Rhine River Kosher Cruise June 2025 with Golden Tours

Day 1 – Tuesday, June 10, 2025: Depart from Frankfurt, Germany (8:00 PM)

Day 2 – Wednesday, June 11, 2025: Arrive in Worms, Germany (6:30 AM - 2:30 PM)

Day 3 – Thursday, June 12, 2025: Arrive in Strasbourg, France (7:00 AM - 11:59 PM)

Day 4 – Friday, June 13, 2025: Arrive in Speyer, Germany (7:00 AM; overnight stay)

Day 5 – Saturday, June 14, 2025: Depart from Speyer, Germany (11:30 PM)

Day 6 – Sunday, June 15, 2025: Arrive in Mainz, Germany (5:00 AM - 2:00 PM)

Continue to Rüdesheim, Germany (arrive 4:00 PM; overnight stay)

Day 7 – Monday, June 16, 2025: Depart from Rüdesheim, Germany (2:00 AM)

Arrive in Koblenz, Germany (6:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

Day 8 – Tuesday, June 17, 2025: Arrive in Frankfurt, Germany (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

Kosher food at a level you have never experienced:

 

Price does not include:

Detailed program:

10 JUNE, TUESDAY: FRANKFURT (DEPART 20:00) 

Closest airport is Frankfurt and we will meet at the dock in Frankfurt at 16:30 (when check in begins) where there will be time to check-in and settle into your cabins. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner and the beginning of our cruise towards the city of Worms.

 

11 JUNE, WEDNESDAY: WORMS & MANNHEIM

This morning, we will dock in Worms, also known as Warmaisa, a historic city in southwest Germany. Worms has a rich history dating back to Roman times and is considered one of Germany's oldest cities. The city is also renowned for its significant Jewish community, which dates back over a thousand years. The Jewish community in Worms played a crucial role in shaping the city's cultural, economic, and intellectual life. Rashi, during his time in Germany, studied in Worms for three to five years.
 

We will visit Rashi’s synagogue and the "Miracle Wall of Worms," mentioned in the famous poem by Shaul Tchernichovsky. We will also explore the ancient Jewish cemetery, one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe, with tombstones dating back to the 11th  century. Renowned Jewish sages and rabbis are buried there, making it a significant site for Jewish heritage. We will visit the graves of Rabbi Meir of Rothenburg and Rabbi Jacob ben Moses Moelin (the Maharil), whose influence on halachic law is felt to this day. Following this emotional visit, we will return to the ship for lunch. Later, we will take a short drive to visit Mannheim, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers, an area of strategic historical importance. During our tour, we will pass by Germany’s largest Baroque palace, now housing the University of Mannheim, and the city’s central Market Square with its historic Water Tower. Finally, we will visit the Holocaust memorial in the heart of the city, honoring the victims of the Holocaust. After this visit, we will return to the ship and continue our journey south towards Strasbourg, France.

 

12 JUNE, THURSDAY: STRASBOURG - ALSACE WINE ROUTE

This morning, we will embark on a tour of Strasbourg, the charming capital of the Alsace region in France. Known for its unique blend of French and German architecture, rich history, and cultural heritage, the city offers much to admire.
 

We will stroll through the historic La Petite France district, filled with charming timber-framed houses, canals, and bridges. We’ll enjoy a walk along the riverbanks, explore the picturesque streets, and enjoy the atmosphere. Our tour will continue past the stunning Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral, with time permitting, allowing for further exploration.
 

After returning to the ship for lunch, we will drive along the famous Alsace Wine Route, one of the most scenic wine routes in France. We’ll admire the vineyards and picturesque landscapes of this region, renowned for its rolling hills covered in vines.
 

We’ll visit Riquewihr, a charming medieval village on the Wine Route known for its well-preserved timbered houses and cobbled streets, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace. Following our visit, we will return to the ship and set sail northward towards Speyer.

 

13 JUNE, FRIDAY: SPEYER - HEIDELBERG - SPEYER

This morning, we will dock in Speyer and, after breakfast, head out for a tour of Heidelberg, a renowned university city. Our walking tour will take us through the Old Town Gate and offer a view of the famous Heidelberg Castle. We will continue to the city center, where we will visit the site of the old synagogue (now a memorial), which was destroyed during Kristallnacht, and the Jewish Gate. We will recount the story of the synagogue’s destruction and the Jewish community’s history and see a nearby memorial for the Holocaust victims from Heidelberg. This poignant site honors the painful past of the Jewish community in the city. Next, we will enjoy free time in the charming city center. We will then return to the ship in Speyer, one of Germany's oldest cities, with a rich Jewish heritage as part of the ShUM communities. Speyer is also famous for its Romanesque cathedral, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the persecutions of 1096, most of the Jewish community was saved by the city's bishop, who sheltered them on his estate behind the cathedral.
 

The afternoon will allow for relaxation on board, as we prepare for Shabbat. Candle lighting, a festive Kabbalat Shabbat, Kiddush in the heart of the river, and a royal Shabbat meal will create unforgettable experiences. After dinner, we will enjoy a spirited Oneg Shabbat celebration.

 

14 JUNE, SHABBAT: SPEYER

In the morning, we will enjoy coffee and cake, followed by Shacharit prayers and Torah reading. Afterward, we will hold a Kiddush and enjoy breakfast. We will then visit the ruins of Speyer's synagogue for a deeply moving Mussaf prayer.
 

The synagogue ruins, part of the "Judenhof" (Jewish courtyard), include remains of the medieval synagogue and the largest mikveh preserved in Europe. Praying amidst these ancient ruins, especially reciting "Av Harachamim," written during the First Crusade to commemorate Jewish martyrs, offers a profound connection to Jewish history.We will return to the ship for a sumptuous Shabbat lunch and rest. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a lecture and the serene atmosphere on deck, followed by Seudah Shlishit with soul-stirring melodies. After a festive Havdalah, the ship will sail north toward Mainz.

 

15 JUNE, SUNDAY: MAINZ & RUDESHEIM

In the morning, we will dock in Mainz, a city with a rich Jewish heritage and the capital of Germany's Rhine region. Famous for its ancient Jewish community, Mainz is also the setting for Shaul Tchernichovsky's tragic poem, Baruch of Mainz.
 

We’ll take a walking tour of the city, visiting its synagogue, which was destroyed during Kristallnacht and later rebuilt after WWII, symbolizing the resilience of the Jewish community. Mainz is also the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press, and we’ll visit the Gutenberg Museum, home to the first printed Bible. The tour continues through the city center, passing the imposing red sandstone cathedral.
 

After lunch on board, we’ll cruise through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This picturesque stretch is adorned with steep vineyards, medieval castles, quaint towns, and lush green hills. We’ll pass the legendary Lorelei Rock, which inspired numerous myths and poems. In the afternoon, we’ll dock in the charming town of Rüdesheim, renowned for its Riesling wines. Here, we’ll stroll along the famous Drosselgasse alley and visit the Music Box Museum, featuring an intriguing collection of mechanical musical instruments. We’ll return to the ship for dinner before sailing to our next destination.

 

16 JUNE, MONDAY: KOBLENZ - MOSELLE VALLEY - COCHEM

This morning, we will wake up in Koblenz, where the Moselle River meets the Rhine - a stunning natural sight. After breakfast, we’ll drive along the scenic Moselle Valley, known for its breathtaking landscapes, charming vineyards, and historic towns.
 

The Moselle region is renowned for its Riesling wines, produced in its unique climate and steep vineyards. The area’s Jewish communities have played a significant role in its history, contributing to the cultural and economic fabric of the region.
 

We’ll reach Cochem, a picturesque town nestled in the Moselle Valley. A walking tour of the old town will showcase its cobblestone streets, traditional German architecture, and quaint squares. After lunch on board, we will take a walking tour of Koblenz, visiting the promenade along the rivers and the "German Corner," where a grand monument to Emperor Wilhelm I stands. We’ll explore the Old Town and see landmarks such as the Rathaus (Town Hall) before the ship departs for Frankfurt in the late afternoon.

 

17 JUNE, TUESDAY: FRANKFURT 

After breakfast, make your way to the airport to catch your flight home.