10 Best River Cruises in Europe

When searching for the best river cruises in Europe, there are attractive options across the continent. From the stunning surroundings of the Venetian Lagoon to a trip through French wine country, visitors can embark on a variety of awe-inspiring boat journeys into Europe’s fascinating history.

Along the way, take a day trip to visit some of the continent’s most iconic sights, like the Eiffel Tower, Piazza San Marco, or the cobbled streets of Prague. Sail through Bohemian forests and sandstone mountains, or sit back and enjoy a glass of Beaune wine as you glide through the landscapes that inspired Van Gogh and Cezanne. Read on to discover our picks for the best cruise experiences Europe has to offer.

1. Upper Danube

Pass majestic architecture, vineyards and the birthplace of Mozart

Ideal para: Casais, História, Alimentação

The Upper Danube offers a breathtaking route through the idyllic surroundings of Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Passing along some of Europe’s most iconic cultural centres, the river glides past the opera house and museums of Vienna, the majestic architecture of Budapest, Mozart’s Salzburg birthplace and plenty more.

Another must-see section of the river passes through the famous wine-growing region of Austria’s Wachau Valley, home of the famed riesling and great for a wine-tasting pitstop. The route offers countless photo opportunities, with the mighty Hungarian Parliament building among the most frequently snapped sites along the river.

2. Rhine River

Cruise past historic cities and fairytale landscapes

Ideal para: História, Foto, Aventura

The Rhine is a charming river passing through central Europe famous for its picturesque landscapes. Journeying alongside mountains, vineyards and forests and coursing through historic medieval towns and cities, a cruise along the Rhine is about as close to living in a fairytale as it’s possible to get.

Popular routes travel from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to Basel in Switzerland, a journey that will take visitors through the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This German stretch of the river between Rudesheim and Koblenz features picturesque castles and the famous Lorelei Rock, with its legends of siren songs that would distract passing sailors.

3. River Seine

Glimpse the Eiffel Tower en route to Monet country

Ideal para: Casais, História, Foto, Alimentação

The Seine is a scenic river in France that passes through Paris before meandering through the timeless French countryside. A cruise along its historic route will take you through the picturesque landscapes of Giverny, the village in which impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked from 1883 until his death in 1926.

Popular Seine river cruises begin in Paris, passing by iconic Parisian sites like the Eiffel Tower before heading through the unspoilt countryside towards Normandy and the English Channel. The beaches of Normandy saw some of the most infamous battles of World War II, and a visit to the nearby Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial offers a poignant but fascinating insight into that dark chapter of history.

4. Po River

Feast on culinary delights as you cruise along Italy’s longest river

Ideal para: Foto, Alimentação, Luxo

The Po River snakes across Northern Italy from the Cottian Alps in the west to Adriatic Sea in the east. Passing through the fertile Po River valley, the river flows through a number of culturally important towns and cities, including Milan, Turin, Piacenza and Ferrara. Because it’s a tidal river, its waters are challenging to navigate, but several cruise lines expertly operate the route.

Flowing adjacent to the culinary haven of Emilia Romagna, a journey along the Po offers the chance to sample some delicious Italian cuisine as you take in the many sights on the route. A day trip to the region’s capital, Bologna, is highly recommended for lovers of authentic Italian cities.

5. Lower Danube

Explore the mystery of Eastern Europe

Ideal para: História, Foto, Aventura

The Lower Danube is a stunning stretch of river passing through Eastern Europe. Covering a region that’s steeped in history, the route passes through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.

A European river cruise along the Lower Danube sails through countless historically significant sites, from medieval quarters and former communist heartlands to the mythical home of literature’s favourite vampire, Dracula. The Lower Danube is one of the world’s deepest sections of river, and a 62-mile gorge passing between the Balkan and Carpathian Mountains is arguably the most scenic stretch of an altogether spectacular expedition.

6. Venetian Lagoon

Marvel at elegant marble palaces and sun-kissed piazzas

Ideal para: Casais, Luxo

The Venetian Lagoon is an enclosed Adriatic bay that serves as the watery gateway to the historic city of Venice. While large cruise ships are now banned from entering Venice, smaller river boats can still safely navigate the waters, offering a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the breathtaking cultural beauty of the iconic city.

Boats dock at the San Basilio on the Giudecca Canal, which is a short walk away from Piazza San Marco and a great starting point to explore Venice in all its glory. Cruises take in tours of the rightly coloured houses of Burano Island and the glass-blowing centre of Morano, while day trips to Bologna are possible depending on the tide.

7. Elbe River

Cruise through Bohemia into some of Central Europe’s most striking scenery

Ideal para: História, Foto

The Elbe is a major Central European river that runs through the Czech Republic into Bohemia and Germany from flowing into the North Sea. Cruises on the Elbe are steeped in history and culture, taking in stops at the sub-cultural hub of Berlin and the historic streets of Dresden and more.

Meandering out of the urban areas and into the countryside, the landscapes become increasingly striking as the river bends through striking sandstone mountains in ‘Saxon’ Switzerland. Some of the river cruises reach their final destination in the Czech town of Melnik, while others continue their journey through to the cobbled streets of historic Prague.

8. Rhône River

The ultimate cruise for wine lovers

Ideal para: Casais, Foto, Alimentação

The Rhone river in Switzerland and France and the French tributary of the Saone provide an excellent opportunity to combine a river cruise with a wine-tasting expedition. Home to famous wine varieties like Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cotes du Rhone and Beaune, the rivers pass through the world-renowned wine-producing regions including Hermitage, Provence and Burgundy.

It’s not just wine that makes these areas special, however, and Rhone and Saone cruises pass by some particularly attractive sights and landmarks. From the lavender fields and farmlands that inspired Van Gogh and Cezanne to the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, there’s plenty to keep you entertained as you glide along these alluring waterways.

9. Vltava River

Explore hidden Bohemian treasures on this lesser-known route

Ideal para: Famílias, História

The Vltava river passes through the rolling countryside of the Czech Republic and, while too shallow for large liners to navigate, smaller boats can easily sail along its calm waters. Voyaging through the forests of historic Bohemia, Vltava cruises are wonderfully atmospheric as they guide you through some of Central Europe’s lesser-known corners.

Routes typically head south from Prague to the artistic haven of Stechovice, a market town famous for its gold mines and ceramics, while excursions to the magnificent Konopiste Castle are well worth considering — the impressive former home of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

10. Garonne and Dordogne

Fine wines, ocean air and first-class shopping

Ideal para: Compras, Foto, Alimentação

The Garonne and Dordogne rivers pass through some of the world’s most famous wine-growing regions, so cruising along these peaceful waterways is a popular choice among seasoned wine lovers. Taking you through the rolling countryside of St Emilion, Bergerac, Cadillac and Sauternes, cruises will sail past verdant vineyards and rustic chateaux as you sip on your choice of wine and feast on farm-to-plate cheeses.

As well as the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, typical routes also sail through the Gironde Estuary, where the salty Atlantic air adds an oceanic feel to the carefree experience. The city of Bordeaux is a popular pitstop, with its 18th-century buildings and classy shopping completing an unforgettable river cruise experience.

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