I’ve never been a big fan of Cruises or Group Travel. But from the moment I started my first European river cruise I was fascinated.
Whether it is exploring the wine region of France, the historic capital city along the Danube, the castle-lined Rhine or the scenic Douro Valley in Portugal, I think there is no better, easier way to explore Europe than the only floating boutique hotel.
And if you want to learn more about European history and landmarks, include (including meals and often alcoholic beverages), including lines with international travelers.
Do you like to explore by yourself? Check out a bike, or simply walk down the boat in the center of town and wander the streets. (One of my favorite river cruise experiences was getting lost by cycling in Vienna, spending nearly five hours pedaling throughout the city, admiring the Empire architecture, and then stopping in the park for lunch on my way back to the dock.)
Unlike many guided land tours, there is never a mandatory timeline other than catching up on the boat in time toward the next stop along the picturesque waterways of the mainland. On board, whether you are at a local farm-to-table meal, a wine-equipped dinner, a cocktail on cutlery, or relax in the cabin, you can always enjoy the views.
Which rivers can you cruise in Europe?
Danube
The Danube, from the Black Forest to the Black Sea, passes nearly 3,000 kilometers (about 1,864 miles), through the heart of Central Europe, is one of the most popular rivers in cruising and one of Europe’s most iconic European river cruise experiences: sailing along Hungary’s huge, huge new satellite, Hungary, Hungary, Hungary, Hungary Building.
While most of the Danube sails between Hungary and Germany, the routes increasingly sail through the Balkans. Visit Vienna, Budapest and Belgrade, Serbia’s architecturally affluent capital, and villages that seem to be lost in time. And enjoy natural wonders such as the river’s famous iron gate and the spectacular rock formations of Beligradik, Bulgaria.
Rhine
Like the Danube, the Rhine is one of the rivers with the most sailing boats in Europe. These itineraries usually sail between Amsterdam and Basel, Switzerland, and use scenic sailings in the beautiful Rhine valley for the afternoon or morning, where you will learn about the legend behind numerous medieval castles, which are the hills of the ruins of the Unesco World Heritage.
seine
One of France’s most popular routes is a round trip from Paris’ gleaming lights to Normandy, which hits centuries-old riverside villages and many of France’s necessities.
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Walk through the romantic island-like area and enter Les Andellys, home to the Lionheart Chateau Gaillard. In the Normandy capital Rouen, visit the Rouen Cathedral and explore the city’s fine art museums, including masterpieces by Claude Monet and Eugène Delacroix. These itineraries also offer tours of the Somme battlefield in the beaches of Normandy, with the D-Day landing of World War II in 1944.
Ron
One of my favorite cruises, as well as the perfect trip to food and livestock, is in the Provence region of France on the Rhône. These sailings offer a traditional fusion of tourism, a blend of top-notch wine tasting, locally sourced gourmet meals and culinary-focused tour options.
Sailing usually starts from the French culinary capital of Lyon, where you can search for brioche bakeries and food markets. Taste some of the best French wines in Chateauneuf-du-pape and Beaujolais and visit a truffle farm in Gryan. Of course, there was no Rhone stopping in Ars, along the Rhone, because it attracted the Provence lights of Vincent Van Gogh, and the cobbled-lined streets of the village of Viviers in the fifth century.
Duro
Now, most major river cruise lines sail at least along the Douro River in Portugal, are considered one of the most scenic vessels in Europe because it has the UNESCO name to protect the landscape from commercial development. Unlike most rivers, night sailing is also prohibited, meaning that there are more scenic day cruises in the historic Quintas (manor houses) and picturesque villages along the Golden River in Portugal.
Visit the wine caves of Vila Nova de Gaia, bike through the wine country of Vinho Verde, deep into the mountain landscape, idyllic riverside villages, baroque castles and medieval ruins of the Portuguese wine country. Most cruises sail from Porto to the Spanish border, visiting the historic university town of Salamanca or the Golden City, famous for its sandy buildings and churches.
Gallon
Stroll through the vineyards of Margarets, France; samples of oysters from the country’s Atlantic coast; explore the outdoor market in Liebourne, France; and enjoy plenty of downtime to explore the beautiful southern French city of Bordeaux, known as the World Wine.
Most itineraries wind slowly along Garonne, with the option of hiking and cycling among the many vineyards in the area. Of course, wine tasting is abundant, as are the options to explore many quaint villages that make the area a favorite weekend getaway for locals.
Venetian Lagoon
While this is not a technical river, the two companies (Uniworld and Croisieurope) also sailed from Venice, Italy to the country’s PO river. Since the lagoon no longer allows large cruises, it is one of several ways to cruise the heart of Venice and the estuary of the Adriatic sea, while also hitting the islands and landmarks that made Venice the highest international destination.
Which companies are sailing in Europe?
- Amadeus River Cruise
- Amawaterways
- A-Rosa Tour
- Avalon Waterway
- Celebrity (starting from 2027)
- croisieurope
- Jade Tour
- Lindblad-National Geographing (starting in 2026)
- Riverside luxury cruise
- Riviera River cruise
- Scenic luxury cruises and tours
- Tucker
- Trafalgar (starts in 2026)
- Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
- Vikings
When is the best time to sail in Europe?
Traditionally, river cruise seasons take place from April to October, with some of them, especially on the Rhine and Danube, and cruising through special Christmas markets during holidays. However, with fewer offseason crowds, some lines also extend their need for more sailing. Viking and Amawaterways even started sailing some itineraries throughout the year, mainly on the Rhine and Danube.
Still, deciding when to navigate temperatures is more than just a factor to consider, as water levels can vary widely throughout the year. For example, during hot and dry summers, the extension of the Rhine and Danube can be so low that the river cannot pass through.
While some routes brought buses to complete the itinerary, most people have now perfected the art of the boat, where they transferred passengers to sister ships in the opposite direction, while passengers enjoyed the tour. Too much water can also affect navigation. If the water is too high, the boat cannot always pass under the bridge. In spring, fast-flowing water can slow down the boat’s sailing, which can affect the itinerary.
Why do all European riverboats look the same?
Most European riverboats are the same size: long, with only three layers on the water, so they can be installed under bridges as well as many narrow locks connecting European rivers. The only exceptions are some of the largest vessels that can navigate the lock-free lower Danube, including the Amamagna of the Amawaterways and the Riverside Luxury Cruises’Mozart.
What is a typical itinerary?
Sailing is usually 7 to 14 days. Most days are spent in the harbor, although there are occasional daytime voyages in scenic areas, such as passing through the dramatic iron gates on the lower Danube and admiring the castle along the Rhine.
In recent years, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Amawaterways have provided more than a month of sailing in multiple ships and rivers. Meanwhile, the Avalon Waterways offers a shorter three to five-day voyage, ideal for those who wish to combine river cruises with land itineraries.
How do you choose the right row for your travel style and budget?
Viking is the world’s largest river cruise operator with about 80 ships in Europe and offers a variety of itineraries throughout the continent. It features reliable high-end and casual luxury options and offers a wide range of cabin options.
For those seeking the ultimate luxury, Scenic offers a variety of top-notch amenities, including butler service for all guests. Uniworld offers butler services to guests of its top suites. Amawaterways and Avalon Waterways offer a more casual luxury atmosphere, Sans Butlers, but with comparable service and cuisine. As for emeralds, it has a more laid back and upscale experience, with a slightly lower price but less inclusion rate.
Related: Is the European River Parade a Family-friendly? This is the advantages, disadvantages and best choice for children
How much does it cost to cruise the European River?
Prices usually range from $3,000 to $8,000 per person within a seven-night voyage range, depending on the line and cabin type. Like ocean liners, cabin options range from small ground floor accommodation without balconies to spacious suites.
Bottom line
River cruise is one of the easiest ways to explore Europe. With so many cruise routes offering different itineraries, you can choose to suit almost every type of traveler and budget.
