Finding a European river cruise to fit their vacation style and budget shouldn’t be difficult, it just requires doing your research and booking a voyage that exceeds expectations.
A cruise along the Danube will lead you to some of Europe’s iconic cities, like Budapest and Bratislava. Plus, don’t miss the spring blooming tulips along the Dutch-German Rhine!
The Douro 
On this roundtrip cruise from Porto, vineyards and charming native farms cling to steep hillside in one of Europe’s least-spoiled regions. Sail through the Douro River Valley designated UNESCO-protected by UNESCO to discover Regua (Capital) Regua where you will see Regua Castle featured on Mateus Wine Label; discover Lamego with its famed Castle depicted on label; marvel at Salamanca architecture!
Your tour includes historic wineries and exclusive tastings of some of the world’s most revered port wines. Additionally, visit Foz Coa cave drawings and watch an exceptional flamenco show.
The Moselle
The Moselle may be one of Europe’s narrower rivers, but its lush vineyards and sleepy villages make it an enjoyable river cruise for beginners. Along its banks are half-timbered houses straight out of Grimm’s Fairytales as well as historic fortresses found in Cochem, Bernkastel and Trier that make its journey even more pleasant.
Wine lovers and history enthusiasts will both appreciate this scenic river that flows into Koblenz from Germany. At harvest time, workers can be seen plucking grapes from vineyards lining steep hillsides.
Spring and fall offer special themed cruises across multiple European river cities. One such cruise, Tulip Time, sails the Dutch waterways to witness this remarkable blooming flower’s breathtaking display – making this trip ideal for families to experience river cruising together!
The Seine 
Experience one of Europe’s iconic rivers from Paris by sailing the Seine river. Your ship will dock close to town at either end, giving you ample time to visit Montmartre or Eiffel Tower during your voyage.
This river’s bucolic charm explains why so many 19th-century artists, including Monet and Van Gogh, found inspiration in it. Additionally, its lush vineyards and medieval villages make for an idyllic scene.
But river cruises don’t only explore the Seine. You can also cruise the lower Rhine and Dutch canals during tulip season when fields burst with colorful stripes of scarlet, orange and yellow blooms.
The Main
The Lower Danube serves as a gateway to Eastern Europe, passing through dramatic sandstone canyons with four capital cities located either on its banks or within close proximity. Along its banks can be found medieval castles, baroque churches, and rococo palaces – an impressive sight indeed!
The Rhine has long been a cornerstone of river cruise itineraries, with companies sailing between Amsterdam and Basel. A trip on this river may include stops in medieval Miltenberg where Martin Luther began the Protestant Reformation; or in Saxon Switzerland with its charming half-timbered houses.
Bordeaux is the central point for a popular wine region cruise along the Gironde, Dordogne and Garonne rivers, featuring numerous wine tasting opportunities as well as visits to chateau’s. This itinerary guarantees lots of memorable wine tasting experiences!
The Rhine 
Much of western European civilization arose around the Rhine River, famous for its castles and vineyards. Cruising along its magical waters is like taking a step back in time.
On your Rhine trip, you’ll also cruise past half-timbered houses that look straight out of a Grimm fairytale if you begin during Christmastime. Don’t forget to stop at Lorelei cliffs for unforgettable photos as well!
The Moselle River, famous for its medieval villages and delicious wines, offers cruise trips through spring, summer and fall from Strasbourg-based CroisiEurope’s luxury ships that provide the most cosy experience possible for first-time riverboat cruisers.
