Name: Castles along the Rhine
Brand: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld is one of the most luxurious river cruise lines in existence, operating a fleet of 13 unique, opulent and lavish six-star river ships.

The company was founded in 1976, becoming part of the Travel Corporation in 2004 – a group which also includes luxurious Red Carnation Hotel.

The cruise line operates on the waters of Europe, Arica and Asia, and each Uniworld ship is inspired by its destination.

Cruise Itinerary

Days 1-2

Basel

Basel is Switzerland’s gateway to the Rhine, combining medieval and modern charm. Its Old Town has narrow streets, Gothic spires and the impressive Basel Minster cathedral. With world-class art fairs and museums, including the Kunstmuseum and Fondation Beyeler, Basel is strong on culture. The city’s riverside promenade is lively in summer, with cafés and outdoor events.Basel is at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany, making it a fascinating mix of influences, ideal for art and history lovers.

Day 3

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany, and its culture and architecture reflect a blend of both influences. The Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and canals often called “La Petite France”.The Strasbourg Cathedral, with its intricate pink sandstone façade and astronomical clock, dominates the skyline. Strasbourg also has a reputation as a European political centre, housing the European Parliament.

Day 4

Speyer

Day 5

Mainz

Mainz is known for its Roman heritage and inspiration, which is visible in archaeological sites and the Mainz Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. The city is also the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, with a museum dedicated to his revolutionary legacy.The old town has colourful half-timbered houses, busy markets and inviting cafés where you can enjoy local wines. The Rhine promenade is perfect for relaxed walks with views of passing river traffic and bridges.

Day 6

Boppard

Day 7

Cologne

Cologne has roots going back to Roman times. Dominating the skyline is the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s largest Gothic churches. Don’t miss a visit to see its soaring spires, intricate façades and stained-glass windows.Beyond the cathedral, Cologne’s Old Town features cobbled streets lined with colourful medieval houses, cosy beer halls and cafés where the local Kölsch beer is served. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with museums dedicated to Roman history, modern art and chocolate.The Rhine promenade is a good option for a relaxed walk and a chance to check out the city’s bridges.

Day 8

Arnhem

Discover one of Europe's greenest cities, often considered the gateway to Veluwezoom National Park. Arnhem makes an excellent base for an afternoon of countryside cycling, with scenic bike paths just beyond the city limits. History enthusiasts will also find plenty to explore, particularly the legacy of the 1944 Battle of Arnhem, which inspired the war epic A Bridge Too Far. The Netherlands Open Air Museum is also of interest, especially in summer, for those sailing with children in tow.

Day 9

Rotterdam

Often overlooked in favour of Amsterdam, Rotterdam is long overdue its flowers. Many now consider it the Netherlands' hippest city. Bombed heavily during World War II, it has spent the decades since reinventing itself as one of Europe's most compelling centres of modern architecture. Highlights include the playful Cube Houses by visionary architect Piet Blom and the 'Horn of Plenty', a swirling digital artwork across the ceiling of the Markthal. Take in sweeping views of the city from Euromast Tower before exploring the city's maritime roots at the excellent Maritime Museums.

Days 10-11

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ lively capital, famous for its historic canals and art museums. Cruising into the city reveals a network of waterways lined with tall, narrow houses with ornate gables, a hallmark of Dutch Golden Age architecture. The city’s past as a busy trading city can be seen in its harbour and historic buildings.Exploring on foot or by bike, visitors can check out world-class museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, alongside the poignant Anne Frank House. The city’s compact centre makes it easy to wander through charming neighbourhoods like Jordaan with its boutique shops, cafés and galleries.Despite its popularity, Amsterdam maintains a relaxed vibe with leafy canals and parks offering a peaceful break from the busy centre.

Days 1-2

Basel

Basel is Switzerland’s gateway to the Rhine, combining medieval and modern charm. Its Old Town has narrow streets, Gothic spires and the impressive Basel Minster cathedral. With world-class art fairs and museums, including the Kunstmuseum and Fondation Beyeler, Basel is strong on culture. The city’s riverside promenade is lively in summer, with cafés and outdoor events.Basel is at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany, making it a fascinating mix of influences, ideal for art and history lovers.

Day 3

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany, and its culture and architecture reflect a blend of both influences. The Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and canals often called “La Petite France”.The Strasbourg Cathedral, with its intricate pink sandstone façade and astronomical clock, dominates the skyline. Strasbourg also has a reputation as a European political centre, housing the European Parliament.

Day 4

Speyer

Day 5

Mainz

Mainz is known for its Roman heritage and inspiration, which is visible in archaeological sites and the Mainz Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. The city is also the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, with a museum dedicated to his revolutionary legacy.The old town has colourful half-timbered houses, busy markets and inviting cafés where you can enjoy local wines. The Rhine promenade is perfect for relaxed walks with views of passing river traffic and bridges.

Day 6

Boppard

Day 7

Cologne

Cologne has roots going back to Roman times. Dominating the skyline is the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s largest Gothic churches. Don’t miss a visit to see its soaring spires, intricate façades and stained-glass windows.Beyond the cathedral, Cologne’s Old Town features cobbled streets lined with colourful medieval houses, cosy beer halls and cafés where the local Kölsch beer is served. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with museums dedicated to Roman history, modern art and chocolate.The Rhine promenade is a good option for a relaxed walk and a chance to check out the city’s bridges.

Day 8

Arnhem

Discover one of Europe's greenest cities, often considered the gateway to Veluwezoom National Park. Arnhem makes an excellent base for an afternoon of countryside cycling, with scenic bike paths just beyond the city limits. History enthusiasts will also find plenty to explore, particularly the legacy of the 1944 Battle of Arnhem, which inspired the war epic A Bridge Too Far. The Netherlands Open Air Museum is also of interest, especially in summer, for those sailing with children in tow.

Day 9

Rotterdam

Often overlooked in favour of Amsterdam, Rotterdam is long overdue its flowers. Many now consider it the Netherlands' hippest city. Bombed heavily during World War II, it has spent the decades since reinventing itself as one of Europe's most compelling centres of modern architecture. Highlights include the playful Cube Houses by visionary architect Piet Blom and the 'Horn of Plenty', a swirling digital artwork across the ceiling of the Markthal. Take in sweeping views of the city from Euromast Tower before exploring the city's maritime roots at the excellent Maritime Museums.

Days 10-11

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ lively capital, famous for its historic canals and art museums. Cruising into the city reveals a network of waterways lined with tall, narrow houses with ornate gables, a hallmark of Dutch Golden Age architecture. The city’s past as a busy trading city can be seen in its harbour and historic buildings.Exploring on foot or by bike, visitors can check out world-class museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, alongside the poignant Anne Frank House. The city’s compact centre makes it easy to wander through charming neighbourhoods like Jordaan with its boutique shops, cafés and galleries.Despite its popularity, Amsterdam maintains a relaxed vibe with leafy canals and parks offering a peaceful break from the busy centre.

S.S. Antoinette

The luxurious décor of the 443-foot, 152-passenger S.S. Antoinette—Uniworld’s first Super ShipTM vessel—features fine Brazilian marble on the walls and floors, a 19th-century Venetian glass mirror, a stylish Bar du Leopard with full-service bar, and an onboard cinema.