Most popular page
World's top 10 river cruises
Tips & insights
on each of the
world's top 10 river cruises
1
Nile Egypt
2
Yangtze China
3
Kerala Backwaters India
4
Rhine Western Europe
5
Mekong South East Asia
6
Amazon South America
7
Danube Central/Eastern Europe
8
Rhine-Danube Combo Trans Europe
9
Volga Russia & Ukraine
10
Canal du Midi France
Read my
destination-specific
cruise guides
Alaska
Antarctica
Arctic
Baltic
Bermuda
Canada New England
Caribbean
Fjords of Norway
Galapagos
Hawaiian
Honeymoon
Luxury
Mediterranean
Mexican Riviera
Nile
Persian Gulf
Romantic
River cruises
South American
TransAtlantic
World
Yangtze
World wonder rankings
Top 100
Top 1000
More
Site map
About me and my credentials
About my website
Reader testimonials
Email me your opinion
Rhine River cruise
tips you can trust
Rhine River cruise
tips & insights
About the Rhine River
It one of the world's most famous and longest rivers (see map above). The river is also one of the most international. It flows 1320 kilometers (820 miles) from the Alps to the North Sea, passing through or kissing Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, and The Netherlands.
The three Rhine regions
They are the Lower (nearest the sea), Middle, and Upper (nearest the source) Rhines. The first and third have flatter and smoother landscapes, making them less stimulating for tourists. The Middle Rhine is by far the visitor's top choice.
Best sightseeing section
of the Middle Rhine
It lies between Koblenz and Rudesheim (or Bingen) for a distance of 65 kilometers (40 miles). Here the river narrows as it flows through a steeply inclined valley gorge.
Medieval castles
This short section is home to the world's densest concentration of medieval castles. They number several dozens and sit dramatically on steep slopes. Burg Katz, Marksburg, Reichenstein, and Rheinfels are among the best known.
Lorelei
The famous Lorelei rock soars 130 meters or 430 feet about the water. Legend says a siren sitting on top of the Lorelei rock distracts sailors with a mesmerizing song. This causes shipwrecks because sailors stop paying attention to the dangerous rocks and currents at the foot of the Lorelei.
Medieval villages
The riverbank's picturesque Medieval villages with half-timbered buildings delight onboard cruisers. So do the manicured, steep-inclined vineyards. You can also explore the villages and enjoy vineyard wine tastings during shore excursions.
Click button for
more Rhine cruise tips
Nile
Yangtze
Kerala Backwaters
Rhine
Mekong
Amazon
Danube
Rhine-Danube Combo
Volga
Canal du Midi
Photo used with permission.
sponsored ad
Learn
my candid
worldwide
tips & rankings
Click blue links
Top
wonders of
Top
wonders of
Cruise line ratings
Cruise
destinations tips
Special interest cruising
Safari guides
Special topics
World wonder rankings
Other tips & advice
More
Copyright 2013 HQP - Hillman Quality Publications / hillmanwonders.com
