown
River Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Budapest / Bratislava / Vienna / Wachau Valley / Melk / Passau / Regensburg / Nuremberg / Bamberg / Wurzburg / Miltenberg / Heidelberg / Strasbourg / Colmar / Basle
Roses of the Rhine
A passage along the Rhine celebrating the region's splendid gardens aboard the MS River Crown with Guest Speaker Rosemary Legrand
River Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Basle / Breisach / Strasbourg / Baden-Baden / Speyer / Heidelberg / Mainz / Eltville / Rudesheim / Rhine Gorge / Koblenz / Bonn / Cologne / Arnhem / Rotterdam / Amsterdam
Across Europe by River
An epic river journey along the Rhine, Main & Danube aboard the MS River Crown with highlight performances by London Festival Opera
River Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Amsterdam / Rotterdam / Cologne / Koblenz / Rudesheim / Mainz / Miltenberg / Wurzburg / Bamberg / Nuremberg / Regensburg / Passau / Melk / Wachau Valley / Vienna / Bratislava / Budapest / Kalocsa / Pecs / Villany / Belgrade / Iron Gates / Veliko Tarnovo / Giurgiu
Tour at a glance
Tour Name | Departure Date | Ship | Tour Type | Itinerary |
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Four River Odyssey | 2727 JuneJun 2025 | Elbe Princesse II | River Cruising |
Itinerary at a glance
Eberbach / Neckar River Cruising / Heidelberg / Rudesheim / Koblenz / Cochem / Bernkastel / Trier / Saarbrucken
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Four River Odyssey | 2020 SeptemberSep 2025 | Elbe Princesse II | River Cruising |
Itinerary at a glance
Eberbach / Neckar River Cruising / Heidelberg / Rudesheim / Koblenz / Cochem / Bernkastel / Trier / Saarbrucken
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Across Europe by River | 707 MayMay 2026 | River Crown | River Cruising |
Itinerary at a glance
Amsterdam / Rotterdam / Cologne / Koblenz / Rudesheim / Mainz / Miltenberg / Wurzburg / Bamberg / Nuremberg / Regensburg / Passau / Melk / Wachau Valley / Vienna / Bratislava / Budapest / Kalocsa / Pecs / Villany / Belgrade / Iron Gates / Veliko Tarnovo / Giurgiu
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Three River Odyssey | 1717 JuneJun 2026 | River Crown | River Cruising |
Itinerary at a glance
Budapest / Bratislava / Vienna / Wachau Valley / Melk / Passau / Regensburg / Nuremberg / Bamberg / Wurzburg / Miltenberg / Heidelberg / Strasbourg / Colmar / Basle
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Roses of the Rhine | 101 JulyJul 2026 | River Crown | River Cruising |
Itinerary at a glance
Basle / Breisach / Strasbourg / Baden-Baden / Speyer / Heidelberg / Mainz / Eltville / Rudesheim / Rhine Gorge / Koblenz / Bonn / Cologne / Arnhem / Rotterdam / Amsterdam
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Across Europe by River | 101 SeptemberSep 2026 | River Crown | River Cruising |
Itinerary at a glance
Amsterdam / Rotterdam / Cologne / Koblenz / Rudesheim / Mainz / Miltenberg / Wurzburg / Bamberg / Nuremberg / Regensburg / Passau / Melk / Wachau Valley / Vienna / Bratislava / Budapest / Kalocsa / Pecs / Villany / Belgrade / Iron Gates / Veliko Tarnovo / Giurgiu
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