European River Cruises 2020 - 2021 | Best Routes on CruiseAway

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!

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Cruise Offers for European Rivers

4 nights with the MS Lafayette

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

04/2021 - 10/2021

from$1,480

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

from$1,939

5 nights with the A-ROSA SILVA

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

12/2020 - 03/2021

from$834

Travelling from Strasbourg via Rüdesheim

4 nights with the La Bohème

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

07/2021 - 10/2021

from$1,352

6 day cruise with the A-ROSA BRAVA to Cologne

5 nights with the A-ROSA BRAVA

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

03/2021 - 04/2021

from$1,169

Journey with A-ROSA Cruises from Cologne

4 nights with the A-ROSA FLORA

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

11/2020 - 11/2021

from$667

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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.

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Expert Tips for cruising the European Rivers

Jocelyn1300 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

Marseille, France

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nuremberg is Bavaria's second largest city and lies on both sides of the Pegnitz river. The city offers many cultural highlights. Museums, such as the Kunsthalle Nürnberg give the city a special charm.

Bamberg is an economic center of Upper Franconia located in the state of Bayern. Since 1993, the historic city center of Bamberg has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest intact preserved city center in Germany. The city is known for its longstanding tradition of producing beer as well as the quaint buildings dotted along the riverside. Some of the most picturesque buildings include the Altes Rathaus or town hall and the Bamberger Dom. For a spectacular view of the red-bricked houses from above, take a walk or the city bus to St. Michael's Monastery. Bamberg is the cheerful little town that has stepped right out of a fairy-tale.

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.

The city of Würzburg is located on Main and is Bavarian city of over 100,000 residents. Home to the oldest university in Bavaria - Julius-Maximilians-Universität founded in 1402, it's among the ranks of classic German university towns. Würzburg is known for it's extravagant buildings and architecture. Die Residenz or The Residence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is well renowned for its frescoes and beautiful paintings. It's a staple on any tourists agenda on a visit to the city. Visit the Marienberg Fortress, home to the most stunning of gardens for a wonderful panoramic view of Würzburg.

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.

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.

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from$1,838

Basel Cruises

Travel Tips for European Rivers

European Rivers

European River cruises are a perfect way to see the majestic cities dotted throughout Europe. Cities such as Amsterdam, Cologne, Vienna and Budapest artfully balance the contemporary and the ancient. Witness the enduring splendour and refinement of the Old Europe with European river cruises along the Main, the Rhine, the Seine and the Danube. Our expert team will be delighted to advise you on routes and excursions, so don’t hesitate to call! The European river cruises we provide will doubtlessly be an unforgettable journey along these great waterways, stopping off in a different city every morning, each unique for their own fascinating features. Cruising European rivers during the winter is truly a magical experience, with cities such as Cologne and Rudesheim hosting magnificent Christmas markets. Idyllic cities with a fairy-tale charm will be sure to make your Christmas a special one. During the summer months make the most of warmer weather and long days on your cruise, as most cities will feature a walking or cycling tour of the area. There’s never a dull moment on a European River tour, no matter what the season!

Cruises on 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 and Budapest all lie along this mighty river artery and a wide range of shore excursions will assure you truly get a sense of these wondrous places. Vienna’s imperial architecture and refined culture are mirrored in the two sides of Hungary’s capital, Buda and Pest. Regensburg is another incredible German city to see along the River Danube. As a result of suffering almost no damage during World War 2 the city boasts a well-preserved medieval history. The Danube also boasts an array of quaint villages which have their roots in small fishing towns. The riparian backdrop of these shore side destinations holds the essence of a European river cruise, so be sure to do some research to get the most out of your trip!

Rhine Cruises

The shores of the Rhine are studded with castles both impressive and imposing. A cruise down the Rhine allows you to witness the extensive Black Forest region as well as cities like Amsterdam, Basel, and Cologne. The capital city of the Netherlands offers numerous museums, vibrant gardens and winding canals which you can experience as part of an on-shore excursion. Basel lies on Switzerland’s borders with France and Germany, creating a unique culture which prides itself on an incredible range of delicious European food. Cologne offers a Carnival which the locals consider the “fifth season” running from November all the way through to March. 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.

Book Now

All our European River cruises can be specifically tailored to your needs, whether you’re looking for a two-week excursion to capture every Europe has to offer, or a shorter getaway of three or four nights. If you require flights to and from Europe or travel insurance while in Europe, then call our European River cruise experts who are waiting to help. CruiseAway offers last minute options as well as incredible deals so that you get the best value on your cruise. All cruises are available through our cruise experts. Book now and make the most of our best price guarantee on CruiseAway

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