Rhine River Treasures: Top Destinations from Amsterdam to Basel

Featured Itineraries
Written By Laura Legg

Sailing the Rhine River is like opening a storybook of European charm—each chapter more picturesque than the last. On our recent cruise aboard Riverside Debussy, we traveled from Amsterdam to Basel, stopping in a curated selection of destinations that offered everything from medieval history to wine tasting in storybook villages.

Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic escape or a cultural deep dive, here are the Rhine River ports that stole our hearts—and why they deserve a spot on your travel wish list.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Classic canal boats float beneath bridges and tall houses in Amsterdam’s historic canal district

Kicking off our adventure in Amsterdam with a canal cruise

The journey began in Amsterdam, a city that balances old-world charm with creative modern energy. We explored the famous canals by boat, visited the Rijksmuseum to see masterpieces by Vermeer and Rembrandt, and simply wandered the streets soaking in the atmosphere.

Don’t miss: A scenic canal cruise and a visit to the Rijksmuseum
Extra tip: Arrive a day early to fully enjoy this vibrant capital

Cologne, Germany

The towering Gothic spires of Cologne Cathedral dominate the skyline above the Rhine River

Cologne’s awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral rises above the Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.

Cologne felt like a beautiful surprise—where Gothic architecture meets cheerful beer gardens. We walked through Old Town and stood in awe before the iconic twin-spired cathedral.

Don’t miss: A guided tour of Cologne Cathedral and time to explore Old Town
Castaway memory: Watching the sunset over the Rhine from the promenade after our tour

Rüdesheim, Germany

Vineyard-covered hills surround the riverside town of Rüdesheim, Germany, a favorite Rhine stop

Looking out over Rüdesheim’s vineyards and castle views—an iconic stop for wine lovers and romantics alike.

This charming winemaking town is postcard-perfect, with cobblestone streets, vineyards, and panoramic views from the Niederwald Monument. We especially loved the Land Rover wine tour through the Rheingau countryside.

Don’t miss: A taste of Rüdesheimer Kaffee and a ride on the cable car
Extra tip: Ask about private tastings at historic wine estates

Heidelberg (via Mannheim), Germany

Red-roofed buildings and castle ruins crown the hillside above Heidelberg’s Old Town

Smiling below Heidelberg Castle, a favorite stop full of history, architecture, and charm.

From Mannheim, we traveled inland to Heidelberg, home to a breathtaking castle perched above the river valley. This town is full of character, with its red-roofed buildings and vibrant university energy.

Don’t miss: The Heidelberg Castle and the world’s largest wine barrel
Castaway memory: Wandering Old Town Heidelberg and stopping for a pretzel and local wine

Strasbourg, France

Charming canal-side homes and medieval buildings define Strasbourg's historic cityscape

Reflections of historic timbered buildings shimmer in the canals of Strasbourg’s enchanting Petit France district.

Strasbourg blends French elegance with Alsatian charm. The half-timbered houses, flower-lined canals, and Gothic cathedral made it one of our favorite stops.

Don’t miss: A panoramic boat tour of Petit France and a walk to the Strasbourg Cathedral
Extra tip: This is the perfect port to pick up local gifts like wine, gingerbread, and handmade ornaments! Click to read more about visiting Strasbourg during the Christmas Market Season!

Obernai, France

Timber-framed houses and flower boxes line the cobbled streets of Obernai in Alsace, France

Half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets give this Alsatian village the charm of a storybook setting.

This border region gave us a taste of the Alsace wine route. We visited Obernai, one of France’s most beautiful villages, and enjoyed a relaxing wine tasting surrounded by rolling vineyards and colorful houses.

Don’t miss: A walk through Obernai and sampling Alsatian Rieslings (they are much less sweet than the American Rieslings!)
Castaway memory: Sipping wine in a 13th-century cellar beneath the village streets

Basel, Switzerland

Colorful buildings reflect in the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland, under clear blue skies

Colorful buildings and the twin spires of Basel Minster greet visitors at the cultural crossroads of Europe.

We ended our cruise in Basel, a cultural gem at the crossroads of France, Germany, and Switzerland. Its walkable Old Town and world-class museums make it a great post-cruise stop.

Don’t miss: The Kunstmuseum, Tinguely Fountain, and strolling along the Rhine
Extra tip: Consider extending your stay or continuing on to Lucerne or Zurich

A river cruise ship glides between castles and vineyards along the scenic Rhine River Gorge

Picturesque villages and hillside vineyards make the Rhine Gorge one of the most scenic stretches of the journey.

Every port along the Rhine brought something unique, and the luxury of Riverside Debussy made the journey seamless. From castle views to cobblestone strolls, this is a river cruise that balances culture, beauty, and comfort in perfect harmony.

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Laura Legg

Hello, I’m Laura, the proud owner of Castaway Destinations, a boutique, full-service travel agency. As a busy mom of three, I understand the challenges of planning the perfect vacation. My dedicated team and I specialize in creating bespoke luxury trips across Europe and the Caribbean.

We leverage our extensive travel experience and destination knowledge to provide exceptional, personalized service tailored to your unique needs. Together, we make travel seamless and stress-free. Let’s turn your dream trip into a reality!

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