As you read our pages don't forget to click the hyperlinks to discover even more about wonderful cities and countries. We've carefully curated the content to allow you to discover with ease your next bucket list destinations. You may also want to visit our river cruise ship tour page. We've toured the top river cruise lines and have all of the tours located on one easy to navigate page.
Visiting Europe by river is an amazing experience that you don’t want to miss. As you cruise along the river, every new bend contains stunning vistas. Breathtaking scenery and dramatic castles overlook the shores. While the ships that cruise these waterways are vastly different than their ocean sailing cousins, it’s worth it. The ships are much smaller and have minimal amenities. The goal of river cruising in Europe is cultural immersion at a slower pace. Christmas river cruises are extremely popular and are a once in a lifetime vacation. If you are ready to try a river cruise let us know. We would be happy to help you plan. Register to receive our FREE River Cruise Guide Book here!
The Majesty of Europe by River
Let’s take a look at the major rivers in Europe traveled by the cruise lines. Each one of these waterways has wonderful sites and is filled with history and culture. The Danube and the Rhine traverse many countries.
The Danube River: Central area of Europe – The source of the Danube River is in the Black Forest of Germany. It flows almost 1,800 miles east through central Europe towards the Black Sea. The Danube passes through or touches the borders of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine. Most river cruise itineraries focus on one of the two most spectacular sections, either between Passau and Budapest or between Budapest and Bucharest. The Danube has 19 locks, and 15 of them are between Regensburg and Vienna.
The Rhine River: Switzerland to the Netherlands – The source of the Rhine River is in Switzerland, flowing over 800 miles before dumping into the North Sea nearby Rotterdam in the Netherlands. River ships sailing the Rhine may call between Basel, Switzerland and Amsterdam. Nearby France and Germany border Switzerland.
Don’t miss Europe’s Castles on the Rhine!
The river has ten locks between Basel and Mainz where the Main River joins the Rhine. Cruises between Basel and Mainz typically means port calls at Strasbourg and Heidelberg. Strasbourg particularly interesting since part of the city is in France and part of it is in Germany across the Rhine river. Heidelberg is nearby, and the city has a splendid castle. Castles are always a must!
The region between Mainz and Koblenz is one of the most scenic in Europe for river cruising. The breathtaking castles lining the upper middle Rhine valley make it an absolute favorite. This is known as Rhine Gorge. Many travelers select this route just to see the magnificent old castles along the way. The Lorelei Rock is found along this area of the river as well. Cruisers have plenty of opportunities to see the castles along the Rhine since they are along the route between the Amsterdam and Danube River ports or on Moselle, Rhine, Main, Danube River cruises.
The Moselle River: France, Luxembourg, and Germany – The Moselle River is one of Europe’s most scenic. The river valley twists and turns as it makes its way towards the Rhine. Hillsides are covered with vineyards, growing mostly grapes for Germany’s famous Riesling wines. Ports of call include Cochem, Bernkastel, and Koblenz. These towns are delightful to explore, with the ships docking near the town’s center. When visiting Cochem don’t miss the spectacular castle. Seeing the view of the river from the castle’s towers is really magnificent.
Don’t miss this wonderful vacation! Call Beth Borrego and Rod Rodriguez at 240-876-0692 or 855-427-8474 today and book with us!
The Rivers of France
The Seine River: The Seine offers a scenic and culturally rich destination for river cruisers. You'll enjoy the iconic cities of Paris and the historic region of Normandy. As your cruise begins or ends in Paris, the Eiffel Tower is an unmissable sight. Many cruises allow for panoramic views of this world-famous landmark. Though currently under restoration after the 2019 fire, the Notre-Dame Cathedral remains a symbol of Gothic architecture and historical significance. Paris is also home to Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre. Both museums are along the Seine and provide rich cultural experiences, showcasing an astounding collection of artworks, from Impressionist masterpieces to ancient artifacts. The Seine in Paris is lined with historic buildings and magnificent bridges like Pont Neuf and Pont Alexandre III, which are a delight to view from the river. Experience the vibrant life along the banks of the Seine with its book stalls, cafes, and street performances.
When in France, don't miss Normandy. A quintessential stop is Giverny, where you can visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens, famously depicted in his water lily series. Rouen is known for its well-preserved medieval quarter and the stunning Rouen Cathedral—painted by Monet multiple times—it’s also the place where Joan of Arc was martyred. Honfleur is another charming port town with its picturesque harbor, cobbled streets, and timber-framed houses has inspired countless artists. But one of the most historic excursions you can take in Normandy is to the historic D-Day landing beaches, where you can visit memorials and cemeteries commemorating World War II events.
Caudebec-en-Caux is often regarded for its serene atmosphere, this town is near the historic Abbey of Jumièges, known for its scenic ruins. In Les Andelys don’t miss the chance to see the Château Gaillard, a dramatic ruin of a castle built by Richard the Lionheart, overlooking a bend in the Seine.
The Rhône River: The Rhône River is one of the major rivers of Europe, flowing through Switzerland and France. It stretches for about 813 kilometers (505 miles) from its source in the Swiss Alps, near the Rhône Glacier, through Lake Geneva and into southeastern France, where it merges with the Saône River at Lyon and eventually empties into the Mediterranean Sea. The major cities along the Rhône are Geneva, Lyon, Avignon, and Arles. The area is known for its scenic landscapes, including the wine-producing regions of the Rhône Valley. Cruising the Rhône River offers an enchanting combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. The Rhône River has much to offer visitors. Lyon Old Town (Vieux Lyon) is UNESCO World Heritage Site with Renaissance architecture. The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière offers panoramic views of the city. Lyon is known for its rich culinary heritage. The regions of Tournon and Tain-l'Hermitage are famous for its wines, particularly Syrah and Viognier varietals. Explore local castles and vineyards at your leisure.
The Douro River in Portugal
The Douro River is one of the major rivers of the Iberian Peninsula, flowing from its source in Spain through northern Portugal before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at the city of Porto. This picturesque river winds through a dramatic landscape of steep, terraced vineyards and rolling hills, forming the heart of the Douro Valley, a region famous worldwide for its production of port wine. The valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned not only for its viticulture but also for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The seasons on the Douro River bring distinct characteristics to the region. Spring and early summer offer lush greenery and comfortable temperatures, ideal for river cruises and exploring the vineyards. Summer is warm and dry, a crucial time for grape ripening but also popular with tourists. Autumn sees the grape harvest, when the vineyards are abuzz with activity and the hillsides turn golden and red. Winter is quieter and cooler, offering a more peaceful experience of the river’s tranquil charm.
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