Beautiful Europe has been a popular destination for travelers of all interests for many years, but river cruises are quickly becoming the popular new way to experience this historic continent.
From the comfort of modern and elegant river vessels, travelers no longer have to worry about packing and unpacking their suitcases at every hotel, long haul train and bus rides between destinations, or uncertainty about where they’ll have their next meal - Adventure Life’s hand-picked European River cruises offer all-inclusive experiences along the most interesting waterways of Europe.
Danube River
- Region: Eastern & Central Europe
- Countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania & Croatia
- Highlights: Wine tasting is a popular activity on Danube River cruises with many local vineyards that have been perfecting their wine-making process for centuries. This is also the best river to acquaint you with lesser-known Eastern Europe, offering chances to visit the likes of Bratislava, Slovakia, Budapest in Hungary, and Serbia, Bulgaria, and Croatia. The architectural styles you will witness along the way are varied, showcasing neoclassical basilicas, Baroque palaces, medieval castles, and Gothic cathedrals, just to name a few.
Rhine River
- Region: Central Europe
- Countries: Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Netherlands
- Highlights: If you like pretzels and beer, then nowhere else in Europe can parallel the Rhine River. Of course, there’s plenty more to see and experience as well, including cycling through parks and rolling hills, sampling rich locally produced wines, and walking tours of the historic centers like Basel, Switzerland, Strasbourg, France, Amsterdam, Netherlands, and the many cities of Germany along the Rhine.
Douro River
- Region: Iberian Peninsula
- Countries: Portugal & Spain
- Highlights: The tranquil river cruises along the Douro River highlight architecture, wine, and scenery. Baroque and Gothic architecture are prominently displayed in many of the towns throughout Portugal and Spain, and it’s hard to find a Douro River cruise that doesn’t include at least one tour of a local vineyard. One of the main draws of a Douro River cruise is its relaxed pace. While there are plenty of activities to do and sites to see on Douro River cruises, the itineraries also include plenty of time to simply relax on the panoramic sun decks of the cruise vessels and breathe in the crisp Iberian air and beautiful views.
Seine River
- Region: Northern France
- Countries: France
- Highlights: The major highlight on the Seine River is naturally the French capital, Paris, where fashion, cuisine, and history come together in a modern cosmopolitan city, full of renowned sites like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe, to name a few. Going north along the Seine, travelers will visit Giverny, where Claude Monet began the impressionist movement from his garden, and Honfleur, where the now-tranquil beaches of Normandy were a turning point in World War II.
Rhone & Saone River
- Region: Provence region of France
- Countries: France
- Highlights: Cruises along this river showcase the best of southeastern France, including the vineyards of Collonges, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Lyon’s Old Town, and the historically important towns of Avignon and Arles, where post-impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh lived and created some of his best-known works.
Moselle River
- Region: Central Europe
- Countries: France, Luxembourg, Germany
- Highlights: Castles, vineyards, and scenic landscapes that are perfect for hiking and biking highlight this small but important river on the border of Luxembourg and Germany. Cruises starting in France often follow north and connect with the picturesque Rhine River in Germany.
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Trip Planners are here to help you get started on your European river cruise.
