European river cruises provide breathtaking vistas to photograph – from vineyards and legendary ruins, to breathtaking vineyards and breathtaking ruins – that will leave your senses reeling and your landscape photography skills sharpened. A river cruise is also an ideal opportunity to practice landscape photography.
Staying aboard a national-class ship allows you to explore historic waterways with immersive itineraries and unique destination-driven experiences, all without the need for multiple hotels – perfect for budget travelers! Plus, unpack only once!
1. The Rhine 
Pass along Europe’s Rhine River and uncover ancient castles set amidst lush vineyards, along with medieval villages with winding streets and medieval architecture. Discover historical cities such as Koblenz and Strasbourg as well as modern ones such as Cologne and Basel; plus sample local cuisine such as flakey pastries, goulash stews, schnitzel and kolsch beer!
While on your Rhine cruise, fairy tale legends come alive: from Archbishop Hatto being devoured alive by mice to Lorelei combing her golden locks on top of a high rocky cliff and disorienting sailors so much they crash into rocks below. Plus you’ll discover architectural treasures in Cologne and Strasbourg’s charming half-timbered old towns; improve your camera skills with help from National Geographic experts; and uncover architectural gems throughout.
2. The Danube 
The legendary Danube River winds its way through 10 countries, providing an exquisite collection of natural and cultural riches. Discover vineyards, castles, ancient sites, majestic capital cities like Vienna and Bucharest as you journey down its banks.
An autumn cruise on the Danube offers beautiful autumn colors and reduced crowds at popular tourist sites, while its cool temperatures allow you to sip warm drinks like mulled wine or enjoy hearty comfort foods while passing picturesque European towns.
River cruises provide the ultimate all-inclusive vacation, whether navigating Holland and Belgium’s canals, searching for Nessie on Loch Ness or taking an onboard excursion aboard Brenda Tharp’s Danube cruises with world-renowned photographer Brenda Tharp. Be sure to pack a camera!
3. The Moselle
The Moselle River provides an idyllic journey through France, Luxembourg and Germany. Vineyards cling to its steep banks while charming medieval villages such as Cochem and Bernkastel still show us what life was like for their predecessors generations ago. Fall is the best season to travel on the Moselle when lush vineyards flourish with vibrant autumnal colors at their height.
The Moselle River winds its way through tranquil French towns that boast well-preserved Roman archaeology, charming German cities like Trier and offers breathtaking scenery as it heads toward its confluence with the Rhine near Koblenz. Take an exciting European river cruise experience on this breathtaking river!
4. The Norwegian Fjords 
An adventure through Norway’s Fjords should be on everyone’s bucket list; with its scenic fjords, cascading waterfalls, charming villages and rich history all waiting to be discovered. Enjoy amazing sights while sampling local cuisine and discovering rare wildlife at this Arctic Circle hotspot.
Many major cruise lines market “Norwegian Fjords” cruises, yet these itineraries may spend more time visiting coastal cities than traversing actual fjords. To truly experience Norwegian landscape, consider booking a trip with less ports-of-call and more scenic cruising time.
Bergen is Norway’s gateway city. Bryggen, its historic row of colorful wooden buildings, hosts a bustling fish market. Hike to Kjerag and Preikestolen for scenic cliff-edge viewpoints or visit Dyrepark for kid-friendly attractions like a zoo, fantasy village, and water park!
5. The Arctic Circle
As you travel northward, you’ll discover an unspoiled wilderness teeming with rare wildlife and rugged landscapes. Discover fjords, glaciers and sea ice to spot polar bears, reindeer, arctic foxes as well as whales and dolphins swimming by.
Longyearbyen on Svalbard is often the starting point for polar cruises. Here you can explore its rugged shorelines or visit research stations or old sod houses, while perhaps witnessing the Northern Lights – an atmospheric natural phenomenon which fills the sky with colorful green, yellow and red streaks – for yourself!
Everyday escorted excursions bring you to major UNESCO World Heritage sites and city and village attractions, and when it’s time for a break from sightseeing, your ship’s lounge chairs offer the ideal way to unwind and watch the world go by.
