How Do You Choose Which River To Cruise?
Published Monday, April 4th 2022
Not all European River Cruises are the same. So, how do you choose the right river cruise for you? Here’s what you should know:
Where Do You Want To River Cruise?
Is Italy’s Po River on your list? Then you’re in luck. Only a couple of river cruise companies sail the Po River.
Do you want to cruise the Danube or Rhine Rivers? That’s where things become complex. Nearly every major river cruise line has ships operating on those rivers. Here are a few highlights for each region.
The Danube River
The Danube River is our number one choice for travelers new to river cruising.
- Scenic beauty as you cruise through 10 countries with gorgeous landscapes and fairy-tale villages.
- Visit iconic cities such as Budapest, Passau, and Vienna.
- Excursions to UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Evening concerts and waltzes.
- Opportunities to bicycle, especially on the gorgeous stretch through the Wachau Valley
The Rhine River
After the Danube, the Rhine River is Europe’s next most popular river cruise. Steeped in legend, the scenic Rhine flows through six countries.
- Castles - Soaring fortresses and fairy-tale castles along its banks evoke the spirit of medieval Europe.
- Culture - With cities like Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Cologne, Amsterdam, and more, you’ll get a good dose of culture on your Rhine River cruises.
- Bicycling - There are good bicycling paths and dedicated bike roads in many places along the Rhine river.
- Beer and Wine. Have a Cologne Kolsch beer after checking out the impressive Cologne Cathedral. Or stroll along Drosselgasse, known as the "world's merriest street," to find a Weingarten in Rudesheim, Germany.
The Rhône River
Sailing between Lyon and Avignon or Arles in France, you’ll take in the gorgeous landscapes of Burgundy and Provence. The iconic bridge crossing the Gardon River, Pont du Gard, is one of France’s the best-preserved legacies of ancient Roman architecture. You will visit the wine-producing regions of Beaujolais and Chateauneuf du Pape.
The Seine River
The glorious Seine winds through elegant Paris into historic Normandy. You’ll see magnificent sights of Paris, from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame Cathedral. You’ll pass scenic landscapes and farmlands that inspired famed Impressionist artists to Normandy’s historic beaches.
A Bordeaux River Cruise
The wine-producing region of Bordeaux, France attracts river cruisers who are wine enthusiasts and history lovers. This region boasts an intoxicating mix of culinary delights and old-world charm.
The vast majority of Bordeaux river cruises operate roundtrip from the city of Bordeaux, and most are a week in duration. If you’re looking for longer voyages, you have the option to add pre-and-post land excursions to Paris or the Loire Valley.
The Douro River
The Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is gorgeous and culturally significant. You’ll get a mix of Portugal and Spain on Douro River Cruises. That means good Port wines from Portugal and paella from Spain.
When you’re ready to book, whether it’s now or later, you can schedule a complimentary Discovery Call with me.
