European River Cruises | Best Deals & Routes

European River Cruises

Sail down the Danube, explore the Rhine, relax on the Main. Discover quaint towns, hidden gems and castles galore – all on a European River Cruise!

Home
/
All Cruises
European Rivers

Cruise Offers for European Rivers

4 nights with the MS Lafayette

Rhine River, Europe,European River,Moselle River, Europe

06/2021 - 05/2022

-30%

from$1,458

4 nights with the France

Rhine River, Europe,European River,Moselle River, Europe

10/2022

-6%

from$1,338

Spectacular sail from Cologne with A-ROSA Cruises

6 nights with the A-ROSA SILVA

European River, Rhine River, Europe,Benelux, Europe (River)

12/2021 - 01/2022

-8%

from$2,120

Journey with the L'Europe from Strasbourg

4 nights with the L'Europe

Rhine River, Europe,European River

10/2022

from$969

5 nights with the A-ROSA SILVA

Rhine River, Europe,European River,Benelux, Europe (River)

12/2022

from$1,284

Travelling from Strasbourg via Rüdesheim

4 nights with the La Bohème

Rhine River, Europe,European River,Moselle River, Europe

09/2021 - 10/2022

-6%

from$1,143

Show all Offers

European River Cruises

The incredible Danube, Dnieper, Don, Elbe, Loire, and Oder being only a mere but stunning handful of the hundreds of rivers and their tributaries across Europe. The perfect balance between ancient and modern, the best way to discover Europe is by river. European river cruises along the Rhine, the Main, the Danube and the Seine are bound to feed your appetite for the wonders of Europe. A river cruise will take you to the doorstep of the historical and architectural marvels that Europe has to offer. Journey to Amsterdam, Cologne, Vienna and more to learn of the prominence of the contemporary versus ancient features that permeate Europe. Visit all the highlights of the legendary Rhine River including charming castles and witness the lush landscape of the Black Forest region. Discover grand cities and quaint villages along the Danube and experience the natural beauty of Germany along the elegant Elbe.

Show all Offers

Expert Tips for cruising the European Rivers

Call us1300 887 590

Cruising European rivers in summer allows for long days and warmer weather perfect for sightseeing - but winter cruises offer their own charm with snow covered buildings and enchanting Christmas markets. It's a perfect all year round cruising option.

For sophisticated river cruises with their own programme and refined atmosphere try cruise lines like Uniworld or Tauck. For an authentic European river cruising experience book an APT cruise, a home-grown Australian company.

Harbours for European River

Budapest, Hungary

Hungary's capital, offers a unique cultural experience to visitors. Arrive in style along the River Danube, the focal point of the city which was previously used as a means to divide the city into the former cities of Buda and Pest. Budapest has become synonymous with Thermal Baths and architecture due to the various architectural styles found throughout the city. Styles include Neo-Gothic buildings such as the impressive Parliament and Budapest's beautiful Renaissance-style Opera House. The Chain Bridge which provided the age old connection between Buda and Pest is highly recommended to visitors to the Eastern European city.

Marseille, France's main port city, is rich in history which can be traced back to the year 600 BC. The beautiful Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is a focal point of Marseille and with its stunning hilltop location is the ideal place to look down over all of Marseille and beyond. The city is a blend of style and history, with shopping areas and modern architecture contrasted with historic sites in the old town and port. A trip by boat will bring you to the Château d'If, an impressive fortress on an island boasting turquoise waters, pristine beaches and spectacular limestone cliffs.

Vienna, can be described as being grand and elegant, while still managing to radiate a vibe that is both modern and contemporary. Vienna's City Hall with its Gothic style of architecture is a main feature of the city and plays host to many events, and also provides the perfect backdrop for the famous Christmas markets. Cafés have always been a key feature of Viennese culture, with numerous cafés such as the historic Café Central, which has links to notable writers, being a popular spot for tourists.

The city of Koblenz is situated in Rheinland-Palatinate, at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine. Koblenz is also one of the oldest cities in Germany. The city is often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Rhein' and is in very close proximity to numerous Vineyards and Castles, each synonymous landmarks of the region. Koblenz itself is known for the impressive Deutsches Eck monument located by the banks of the Rhein. Equally impressive is the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, located in the hills overlooking the city.

Cologne is located in the German state of Nord Rhine-Westphalia and enjoys a great location along the Rhine River. Cologne has much to offer visitors outside of the renowned Gothic Cologne Cathedral, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views over the whole city from the tower of the Cathedral. Cologne is also home to the Schokoladenmuseum which allows visitors to learn about the process of making chocolate while also offering delicious samples. Cologne also has a love-lock bridge of its own located by the Cathedral, where many visitors come to add the the collection of padlocks while taking in stunning views of the River Rhine.

As the seat of the Council of Europe, the European Parliament and the European Court; Strasbourg is one of the most important centers of the European Union. The French city is located near the border with Germany, therefore much German influence can be seen throughout, particularly through the architecture of the city. Of particular interest is the Old Town, which is a World Heritage site, and the Cathedral Square, one of Europe's most beautiful city squares. Due to the numerous channels that meander through the city and the picturesque half-timbered houses, the city offers a unique charm to visitors.

Passau, the 'City of Three Rivers' lies at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz on the border with Austria. Attractions include several buildings from centuries past, the House of Lords situated on a hill and the Castle Museum Freudenhain.

The city of Rüdesheim is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, and is one of the most popular tourist areas of Germany. Besides the beauty of the city, Rüdesheim is known for its excellent wine, which can be tasted in one of the many wine bars. The town has many interesting landmarks of note including Niederwalddenkmal, a commemoration of the end of the Franco-Prussian War, which invites spectacular views of the city. Seilbahn Rüdesheim offers a cable car ride up the mountain and towards the Niederwalddenkmal and over the vineyards boasting wonderful sights so have your camera at the ready.

Basel is a swiss city located along the banks of the Rhine, in close proximity to both France and Germany. Basel is known for a combination of both old and new, with a substantial Old Town in addition to many urban areas. Many of the best-known attractions are located in the Old Town around the Marktplatz such as Basel's Rathaus amd the Palatine terrace, which lies on the Cathedral Hill. There are also a number of museums such as the Museum of Cultures. The Münster Cathedral offers stunning views over the city of Basel.

Since 2000, Krems old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city offers many historical buildings including the 15th Century town hall and the Piaristenkirche church. The Piaristenkirche impresses with its baroque interiors and artworks.

The city of Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal and is also known as the secret capital of Portugal. It is located in the north of the country and offers a typical Portuguese flair. It is the birth city of the world-famous Porto wine as well as for its traditional Francesinha dish. The ribeira is a must see, while the clérigos tower is also a sight very much worth a visit.

Regensburg is the capital of Upper Palatinate district and is located in eastern Bavaria. Visit the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With around 427,000 inhabitants, Bratislava is both the largest city in Slovakia and the country's capital. The city boasts wonderful cultural attractions, including many museums and galleries. In the nearby vicinity are the castles of Devin, which stands perched impressively on a massive cliff, and Bratislava (pictured), which are well worth a visit. Biking and hiking trails wind their way through the city's parks. Bratislava is the European city that retains its ancient magical charm while offering a wonderful modern mix

Paris is the capital of France and is crossed by the River Seine. There are numerous monuments and landmarks worth seeing in this busy city. Certainly the most famed landmark is the Eiffel Tower, atop of which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city. A visit to the home of the Mona Lisa - the Louvre is a must for art enthusiasts. Why not take a walk along the famed Champs-Elysées boulevard? at the end of which you will find an equally famous attraction - The Arc De Triomphe. There is so much to see and experience in one of Europe's cultural capitals and most popular tourist destinations.

The famous french city of Avignon in the south of France, is located in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur. Avignon is known for having a Mediterranean charm. The impressive Palais des Papes, was the former seat of the Pope and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a very popular attraction as is the UNESCO listed Pont Saint-Benezet bridge with its distnict arches which crosses the river Rhone. There is a vibrant art scene in Avignon, with many museums, in addition to the Festival D'Avignon, a well-known arts and culture festival held in the city.

-27%

from$469

Avignon Cruises

Travel Tips for European Rivers

European river cruises are an absolutely perfect way to see the majestic cities dotted throughout Europe. Cities such as:

Amsterdam
Cologne
Vienna
Budapest

Witness the enduring splendour and refinement of the Old Europe with river cruises along:

The Main
The Rhine
The Seine
The Danube

Most Popular Routes

The Danube

The Danube is one of the most popular rivers in Europe for cruising, which is no surprise considering the stunning cities which lie upon its shores:

Prague
Vienna
Budapest

The wide range of shore excursions offered by the cruise lines will assure you truly get a sense of these wondrous places.

The Danube also boasts an array of quaint villages which have their roots in small fishing towns. The riparian backdrop of these shoreside destinations holds the essence of a European river cruise, so be sure to do some research to get the most out of your trip!

The Rhine

The shores of the Rhine are studded with castles both impressive and imposing. A cruise along the Rhine allows you to witness the extensive Black Forest region and also cities like:

Amsterdam
Basel
Cologne

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands offers a great deal:

Numerous museums
Vibrant gardens
Winding canals
Ancient riverside ruins

You can experience all that and more as part of a shore excursion.

On a Rhine cruise you will see a lot in a relatively short space of time, which is ideal for those who want to get a taste of Europe.

Cruise Lines

Some of the most reputable river cruise lines sail along the European waterways, so you will have no trouble finding your perfect European cruise holiday.

- A-Rosa Cruises: the German river cruise line offers some of the most versatile itineraries all over Europe and its waterways. Onboard meals, drinks and many other extras are included in the price of the cruise, so you can relax and enjoy the wonderful scenery around you. A-Rosa will sail you along these spectacular rivers:
- Rhine
- Danube
- Rhone / Saone
- Seine
- Douro
- CroisiEurope: the cruise line is one of the veterans of European river cruising and offers very detailed and off the beaten path itineraries. Their 32 ships are of different categories: standard and premium, meaning you can choose one that suits your budget.
- Viking River Cruises: the small ship experts in European river cruising, Viking River Cruises sail along all the biggest and most popular rivers, also outside of Europe. Their numerous ships are modern and beautifully designed.

The Best Time to Visit

European river cruises sail from March to December due to the region's weather conditions. However, the very best months to go on a river cruise adventure around Europe are:

April and May
September and October

There are a few good reasons for that:

The weather is still comfortable, its mostly warm and sunny - perfect for exploring outside
There are fewer tourists around as its not high season
It is easier to find discounts and special offers on cruises (again, because its not high season)

Call us