Rhine River Small Group Tours & Trips

176 Rhine River trips. Tours from 46 tour companies. 13 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

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Small Group Tour
Family Europe: Amsterdam to Rome in 14 Days Tour
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Visit the Van Gogh Museum
  • Visit Amsterdam and see the world's greatest collections of paintings, including masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer
  • Explore Venice and Experience the amazing history of this unique, maze-like city of canals, walkways, and slowly sinking palaces
  • Visit a local mask-making workshop to learn about the tradition of Venetian masks
  • Visit the16th century Gardens of Bomarzo, filled with larger-than-life sculptures and monstrous statues

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We purchased two backpacks from Rick Steves Europe. One of them arrived damaged and unusable. Their website says that you must contact them if you receive damaged merchandise. I have attempted to email them through their website and I have left 3 voicemails (nobody answers the phone, ever!) and nobody has contacted me back. At this point, it seems like I've been ripped off. Buyer beware. Extremely disappointed."

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Best of Europe in 21 Days Tour
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Visit Germany's greatest Rococo-style church, the Wieskirche
  • Visit the Doge's Palace or the Titian- and Tintoretto-packed Accademia art gallery
  • Visit the famous Hôtel Dieu medieval hospital
  • Enjoy driving into French Burgundy for a look at small-town France.

Themes

Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"We purchased two backpacks from Rick Steves Europe. One of them arrived damaged and unusable. Their website says that you must contact them if you receive damaged merchandise. I have attempted to email them through their website and I have left 3 voicemails (nobody answers the phone, ever!) and nobody has contacted me back. At this point, it seems like I've been ripped off. Buyer beware. Extremely disappointed."

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The Best of Germany: Grand Cities, Castles and the Romantic Rhine
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • In Berlin, explore the German Bundestag with an expert and meet a political expert for a discussion round
  • Learn about the great German landmarks including the Rhine, Heidelberg Castle, Sanssouci Castle and the Nuremburg Castle
  • Join an expert to explore the elaborately styled opera house in Dresden, the Semperoper

Themes

50 Plus, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"I enrolled early in the French Art Voyage because of the caliber of the sites visited: no visit to the overly crowded Louvre but rather to Monet’s Giverny and Cezanne’s studio. A preliminary itinerary I just received has no mention of Giverny so I went online to be sure it was still open. It is. I checked Cezanne’s studio and found it closed for renovation. I called Road Scholar to ask why Giverny was canceled and did they mean Cezanne perhaps. A customer service rep was clueless. I spelled Giverny to her twice. She put me on hold for 15 minutes, returned and said someone would contact me. I told her to wait a minute. I had more. Was Cezanne’s studio to be canceled as well.? Five days later I get an email from Judith telling me Giverny was not officially on the itinerary, Cezanne’s studio had to be removed due to renovation and I could not see the Mona Lisa!!! I responded saying I sensed some bait and switch also reminding her I NEVER asked about the Mona Lisa. She replied telling me how to arrange Giverny for myself and reiterating that I could not see the Mona Lisa!!!! I have experienced ageism but not gaslighting like this. I am not an old fool who imagined Giverny on the itinerary. I am not an old fool insisting on a Mona Lisa that was not. Road Scholar has no business marketing to elders with staff like this."

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A Cycling Journey: Wine Along the Rhine from Germany to France
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • Cycle to a chocolate museum in Strasbourg to learn about truffle production and enjoy a sweet treat
  • Gain insight into the prowess of military engineer Vauban at the fortified town of Neuf-Brisach
  • Board a shuttle to the historic crag-top fortress of Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

Themes

50 Plus, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"I enrolled early in the French Art Voyage because of the caliber of the sites visited: no visit to the overly crowded Louvre but rather to Monet’s Giverny and Cezanne’s studio. A preliminary itinerary I just received has no mention of Giverny so I went online to be sure it was still open. It is. I checked Cezanne’s studio and found it closed for renovation. I called Road Scholar to ask why Giverny was canceled and did they mean Cezanne perhaps. A customer service rep was clueless. I spelled Giverny to her twice. She put me on hold for 15 minutes, returned and said someone would contact me. I told her to wait a minute. I had more. Was Cezanne’s studio to be canceled as well.? Five days later I get an email from Judith telling me Giverny was not officially on the itinerary, Cezanne’s studio had to be removed due to renovation and I could not see the Mona Lisa!!! I responded saying I sensed some bait and switch also reminding her I NEVER asked about the Mona Lisa. She replied telling me how to arrange Giverny for myself and reiterating that I could not see the Mona Lisa!!!! I have experienced ageism but not gaslighting like this. I am not an old fool who imagined Giverny on the itinerary. I am not an old fool insisting on a Mona Lisa that was not. Road Scholar has no business marketing to elders with staff like this."

Trip dates & details
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Romantic Germany 2025
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Berlin, Dresden, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Munich

Highlights

  • Journey along the scenic 'Yellow Roads' – such as the scenic Black Forest High Road and the fabled 'Romantic Road' – through fairy-tale forests and past medieval castles... where timeless tales are told in storied towns such as Heidelberg
  • Munich
  • Frankfurt
  • Dresden
  • Rothenburg and Berlin... explore the compelling history
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Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"My husband and I booked the Yellowstone tour with Tauck expecting so much more with the accommodations, food, and tour director based on the price point. We were sadly disappointed but still tried to enjoy the experience. Rooms were dirty, food were often buffets and other group dinners with some food inedible. We noticed other tours staying in our hotels and paying much less for their tours. One positive was we never touched our luggage which was nice but my small suitcase was damaged during one transfer. Word to the wise… read their emails thoroughly as the email we received a few weeks before our trip reads like a disclaimer for poor service and accommodations."

Trip dates & details
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Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure - Southbound 2025
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Koblenz, Lucerne, Strasbourg

Highlights

  • Create cherished family memories on our unforgettable Basel to Amsterdam riverboat cruise along the Rhine River between aboard ms Grace
  • visiting Switzerland
  • France
  • Germany and The Netherlands for an adventure unlike any other.Family travel experiences include a bicycle ride through forests and vineyards along the Rhine riverside; Swiss folklore and more in lakeside Lucerne; a ride aboard the world's steepest cogwheel train to the top of Mt. Pilatus in the Swiss Alps; exploring the fascinating ruins of hilltop Heidelberg Castle in the medieval university town of Heidelberg; learning about the Lorelei and other Rhine River legends while keeping an eye out for fairy tale castles; discovering the art treasures and historic canals of Amsterdam; an exclusive medieval dinner for Tauck guests only at Burg Satzvey
  • a medieval moated castle in Germany; becoming 'French for a Day' with French language lessons
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Themes

Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"My husband and I booked the Yellowstone tour with Tauck expecting so much more with the accommodations, food, and tour director based on the price point. We were sadly disappointed but still tried to enjoy the experience. Rooms were dirty, food were often buffets and other group dinners with some food inedible. We noticed other tours staying in our hotels and paying much less for their tours. One positive was we never touched our luggage which was nice but my small suitcase was damaged during one transfer. Word to the wise… read their emails thoroughly as the email we received a few weeks before our trip reads like a disclaimer for poor service and accommodations."

Trip dates & details
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Custom Designed Trip
Lodging level
lodgingLevelName
Physical level
N/A

Highlights

  • Fully customized trip based on preferences
  • Matched with a local specialist
  • From $200 per person per day
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure - Southbound 2026
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Koblenz, Lucerne, Strasbourg

Highlights

  • Create cherished family memories on our unforgettable Basel to Amsterdam riverboat cruise along the Rhine River between aboard ms Grace
  • visiting Switzerland
  • France
  • Germany and The Netherlands for an adventure unlike any other.Family travel experiences include a bicycle ride through forests and vineyards along the Rhine riverside; Swiss folklore and more in lakeside Lucerne; a ride aboard the world's steepest cogwheel train to the top of Mt. Pilatus in the Swiss Alps; exploring the fascinating ruins of hilltop Heidelberg Castle in the medieval university town of Heidelberg; learning about the Lorelei and other Rhine River legends while keeping an eye out for fairy tale castles; discovering the art treasures and historic canals of Amsterdam; an exclusive medieval dinner for Tauck guests only at Burg Satzvey
  • a medieval moated castle in Germany; becoming 'French for a Day' with French language lessons
Show more

Themes

Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"My husband and I booked the Yellowstone tour with Tauck expecting so much more with the accommodations, food, and tour director based on the price point. We were sadly disappointed but still tried to enjoy the experience. Rooms were dirty, food were often buffets and other group dinners with some food inedible. We noticed other tours staying in our hotels and paying much less for their tours. One positive was we never touched our luggage which was nice but my small suitcase was damaged during one transfer. Word to the wise… read their emails thoroughly as the email we received a few weeks before our trip reads like a disclaimer for poor service and accommodations."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure - Northbound 2026
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Amsterdam, Lucerne, Strasbourg

Highlights

  • Create cherished family memories on our unforgettable Basel to Amsterdam riverboat cruise along the Rhine River
  • exploring Switzerland
  • France
  • Germany and The Netherlands for an adventure unlike any other.Family travel experiences include a bicycle ride through forests and vineyards along the Rhine riverside; Swiss folklore and more in lakeside Lucerne; a ride aboard the world's steepest cogwheel train to the top of Mt. Pilatus in the Swiss Alps; exploring the fascinating ruins of hilltop Heidelberg Castle in the medieval university town of Heidelberg; learning about the Lorelei and other Rhine River legends while keeping an eye out for fairy tale castles; discovering the art treasures and historic canals of Amsterdam; an exclusive medieval dinner for Tauck guests only at Burg Satzvey
  • a medieval moated castle in Germany; becoming 'French for a Day' with French language lessons
Show more

Themes

Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"My husband and I booked the Yellowstone tour with Tauck expecting so much more with the accommodations, food, and tour director based on the price point. We were sadly disappointed but still tried to enjoy the experience. Rooms were dirty, food were often buffets and other group dinners with some food inedible. We noticed other tours staying in our hotels and paying much less for their tours. One positive was we never touched our luggage which was nice but my small suitcase was damaged during one transfer. Word to the wise… read their emails thoroughly as the email we received a few weeks before our trip reads like a disclaimer for poor service and accommodations."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
Accessible Germany River Cruise
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River Cruise
Why we love them
Their accessibility specialists have traveled with their own disabilities so they have a deep understanding of how to accommodate different needs.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Fully Accessible River Cruise
  • Visit Bonn

Themes

Small Ship Cruise, Accessible & Limited Mobility

What travelers are saying

"I recently booked a trip to Mexico with Tarita for my family. I use a wheelchair and have two small children, and Tarita was a wealth of knowledge about which resorts would be both accessible AND kid friendly, which was awesome. Access was at the top of her list and she handled all the details. Really happy that I found her!"

Trip dates & details
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Iconic Rivers of Europe - the Rhine, Main & Danube with 1 Night in Bucharest
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River Cruise
Why we love them
They combine the assurance of working with a large cruise operator with the warmth and personal service of a boutique provider.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Visits

Amsterdam, Bamberg, Belgrade, Belogradchik, Boppard, Bucharest, Budapest, Croatia, Heidelberg, Linz, Munich, Nuremberg, Passau, Romania, Vienna

Highlights

  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of canal cruise or off-the-beaten path walking tour
  • Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; choice of visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or cable-car ride to the Niederwald Monument in Rüdesheim
  • Guided walk
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Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lovely with great views."

Trip dates & details
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Romantic Rhine with Swiss Alps, 1 Night in Lucerne & 3 Nights in Lake Como (Southbound)
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River Cruise
Why we love them
They combine the assurance of working with a large cruise operator with the warmth and personal service of a boutique provider.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Basel, Heidelberg, Heidelberg Castle, Koblenz, Lake Como, Lucerne, Rudesheim, Strasbourg, Zurich

Highlights

  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of canal cruise or off-the-beaten path walking tour
  • Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of guided walk in Mainz with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, or a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or walk the Philosophers’ Way with your Adventure Host
Show more

Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lovely with great views."

Trip dates & details
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The Rhine & Moselle: Canals, Vineyards and Castles
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River Cruise
Why we love them
They combine the assurance of working with a large cruise operator with the warmth and personal service of a boutique provider.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Paris, Rudesheim

Highlights

  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of guided tour in Luxembourg or wine walk or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of guided tour in Bernkastel or hike to its Castle Ruins with your Adventure Host; wine tasting
  • Choice of guided walk with visit of Reichsburg Castle or cable-car ride and hike with your Adventure Host or visit to the Historische Senfmühle (mustard mill); sail through the Moselle Valley
  • Choice of visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; classical concert
Show more

Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lovely with great views."

Trip dates & details
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Spectacular Switzerland with Romantic Rhine
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Group Tour
Why we love them
They combine the assurance of working with a large cruise operator with the warmth and personal service of a boutique provider.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Basel, Geneva, Grindelwald, Heidelberg, Heidelberg Castle, Innsbruck, Koblenz, Lake Como, Lucerne, Rudesheim, Strasbourg, Vienna, Zermatt, Zurich

Highlights

  • Welcome to Switzerland
  • Zürich orientation tour; stop in Biel/Bienne, explore the historical center; Stop in lakeside Neuchâtel
  • Guided sightseeing, visit the Reformation Park
  • See the Rhône vineyards in Évian-Les-Bains; visit the castle in Gruyères; visit the famous Maison Cailler chocolate factory in Broc
  • Orientation tour in Gstaad; free time in Interlaken; travel to Grindelwald
Show more

Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lovely with great views."

Trip dates & details
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10 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Small Group Tour

Rhine River Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
13  Reviews
See all Rhine River tour reviews
Excellent
6
Great
0
Average
1
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
W

Wayne H

Jan 2017

Written on

The most amazing river trip in Europe

Traveling from Belgium through 6 countries to Switzerland is one of the most amazing travel experiences in Europe, especially if traveling with Grand Circle Travel. ...

L

Larry

Oct 2018

Misleading and often just plain dishonest.

We paid for a 3 week luxury river cruise but received a large group bus trip across Europe with many days of packing and unpacking. I called our Viking representativ...

C

Charles

Oct 2022

Good and no so goog

Recently returned from a Viking Rhine trip on 10/14. The good: Rhine water levels were good, no issues. Service on the vessel was A+, excluding one attendant with...

T

Tonya

Aug 2015

Incredible experience

Incredible experience sailing on the Grand European tour from Amsterdam to Budapest! Just wonderful! The tours were interesting, and most allowed for adequate free t...

R

RIP off report

May 2020

Written on

Do not use Great Value Vacations

We spent $11, 630.20 for a 12 day trip to Europe, from 6/11/2020 to 6/23/2020. THEY cancelled our trip, and refuse to refund our money, even after we purchased the t...

Write a Review

Rhine River Tour Selection Trips

Embarking on a Rhine River tour promises a journey filled with stunning scenery, historic landmarks, and cultural experiences. To make the most of your adventure, consider these practical travel tips:

  • Book early, as popular cruises fill up quickly.
  • Pack layers for varying weather conditions.
  • Bring comfortable shoes for walking tours and excursions.
  • Have some euros on hand for small purchases.
  • Bring electrical adapters for charging devices.
  • Remember to try regional specialties.
  • Pack any necessary medications and a basic first-aid kit.
  • Learn a few German phrases to enhance your experience.
  • Keep a water bottle handy during excursions.
  • Research and book guided tours in advance for popular sites.
  • Check if your cruise offers Wi-Fi or consider an international data plan.
  • Be mindful of local etiquette and traditions.
  • Consider travel insurance for peace of mind during your trip.



Additional details

River cruises along the Rhine are perfect for those travelers seeking a less crowded European river cruise than the Danube, but are eager to see many similar sights.

Rather than traveling in and east-west direction, Rhine river cruises travel north-south through the Netherlands, western Germany, and some far eastern parts of France.

Unlike many other river cruises through Europe, the Rhine touches on some views of a more industrial side of Europe. You will absolutely see a smattering of castles, and gorgeous countryside, but expect a few industrial plants and factories along the way as well. The Rhine, like all important rivers, has gone through many iterations of importance to the countries it services.

How long are Rhine River Cruises?

Rhine river cruises are usually between 8 and 15 days. This gives you a nice balance of port calls and time out on the water.

However, be sure to check the itinerary and route carefully. Many Rhine River cruises travel in smaller areas, rather than the full expanse of the river. These cruises may be similar amounts of time but hitting a different number of countries.

So when searching for a Rhine River cruise, consider whether you’d prefer to visit more sites within 1 country - meaning some smaller villages and towns, or forgo some sights in the interest of checking off more countries and larger cities.

Christmas Cruises Along the Rhine

The Rhine is an extremely popular river for people wanting to visit some of Europe’s famous Christmas markets. These delightful markets have deep roots in Germany where they are called “Christkindlesmarkt”. Because the Rhine flows through much of Germany’s western regions, it is one of the top rivers that hosts Christmas cruises.

Snow is common, so be ready for some cold weather! But it adds everything to the ambiance, as you stroll through the streets listening to carols, sipping mulled wine, and browsing stalls of crafts and food.

Rhine Christmas cruises fill up fast! Be sure to book early to secure a spot. And book extra early if you or someone you traveling with requires special assistance, such as a wheelchair accessible room. These are first come first serve on river cruise vessels.

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