In this episode of our travel podcast, I share the details of a Rhine River cruise I took with my husband, Guy. We explored charming riverside towns from Basel to Cologne, indulged in delicious food and wine, and delved into the rich history of this fascinating river.

We began our journey by flying from London to Basel, where we eagerly anticipated our first cruise. Initially, I thought cruising was something only my parents would enjoy, but as I’ve grown older, the idea of unpacking just once and comfortably visiting numerous European destinations has become quite appealing.

Upon arriving in Basel, we left our bags on the ship and took a stroll through the quiet town, as it was a public holiday. We admired the medieval town hall with its red facade and clock, and explored the courtyard filled with classical frescoes. We then wandered through the old quarter, enjoyed coffee and cake near the Museum der Kulturen, and marveled at the Cathedral’s cloisters and the wildflower garden.

Back on the Amadeus Princess, we settled into our cabin, which featured ample storage and floor-to-ceiling windows that created a balcony effect. After a safety briefing, we attended the Captain’s welcome reception with a champagne cocktail before dinner.

Our first stop was Strasbourg, where we took a guided tour of the city. Strasbourg, located on the border of France and Germany, has a history of changing hands between the two countries, which has fostered a strong pro-peace sentiment among its residents. We visited the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights, and saw the “Mother Alsace” statue, commemorating the region’s turbulent past.

In the historic center, we admired the Cathedral’s stained glass windows and took a boat tour through Petite France, enjoying an audio commentary about the city’s old buildings. After lunch on the ship, we visited the Vosges Mountains and the Alsace Wine Route, where we toured Domaine Hering and tasted various wines.

The next morning, we arrived in Speyer and explored the medieval Jewish Baths and the richly decorated Lutheran church of the Holy Trinity. We also visited the massive cathedral with its crypt housing the stone coffins of German kings and emperors.

In the afternoon, we traveled to Heidelberg, known for its old university and medical school. We toured the romantic castle on the hill, explored the pedestrianized town center, and walked along the River Neckar, where a university regatta was taking place.

The following day, we visited the Rudesheim Music Museum, which houses a collection of mechanical musical instruments. We enjoyed a guided tour, listening to nostalgic tunes and exploring the narrow streets lined with inns and wine shops. We also tried the local specialty, Rudesheim coffee, made with flamed Asbach brandy, hot coffee, whipped cream, and chocolate.

As we sailed through the Middle Rhine Valley, we admired the romantic landscapes of vineyards and castles perched on rocky cliffs. We passed the Loreley cliff, known for its narrow channel and the legend of a distracting mermaid.

In Koblenz, we walked along the quay, visited the Museum of Modern Art, and enjoyed the beautiful gardens. We also saw the town’s symbol, a spitting boy fountain, and ended our tour under the town hall clock with its amusing face.

Back on the ship, we enjoyed a pirate-themed dinner and chatted with an American guest from Texas, who shared her experiences of other European river cruises. She appreciated the convenience of unpacking once and the ease of exploring new places.

Our final stop was Cologne, where we visited the impressive Cathedral and the Chocolate Museum. We learned about cacao cultivation, watched chocolate being made, and enjoyed a taste from the enormous chocolate fountain. After a ride along the river in a cycle taxi, we took the efficient train service to the airport.

Overall, our Rhine River cruise was a delightful blend of history, food, wine, and relaxation. It’s an ideal way to see a lot of different places comfortably and stress-free. I’m already looking forward to exploring more European river cruises in the future.