AACI Rhine River Cruise & Strasbourg Tour
June 15-25
Step aboard an unforgettable journey through more than 1,000 years of Jewish faith, resilience, and brilliance. This exceptional experience blends profound heritage with cultural discovery, refined comfort, and the serenity of a luxurious Rhine River cruise.
As we sail through the heart of Europe, we will connect with the legendary ShUM communities of Speyer, Worms, and Mainz—sacred centers that shaped Ashkenazi Jewish life and scholarship and now stand as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each stop reveals stories of devotion, creativity, and continuity, set against a backdrop of storybook wine villages, soaring castles, and timeless river landscapes.
Our voyage unfolds from the “German Corner” in Koblenz, through the mystical Lorelei Gorge—where legend and landscape intertwine—and onward to the vineyards of Rüdesheim and the romantic beauty of Heidelberg, along with other hidden gems along the Rhine. Every bend of the river invites reflection, inspiration, and wonder.
Onboard, inspiration continues through exceptional kosher cuisine. Fresh gourmet inspired meals (free flowing wines at dinner) and drinks are prepared daily in a kitchen specially koshered for our journey, with the entire ship dedicated exclusively to our group. A private chef, new porcelain, continuous supervision, and an onboard synagogue with a Torah scroll ensure that Jewish life flows naturally and beautifully throughout the voyage.
Following our cruise, we will extend the experience with four enriching days in Strasbourg and the Alsace region, where history, culture, and Jewish heritage come together in one of Europe’s most captivating cities—allowing the journey to linger, deepen, and inspire long after we leave the river behind.
Day 1: June15, 2026 – Tel Aviv – Cologne – Düsseldorf
Upon arrival in Frankfurt, we stop for a light lunch en route to the port at Dusseldorf.
After boarding the ship, we’ll enjoy a warm, delicious welcome plus orienttion, we will be given time to rest and get ready in the rooms. We will meet for a gala dinner in honor of the start of the cruise. Tonight, the ship will sail to Koblenz.
Day 2: June 16, 2026 – Koblenz – Moselle Valley – Cochem
This morning, we will wake up in the city of Koblenz, located where the Moselle River flows into the Rhine, a spectacular and unique sight.
After breakfast we will set off on a spectacular drive along the Moselle Valley and River, a picturesque area, known for its stunning landscapes, charming vineyards and historic towns. The Moselle Valley is a significant wine-producing region, especially known for its Riesling wines.
The Jewish presence in the Moselle Valley has lasted for centuries and played a significant role in the history of the region. Jewish communities have thrived, faced challenges and made notable contributions to the cultural, economic and social fabric of the Moselle Valley.
We will arrive in Cochem, a picturesque town located in the Moselle Valley. We will enjoy a leisurely stroll through the old town, which boasts 
narrow cobblestone streets, traditional German architecture and charming squares. At the end of today’s tour, we will return to the ship for lunch, after which we will embark on a walking tour of Koblenz, during which we will walk along the promenades on the banks of the two rivers, to the point where they meet, called the “German Corner”, where a monument to Kaiser Wilhelm stands. We will go to the old town and see the Harthaus – the ancient town hall and walk around as much as time allows.
In the afternoon, the ship will leave Koblenz and sail south.
Day 3: June 17, 2026 – Rhine Valley – Lorelei Cliff – Rüdesheim
This morning, we cruise along the most beautiful section of the Rhine – the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a picturesque and historically significant section of the Rhine River in Europe. The area is known for its breathtaking scenery, including steep vineyards, medieval castles, charming towns and lush green hills. The valley was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its cultural and historical importance. During this section of the cruise, we will pass the famous Lorelei cliff bend, about which dozens of legends and songs were written.
Towards noon, we will anchor in the picturesque town of Rüdesheim. The beautiful town is nestled among Riesling vineyards and is particularly famous for its wines. We will take a walking tour of the town, during which we will walk down the famous Lark Alley and visit the Music Box Museum, which displays a fascinating collection of automatic musical instruments and mechanical musical instruments.
At the end of our enjoyable tour, we will return to the ship for dinner.
Day 4: June 18, 2026 – Wiesbaden – Mainz
In the morning we will anchor in the elegant city of Wiesbaden, the capital of the state of Hesse, considered one of the most beautiful and prestigious resort and health resorts in Germany. We will tour the classic city center, where we will be impressed by the elegant architecture and the special European atmosphere. We will visit the impressive Kurhausplatz, see the historic Kurhaus bathhouse – a symbol of the city, walk the streets rich in cafes and boutique shops, and pass by the elegant Wilhelmstraße, the “Champs Elysees” of Wiesbaden. We will continue to a beautiful viewpoint from the top of Mount Neroberg, where we can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding valley, and see the golden Russian church built for a Russian princess in the 19th century.
We will return to the ship for lunch, after which we will visit the city of Mainz (Magenza), with its glorious Jewish past and the capital of the Rhineland in Germany, about which Tchernichovsky wrote the tragic poem “Baruch of Magenza”. The Jewish community in Mainz dates back to the Roman period, making it one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe. The greatest commentator of the Bible and Talmud – Rashi, who was born in Troyes, France, began studying in his twenties in the great yeshivahs in Germany, initially in the Magenza Yeshiva with Rabbi Gershom of the Diaspora, where his spiritual world was shaped and built.
We will go on a walking tour of the city center, during which we will visit the Mainz synagogue, which was destroyed during Kristallnacht, but after World War II was rebuilt and is a testament to the resilience of the city’s Jewish community. Mainz is also the birthplace of Johann Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. We will visit the Gutenberg Museum, where the first printed Bible is located, tour the city center and pass by the famous Mainz Cathedral, which is built of impressive red stone.
After dinner, we will continue sailing towards Speyer, which we will arrive the next morning.
Day 5: June 19, 2026 – Speyer – Heidelberg – Speyer
This morning, we will anchor in Speyer and after breakfast we set off on a tour of the university city of Heidelberg, where we will take a walking tour through the Old City Gate and look out over the famous Heidelberg Castle. We will continue to the center of the old city and see the site of the old synagogue (which later became a memorial) that was destroyed on Kristallnacht and the Jewish Gate.
We will learn about destruction of the synagogue and will see a monument to the victims of the Holocaust from the Jewish community in Heidelberg nearby. The site is moving and reminds us of the painful history of the Jewish community in the city. We will continue and see the Stephen’s Church with its magnificent Chagall windows and then we will be given free time in the charming city center.
At the end of our tour we will return to the ship that awaits us in Speyer. Speyer, one of the oldest cities in Germany with a glorious Jewish past and some of the Shmuel communities. Speyer is also famous for its Romanesque cathedral, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In the decrees of 1096, most of the Jewish community was saved thanks to the bishop of the city who hid them in his personal estate behind the city cathedral.
The hours before the Sabbath can be used for rest and leisurely sitting in a boat and preparing for Shabbat. After candlelighiting and davening, we will enjoy a festive Shabbat dinner.
Day 6: June 20, 2026 – Speyer (Saturday)
After Tefillah, we will go on a walking tour of the city of Speyer, one of the oldest cities in 
Germany, famous for its Romanesque cathedral, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We will visit the remains of Speyer’s glorious Jewish past, the “Jewish Courtyard” (Judenhof), the remains of the medieval synagogue and the largest preserved mikveh in Europe.
After Shabbat lunch we will have time to rest and in the afternoon, we will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on the ship. At the end of Shabbat and after a festive and joyful Havdalah, we will continue our journey to Worms.
Day 7: June 21, 2026 – Worms (Wormseize) – Frankfurt
This morning we will anchor in Worms, a historic city located in southwestern Germany. Worms has a rich history that dates to Roman times and is considered one of the oldest cities in Germany. The city is also known for its significant Jewish community, which dates back over a thousand years. The Jewish community in Worms played a crucial role in shaping the cultural, economic and intellectual life of the city. During Rashi’s stay in Germany, he also studied at the yeshiva in Worms, where he stayed for between three and five years. We will visit and be impressed by Rashi’s synagogue as well as the “Wonderful Wall in Worms” – mentioned in the famous poem by Shaul Tchernichovsky. We will visit the ancient Jewish cemetery. This is one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe with tombstones dating from the 11th century. Many Jewish sages and rabbis are buried here, making it a significant site for Jewish heritage. We will visit the grave of the Maharam of Rothenberg, a native of the city and one of the great Ashkenazi rabbis, and the grave of the Maharil, whose influence on the world of halachic law is evident to this day.
At the end of our exciting visit, we will set off on a panoramic tour of Frankfurt, where we will get to know the main sites of the city. Towards evening, we will return to the ship for our gala goodbye dinner. Tonight the ship will remain in the port of Frankfurt.
Day 8: June 22, 2026 – Frankfurt – Strasbourg
After breakfast we bid farewell to our riverboat and depart Germany for France.
We will travel to Pfaffenhofen to visit the 18th-century synagogue. Then we will travel to Bouxwiller, where there are excellent examples of original wooden structures. We will visit the Museum of Alsatian Judaism, housed in a former synagogue. After this visit, we will continue to Ingwiller to visit a 19th-century synagogue.
Head on to the hotel in Strasbourg .After checking into the hotel, we will go out for a Kosher dinner in a restaurant in Strasbourg.
Day 9: Tuesday, June 23 2026- Strasbourg
After davening and breakfast, we will enjoy Strasbourg and explore the city by foot. We will visit the Strasbourg synagogue and the European Parliament, tour Petite-France, Strasbourg’s medieval craft center, and continue to visit the cathedral from the outside.
In the afternoon we will visit the Alsatian Museum (dedicated to daily life and religious life in Alsace in the past, including Jewish life) and the Strasbourg mikveh.
Dinner in Strasbourg
Tonight we venture out for a night tour of the lit up old city.
Wednesday, June 24 2026-Traenheim, Colmar
After breakfast, We will travel to Traenheim to visit a unique synagogue that was hidden for many years and discovered in the attic of a rural house. Then we will continue to Obernai, a town with an 18th-century synagogue. We will have a packed kosher lunch during the visit.
After lunch, we will head to Colmar, one of the most fascinating cities in Alsace. On the way to Colmar we will stop at two picturesque Alsatian villages: Eguisheim and Kaysersberg.
In Colmar, we will visit the 19th-century synagogue and tour the medieval old town, with emphasis on the Poissonnerie and Petite Venise quarters. In Colmar we also visit the Unterlinden Museum – an important museum of Northern Renaissance art.
Dinner in Strasbourg
Thursday, June 25 2026-Strasbourg Frankfurt Home
After breakfast and check in, we will take a boat tour through the historic and enchanting canals of Strasbourg. Then we will the head north to Haguenau, located on the edge of a large forest, and visit its Jewish Quarter and synagogue.
After lunch we will head to Frankfurt airport for the flight back.
Price per person in a DBL cabin: in EURO
Price per person in a SGL cabin: in EURO
*Prices subject to change at time of booking |
$80-pp addition for non AACI member or join AACI
Flights (not included-subject to change)
Departure flight: LY 357 (ELAL) Monday, June 15, 2026: Departing Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv at 06:10. Arrival in Frankfurt: 09:40
Return flight: LY 356 (ELAL) Thursday, June 25, 2026: Departing Frankfurt, at 19:45. Arrival in Tel Aviv at 00:50, Monday, June 26
For those traveling from outside Israel please contact us for travel assistance.
Note: It is recommended to purchase travel insurance at the time of registration that includes coverage for cancellation fees and medical expenses.
Price includes:
- Accommodation:7-night Rhine River Cruise cruise
- 3 freshly prepared Glatt kosher meals daily on board ship (lunch packs on day tours)
- Touring as per itinerary on Rhine Tour
- Accommodation: 3 night hotel in Strasbourg
- Kosher Full board (packed lunch) in Strasbourg after cruise
- Touring as per itinerary in Strasbourg
- Transfers to and from Frankfurt airport
- All tips/land tour guides/drivers/porterage/ ship crew
- Tefillot + Shabbat + Sefer Torah
- AACI staff led
- Headphones
Not included:
- Additional Land Tours not listed in the above
- Flights
- Personal items, Medical/travel insurance
- Non group transfers
Payment Terms:
- Deposit: €2,000 per room upon confirmation of booking
- Final payment: Due no later than March 9th, 2026
Cancellation Policy:
- All cancellations must be submitted in writing. Cancellation fees are calculated based on the date the written cancellation is received
- Up to March 2, 2026
- €600 per person
- March 3 – April 6, 2026
- 30% of the total booking amount
- April 7 – May 6, 2026
- 60% of the total booking amount
- May 7 – June 11, 2026
- 75% of the total booking amount
- June 12 – July 15, 2026
- 100% of the total booking amount
Note: It is recommended to purchase travel insurance at the time of registration that includes coverage for cancellation fees and medical expenses.
For more information, please email info@aaci.org.il or call 972-2-5661181