River voyages have proven to be one of the greatest successes of cruising. Guests enjoy daily tours to UNESCO World Heritage sites and then can relax on lounge chairs while watching the scenery go by.
Navigating the Elbe will take you to historic Dresden – home of Martin Luther – medieval Prague and picturesque Saxon Switzerland with its dramatic sandstone rock formations – not forgetting Austria’s Wachau Valley, where you can sip rieslings!
1. The Rhine
A Rhine River cruise offers an exciting journey through some of Europe’s most breathtaking towns and landscapes. Admire towering valley sides crowned with medieval castles, charming villages teeming with half-timbered houses that look straight out of fairy tales, and stunning coastlines that seem straight out of history books.
Scenic’s Rhine River cruise offers a selection of customizable excursions designed to please every sense. Whether you prefer architecture in Cologne or wine in Alsace, this luxurious river cruise has something special in store.
2. The Danube
River cruising is an ideal way to experience Europe’s history and culture, offering themed itineraries such as wine-tasting or golf trips. River cruise lines like Uniworld offer these trips tailored specifically towards each subject matter – such as transporting passengers directly to golfing hotspots.
From vibrant Berlin to medieval Prague, the Danube offers breathtaking scenery. Along its path are castles, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and small European towns–even an unexpected visit Saxon Switzerland, where its waters cut through dramatic sandstone mountain ranges!
3. The Seine
River cruises provide travelers with a leisurely, unhurried travel experience. Unlike larger ocean ships, river cruises typically accommodate less than 200 guests at one time.
Viking offers itineraries span the castle-filled Rhine, romantic Danube, and historic Seine rivers. Their fleet of river ships is known for its tasteful decor and stateroom views; all-inclusive fares include excursions and onboard activities.
4. The Main
River cruises along the Main offer breathtaking vistas of slope-side vineyards and historic half-timbered towns. Wine lovers should plan a visit in September or October to witness the grape harvest.
AmaWaterways specializes in themed cruises tailored to specific interests, like wine tasting and concierge golf programs. Avalon Waterways also brings along historians for special tours, such as their Normandy sailings, to provide unique perspectives.
5. The Rhone
France’s third-largest city straddles the Rhone Valley and features modern art galleries alongside Roman ruins and charming cobblestone neighborhoods. A cruise through this springtime river valley reveals fields striped with scarlet and yellow tulips.
Tauck offers riverboat journeys on nine authentic paddle wheelers with all-inclusive fares that cover meals and onboard activities – such as wine tasting and touring medieval castles. In addition, themed sailings like culinary arts or golf can also be offered.
6. The Moselle
River cruises along the Moselle offer relaxing tours through sleepy villages, historic castles, and stunning vineyards. Depending on the season, guests may also have opportunities for hiking or biking scenic trails in nearby hills.
Tauck Tour company, owned and managed by its family members, offers themed sailings such as Bordeaux wine voyages and golf concierge cruises. Their itineraries take guests past 18th-century architecture in Bordeaux and stylish boutiques.
7. The Rhone & Provence
A Rhone and Provence river cruise will take you through Lyon’s exquisite cuisine, Montelimar – nougat capital of France, charming villages in Provence with lavender fields adorning their countryside, Roman ruins in Avignon as well as its impressive Palais des Papes (Papal Palace).
Spring trips could include visiting Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands, which boasts an incredible display of blooming tulips. Other highlights could be Orange Ruins and Pont du Gard.
8. The Moselle & Burgundy
River cruises provide an enjoyable, relaxing way to experience European destinations. The Rhine offers beautiful water meadows and half-timbered villages. At the same time, Moselle features vineyards on steep hills dotted with castles, making river cruising an idyllic way of seeing Europe!
Tauck offers an extensive range of tours, such as small-ship voyages around the globe and family vacations. Furthermore, its European river cruises boast diverse, culturally immersive scenic routes.
9. The Rhine & Switzerland
An excursion from Zurich provides spectacular views of the Rhine Falls, where legend holds that an alluring singing mermaid lured ships to their demise. A stop in Schloss Laufen allows passengers to get the full effect of this majestic waterfall and its mists.
Three families united their passion for river cruising and traveled to create this award-winning line. They boasted 19 ships with cozy hotel-style decor featuring stylish decor, antique artwork, and specialty restaurants.
10. The Rhine & Germany
The Rhine River looks straight out of a storybook, with half-timbered houses and castles perched atop its steep hillsides. Many river cruises follow its course, visiting cities like Koblenz and Cologne and passing through Rhine Gorge.
Price and crowd levels on the Rhine can peak during its high summer season (mid-June to August). For optimal savings and comfort, consider scheduling your cruise during spring or fall when weather conditions are more suitable and rates are cheaper.
