10 Best River Cruises in Europe

Travel, like art, is viewed differently by everyone. Chances are you’ve found yourself in a gallery staring blankly at a painting, your head on a slight angle, trying to see what all the fuss is about. The person next to you may have been in complete awe. Travel is no different. ‘Best’ is admittedly a little subjective, but while we don’t claim to know art, we do know a thing or two about river cruising. So here are our suggestions for some of the best river cruises in Europe.

Amsterdam to Budapest (and in reverse)

This is one of the most spectacular routes to travel on a European river cruise, with stunning landscapes peppered with timepiece castles and quintessential towns. Avalon Waterway’s Magnificent Europe itinerary takes out top spot as our most popular European river cruise and follows this journey through the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. We have over 120 first hand reviews from our clients who give this one 4.6 out of 5 stars and rave about the service, the ships, the food, and the experiences they have had on this cruise holiday with Avalon Waterways.

It must be in the name, because running close second in our most popular river cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest is APT’s Magnificent Europe itinerary. You can take this popular voyage from Amsterdam to Budapest, or in reverse from Budapest to Amsterdam. Our clients tell us that the tours and excursions with APT are first rate, everything on this trip is superbly organised, and the whole experience cruising with APT is seamless.

Portugal’s Douro River

River cruising in Portugal is really starting to take off, and in no small part thanks to the enchanting patchwork of vineyards that flank the banks of the Portugal’s Douro River. With wine being made in the Douro Valley for some 2,000 years, you will be treated to the real flavours of Portugal on a cruise through the Douro – it will flow from the locally corked bottles, be infused in the fresh produce, and captured in the old buildings and warm hospitality of the people who call this area home.

If you want to just cruise the Douro, then Scenic’s 11 Day Unforgettable Douro takes in all the highlights in absolute comfort aboard their 5-star ship the Scenic Azure. With a maximum of 96 guests it accommodates the lowest number of passengers of any ship we currently have doing this itinerary, and along with the 1_2 staff to guest ratio, you’ll get an intimate experience to remember.

Beautiful Bordeaux

Try as it might, the Douro still hasn’t dethroned Bordeaux as one of the most well-known wine capitals of Europe (and the world). A new itinerary in 2019, Brilliant Bordeaux with Uniworld uncovers the proud legacy of southwest France and brings with it all the features that have left our clients so impressed with Uniworld Bordeaux river cruises in the past. There is scenery and wine tasting aplenty on this cruise, and on select departures this itinerary operates as part of Uniworld’s Connoisseur Collection.

The Connoisseur Collection with Uniworld is a selection of culinary-focused French cruises that truly play on your palate. On Connoisseur Collection departures of the Brilliant Bordeaux cruise you will enjoy many unique experiences including a cocktail party on the Island of Patiras, a Bordeaux walking tour and caviar sampling, and exclusive wine and chocolate tastings.

When talking all things food and wine in Bordeaux, it would be amiss not to mention APT’s Grand Bordeaux cruise with Luke Nguyen. Join the famous chef as he escorts this unique gastronomic holiday and showcases the flavours of France. There is only one departure that offers this opportunity, on 29 August 2019, so get in quick if this is something that you’re hungry for.

The Rhine and Moselle Rivers

The Rhine River flows from Amsterdam to Basel, gliding past the gothic architecture of Cologne, the ancient castles perched atop Rhine Gorge, the ancient murals of Strasbourg and the vineyards of Alsace's wine country. Avalon’s 8 Day Romantic Rhine cruises from Amsterdam to Basel (and in reverse) and is a huge hit with our travellers. Feedback from over 100 clients highlights the personalised service, variety of shore excursions and enjoyable entertainment on this itinerary. The food also gets plenty of mentions for its quality, creative presentation, and reflection of the regions travelled.

The Moselle peels off the Rhine at Koblenz and you can add the castle ruins near Bernkastel, the vineyards of the Moselle Valley, and the historic sites around Thionville to your itinerary by combining the Moselle River into your cruise holiday. Consider the 13 Day Rhine and Moselle cruise to get the best of both these stunning European waterways.

The Rhone and Seine Rivers

Cruise the Rhone River through Burgundy and Provence, sampling the incredible wines, produce and scenery that the area lays claim to. The South of France cruise with Scenic has no overnight sailings, which offers guests the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation. Go truffle hunting, take a French cooking class onboard, enjoy a can-can performance, take the complimentary bicycles ashore to explore at your own pace, or simply enjoy an afternoon aperitif on the sundeck.

If you have a little less time on your hands, the Lyon and Provence itinerary with Viking shows you the highlights from Avignon to Lyon over eight glorious days. You’ll get an enjoyable mix of indulgence and discovery on this cruise, but if you really want to satisfy your history buff as well as your palate, then consider pairing the Rhone with a cruise along the Seine on France’s Finest itinerary. Marvel at the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, visit Chateau de Malmaison where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final days in France, and see the 14th-century courthouse where Joan of Arc was sentenced to death. You’ll also visit historic WWII landmarks and pay your respects at the Normandy Beaches.

No matter what experience you are dreaming of, a European river cruise has it all. These are just 10 outstanding cruise itineraries that we are loving, but with over 450 to choose from, you’ll be able to find the perfect one for you in our collection of European river cruises.