How to Find the Best River Cruises in Europe
For the European traveler, river cruises are one of the best ways to see the hidden and vast landscapes of some of the most popular destinations. Visit multiple countries and cities, with your hotel room following you at every step! Many river cruises are on smaller-sized vessels, built to navigate the crooks and bends of a river. They offer a more intimate setting with fewer passengers and curated experiences. Here are the itineraries of some of the best river cruises in Europe, and what you can expect should you set sail.
Rhine River
The Rhine River is the second-longest river in Central and Western Europe, with river cruise vacations traveling through Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands. It’s full of fairy-tale castles and romantic landscapes. You’ll quickly be reminded of all your favorite childhood fables and fantasies!
Amongst the historic cities and forest-covered mountains, a highlight for many is the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a 40-mile UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany full of castles and the siren call of Lorelei rock. You can even cruise during the Christmas market season for a festive experience full of glühwein and fewer tourists.
Upper Danube
As Europe’s second-longest river, the Danube River flows through many countries in Central and Eastern Europe, including Germany, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia. Some of the best cruise lines for families travel throughout this region, thanks to all the activities and stops available. Cross off major capital cities from your bucket list, including Vienna and Budapest, while also marveling at small medieval towns.
The Upper Danube is perfect for history and classical music buffs, where you can see the marvels of the Hungarian Parliament Building, tour the historic Vienna State Opera, sip wine in the Wachau Valley and drink beer and photograph Bratislava’s Old Town.
Douro Valley
The Douro Valley begins in Porto, Portugal, and continues through the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley before it reaches the university town of Salamanca in Northern Spain. The highlight for many is the city of Porto itself, where you can gaze at traditional Portuguese tiles and colorful houses, and wind through the narrow, medieval cobblestone streets. The cruise itself is slow-paced, allowing you to sip plenty of port wine and feast on delicious Portuguese and Spanish food.
Early fall is the best time to visit Europe when you can relish the nice weather and fewer crowds than in the summer. It also happens to be the peak grape harvest season in Portugal, where you can enjoy the golden-colored vineyards and traditional grape stomping (yes, this really is a thing!).
River Seine
For those looking to explore French culture and cuisine, the River Seine doesn’t disappoint. Start the journey off in Paris, where you can visit major sites including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame. Once aboard the cruise, you’ll wind through Normandy, where you can get a French perspective on WWII. There are even scholar-led cruises, where you can tour with historians to get all the insights.
The cruise also includes notable stops such as Giverny, Rouen and seaside towns like Honfleur. Giverny is the home of Claude Monet, where you can see the gardens and landscapes that inspired his famous paintings.
Po River
The Po River is one of the best places to visit in Italy, simply because of its exclusiveness! Being a tidal river, it can be a challenging waterway to navigate. It’s Northern Italy’s longest river, including stops in Mila, Turin, Ferrara and Bologna. Most cruises begin in Venice, where you can explore the endless canals and the open Venetian lagoon.
Luxury travelers will find themselves pleased aboard the cruise, enjoying the best of Italian cuisine and wine. Notable stops include the Po River Valley and Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet.
Find Your Perfect River Cruise Vacation
Each river cruise is different, with each city and country in Europe offering different cultural experiences, cuisine, historic sites and even weather. A Dream Vacations Travel Advisor can help you find the perfect itinerary and cruise line to match your needs, whether you’re looking to see hidden historic wonders or relax with the best wine in the valley. To find the best river cruises in Europe tailored to your travel needs, find a Dream Vacations Advisor in your area!
