Rhine River Tour: Castles and Wine in Germany

From USD4,169

Discover castles and wine on our 9-day Rhine River Tour. Enjoy seamless rail travel through Germany’s enchanting landscapes. Book your adventure today!

Trip Type

Self Guided
Activities

Castles, Culture, Gastronomy, Scenery, Wine
Group Size

2 Min - No size limit
Reviews

0 Reviews
Locations

Europe , Germany , Netherlands , Switzerland
Trip Duration

12 Day(s) 11 Night(s)

Trip Enquiry

Trip code WT-CODE 4876

Rhine River Tour: Castles and Wine in Germany

Discover the Romantic Rhine Valley by Rail

Follow the legendary Rhine River on this 9 or optionally 12-day luxury rail tour through cities and fairytale landscapes with our Rhine River Tour. From the charming canals of Amsterdam to the vibrant cathedral cities of Cologne and Koblenz, incredible Frankfurt, and beyond, you’ll experience the region’s rich history, wine culture, and storybook scenery.

Imagine waking up in Amsterdam and exploring its canal ring by bike before an afternoon train whisks you into the Dutch countryside toward medieval Arnhem. Walk through ancient Roman ruins in Cologne and ascend to the famous cathedral’s roof for panoramic views. In mighty Frankfurt, experience the duality of storybook towns and a thriving modern metropolis.

While your journey unfolds effortlessly along the Rhine’s historic routes by comfortable rail, we’ll handle all the details from your perfectly located hotels to timed journeys. You can focus solely on being present and immersed in the moment.

For those craving even more, extend your journey to the scenic Swiss city of Basel, sampling local Rhine wines and cheeses enroute through romantic Rhine Gorge villages. No matter which path you choose, get ready to be swept away by the Rhine’s storybook scenery and “Gemütlichkeit” spirit.

What your itinerary will look like:

Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam
Day 2: Explore Amsterdam
Day 3: Travel to Arnhem
Day 4: Journey to Cologne
Day 5: Cologne Sights
Day 6: Travel to Koblenz
Day 7: Onward to Frankfurt
Day 8: Sights of Frankfurt
Day 9: Another Day in Frankfurt

OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO BASEL:

Itinerary with Flexible Activities: You can follow our recommended itinerary to experience the highlights of each destination, or customize it to suit your personal preferences.

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrive in Amsterdam

Welcome to the Netherlands! Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Get oriented by joining an evening canal cruise to see Amsterdam's iconic bridges, merchant houses, and leaning gabled buildings from the water. [Night in Amsterdam]

Day 2

Explore Amsterdam

Devote today to experiencing the highlights of Amsterdam. Visit world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House. Wander through charming neighborhoods like the Jordaan and see lively Dam Square and Leidseplein. [Night in Amsterdam]

Day 3

Travel to Arnhem

After breakfast, depart Amsterdam and take the train to Arnhem. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon visiting the Airborne Museum and learning about the Battle of Arnhem in WWII. You could also stroll through the lush Sonsbeek Park. [Night in Arnhem]

Day 4

Journey to Cologne

Leave Arnhem and cross into Germany to the city of Cologne. After hotel check-in, begin exploring by visiting the iconic Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), whose towering twin spires overlook the Rhine River. Wander through the Old Town's narrow alleyways. [Night in Cologne]

Day 5

Cologne Sights

With a full day in Cologne, you can experience more of its top attractions like the Romano-Germanic Museum showcasing an incredible array of Roman artifacts. You could also take a cruise along the Rhine, stroll through the Belgian Quarter, or visit the NS Documentation Center. [Night in Cologne]

Day 6

Travel to Koblenz

Depart Cologne and take the train further south along the romantic Rhine River valley to the town of Koblenz. Upon arrival, visit the Deutsches Eck monument where the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge. Wander through Koblenz's picturesque Altstadt (Old Town). [Night in Koblenz]

Day 7

Onward to Frankfurt

Leave Koblenz after breakfast and continue by train to Frankfurt. After hotel check-in, explore the historic Römer square and Half-Timbered houses of the Old Town. You could also stroll along the Main River or visit the towering Main Tower for panoramic city views. [Night in Frankfurt]

Day 8

Sights of Frankfurt

Today, experience more of Frankfurt's major attractions like the Gothic St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, the lively Sachsenhausen district, and the excellent museums including the Städel art museum. Frankfurt also makes a great base for side trips to places like Heidelberg. [Night in Frankfurt]

Day 9

Another Day in Frankfurt

With one more full day in Frankfurt, you can visit any sights you missed, go shopping along the city's main retail corridors, or take a relaxing walk or bike ride along the Main River greenbelt. You could also take a day trip to nearby Wiesbaden or Mainz. [Night in Frankfurt]

Day 10

Travel to Basel

After breakfast, depart Frankfurt and take the train into Switzerland to the city of Basel, situated along the Rhine River. After checking into your hotel, get oriented by visiting Basel's historic Old Town and seeing the bright red Rathaus (Town Hall). [Night in Basel]

Day 11

Explore Basel

With a full day in Basel, you can visit cultural highlights like the Kunstmuseum Basel art museum and the unique Basler Papiermühle (Paper Mill Museum). Walk across the Mittlere Brücke bridge for great views, or take a ferry cruise along the Rhine. [Night in Basel]

Day 12

Depart Basel

Enjoy any last sights or activities in Basel on your final morning before departing Switzerland. You could pick up some classic Swiss chocolates or watches as souvenirs.

Your rail adventure and hotel package includes:

Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey.

First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating.

4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience.

Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options.

Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Your rail adventure and hotel package does not include:

International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights.

Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs.

Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility.

Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.

Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered.

Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion.

Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included.

Important Notes

Customs Fees and Duties: Any – if applicable - customs fees or duties for goods purchased while traveling are the responsibility of the traveler.

Extra Nights: Any additional hotel nights or early check-ins and late check-outs outside the scheduled itinerary will incur extra charges.

Visa and Passport Fees: Guests are responsible for securing their own visas and any associated costs. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. Please arrange this separately, as it is not included in the package.