Southern Rhine Nature Experience

Highlights of the Rhine Cruise No wonder that the Rhine has so much to tell. From Cologne to Rüdesheim, Germersheim (Speyer), Breisach, Strasbourg (Kehl), Mainz and Koblenz to Cologne. The Rhine is the chameleon of the world’s rivers. Sometimes it seems wild; indeed, in the past it was dangerous, particularly at the Lorelei rocks. At other times it appears vast, as when it joins the Moselle in Koblenz. The romantic meadows of Rastatt invite you to picnic after an afternoon of rowing. And at other times human beings have tamed the river and turned it into an ornamental companion for elegant riverside promenades in cities such as Basle. It’s the perfect match for Baroque and Gothic architecture, and it looks amazing in photos. But its true home is between wild cliffs and dense forests, and between knights’ castles and winemaking villages whose vineyards it has made fertile over the course of its history. Mainz : Halfway between Lake Constance and the North Sea, the Rhine meets Mainz. This carnival city is known for its cheerful atmosphere and its hospitality. Why not go for a stroll along the tranquil riverbank or enjoy a good glass of local wine while you’re there? You could also visit the city’s main landmark: Saint Martin’s Cathedral. It boasts one of the richest church interiors in the Christian world. Another important building in Mainz is the Kurfürstliche Schloss (Electoral Palace). This is a prime example of the German Renaissance style of architecture. Strassburg : The Roman commander Drusus founded Strasbourg as a military outpost in 12 BCE. Today it is a thriving metropolis that has maintained many small half-timbered houses and an historic old town. Even the briefest glance at Strasbourg Cathedral will tell you that you are standing before one of the most important of its kind in Europe – and one of the largest sandstone buildings in the world. Basel : Many people have only driven through or passed by the ‘Gateway to Switzerland’. Now, as your Rhine cruise takes you along the southern Rhine, you’ll get to know Basel much better. The city is home to Switzerland’s oldest university. Its other highlights include the medieval old town with its staircases and the Gate of Spalen – plus 27 museums.