You’ll travel along one of Europe’s most picturesque rivers, passing through breathtaking landscapes, quaint towns, and amazing landmarks. It makes sense why so many travelers favor European river cruises. But where do you begin if this is your first time cruising? For ideas, continue reading.
1. Danube
The Danube, the second-longest and one of Europe’s most captivating rivers, passes through an amazing ten nations as well as four capital cities: Belgrade, Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna. When you take a cruise along the Danube’s meandering course, you’ll be traveling in the footsteps of monarchs and emperors, stopping at locations that served as the inspiration for famous composers and touring wine-producing regions all over the world.
A visit to the magnificent Melk Abbey, a guided tour of imperial Vienna, and a stop at the Iron Gates Gorge, known for its stunning natural beauty and imposing rock carving of the last king of Dacia, are just a few of the highlights of a Danube river cruise. Think about taking a cruise in May or September, and bring enough warm clothing if you want to avoid the summer crowds and sweltering city temperatures.
2. Douro
While enjoying some of the finest wine and port from the surrounding regions, you can fully experience the two unique cultures of Spain and Portugal on a trip down the Douro River. Any cruise experience will undoubtedly involve relaxing on the deck with a drink of Vinho Verde or Mateus Rosé because the sunny slopes of the Douro are perfect for cultivating grapes. It is also essential to take a tour of the magnificent Mateus Palace’s grounds.
A highlight will also be visiting Porto, with its confusing alleyways and traditional merchants. And even though visiting Salamanca, a city in Spain, requires a coach to travel inland, the time spent there is priceless. Visit Plaza Mayor, the city’s central square, and make sure to witness a classic flamenco performance.
3. Rhône
On a Rhône river cruise, you may enjoy the charms of Avignon, Arles, and Chalon all year long. However, if you schedule your trip for late June or early July, you may also get to see the spectacular sight of the Provencal lavender fields in bloom. Visit instead later in September when the grape harvest starts to pick up and toast with happy winemakers.
Traveling down the Rhône River from Lyon, the gastronomic center of France, through the untamed Camargue region, known for its white horses and pink flamingos, and out towards the Mediterranean Sea is a peaceful experience. You will pass the massive Pont d’Arc arch and the Ardèche Gorges while on board your cruise. Visit the Pont du Gard aqueduct without fail.
4. Main
One of the greatest ways to experience authentic medieval Germany is on a Main River cruise. Everywhere you turn, Bavarian beauty can be seen, from the charming timber-framed homes located in the villages and cities that line the river’s course to expanses of lush green forests and mesmerizing landscapes rich in interesting legend.
Tours of Nuremberg, Würzburg, which has a diverse architectural history, and Mainz, the location of the first printing press in history, are frequently included in cruise itineraries. A journey ashore to Bamberg, one of Europe’s most attractive tiny cities that is so priceless it has World Heritage Site status, will be a highlight, nevertheless. The imperial cathedral and the sole papal burial in Germany are located in Bamberg’s charming and well-preserved old town. The city comes alive in August for its yearly beer festival.
5. Rhine
The Rhine, which is the third-longest river in Europe, is also one of the most famous since it is deeply ingrained in the history and culture of the six nations it traverses. The romance of this river has always enchanted composers, artists, and poets. Its breathtaking scenery and numerous hilltop castles—over 40 of which dominate a 65 km length alone—have served as the inspiration for many great works of art.
You may take a trip down the Rhine at any time of year and enjoy the river. Popular winter cruises take passengers to Christmas markets, while spring cruises give passengers a chance to see riverbanks covered in vibrant tulips and towns and villages decked out for Easter with hand-painted eggs.
Another choice is to go in the fall when the leaves are turning golden, and the regional wine festivities are in full swing. At the end of September, Boppard hosts one of the largest.
6. Moselle
On a voyage down the Moselle River, life moves at a slower pace as it meanders peacefully through France, Luxembourg, and Germany. The Moselle flows close to Trier, which is regarded to be the oldest Roman city in Germany. It passes terraced vineyards on rocky slopes, maybe the steepest in all of Europe.
Don’t pass up the chance to view the largest and best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, Porta Nigra, as well as a striking amphitheater, baths, and other Roman structures.
Photography enthusiasts should also visit Cochem, the ancient hub of the Moselle wine trade, and Bernkastel-Kues, a charming village famous for its Pointed House. And if recording recollections prove to be thirsty labor, there are numerous wine cellars pouring chilled Riesling along the latter’s winding lanes. Make sure you have space in your luggage so you can bring some trinkets back with you.
7. Seine
The Seine and all the locations along its seductive journey make it simple to fall in love. A Seine river cruise doesn’t just begin and end in the alluring metropolis of Paris; it will also take you to the heart of Normandy, through the ethereal ruins of Jumièges Abbey, and through Rouen, the current capital of the area, which Monet adored and was also the site of Joan of Arc’s tragic end. A visit to the Bayeux Tapestry, the D-Day beaches, and the riverside homes in Honfleur are some of the other highlights of the Seine.
You can visit Paris during the summer months of July and August to see the Seine River banks turned into beaches with sand, palm trees, and lounge chairs.
8. Dutch Waterways
The Dutch Waterways are made up of the small rivers, canals, and inland seas of the Netherlands, and cruising along them is a tranquil way to discover Europe’s spectacular low countries. Itineraries frequently include excursions around the cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, but the highlight of a Dutch Waterways river cruise is the collection of 19 real windmills that line the canal banks in the Kinderdijk region. Prepare your cameras.
The floral displays of Keukenhof, the biggest flower garden in the world, are equally beautiful. Seven million tulips, daffodils, and other blossoms, which are at their glorious best in April and May, produce stunning carpets of color. At this time of year, keep an eye out for shorter cruises that have a specific focus on the Dutch bulbfields.
