The perfect way to explore majestic Europe is on a relaxing and atmospheric cruise surrounded by castles, medieval towns and other picturesque landscapes. Find out more about the best river cruise destinations in Europe

A river cruise is a great alternative to traditional tourist trips to Europe, offering the opportunity to visit several countries during one trip. Cruises on the Danube and Rhine are particularly popular. Although they can be more expensive than bus tours, the comfort and amenities far exceed other travel options.

During a river cruise, you will stay in comfortable cabins, and meals are usually organized on an all-inclusive basis. Each city on the route provides an opportunity to spend at least one full day there. This allows you to enjoy the sights at a relaxed pace. It's much more convenient than spending long periods on the bus, eating snacks and trying to get enough sleep during short stops.

The price for such a cruise varies depending on the duration of the trip, the route, and the class of the ship. For example, a 4-5 day cruise can cost from 300 euros per person, while a 6-7 night trip will cost about 500 euros. For those who want to enjoy luxury on board, the cost can reach up to 2 thousand euros per person. The price usually includes food and drinks. You will have to organize your own visa, insurance, and transportation to the place of departure.

River cruise ships are usually small, accommodating dozens or up to a hundred passengers, which creates a cozy and more personal atmosphere. You can find restaurants, spas, bars, and sometimes swimming pools on board, especially on luxury ships. It is important to note that due to the small size of the vessels, river travel does not cause seasickness.

The best time for a river cruise is the warm season, starting in May. Although winter cruises, including New Year and Christmas cruises, are also popular. However, they can be less comfortable due to the coldness of the water.

To learn more about the top 10 places in Europe where tourists can get a huge adrenaline rush, follow the link.

Rhine (Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Germany)

Cruises on the Rhine are deservedly considered one of the best river trips in Europe, as they offer travelers picturesque views and historical sights. A typical itinerary covers a week-long journey from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to Basel in Switzerland. During the cruise, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent scenery, pass medieval villages, vineyards and impressive castles.

Particular attention should be paid to the 65-kilometer stretch of the Rhine between the German cities of Bingen and Koblenz, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stretch of river between Rüdesheim and Koblenz is known for its ancient castles, some of which have been converted into modern hotels. Traveling along this route, you can also see the famous Lorelei rock formation, shrouded in romantic legends about a mermaid who enchants sailors with her singing.

This region also attracts gastronomy and wine lovers. The wines from the Rheingau, known as Rheinwein, are considered some of the best in the world, and tasting local wines will be a great addition to your cruise.

Danube (Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Germany)

A seven-night river cruise on the Upper Danube is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the cultural and historical treasures of Europe. This journey opens up the charm of Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary to travelers. On this route, you will visit outstanding cultural centers such as Vienna, famous for its opera, art museums and majestic royal palaces, as well as Budapest, which enchants with its architecture and famous thermal springs.

Passing through the Wachau Valley in Austria, you will find yourself in a wine region known for its Riesling and Grüner Veltliners. Here you will have a fascinating tasting of local wines, as well as the opportunity to visit ancient castles and monasteries located along the coast.

In addition, the trip includes a visit to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, where you will be able to see the places where scenes from the famous movie “The Sound of Music” were filmed. The Old Town of Bratislava will also give you an unforgettable experience, which will surprise you with its unique atmosphere, beer culture and hospitality, making this Danube cruise truly unique.

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Seine (France)

A cruise on the Seine River promises not only breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, but also an unforgettable experience of traveling towards the English Channel and excursions to the historic beaches of Normandy. This is the place where the famous Allied landings took place during World War II, and here you will be able to dive deeper into the events of those years.

There are many interesting stops along the way. One of them is Giverny, a picturesque village where the house and gardens of the famous impressionist Claude Monet are located. A visit to this place will be a real discovery for those who appreciate his work and want to see the sources of the great artist's inspiration.

You can also visit the historic city of Rouen, known for its rich cultural heritage. It was here that Joan of Arc was burned, and the city still preserves the memory of these events. The cathedral, immortalized by Monet in his works, is particularly noteworthy. A walk through the narrow streets with numerous cafes will allow you to feel the true atmosphere of a medieval French city.

Rhone (France)

An unforgettable trip for true wine connoisseurs awaits you in the interior of France. Tastings of Côtes du Rhône wines in famous wine-growing areas such as the Hermitage, Chateauneuf-du-Pape in Provence and Beaune in Burgundy will turn your cruise into a real celebration of taste.

Cruises on the Rhone and Saône rivers, which often start from Lyon and head to Arles or Avignon, offer more than just wine tastings. You'll be able to immerse yourself in history by visiting attractions such as the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, the amphitheater in Arles, and the majestic Papal Palace in Avignon.

This trip will also give you the opportunity to admire the lavender fields and picturesque landscapes that inspired such great artists as Paul Cézanne and Vincent Van Gogh. During the cruise, you will discover not only the rich history and culture of France, but also plunge into the world of fine winemaking, which has become a symbol of this region.

Douro (Portugal)

For those who dream of a relaxing and unforgettable vacation, a cruise through Portugal's wine regions along the Douro River is the perfect choice. This picturesque river, one of the main rivers on the Iberian Peninsula, flows through a region included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The starting point for such cruises is usually the city of Porto, known for its historic center, majestic bridges, and world-famous wine cellars. Over the course of a week, the cruise ship travels approximately 130 miles down the river, winding around green hills covered with vineyards and returning to the Spanish border.

In addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery, the cruise program often includes a visit to the university city of Salamanca in northern Spain. During the trip, you will learn a lot about the local winemaking traditions, as well as the peculiarities of the production of the famous port wine, which got its name thanks to this “Golden River”. 

We remind you! Italy constantly surprises tourists with incredible nature and architecture. One of these amazing corners of this country is the Cinque Terre mountain reserve on the coast of the Ligurian Sea. Read more about the secrets of this impressive Italian reserve.

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