The Great Rhine Tour

Welcome to Amsterdam! Your Great Rhine Cruise begins here in the Netherlands’ capital. This modern city with old world charm and historic significance provides the perfect starting place for your Teeming River Cruises European tour. After settling in your cabin, which will be your floating hotel room for the duration of the cruise, a mandatory Safety and Information Briefing will begin at 6 PM. Like countless tourist before you, pose by or even climb on the iconic I amsterdam letters. Explore the 700-year-old city of Amsterdam with its maze of canals and teetering, gable-topped buildings dating back to the city’s 17^th century “Golden Age”. The centuries-old Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam is not only iconic of this bustling city but also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. At your leisure, stroll the cobbled streets, soak up some culture at one of the world-class museums (such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum or the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art), visit the Anne Frank House, take a canal cruise, experience a lively outdoor market or shop along the Nine Streets with their charming boutiques.

As one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, Nijmegen will be sure to delight!  It was once a fortified city and is full of interesting historic buildings and museums such as the Valkhof Museum, a fascinating museum with Roman antiquities and famous art pieces and once the site of a Roman camp.  The war memorials commemorate the residents of Nijmegen who were killed during World War II.  It is also home to the oldest shopping street in the Netherlands, the Lange Hezelstraat. Nijmegen is full of delights! After, please join us to raise a glass to toast our voyage at the Welcome Reception.

Dusseldorf is an engaging mix of ancient and modern, with medieval history and urban trendiness. As you take in the sites of this one-time small fishing village, you will understand why it is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s top vacation destinations. Begin your exploration on the waterfront street Rheinuferpromenade (“Rhine promenade”), which connects the historic Old Town with the MedianHafen (i.e. the modern harbor). Visit landmarks like the Rathaus (City Hall), Burgplatz, St. Lambertus Basilica, and Rheinpark. Stroll the luxurious shops along the renowned Konigsallee, Germany’s most elegant avenue. With its beautifully restored houses, bridges, and fountains; the promenade is more than just a shoppers’ paradise but also an attraction itself. At the end of Konigsallee, you will find yourself in the tranquil Hofgarten, Dusseldorf’s version of New York’s Central Park. The park is home to the spectacular Schloss Jagerhof palace, a stunning reproduction of 18th century Rococo architecture. Complete the day in Old Town, locally nicknamed “the longest bar in the world”, with a glass of the local specialty Altbier.

Konigswinter is a popular resort in the Seven Hills mountain range topped by the ruins of Drachenfels castle, a national park. The Drachenfels(“Dragon’s Rock”), a hill 1,053 feet (321 meters) high, is crowned by the ruined castle built in the 12th century by the archbishop of Cologne and destroyed by the French in the 17th century. According to the Nibelungen legends, the Drachenloch (“Dragon’s Cave”) in the hill sheltered the dragon slain by the hero Siegfried.  Travelers can either hike up the mountain to savor the views across the Rhine Valley or travel the railway to the top with a stop at the fairy tale Drachenburg castle in the clouds which has been likened to a medieval castle, Gothic Cathedral, and Big Ben. All in all, visitors are enchanted with the folklore and fabulous views of this sleepy little town.

Remagen is not only a beautiful riverside resort but an important historical town with a fascinating past.  The main attraction is the museum dedicated to peace which is sited in one of the last remaining bridge towers. In 1945 the Ludendorff Bridge was one of the last two remaining bridges across the river Rhine in Germany when it was captured during the Battle of Remagen by United States Army forces during the closing weeks of World II.  The Arp museum is a must for art lovers or follow the twelve stations of the cross on a short uphill hike to the stunning Apollinaris church.

Koblenz truly is a feast for the eyes with its backdrop of vineyards, forests, and mountains. Snap a photo as you lean on the giant bronze thumb sculpture at Koblenz’s famous German Corner (Deutsches Eck), where the Rhine meets the Moselle River.  After leaning on the “thumb”, lean into history as you wind your way through the Old Town. Explore the French influence and ancient remnants of Roman walls. Stroll along the river promenade and roam the town’s romantic narrow streets, where you might encounter flower-filled parks, sidewalk cafes or possibly a weinstube (wine tavern). Sample a Moselle Riesling while drinking in the amazing atmosphere of the oldest wine region in Germany.

Delight yourself in the romantic ancient town of Rüdesheim at the foot of the Niederwald, famous for its wine and half-timbered buildings. Spend the morning sauntering down the renowned Drosselglasse, the narrow cobblestone lane in the heart of the Old Town. This pedestrian street is lined with charming shops, cozy wine taverns and inviting restaurants. Rüdesheim is enveloped with vineyards, earning it the reputation of the best wine growing region on the Rhine, some experts would argue the best in the world. It is especially well known for its Riesling wines. Visit the eclectic Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, a museum of automated musical instruments.

Today you can get to start exploring the splendidly restored Old Town of Mainz with its half-timbered houses and medieval market squares. The state capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, Mainz is famous for Romanesque cathedrals (such as the Mainz Cathedral with its lavish interiors), the Gutenberg printing press and fine wines. Tour the Gutenberg Museum, housing a replica of the 15th century Gutenberg printing press as well as two original Gutenberg bibles.  This charming wine-growing district is officially the “Wine Capital of Germany”. Savor some “Spundekas” (a spicy creamed cheese) with a local wine before heading back to the boat.

Your cruise comes to an end in the picturesque city of Frankfurt. Depart after breakfast, with the freedom to explore this world-class city on your own. Frankfurt is a diverse & cosmopolitan city that lies on the banks of the Main river.  This mighty city is a mix of old and new sitting side by side.  Discover the countless, fascinating museums such as the House of Goethe, the Fine Arts Museum or the city museum or sit back and relax in the old town surrounded by beautiful old architecture and try the famous Apple wine.  Whatever your taste Frankfurt has something for everyone with its modern city-scape and charming old town and shopping streets. While this is the end of your cruise, your memories will live on from your Great Rhine Tour. Thank you for cruising with Teeming River Cruises, where vacations come first and memories last.