European River Cruises

Which European River Cruise is best for me?

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  First Timers - Rhine & Danube

  The Rhine and Danube rivers are ideal for first-time river cruisers, particularly because they include multiple countries, providing a memorable glimpse of a significant region of Europe. The Rhine includes Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, with cruises between Amsterdam and Basel covering a lot of ground in just one to two weeks. That includes everything from the world-famous cathedral in Cologne to wine tasting in the famous Alsace region of France The Upper Danube travels from Germany to Hungary or vice versa, offering an excellent mix of major cities and charming villages, with hillside castles in nearly every stop.

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  Food & Wine – Rhone

  The Rhone is famous for its food and wine. If you’re a foodie, wine enthusiast or both, it’s a great choice as itineraries include excursions like wine tasting in the Beaujolais region and visiting the walled city of Avignon with its fabulous restaurants, trendy cafes, cozy bistros and lively bars. Taste your way through Burgundy vineyards and then conclude in Lyon, the French food capital. Experts have called it France’s “great gastronomic secret,” a place obsessed with dining, even by French standards, with fish and cheese mongers, butchers, charcutiers, bakers of bread and pastries. Plus, the route covers Roman ruins, lavender-filled landscapes, and more.

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  Castles & History – Rhine

  The Rhine isn’t just one of the best rivers for first-time river cruises, but for anyone who wants to take in fairytale scenery that includes castles along with a rich historic past. The 40-mile stretch of river known as the Rhone Gorge, brings magnificent views of castles along both banks. The scenic sails include special commentary, while passengers bounce from one side of the vessel to the other, capturing photos of the many stunning postcard-perfect scenes. One of the highlights is the the Lorelei (or Loreley) in St. Goarshausen with its statue of the bronze woman that memorializes a mythical maiden born of German Romanticism.

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  Architecture and Art – Seine

  Paris is renowned for its romantic atmosphere, fine cuisine, exquisite architecture, and incredible art. River cruises on the Seine, which runs right through its heart, sail round trip from the ‘City of Light.’ That makes it easy to extend your trip at either end, spending more time enjoying the many delights of Paris. Plus, you’ll be able to take in the incredible views of famous landmarks along the riverbanks while cruising, like the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Musée d’Orsay. Seine cruises also take in small-towns where impressionist painters like Monet lived and created many of his works.

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  Active Couples – Danube

  Cruises on the Upper Danube are perfect for couples who want to be more active, with opportunities for plenty of romance and outdoor adventure. Activities include everything from biking and hiking to canoeing. Cycling is one of the most popular ways to explore the Wachau Valley, one of Austria’s most notable grape-growing region. Cultural capitals such as Budapest and Vienna offer city cycling tours, while nearly every stop has a ruin or hillside castle to hike to. You might ride a bike in Bordeaux to a chateau too. With the Danube much less industrialized than other rivers in Europe, expect plenty of fresh air and scenic views.

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  Christmas Markets – Rhine & Danube

  The holiday season is another lovely time for a cruise, especially on the Rhine and Danube rivers as it features destinations known for their Christmas markets. There are often themed seasonable voyages that not only run through towns in Germany famous for their markets, but places like Vienna, Austria and Strasbourg, France. They’re the perfect antidote to a commercialized Christmas, featuring charming wooden chalets decked out with twinkling lights, with opportunities to buy handcrafted goods like wooden toys, old-style ornaments, and puppets, rather than mass-produced items. All the while enjoying a more authentic holiday atmosphere, complete with roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and holiday music.