Autumn and the Christmas period are lovely times to set sail on Europe’s spectacular rivers. Here’s what you could enjoy.
Waking up in new places is part of the experience on a river cruise, and there is always something exciting to discover thanks to a wide range of on-shore excursions – many included in the price.
In autumn and winter, cruising on the Rhine, Danube or Main is much less busy so exploring the towns and cities is relaxed with smaller crowds. Beautiful autumn colours will still be in evidence all season, particularly in the Rhine, Moselle and Wachau valleys.
And with Saga the holiday starts even before you get on board, thanks to our nationwide shared chauffeur service, delivering you directly to your departure point. Once on board, the ship feels more like an intimate boutique hotel, carrying fewer than 200 guests. So what are you waiting for?
Here are some of the sights you will see from the ship and can explore on shore - and don’t forget, you can spend as much time as you like luxuriating in your cabin, relaxing in the gorgeous lounge areas and drinking wine on deck watching the world go by.
Flowing majestically through Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, the river Rhine is a corridor of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, from medieval castles perched on top of vine-covered hills to quaint riverside villages with cobblestoned streets.
In the heart of the lush Moselle Valley, you can visit the charming town of Cochem, dotted with half-timbered houses and steep Riesling vineyards. Wander through its historic streets, discover the medieval Enderttor gate, and visit the Historische Senfmühle (a 2,000-year-old mustard mill). Cochem is crowned by the majestic, fairytale-like Reichsburg Castle, originally dating from 1151. From its hilltop position, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Moselle river.
Nearby Koblenz, which sits on the banks of the Rhine and its tributary, the Moselle, is overlooked by the imposing Ehrenbreitstein Fortress – the second-largest military fortress in Europe. Reach it by cable car, where you’ll ascend 400ft across the river, taking in incredible views as you go. From here, you can admire the picturesque view of the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle, known as Deutsches Eck or German Corner.
A little further down the Rhine is Marksburg Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Germany, perched above the town of Braubach. If you join the excursion, your guide will take you on a captivating journey through more than 800 years of history, learning about the lives of knights and nobles and the castle's strategic role in guarding the Rhine Valley. From its elevated position you’ll have sweeping panoramic views of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you’re travelling to the Rhine in December, consider a festive cruise, which has visits to Christmas markets in Cologne, Bonn and Mainz included, and a seasonal festive atmosphere on board. Shop until you drop at each destination and store all the goodies in your cabin until it’s time to go home.
Vienna, the capital city and cultural hub, rises from the Danube’s banks, while scenic stretches showcase rolling hills, vineyards, and quaint riverside villages.
The picturesque Wachau Valley is located between the Austrian towns of Melk and Krems, and known for its UNESCO World Heritage status, steep vineyards and historic castles and abbeys. Krems has a history spanning more than a thousand years, with a charming old town known for landmarks such as the Gozzoburg, a small medieval castle which now houses the Krems Museum, and the Steiner Tor, an iconic city gate.
Close by is Göttweig Abbey, situated in a breathtaking location overlooking the southern entrance to the Wachau Valley. Founded in 1083 by the Bishop of Passau, it’s now home to around 40 monks. A newer part of the abbey includes the largest Baroque staircase in Austria complete with a 1739 fresco by artist Paul Troger, which is considered a masterpiece of its era.
Afterwards, you can head through the valley to the pretty village of Spitz, nestled among terraced vineyards and rolling hills. Here you’ll enjoy some wine-tasting at the family-run Donabaum Winery – depending on the season, you might sample the crisp, light Steinfeder, elegant, medium-bodied Federspiel, or the rich and complex Smaragd, made from the ripest hand-picked grapes. You’ll also enjoy a guided visit to their wine cellar, learning more about the winery's heritage and traditional winemaking techniques.
The Main – the longest tributary of the Rhine – meanders through the heart of Germany, linking fairy-tale towns, vineyard-covered hills, and vibrant cities like Frankfurt and Würzburg. Cruising its gentle waters offers you a front-row seat to half-timbered villages, medieval fortresses, and the romantic landscapes of Franconia.
On the Spirit of the Moselle, you’ll get a chance to join an excursion to traditional towns and lively cities across Germany, including Wurzburg, a baroque gem whose crown jewel is the UNESCO World Heritage Residence Palace, known as ‘the Palace above all Palaces’.
Don’t miss the UNESCO-listed Court Gardens either, and afterwards join your guide for a walk through the Old Town to see one of the main attractions, the Old Bridge across the Main, and hear more of Würzburg’s history, including learning about the opera composed here by Richard Wagner.
From Würzburg you’ll also travel to romantic Rothenburg ob de Tauber, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in Germany. Here you can explore the streets of timber framed houses, overlooked by the ornate Ratstrinkstube clock tower. Other highlights include the market square, home to the 13th-century town hall and a pretty fountain, as well as the city’s well-preserved medieval walls and towers.
And with Christmas on the horizon, why not visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village Shop Rothenburg in your free time? It’s a great place to pick up presents, decorations, baubles and more.
On a Saga river cruise, it’s reassuring to know that so much is included in the price, from the shared chauffeur service to your departure point (and on return) to the free Wi-Fi.
You’ll also benefit from included travel insurance, a selection of included excursions, all-inclusive local drinks, and all on-board gratuities and service charges. There will be a Cruise Director on board throughout, a drinks reception and farewell dinner, and if you don’t absolutely love your first cruise, Saga will even give you your money back.
Click below for your chance to sail through Germany this festive season on board Saga's ship, Spirit of the Rhine, worth over £3,000 per person.
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