Sitting on my bed, I watch Germany float by. From my guestroom on the ms River Splendor, a 176-passenger Vantage river cruise ship, I watch ancient castles on towering overlooks glide past. Hills covered in sleeping vineyards soon follow, along with an endless parade of picturesque towns, their cobblestone streets worn smooth from centuries of life by the river.
Of all the ways that I have traveled in Germany, from road trips through Bavaria, boats to the northern islands, and train treks to small towns and pulsating cities, exploring Germany by river cruise ship is the most relaxing.
Rivers are an integral part of life in Germany. Since ancient times, the Rhine, the Danube, and many other rivers have been used for commerce, transporting goods and products. Today, the rivers also bring travelers who want to see Germany at a slower pace.
Our Vantage river cruise is an eight-day journey through the heart of Germany during the Christmas season. It’s an excellent time to visit the country. Each town has a Christmas market, where rows of wooden stalls sell local goods and tasty treats, and the streets are decorated for the season.
