European River Cruise

After a free morning to explore Rotterdam, we'll bid farewell to this dynamic city and set sail towards the heart of Europe. 

Snuggle up with a warm cocoa (or something stronger for extra warmth, perhaps?!) and a cozy blanket as you kick back on the sundeck and watch as the charming riverside towns, windmills, and traditional Dutch farmhouses pass us by, each offering a glimpse into rural life in the Netherlands. 

If the winter chill isn't your cup of cocoa, fear not! Our onboard oasis is packed with amenities and games to keep the fun rolling. Dive into a game of cards with newfound friends, join in on a spirited trivia contest, or simply relax in one of the lounges with a good book or a refreshing drink. Whether you're seeking adventure, a moment of relaxation, or maybe even a gym session, this ship has you covered. So, kick back, mingle, and let the good times roll as we cruise the Rhine in style! 

Under the Accommodations tab you'll find a ton of information about our ship, the 'Advance', as well as a description and photos of the cabins. 

THEME NIGHT - "White Christmas" - Come to dinner wearing as much snow white as you can.

Welcome to Germany! Overnight we've sailed to the delightful town of Bonn, where history and holiday cheer blend seamlessly! Germany is renowned for its enchanting Christmas markets, and our first stop in Bonn is no exception. Step ashore and wander through the charming stalls of the Bonn Christmas Market (Bonn Weihnachtsmarkt), where the air is filled with the scent of spiced mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and freshly baked gingerbread. Admire handcrafted ornaments, festive decorations, and traditional handicrafts, and indulge in seasonal treats as you soak in the festive ambiance.

No visit to Bonn is complete without paying homage to its most famous son, Ludwig van Beethoven. Explore Beethoven's House (Beethoven-Haus), beautifully adorned for the holidays, and immerse yourself in the musical legacy of the legendary composer.

Looking for a change of pace and to soak up the beauty of the Rhine like never before? Why not grab a bike (there's plenty included and on board) and cycle along the riverfront from Bonn to Königswinter? It's the perfect remedy for those travelers looking to inject a dose of adrenaline into their day. As you cycle, each turn unveils breathtaking vistas of vineyards, castles, and charming villages nestled along the riverbanks. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a novice rider, this experience promises stunning views and is a memorable activity you can brag to your friends at home about. 

For an enchanting detour (see what we did there!?) from Bonn or Königswinter, hop aboard the cogwheel train and ascend to the majestic Drachenfels Castle offering panoramic views of the Rhine Valley below. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking adventure, Drachenfels Castle promises an unforgettable experience that will really leave you breathless (especially if you decide to walk up instead of take the train!) 

Rise and shine, adventurers! It's time to fuel up with a hearty buffet breakfast and a strong cappucino, because we have a whole new place to explore! Overnight we've sailed from Königswinter to the charming town of Cochem, nestled in the heart of the Moselle Valley! 

Here you'll have a full day to explore this stunning region, with the quaint and picturesque town of Cochem at the center. You can lace up your hiking boots or slip into your cycling gear for a day of exploring vineyard-draped hillsides and quaint villages nestled along the Moselle River. Or if that's not your thing, you can make your way to the majestic Reichsburg Castle, which can be accessed on foot from our ship. 

Whether you're sipping world-class wines, capturing Instagram-worthy vistas, or simply wandering the streets of this quaint town, Cochem and the Moselle Valley promise a day filled with wonder and adventure. So, grab your sense of curiosity and let's make today another unforgettable chapter in our grand adventure!

THEME NIGHT - "Santas and Elves" - Come to dinner as the big man himself, one of his elves, or any Christmassy attire.

Where the Rhine and Moselle converge lies one of Germany's oldest and most beautiful cities: Koblenz. Vineyards, forests and four mountain ranges create the unique backdrop to this 2,000-year-old city. Kick off your exploration by wandering through the charming streets of Koblenz's Old Town, where you'll find medieval architecture and lively cafes around every corner. Don't miss the iconic Deutsches Eck, or German Corner, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, offering panoramic views and the perfect photo opportunity.

This afternoon... get ready for a journey through postcard-perfect landscapes as we set sail from Koblenz to Rüdesheim soaking in the beauty of the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley. A highlight not to be missed is 'Castle Alley'—a stretch of the river adorned with majestic castles and ruins perched atop towering cliffs. As we glide past these ancient fortresses, each with its own story to tell, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time.

Along the way, there's Lorelei—a place steeped in myth and mystery. Legend has it that a siren named Lorelei once lured sailors to their doom with her mesmerizing song, causing ships to crash upon the treacherous rocks below. Today, the Lorelei Rock still casts its spell over travelers, offering panoramic views of the Rhine Valley that are nothing short of breathtaking. So, whether you're marveling at the ancient castles of Castle Alley or contemplating the myths of Lorelei, these iconic landmarks are sure to be the highlight of our journey along the Rhine today.

Once in Rüdesheim, you'll want to take a stroll through this picturesque town, adorned with colorful decorations and festive displays as Rüdesheim's holiday market comes to life. And of course, no visit to Rüdesheim would be complete without raising a glass of glühwein or feuerzangenbowle—a festive concoction of mulled wine and flaming sugar—to toast to the magic of the season. It's the perfect way to end a day of adventure.

Happy Thanksgiving! Today you can step back in time and immerse yourself in the medieval splendor of Heidelberg, approx 30 mins drive from our ship that will be docked in Mannheim.  

Our first stop: the magnificent Heidelberg Castle, a towering fortress that has stood watch over the city for centuries. Explore its grand halls, winding staircases, and picturesque courtyards as you uncover the stories of its past. Don't forget to take in the breathtaking views of the city and the Neckar River from the castle's terrace—the perfect backdrop for a memorable photo!

After our castle adventure, it's time to tantalize our taste buds with some traditional German delicacies. Indulge in savory bratwurst, crispy schnitzel, or hearty käsespätzle at a cozy tavern or beer garden, accompanied by a refreshing pint of local beer or a crisp glass of Riesling. And of course, no visit to Heidelberg would be complete without sampling the city's famous sweet treat: the beloved Studentenkuss, a decadent chocolate confection that's been delighting locals and visitors alike for generations.

And Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without us thanking you, our most loyal travelers and friends, without whom we wouldn't be here together today. Your support, enthusiasm, and adventurous spirit have made the past 12 years truly unforgettable. So here's to you, our cherished travelers, and to the magic of Heidelberg on this Thanksgiving day.    

Overnight we've slept soundly with our hearts (& bellies) full from Thanksgiving, and sailed from Mannheim to Mainz, where we have another full day to explore (gotta get those steps in and work off that turkey, right?!)

Here you can discover Mainz's rich history at the Gutenberg Museum, and marvel at ancient manuscripts, printing presses, and artifacts that celebrate the life and legacy of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. It's a must-visit for book lovers, history buffs, and anyone fascinated by the power of the written word.

Afterward, wander through Mainz's picturesque Old Town with its medieval architecture, vibrant market squares, and cozy cafes where you can sample Mainz's famous specialty: hand-twisted pretzels that are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and totally irresistible!

Still need a few stocking stuffers to take home with you? Grab that nice (or naughty, we don't judge!) list and head to the Mainz Christmas Market, where artisans and vendors offer a selection of handmade crafts, traditional gifts, and seasonal treats. From intricately carved ornaments to mouthwatering gingerbread cookies, there's something for everyone! And be sure to keep an eye out for the iconic Mainz Christmas Pyramid—a towering wooden structure adorned with festive decorations and figurines.

THEME NIGHT - "80s extravaganza" - Think Madonna and Cher, leg warmers, and your favorite tight-and-brights

Overnight we've sailed from Mainz to Cologne, and as we emerge from our cozy dens onboard, it's time to unleash our inner bear and join in this celebration of love, acceptance, and community, because we've officially arrived in Cologne just in time for the final weekend of Bear Pride Week! 

Whether you're a proud bear, a fierce ally, or somewhere in between, Bear Pride Week welcomes everyone with open arms and a whole lot of love. Here you'll find something for every member of our diverse LGBTQ+ family to enjoy. Bear Pride Week isn't just about celebrating bears—it's about celebrating YOU! It's about coming together as a community, embracing our differences, and reveling in the joy of being exactly who we are.  

Whether you're hitting the dance floor, exploring the city, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, we know you'll have a bear-y good time in Cologne! (Ha! Sorry, couldn't resist!) We'll be docked overnight, so you can stay on land as long as you like tonight, though of course we'll have our farewell dinner and closing party onboard too!

Well, well, well, look at us! We've officially popped our cruise cherry together, and boy, was it a memorable ride! From our first glimpse of the sparkling Rhine to our last night of dancing under the stars (through the glass roof!), we've sailed through uncharted waters and emerged as seasoned sailors (or at least, excellent deck dancers).

United by our love of travel, our sense of adventure, and our shared belief in living life to the fullest, this really is one adventure we wont forget. Whether we're bears, otters, or unicorns, this is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate their inner sparkle and come together to share in this once-in-a-lifetime experience! So here's to the Rhine, to Germany, to the Netherlands, and to each and every one of you!  Auf Wiedersehen and tot ziens—until our next adventure together!

On the last day, your included departure transfer can either take you to Cologne-Bonn airport (code CGN) OR to Cologne's main train station for convenient (and quite fast) access to many other European cities/airports, such as Frankfurt (1 hour), Brussels (2 hours), Paris (3.5 hours), or Amsterdam (3.5 hours).  Heading home right away?  We suggest booking your flight from Frankfurt (code FRA) with a departure time after 10am given the large number of flights available from FRA airport.

Arriving early?  Amsterdam is one of our favorite places in the world and whether you've already experienced this city before or not, it's absolutely worth at least a couple of nights of exploring.  This self-guided 2-night extension can be added on to your Detours river cruise experience by request and includes:

• 2 nights at Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American, a 4-star hotel right in the center of the city.  
• Full breakfast each morning.
• Private airport transfer from AMS Airport on Nov 21st.
• 3-hour guided city walking tour on Nov 22nd (private to Detours travelers).
• Transfer to our ship on Nov 23rd, docked in Rotterdam

Add this package for $640 USD per person based on two people sharing one room, or $890 USD per person in a private solo room.

Amsterdam has several incredible museums that are very much worth checking out.  We haven't included these as personal preference will determine which you may like to visit.  Our top three favorites include the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum.