“Loved the Rhine Valley with all the castles.”
– Raymond Baillie (Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland)
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.
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.
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 cosy barn-turned-beer-hall.
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.
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.
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.
Avg. Temp. 45º F / 7º C
Avg. Temp. 60º F / 16º C
Avg. Temp. 57º F / 14º C
Avg. Temp. 44º F / 6º C
Euro (EUR, €)
Central European Time (CET)
Central European Summer Time (CEST)
German
European 230V
Plug types C and F
Verified reviews by
“Loved the Rhine Valley with all the castles.”
– Raymond Baillie (Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland)
“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)
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