Best River Cruises in Europe

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Are you looking to do a river cruise in Europe but are confused by all the offerings? Here, I make it easy with a list of the top European river cruises.

I start with popular river cruises in the Spring and proceed with popular cruises in the Summer, Fall, and Winter. 

1. Tulip Time Cruises

Celebrate Spring in Europe on a themed voyage through the Netherlands and Belgium to witness the blooming of the iconic tulips. Experience Amsterdam's colorful canals and the whimsical Kinderdijk windmills. Discover the timeless traditions of Royal Delft porcelain and explore the world's largest floral park, Keukenhof Gardens. Throughout your journey, you may indulge in Belgian chocolates, warm waffles, and delicious cheeses, all while savoring the storybook atmosphere of the region.

2. Douro River

The Douro region in Portugal is beautiful to visit any time of year, but there's something extra special in Spring when the temperatures are warm but not too hot, and the vineyards aren't as crowded as in the summer. 

The Douro River is a hidden gem filled with stunning scenery, charming towns bordered by vineyards, and of course, fine Portuguese wine. You visit the mighty city of Porto and the historic Spanish center of Salamanca. If you're a wine lover, you will be extra enthusiastic about booking this vacation. The Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world's oldest wine regions. 

3. Seine River

If Paris is on your list, then the Seine River Cruise is for you. The Seine meanders on a serpentine path from Paris through the Norman countryside to the English Channel. Explore the most famous sites of elegant Paris and Monet's Gardens that inspired the famed Impressionists. Then travel to pay respect at the unforgettable D-Day beaches of Normandy.

4. Rhône River

A Rhône river ranks as one of the top river cruises for wine and food lovers. Savor Lyon, France's culinary capital; the Beaujolais wine region; quaint Provençal villages; and historic cities of Avignon and Arles. For those who love fine food, beauty, and riveting history, Rhône river cruises are pure bliss.

5. Danube River

The Danube River is my number one recommendation for travelers new to river cruising. That's because this legendary river flows through 10 countries and features many of Europe's marquee cities as well as charming villages. You sail into the very heart of the continent, where kings and queens were crowned, where empires were built, and where some of the world's most incredible music was composed and performed by Mozart and Beethoven.

6. Rhine River

Why is the Rhine River on our list of best rivers to cruise in Europe? Because, second to the Danube, it is the river that clients ask about most. 

The Rhine River flows through six countries, passing stunning scenery, fairy-tale castles, and soaring fortresses along its banks. From Amsterdam's colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, you will journey into the heart of the destinations on a Rhine River cruise. Fabled towns lost in time offer you the chance to taste local flavors—Rüdesheimer coffee and Kölsch beer—and to see history up close with guided hikes and bike rides.

7. Moselle River

The tranquil Moselle River twists through southern France, Luxembourg, and into one of Germany's most picturesque wine-growing regions. The Moselle River gives you the impression of sailing through a gorge flanked by steep sloping vineyards. Your ship will dock in fairy-tale villages, such as Bernkastel and Cochem. The Fall is when wine harvest takes place on the Moselle River, making it a perfect choice for an Autumn river cruise with gorgeous Fall landscapes and delicious white wine.

8. Christmas Markets Cruises

While it is true that Europe can be chilly in the Spring and Fall downright cold in the winter, Christmas Market cruises are still something you will not want to miss.

Christmas Markets have a long-standing history in Europe. Almost every river cruise line offers Christmas Market itineraries on the Danube and Rhine Rivers. Some of the best Christmas Markets are in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, and France. Delivering both old-world charm and a festive holiday mood, the Christmas Market itineraries include guided visits to Europe's traditional Christmas Markets as well as on board celebrations to make your spirits bright.

 

There you have it!  A complete list of the best rivers to cruise in Europe for you and your loved ones to enjoy. 

SCHEDULE YOUR RIVER CRUSE PLANNING SESSION TODAY!