“Loved the Rhine Valley with all the castles.”
– Raymond Baillie (Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland)
Germany Out of a fairytale
With more castles than in any other European country, it’s not hard to find yourself enchanted with the turrets, towers, and intriguing histories of these romantic icons. And among this storybook setting, you’ll also find medieval villages ready to explore, cable cars offering sweeping views of the Rhine, wine and beer tastings, and the opportunity to hear locals share stories not published in guidebooks.
HIGHLIGHTS
Landmarks
Home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Bamberg’s Old Town, Germany showcases a rich legacy of culture, architecture, and its historic role on the world stage. From the sky-high spires of Cologne’s Gothic cathedral to the opulent Italian-designed Baroque and Rococo structures in Passau to Nuremberg’s WWII rally grounds, the past is always present in Germany.
Cuisine
German cuisine is a rich and hearty menu influenced by neighbors like Austria, France, and Poland. Join a master chef in a hands-on demonstration and learn how vinegar plays a role in German cooking. Meet one of Germany’s best pretzel makers and treat your taste buds to this beloved snack. Of course, when you think of pretzels, you think of beer. Discover how hops are turned into beer during a farm visit followed by a craft beer tasting in the cozy barn-turned-beer-hall.
Wines
Half of the world’s Riesling wines are produced in the Rhine Valley. One of our favorite vineyards, Castle Vollrads, has been growing this popular white wine here since 1211—on our Castles along the Rhine itinerary, you can join a local wine expert as you sip samples in various locations around the castle. Reds, rosés, and whites are also grown throughout the valley’s steep hillsides. Go for a hike through the vineyards of Kreuzwertheim and be rewarded with a glass of sparkling wine and wonderful views. And for a taste of Franconia, more samples await in the 15th century Würzburg Wine Cellar.
Landscapes
Witness Germany’s dazzling natural beauty and incomparable architectural feats with a Uniworld cruise that sails down the romantic Rhine, the serene Moselle, or the captivating Danube. Marvel at the dozens of castles that stand watch over the river and sail past the very vineyards from which we source the wines we serve onboard—particularly in the eye-catching Moselle, considered by many to be Germany’s best and most scenic wine region.
TRAVEL TIPS
When to go: We sail most of our German cruises between March and November for the best weather. Visit in the spring for fresh blooms and cooler temps, in the summer for sunshine and vibrant greenery, or in the fall for harvest season. In December, we offer Holiday Season cruises for guests to experience the crisp weather, seasonal traditions, and famous Christmas Markets of Germany, which typically run through the 23rd of December.
How to pack: We suggest comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear both onshore and onboard. Depending on your travel season, the weather can range from cool to quite hot. Check the weather before you go and pack accordingly. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, allowing you to adjust to most temperatures. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) in case of rain, though we will also have umbrellas onboard. You may participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore, so please bring comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.
Spring
MAR–MAY
Avg. Temp. 45º F / 7º C
Summer
JUN–AUG
Avg. Temp. 60º F / 16º C
Autumn
SEP–NOV
Avg. Temp. 57º F / 14º C
Winter
DEC–FEB
Avg. Temp. 44º F / 6º C
Currency
Euro (EUR, €)
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET)
Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Official Language
German
Electricity
European 230V
Plug types C and F
What Our Guests Have to Say
An inside look at the Uniworld experience in Germany
Verified reviews by 
“The sites along the river as well as the ports along the way were amazing to behold.”
– Leo Stillo (Castles along the Rhine)
“Everything came off to perfection. Loved the tours and we loved the free time. Germany is beautiful and the Christmas markets are interesting.”
– Joseph R. (Rhine Holiday Markets)
“Stunning views along the Rhine in a beautiful ship! I would highly recommend Uniworld to my friends and family!”
– Roubina Gourdikian (Castles along the Rhine)
“The scenery and villages were fabulous. We especially liked the section of the river where we cruised by many castles with a wonderful narrative by our Cruise Director Anthony.”
– Trusted Customer (Castles along the Rhine)
FEATURED CRUISES
Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland
Amsterdam to Basel | 11 days
Dive deep into the region’s culture, natural wonders, traditions and historical significance in a one-of-a-kind experience along the Rhine. Delve into the region’s world-renowned museums. ...
Ships: River Queen, S.S. Antoinette
Countries: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
River: Rhine
4.6/5 (273 reviews)
From $3,999 per person
Delightful Danube & Prague
Budapest to Prague | 10 days
Experience dynamic Budapest, imperial Vienna and exquisitely preserved Prague. Marvel at ravishing scenery as your luxurious ship glides through the Wachau Valley, celebrated as one of the...
Ships: River Duchess, S.S. Beatrice
Countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary
River: Danube
4.5/5 (491 reviews)
From $2,999 per person
Delightful Danube
Budapest to Nuremberg | 8 days
Experience dynamic Budapest and imperial Vienna. Marvel at ravishing scenery as your luxurious ship glides through the Wachau Valley, celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, ...
Ships: River Duchess, S.S. Beatrice
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary
River: Danube
4.5/5 (92 reviews)
From $2,199 per person
Castles along The Rhine
Basel to Amsterdam | 8 days
Cruise along the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to...
Ships: River Queen, S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Elisabeth, S.S. Victoria
Countries: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
River: Rhine
4.7/5 (1871 reviews)
From $2,599 per person
Enchanting Danube
Budapest to Passau | 8 days
The shimmering waters of the fabled Danube River flow for thousands of miles through the very heart of Europe, silent witness to centuries of artistic achievement and historical events. This...
Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
River: Danube
4.7/5 (802 reviews)
From $2,999 per person
Authentic Danube & Prague
Vienna to Prague | 10 days
As your adventure starts, castles, stunning architecture and natural wonders ensue. Discover the old walled city of Nuremberg and its mesmerizing castles. Stroll through countless enchanting towns...
Ship: River Princess
Countries: Austria, Germany, Czech Republic
River: Danube
4.4/5 (132 reviews)
From $2,999 per person
Authentic Danube
Vienna to Nuremberg | 8 days
As your adventure starts, castles, stunning architecture, natural wonders and rich history ensue. Discover the old walled city of Nuremberg and its mesmerizing castles. Stroll through countless...
Ship: River Princess
Countries: Austria, Germany
River: Danube
4.7/5 (58 reviews)
From $1,999 per person
Ultimate European Journey
Amsterdam to Bucharest | 25 days
Prepare for the cruise of a lifetime as you travel the length of Europe through eight nations, exploring wonders of the Old World and the New, the East and the West.
Sail the romantic Rhine, the...
Ships: River Duchess, River Princess, S.S. Beatrice
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Netherlands
Rivers: Danube, Main, Rhine
4.5/5 (80 reviews)
From $14,899 per person
Cruise & Rail: Delightful Danube & the Castles of Transylvania
Istanbul to Nuremberg | 15 days
Begin with the exquisite mosques of Istanbul, where we explore the fascinating history and age-old traditions of this magnificent city, shaped by the empires of times gone by. Then join us on a...
Ship: River Duchess
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Turkey
River: Danube
European Jewels
Budapest to Amsterdam | 16 days
From exotic Budapest, “Queen of the Danube,” to imperial Vienna, “City of Waltzes,” to the sky-high spires of Cologne’s Gothic cathedral—centuries of intriguing...
Ships: River Duchess, River Princess, S.S. Beatrice
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands
Rivers: Danube, Main, Rhine
4.6/5 (544 reviews)
From $5,499 per person
Cruise & Rail: Grand Alpine & the Enchanting Danube
Passau to Venice | 15 days
Embark on a river cruise down the shimmering waters of the fabled Danube River, where our locally-based destination experts will take you well beyond the “must-sees” of each region,...
Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa
Countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy
River: Danube
Grand Central Europe
Vienna to Basel | 15 days
Begin your journey in the picturesque city of Basel and end in imperial Vienna, two showstopping destinations to highlight your cruise. Along the way, you’ll cruise through 3 different...
Ship: River Princess
Countries: Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria
Rivers: Danube, Rhine
4.7/5 (17 reviews)
From $7,099 per person
Rhine River Valley
Nuremberg to Basel | 8 days
Immerse yourself in history as you stroll through beautifully preserved medieval towns and a stunning imperial palace. Sample the fruits of the Rhine’s famously excellent wineries and enjoy...
Ship: River Princess
Countries: Germany, France, Switzerland
River: Rhine
3.7/5 (15 reviews)
From $2,299 per person
Magnificent Moselle & Rhine
Frankfurt to Frankfurt | 10 days
Uncover the best-kept secret in river cruising, the Moselle, as you sail past some of Europe’s most serene and vineyard-lined landscapes. Explore Cochem’s castle-dotted hillsides. See ...
Ship: S.S. Victoria
Countries: Germany, Luxembourg
Rivers: Moselle, Rhine
4.7/5 (29 reviews)
From $3,999 per person
Portraits of Eastern Europe
Prague to Bucharest | 19 days
Beautifully preserved Prague has enchanted visitors for ages, but it is only a tiny part of this extraordinary voyage through eight nations. Sail past quaint villages and great cities on the glorious ...
Ships: River Duchess, S.S. Beatrice
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia
River: Danube
4.1/5 (45 reviews)
From $9,899 per person
Grand Central Europe & Zurich
Zurich to Vienna | 17 days
Cruise between the picturesque city of Basel and imperial Vienna. Along the way, you’ll cruise through 3 different rivers—the Rhine, Main and Danube—to visit Switzerland, France,...
Ship: River Princess
Countries: Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria
Rivers: Danube, Rhine
4.2/5 (6 reviews)
From $7,899 per person
Zurich & the Rhine River Valley
Nuremberg to Zurich | 10 days
Immerse yourself in history as you stroll through beautifully preserved medieval towns and a stunning imperial palace. Sample the fruits of the Rhine’s famously excellent wineries and enjoy...
Ship: River Princess
Countries: Germany, France, Switzerland
River: Rhine
4.4/5 (18 reviews)
From $3,099 per person
Rivers of the World Cruise
Lima to Ho Chi Minh City | 55 days
This 55-day odyssey will span three continents and four luxurious ships, taking 40 adventurous guests to some of our favorite destinations as well as new-to-Uniworld locales.
Sail one of...
Ships: Aqua Nera, Mekong Jewel, S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Catherine
Countries: Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Austria, France, Vietnam, Cambodia
Rivers: Danube, Main, Mekong, Rhine, Rhône, Saône
4.1/5 (8 reviews)
From $49,399 per person
Rhine Holiday Markets
Basel to Cologne | 8 days
Discover the roots of our Christmas traditions as you explore some of Europe’s most charming towns. Browse for unique ornaments in Basel’s Christmas Market. Sip vin chaud as you stroll to ...
Ships: S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Elisabeth
Countries: France, Germany, Switzerland
River: Rhine
4.4/5 (134 reviews)
From $4,299 per person
European Holiday Markets
Nuremberg to Vienna | 8 days
This cruise takes you to some of the most famous and delightful holiday markets in Central Europe. At each market, you’ll find wooden stalls displaying traditional crafts that range from quirky ...
Ships: River Princess, S.S. Beatrice
Countries: Austria, Germany
River: Danube
4.4/5 (135 reviews)
From $3,599 per person
Classic Christmas Markets
Nuremberg to Frankfurt | 8 days
Discover villages with fairytale houses and a friendly, festive atmosphere. Share traditional holiday goodies with the people who made them. Watch as modern children abandon their usual electronics...
Ships: River Duchess, River Princess, River Queen
Country: Germany
Rivers: Main, Rhine
4.2/5 (131 reviews)
From $3,699 per person
Danube Holiday Markets
Budapest to Passau | 8 days
Budapest has celebrated Christmas for a thousand years, since the reign of St. Stephen, the king who founded Hungary and encouraged the spread of Christianity throughout his realm. As you ramble...
Ships: River Princess, S.S. Maria Theresa
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
River: Danube
4.6/5 (140 reviews)
From $3,999 per person
Grand Christmas & New Year's
Nuremberg to Budapest | 13 days
You’ll sail through Germany, Austria, and Hungary along the shimmering Danube and past incredible sights on this unique itinerary. Explore charming old-world villages and Gothic cathedrals and...
Ship: S.S. Beatrice
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary
Rivers: Danube, Main
4.5/5 (26 reviews)
From $7,199 per person
Enchanting Christmas & New Year's Cruise
Passau to Budapest | 11 days
Cruise the mighty Danube, visiting classic capitals like Budapest and Vienna. Spend Christmas Eve in Passau, then ring in the New Year in elegant style in Budapest. Festive celebrations are plentiful ...
Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
River: Danube
4.6/5 (25 reviews)
From $6,299 per person
Rhine, Moselle & Belgium Grand Discovery
Basel to Brussels | 15 days
Soak in as much of Central Europe’s fantastic cities and culture as possible in just two weeks. Snack on classic Dutch treats in the Netherlands, enjoy the fruits of Germany’s excellent...
Ship: S.S. Victoria
Countries: Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland
Rivers: Moselle, Rhine
From $8,549 per person