european river cruise offers

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Europe River Cruises

Experience the magic of Europe along its majestic rivers! From the Rhine to the Douro , from the Main to the Danube , we have cruises all through Europe, ranging from 1 days up to 31 days. The most popular month for these cruises is August, which has the most tour departures. Looking outside of Europe? See all river cruises .

250+ European river cruises with 1,194 reviews

• River Cruise

Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024

Excellent service and staff. Wonderful meals, very clean accommodations. We enjoyed the included tours and activities. Having English speaking staff was a big advantage. We would recommend Avalon as a cruise company.

Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2024

Outstanding service in every respect

Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Vienna to Bucharest (Turnu Magurele) , MS Fidelio

Classic Rhine cruise (Amsterdam-Basel) MS Crucevita

Crucevita was a nice sized boat. Excellent accommodations, clean everywhere, terrific food and good service. Marina, our cruise director, was very helpful. The journey was great. Nice to see all the castles and we enjoyed the stops. Suggestions would be to have more waiters and to improve the drink package. Meals took 1.5 hours which was a little long. Increase the variety of wine for the drink package. Offer wines from the region or even some spirit drinks at reduced cost.

Grand Danube Cruise 2024

• Christmas & New Year

Melodies of the Danube 2024

The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise)

The tour was very good, the crew were excellent, very helpful, approachable and informative and always available. The tours were great and the Danube is wonderful to cruise on. The food was of excellent quality but the fact that there was no choice on the menu was poor and we feel there should have been an earlier sitting for dinner, and lunch could have been a buffet. The accommodation was adequate but the shower was totally inadequate. We enjoyed the cruise

Splendours of Europe (Start Budapest, End Amsterdam)

Danube Classics Vienna 2024 (8 destinations)

Al-Rosa did an excellent job. Food was good and lots of it, the cabin was clean and comfortable. The staff were always friendly and helpful and Sabrina did a great job of looking after everyone and made sure that we were always at the right place at the right time. The tours were great and we enjoyed our evenings in the lounge with music and quizzes by Erich. We had a great holiday!

Splendours of Europe (Start Amsterdam, End Budapest)

The program in the Emerald ship was magnificently planned and discussed. The local music during the cruise was so informative. Long live the music from the Netherlands and Germany through Austria and Slovakya to Hungary! Just for the music, dances and songs I will do the cruise again!

Classical Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel) (10 destinations)

A good balance of excursions and relaxation and good food and wine

Trans-European cruise from Strasbourg to Budapest (port-to-port cruise)

Lovely, the best way to travel. It is like a tour except that your hotel is following you. Much better then being in a bus tour

Enchanting Danube (2024) (Budapest to Passau, 2024)

Douro Experience 2024 (9 destinations)

Very comfortable boat. Helpful and friendly staff. Great food and drink. Beautiful scenery. Perfect.

Enchanting Danube (2024) (Passau to Budapest, 2024)

This was our first river cruise and everything went beyond our expectation. Services: the staff were accommodating and helpful. Tours: various excursions to choose from for different age group and they were well-organized. Ship: beautiful boutique-design ship. The only cons is a slow Wifi connection but it ain't a big deal. There were so many onboard activity that kept us entertaining. I noticed that the cruise operates in eco-friendly manner, i.e. they eliminates sing-use plastic. That's a big plus!!!!

European River Cruises Reviews

It was a great cruise. The food was amazing, the crew was really helpful, and the tours and tour guides were great. The only thing to imporve on if the WiFi which only worked half the time.

The Wi-Fi didn’t work as expected and it caused quite an inconvenience. The excursion plan is not as clear either. Overall it’s still a good tour but I think my last Danube river with Avalon is better than this rhino river cruise.

Great company to cruise with. Ship carries 110 passengers. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner each day. Plenty of stops to sightsee. The castles along the Rhine make trip a very enjoyable cruise. All staff were great.

Popular Cruise Ships

• Avalon Passion from Avalon Waterways
• Avalon Tranquility II from Avalon Waterways
• Scenic Opal from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• Scenic Jasper from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• Emerald Sky from Emerald Cruises
• Avalon Impression from Avalon Waterways
• Avalon Imagery II from Avalon Waterways
• Avalon Envision from Avalon Waterways
• Emerald Dawn from Emerald Cruises
• Avalon Illumination from Avalon Waterways
• Avalon View from Avalon Waterways
• Emerald Destiny from Emerald Cruises

Travel Styles

• 10 Best River Cruise Companies (with Reviews)
• 10 Best Luxury River Cruises & Lines 2022
• Best 3 Weeks Europe Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Hiking in Europe in February
• Hiking in Europe in January
• Hiking in Europe in March
• Hiking in Europe in April
• Hiking in Europe in May
• Hiking in Europe in June
• Hiking in Europe in July
• Hiking in Europe in August
• Hiking in Europe in September
• Hiking in Europe in October
• Hiking in Europe in December

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European River Cruising

The magic of our award-winning European river cruises goes far beyond the riverboat you're aboard or the landmarks you'll visit. It's in the intimate ambiance and personalized service... the places you'll discover off the beaten path... and in the uncommon access to local culture and exclusive destination driven experiences you can't get on your own, as you experience a true slice of European life and return home transformed.

• Danube River
• Douro River
• Rhine River
• Rhône River
• Seine River
• Christmas Markets

• ITINERARIES
• FEATURED TOURS

Welcome to European River Cruising

Whether you're experiencing the Rhine or the Danube, the Douro, the Rhône, Seine, Maas or Moselle... the magic of our award-winning European river cruises goes far beyond the riverboat you're aboard or the landmarks you'll visit. It's in the intimate ambiance and personalized service... the places you'll discover off the beaten path... and in the uncommon access to local culture and exclusive destination driven experiences you can't get on your own, as you experience a true slice of European life and return home transformed.

What to expect on europe's rivers.

Although there's no better way to explore Europe's great cities, castle-dotted countryside and vineyards by riverboat, situations may arise that are beyond our control. In the event we need to modify your journey for any reason, you can trust that we will make every effort to communicate with you and to preserve your experience.

Portugal's golden Douro River, home to our newest cruises

The river of kings – the danube, wine country – france's rhône valley, old world europe – rhine river cruises, paris to normandy – the river seine.

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Featured River, Small Ship and Land Journeys

Inspired by the destination.

For 90+ years, the Tauck family has had a passion for sailing — aboard small ships and yachts at sea, riverboats along great inland waterways, and at home on the rivers and lakes of Connecticut and New York. When we began blending our land experience with our strong passion for cruising in our first European river cruise back in 1992, we knew that no "ordinary" river cruise experience would do for our guests. We wanted them to travel Europe's rivers in the same beyond-the-ordinary Tauck style they experienced on our land trips. With that in mind, we searched to find a company to partner with that would share our values and our commitment to "do the right thing" by our guests... and found it in another family-owned company, Scylla. Together, we crafted a river cruise experience that was ahead of its time and inspired by the destinations we explore.

Guest Favorites in River Cruising

Along the Danube... the Rhine... the Rhône... the Seine... or the Douro... our European river cruises are all about the unique cultural access you'll enjoy wherever we visit... the strong connections you'll make with the people you'll meet... and the traditions and genuine little moments they'll share with you  along the way...

Budapest to amsterdam by riverboat, the romantic rhine: basel to amsterdam, rendezvous on the seine, blue danube: family riverboat adventure, tauck's river cruise guide, european river facts.

Tauck shares the basic facts you need about Europe's rivers – plus the history, culture and more.

What to Expect On Europe's Rivers

Unforeseen circumstances may occur on the rivers of Europe from time-to-time, including high and low water levels. Tauck is always prepared to deal with these eventualities in order to preserve your Tauck experience.

Why Take A Tauck River Cruise

Tauck River Cruising means traveling in good company, exclusive access to cultural experiences, distinctively inclusive pricing and more!

Choosing The Best European River Cruise For You

Tauck's European river cruise guide will help you find the right Danube, Rhone, Rhine, Seine or Douro river cruise for you.

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• River Cruises

15 of the Best European River Cruises

Explore France, Germany, and more on these European river cruises.

Much of the appeal of European river cruises, especially as we emerge from the pandemic with pent-up travel demand, is the small size of the ships, casual atmosphere, and accessibility. Unlike oceangoing ships that carry as many as 5,000 passengers, most river cruise ships accommodate around 150 guests, for a more intimate experience. Balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-air viewing are features of most river cruise ships, and some offer pools, spas, fitness areas, and jogging tracks.

Guests are kept busy (if they wish to be) with daily shore excursions, and most cruises offer several options depending on interests and activity levels. Bikes and walking tours are available in most ports, or guests can choose a leisurely day in a comfortable lounge enjoying the passing scenery.

"River cruises offer opportunities to step ashore in fairy-tale towns and fabled cities. You can immerse yourself in contemporary culture and learn something about the history of the towns along the continent's greatest rivers," according to Ralph Grizzle of River Cruise Advisor . "Sitting on the top deck of a ship under brilliant blue skies, you can gaze on fabled landscapes dotted with castles, villages, and vineyards. A flight of stairs down, and you have all the amenities of a modern hotel—restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, spas, internet access, and comfortable staterooms."

With a number of cruise companies and rivers to choose from, planning a river cruise can take some time. Consulting with a travel advisor is always a good idea, and there's plenty of information available online as well. These are the major companies offering the best European river cruises along with examples of their itineraries.

Perhaps the best known of the river cruise companies, Viking promotes their "longships," which include large suites and inviting verandas for outdoor dining. Guests enjoy Viking's destination-focused dining as well as the variety of staterooms and itineraries with a wide range of prices.

Viking's 10-day "Portugal's River of Gold '' begins in Lisbon with a walking tour through its ancient streets before heading to Porto, home of the country's traditional wine, to board the ship and begin the cruise along the Douro River. Guests can explore Baroque palaces, vineyards, and lush scenery along the way, arriving in the World Heritage city of Salamanca, Spain on day six. The itinerary includes visits to Portuguese villages in Pinhão and Régua to sample local foods and wines before returning to Porto.

AmaWaterways

Celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2022, this family-owned and operated cruise company focuses on excellent food and wine, tasteful décor, stateroom views, and innovation in their luxurious fleet. Fares include fitness classes, shore excursions, and all dining on board, including The Chef's Table specialty restaurant. New ships debut each year, and the spacious AmaMagna , launched in 2019, is nearly twice the width of traditional European cruise ships.

Wine lovers will want to experience the seven-night "Taste of Bordeaux," with visits to iconic chateaux, timeless vineyards, and delicious wine tastings while cruising the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Excursions include a tour of a medieval castle and tasting of Sauternes, a stop in Pauillac, gateway to the Medoc wine region, and a Saint-Emilion tour and tasting. Returning to Bordeaux, guests will explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital of the wine world.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld's one-of-a-kind vessels are inspired by the locales they visit, making their luxurious ships a destination in themselves. Billed as "the world's only authentic boutique cruise line," Uniworld offers in-suite butler service, world-class cuisine, and all-inclusive rates that cover premium spirits and wines as well as gratuities.

Their eight-day "Enchanting Danube" cruise aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa begins in Budapest with a choice of touring by bicycle or walking. A stop in Vienna includes a Mozart and Strauss concert at a Viennese palace, a city tour, and a taste of local delicacies. The cruise ends in Passau with a choice of bicycling, walking, or hiking to explore the city and a special captain's farewell reception and dinner.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. Large private bathrooms include full showers and L'Occitane bath amenities. Their deluxe beds and luxurious linens provide comfort in spacious, quiet quarters with ample closet space. Avalon offers "Active & Discovery" river cruises with activities for a variety of energy and fitness levels, from traditional sightseeing to action-packed experiences.

The "Active & Discovery on the Rhone" cruise begins in Lyon and heads south through the French countryside of Provence and ends in Port-Saint-Louis. On the way, Avalon Choice excursions include a culinary walk, cooking class, painting workshop, wine tastings, guided bike rides, and more, with Active, Classic, and Discovery level activities.

Started as a New England motor coach tour company, Tauck is a family-owned global travel firm offering tours and cruises to a wide range of destinations around the world. Their award-winning European river cruises are praised for their personalized service, exclusive destination experiences, luxurious cabins and suites, fine dining, and professional, caring staff.

"Impressions from the Seine: Paris to Normandy," an eight-day cruise, features stops in historic small villages and towns and a visit to the D-Day beaches of Normandy and the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach. A private visit to the home and gardens of Claude Monet at Giverny and a visit to the Impressionist Museum will please art lovers. Other highlights include a guided visit to Versailles, Louis XIV's magnificent palace and gardens, the Cathedrale de Rouen, and Joan of Arc Square.

Scenic offers both ocean and river cruises, all with emphasis on its fleet of "Space-Ships" and their meticulous design and spacious quarters. Guests enjoy personalized butler service and all-inclusive cruising. Ships offer a wellness area, massage services, gym, e-bikes, and onboard entertainment. Scenic's "FreeChoice" excursions offer something for all activity levels.

The "Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle" begins with arrival in Frankfurt and transfer to Mainz for boarding. Stops include Koblenz, where guests can take a walking or e-bike tour. There's a private classical music concert and tour of Reichsburg Castle along the way, as well as optional visits to the Mercedes-Benz factory or a walking tour of Strasbourg and its magnificent cathedral.

Emerald Cruises

Emerald offers both yacht and river cruises, with a range of cruises on the rivers in Europe. Founded in 2013, Emerald now features a fleet of nine "Star-Ships," with stylish suites, first-class amenities, and room for 180 guests. Most carry bicycles, and all staterooms are equipped with hiking poles. Excursions include the EmeraldPLUS program of special experiences to connect with their destinations, and EmeraldACTIVE offers faster-paced guided tours, bike rides, hikes, and activities.

The eight-day "Sensations of Lyon & Provence" cruise begins in Lyon and heads to a quaint village and then south again towards Tournon, with its 16th-century castle. Along the way, guests can choose a hike through vineyards, canoe trip, village walking tours, or wine tasting onboard.

Adventures by Disney River Cruises

Partnering with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney offers cruises on the Seine, Rhine, and Danube Rivers, Disney style. Specially designed itineraries and Adventure Guides create experiences for parents, children, and teens, from active excursions to unique onboard activities. Adults-only dinners and wine tasting experiences along with teen programming, Disney movie nights, karaoke, trivia nights, and Junior Adventurer dinners provide entertainment for guests of all ages.

The eight-day Danube River Cruise starts in Budapest where excursions include a horse show at an equestrian park and a goulash-making competition for Adventurers. In Bratislava, Junior Adventurers can visit a petting zoo, and in the evening, there's family karaoke. A tour of Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace, marionette show, concert, and strudel making are options the next day. A day in Salzburg ends onboard with "The Sound of Music" film and singalong. After an Oktoberfest celebration and captain's farewell dinner, the cruise ends the next day.

CroisiEurope Cruises

Established in 1976, Croisi offers cruises on rivers, canals, and seas with a fleet of oceangoing ships, canal barges, and river cruise ships. The company's innovative approach allowed them to be pioneers on several rivers in Europe including the Gironde, Loire, Po, and Elbe, basing their ships' design on the characteristics of the waterways.

CroisiEurope's seven-day "Hamburg to Berlin: Discover the Medieval Charms of Hanseatic Cities" cruise starts with guided tours of Hamburg and Lübeck, A UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a morning cruise, the ship will ride on the Scharnebeck twin ship lift, one of the highest in Europe, with a vertical lift of 125 feet. An optional visit to the Autostadt theme park, dedicated to German auto design, and an afternoon cruise fill day four. The next day, there's a tour of Magdeburg, known for its fascinating architecture and culture. The ship arrives in Berlin for a tour and festive evening.

This German cruise company' s distinctive ships are easy to recognize by the large red lips and rose on the bow. Their fleet of 12 ships was joined by the new A-Rosa Sena , a hybrid powered ship expected to cruise the northern Rhine almost silently and emission-free. Family-friendly amenities include a kids club, heated outdoor pools, and free passage for children ages 15 and under.

The six-day "Highlights of the Rhine" cruise begins in Cologne and cruises on to Rotterdam and then Amsterdam the following day. Options include a bus tour, canal tour, pedal boats, or private auto tour, each at an additional cost. A variety of ways to explore Utrecht the next day are available. On day six, the ship returns to Cologne.

Lueftner Cruises

This Austrian family business dates back more than 40 years and offers European river cruises on its fleet of 16 AMADEUS ships. Five-star service, facilities, and cuisine are their hallmarks, and their ships feature wide panoramic windows and a spacious sun deck.

The eight-day "Saar and Moselle Fairytales" cruise boards in Cologne and cruises down the Rhine to the Moselle and its tributary, the Saar River. The ship passes the Mosel vineyards and docks in the medieval town of Cochem for a guided walking tour. The next day, guests can tour the town of Bernkastel-Kues and enjoy a wine tasting or hike to the ruins of a castle for a stunning view. After a morning tour of Saarburg, the ship cruises along the Saar River with panoramic views of its massive loop. The ship stops in Luxembourg and then continues to Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet, before returning to Cologne.

Apt River Cruises

This Australian-owned organization is the country's largest family-owned tour and cruise company , offering a variety of travel styles. Their Concerto River Ships, AmaVenita , AmaStella , and AmaReina , cruise on the Danube, Main, Rhine, and Douro Rivers with luxury accommodations and excursions. Apt charters the ships from AmaWaterways, but their itineraries and onboard programs are unique to Apt River Cruises. Apt's offerings include rail journeys, as well as small boat, yacht, and ocean cruises.

Their 15-day "Magnificent Europe" cruise begins in Amsterdam with a canal tour and cruises the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers before arriving in Budapest. The ship docks in Koblenz and takes a daytime cruise through the Rhine Gorge before landing in Miltenberg for a guided tour of the city. On day six, guests can choose a trip to Rothenburg or visit a family-owned farm for a home-cooked morning tea. The ship passes through the Main-Danube Canal that connects the Black Sea and the North Sea. In Vienna, there's a cocktail party and private orchestra recital or city tour before heading to Budapest for two days.

Nicko Cruises

This German company offers 30 years of experience on Europe's rivers, and has a fleet of 26 river ships in addition to the expedition ship World Voyager and oceangoing Vasco Da Gama . The company's "time to discover" philosophy focuses on intensive travel experiences, shore excursions, and varied culinary offerings.

The eight-day "Traveling on the Elbe and Havel" cruise covers Germany's north on rivers and canals aboard the Frederick Chopin . Starting in Berlin, the cruise continues to Potsdam for a guided walking tour. A guided tour takes guests through Autostadt Wolfsburg, a park dedicated to the history of the automobile. In Hamburg, there's a city tour and harbor cruise before the cruise continues to the Baltic resort, Laboe, and ends in Kiel.

Teeming River Cruises

Founded in 2017 with the goal of making European river cruises more economical and personalized, family-owned American company Teeming River Cruises developed a different river cruise model. Instead of pre-programmed group activities, guests create their own unique experiences with a complimentary city tour app for each destination. All-inclusive plans and group tours are not part of Teeming's itineraries.

Their cruise in northern Italy along the Po River, "From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua," is a seven-day excursion starting in Venice where guests can discover St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace. In partnership with CroisiEurope aboard the MS Michelangelo , the ship heads west to Vicenza and then on to Chioggia. Day four is spent in Verona, with its ancient amphitheater and Giusti Gardens. The next days are spent in Cremona and Mantua with disembarkation and a coach trip back to Venice.

Belmond - Afloat in France

Belmond has another way to cruise some of Europe's rivers — on luxury barges with private chefs and excursions like truffle hunting, hot air ballooning, canoeing, and wine tasting. Seven barges make up Afloat in France , each with its own style and size. The elegant barges cruise the waterways of Burgundy, Provence, Alsace, Champagne, Languedoc, and Franche-Comté from April to October.

On the Belmond Napoleon , guests cruise the River Saône past châteaux, rural river towns, and expansive vineyards. Stops at Montmerle, Mâcon, and Tournus offer opportunities for wine tasting and exploring a Benedictine abbey. There's a walking tour of Chalon-Sur-Sâone and time to browse through St. Jean de Losne.

Related Articles

9 best river cruises in Europe

River cruising in Europe is one of those delightfully slow and easy modes of travel. You're in a small floating hotel, exploring calm inland waters, gliding past castles and vineyards and scenery that changes by the hour.

Daily escorted walking tours and other excursions provided by the river line take you to key UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other city and village attractions you've come to see. Or you can choose to explore on your own, which is easy since your ship often will dock right in town.

Lazy afternoons on the ship afford the time to sit in a lounge chair and watch the world go by — kids swimming from the riverbanks, farmers tending their crops, river birds flapping their wings — as you glide to your next destination.

Which European river should you explore? The choices are broader than you might expect.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The main rivers in Europe are the Danube and the Rhine and their tributaries. They are, by far, the most popular, doable either on one-week segments or longer itineraries that combine areas and sometimes combine rivers. Even if your cruise is only a week, don't underestimate the allure of relaxing for seven days on a river in France or on the dreamy Douro in Portugal.

Here are the best river cruises in Europe.

Upper Danube

When it comes to Europe river cruises, a perfect seven-night starter sailing is the Upper Danube, which takes you through centuries of history as you explore Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

Ships visit such cultural hubs as Vienna, with its opera and art museums and elaborate royal palaces, and Budapest, Hungary, with its magnificent architecture and modern vibe. If your ship passes the Hungarian Parliament building at night, you're in for a treat; magnificently lit, it's one of the most photographed sights on the river.

Along the route, between Melk and Krems in Austria, you cruise through the Wachau Valley, a key wine-growing region producing rieslings and gruner veltliners, with sipping opportunities available. It's also a great place to bike, which is why it's nice to sail with lines, such as AmaWaterways , that carry bikes on board for passengers to use.

You might also have the option of a side trip to Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart — and also where several scenes for the movie "Sound of Music" were filmed. A surprise for many is Old Town Bratislava, Slovakia, which might not have been on your must-do list but which charms with its beer culture and castles.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know.

Lower Danube

For a deep dive into Eastern Europe's past and present, the fascinating Lower Danube route between Budapest and Bucharest, Romania, explores history from the medieval times and Victorian era of Dracula to the rise of communism and the Bosnian War.

The seven-night river cruise takes you through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. The most beautiful stretch of the river is a 62-mile passage through a gorge between the Balkan and Carpathian Mountains. It's also one of the deepest stretches of river in the world.

Other sights accessed on shore excursions via bus include Bulgaria's Belogradchik Rocks, which are naturally carved towering red rock pinnacles that appear to take forms such as "Madonna with child," and Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's stunning medieval capital.

When it comes to top cruising rivers in Europe, the Rhine wins for natural beauty and fairytale landscapes. A cruise on the river between Amsterdam in The Netherlands, and Basel, Switzerland — a typical one-week route — takes you past expanses of slope-side vineyards, forests and mountains, historic cities and medieval half-timbered villages.

That's even before you get to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 40-mile stretch of river, between Rudesheim and Koblenz, Germany, has castles galore — you might imagine Rapunzel letting down her hair — and Lorelei Rock, the legendary cliff said to distract sailors with the mesmerizing song of a maiden.

The French city of Strasbourg, with its famous Gothic cathedral and robust Alsatian culinary scene, is often a favorite stop on Rhine itineraries, with other highlights including Heidelberg, Germany, and its imposing castle.

Related: Christmas market river cruises: What to expect on a holiday sailing

Sure, you can catch sight of the Eiffel Tower when boarding a river ship in Paris, but you can do that while staying in a hotel, too. The real attractions of a Seine River cruise are sailing on the river outside the city toward the English Channel and a visit to the beaches in Normandy for a perspective on World War II.

Your visit there and to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, as well as other memorials and monuments to the fallen, is a poignant experience (one that requires a two-hour bus ride from your ship, however). Avalon Waterways brings a World War II expert on board to add insight on select sailings.

Other treasures exist along the Seine, not the least of which is Giverny, the home and gardens of impressionist artist Claude Monet. If you are a fan of his art, much of the property might seem familiar.

In historic Rouen, where Joan of Arc was martyred in the Middle Ages, stop by the Rouen Cathedral (another subject of Monet) before losing yourself on cobblestone streets with wonderful cafes.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Bordeaux river cruises are different from other water routes because you explore two short waterways — the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers — and the Gironde Estuary in Southwest France.

You'll spend more time ashore than floating down the river on this itinerary, with your ship docked for two nights in the city of Bordeaux, a mini-Paris with grand 18th-century buildings. Who cares when you are in the epicenter of French culture, in one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world?

Bordeaux serves up the opportunity to sip Medoc, Margaux, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and Sauternes wines as you expand your wine education. You'll visit vineyards and gorgeous chateaus. Your cruise line might even host a dinner at a wine estate one evening. If you plan your cruise for September or October, you'll be able to admire the grape harvest.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for solo travelers

Rhone and Saone

Another must for wine-lovers is exploring the interior of France, sipping Cotes du Rhone in such famous winemaking regions as Hermitage and Chateauneuf-du-Pape in Provence and Beaune in Burgundy.

Rhone and Saone River cruises typically sail between Lyon and Arles or Avignon, and they're top-loaded with such non-wine attractions as the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and the Roman Arles Amphitheater, as well as the massive Palais des Papes (Papal Palace) in Avignon. You'll also be able to take in the lavender fields, haystacks and other scenes that inspired painters like Paul Cezanne and Vincent Van Gogh.

For a lazy, dreamy, wonderful river cruise experience, nothing quite beats exploring the wine regions of Portugal on the Douro, one of the major rivers through the Iberian Peninsula. The home base for these river cruises is Porto, Portugal, with its historic city center, spectacular bridges and port houses.

On one-week cruises, you'll follow the river 130 miles past green hillside vineyards in the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO-recognized destination, before turning around at the Spanish border. The river cruises typically include a visit to the university town of Salamanca in northern Spain. Viticulture is very much the lesson en route, as you learn about port production on the "River of Gold."

Related: 5 cruise lines to try if you just can't stand being around kids on vacation

Due to fluctuating water levels and narrow passages, the Elbe is a challenging river that runs 680 miles between the Czech Republic and Germany. Historically, it formed part of the border between East Germany and West Germany.

River cruising here is a rare experience. Viking River Cruises is one of the few lines that visits (another is the French line CroisiEurope), offering 10-day itineraries that combine hotel stays in the cities of Berlin and Prague with a stretch of river between Prague and Wittenburg, Germany.

The cruises are on ships built specifically for the Elbe route. They stop in places such as resurgent Dresden, heavily bombed during World War II but expertly rebuilt; the Saxon Switzerland region of Germany with its striking sandstone rock formations; and the spa town of Bad Schandau.

The Po River in northern Italy is tidal, making it another challenging waterway. However, it affords the opportunity to combine a visit to Venice with a river cruise. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises does the Po in high style with its 126-passenger S.S. La Venizia, completely decked out with a sense of place, from Fortuny fabrics and Murano glass to its gilded accents.

The one-week route doesn't take you far but does include the walled city of Padua, the charming fishing village of Chioggia, and the culinary mecca of Bologna.

For those looking for a longer experience, Uniworld cleverly combines a Po cruise with luxury rail journeys to places like Istanbul, Switzerland and beyond.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

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Alsace: land of tradition and gastronomy

STRASBOURG - BREISACH - Eguisheim - Riquewihr - Ribeauvillé - BREISACH - STRASBOURG

Discover Alsace, the land of tradition and gastronomy, located in the heart of Europe. Cruise the Alsace region with this itinerary and visit the must-see places of this charming region while discovering its gastronomic specialties and famous wines. Visit Strasbourg and its Gothic cathedral, Colmar and its little Venice with the charm of half-timbered houses, follow the wine route and discover villages and towns full of character.

The Rhine in flames, an incredible spectacle on the water

STRASBOURG - BOPPARD - KOBLENZ - RÜDESHEIM - MANNHEIM - STRASBOURG

Boppard: admire the "Rhine in Flames" on a glittering summer night that will light up the hillsides and surrounding castles into a magical light. Embark on an unforgettable and colorful cruise through the romantic Rhine Valley, through the Rüdesheim vineyard and open-air cafes and the beautiful city of Heidelberg.

Capital Cities Along the Danube

VIENNA - BUDAPEST - BRATISLAVA - VIENNA

Embark on a cruise to the Danube Capitals. You will experience unique places such as the covered grand market of Budapest with its incredible display of different goods, amongst which are famous garlands of paprika, and the spectacular Zsolnay roof tiles.

Vienna, like an open air museum is famous for the Konzerthaus where the footsteps of the great composers still echo. Without forgetting Bratislava situated at the foot of the little Carpathian mountains, standing out from this wooded and rocky landscape. You will be transported in a twirl of emotions and unbelievable flavours.

Venetian Treasures

VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - VENICE

If you have dreamed of admiring Venice from a gondola, standing in Saint Mark’s Square, or indulging in the fine food found on almost every corner, join CroisiEurope for a cruise through the calm waters and enchanting panoramas in the Venetian Lagoon. This history-filled cruise includes a side trip to Padua.

Prestigious Paris & and the Canal Saint-Martin (port-to-port cruise)

PARIS - The Canal Saint Martin - PARIS and its famous sites - PARIS and the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district - PARIS

Embark on a Parisian getaway along the Canal Saint-Martin which offers a unique landscape to all lovers of the French capital and the ideal setting for a romantic cruise. You will be carried away by symbolic places such as the Eiffel Tower, the gardens of the Trocadéro, the Tuileries Gardens and the island of Saint-Louis. You will also have a chance to explore the district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, combining charm and elegance. Get ready to experience a memorable cruise!

Pick your next European holiday from our latest  river cruise deals ! Get away from it all sailing Europes's major rivers at  affordable  prices. Whether you want to discover the  rivers of France , the  Rhine  and the  Danube  in Northern and Central Europe, or the most sought after destinations in Southern Europe including  Portugal ,  Spain , and  Italy , our  exclusive offers  and wide selection of river cruise itineraries will be a wonderful opportunity for you to tour Europe. 

Select your departure date and enjoy up to 50% off for the second passenger, or 2 for 1, on a selection of river cruises. As always, CroisiEurope includes it all, no matter the deal:

• Exquisite French cuisine
• All-inclusive drinks at meals and bar
• free excursion package
• Free wifi on board

We are looking forward to welcoming you on board!

Discount Cruises & Special offers

Discount European River Cruises & Special offers

The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise)

PASSAU - MELK - DURNSTEIN - VIENNA - ESZTERGOM - BUDAPEST

From Passau to Budapest via Melk and Vienna, these cities rich in culture and history will unveil their secrets. Discover the Schoenbrunn Palace and the beautiful Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its wooded hillsides, orchards, small villages, vineyards and monasteries, it is the most picturesque part of the Danube and where the majestic Dürnstein Castle stands.

The tip of Provence to Lyon on the Rhône and Saône Rivers (port-to-port cruise)

MARTIGUES(1) - PORT-SAINT-LOUIS - The Camargue - ARLES - AVIGNON - VIVIERS - LA VOULTE - TAIN-L'HERMITAGE - LYON - MÂCON - BELLEVILLE - TRÉVOUX - LYON

Set off on an unforgettable cruise from Martigues to Lyon, with ports of call in Mâcon, Tain-l'Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, and the Camargue.

Discover the 2,000-year history of Lyon as you stroll through its cobblestone streets. Ten percent of the city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Vercors Massif and its steep limestone cliffs and vineyards perched above the valleys.

Prestigious Paris & and the Canal Saint-Martin (port-to-port cruise)

PARIS - The Canal Saint Martin - PARIS and its famous sites - PARIS and the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district - PARIS

Embark on a Parisian getaway along the Canal Saint-Martin which offers a unique landscape to all lovers of the French capital and the ideal setting for a romantic cruise. You will be carried away by symbolic places such as the Eiffel Tower, the gardens of the Trocadéro, the Tuileries Gardens and the island of Saint-Louis. You will also have a chance to explore the district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, combining charm and elegance. Get ready to experience a memorable cruise!

Romantic German Sites and the Charming Neckar Valley (port-to-port cruise)

STRASBOURG - MANNHEIM - HEIDELBERG - EBERBACH - HEILBRONN - LAUFFEN - STUTTGART

The Neckar River is a serpentine tributary of the Rhine that crisscrosses bucolic landscapes, lush forests, and lovely cities.

STUTTGART - LAUFFEN - GUNDELSHEIM - EBERBACH - HEIDELBERG - MANNHEIM - STRASBOURG

The Neckar River is a serpentine tributary of the Rhine that crisscrosses bucolic landscapes, lush forests, and lovely cities

Select your next European holiday from our latest river cruise promotions ! Sail Europes's most beautiful waterways enjoying our best river cruise deals . With 43 years' experience, and a pioneer in launching new itineraries year after year, CroisiEurope has made river cruising affordable, comprising all the comforts of a luxury holiday in Europe, Africa , South East Asia , Northern and Southern America. Leading river cruise line in Europe, with us you can explore the Seine from Paris all the way to Honfleur, the Bordeaux Region , the Loire , Provence , the Rhine and the Danube in Northern and Central Europe, or the Douro in Portugal, Andalusia , and Venice . Our exclusive promotions will be a wonderful opportunity for you to cruise Europe at great prices. Our late deals are a great way to enjoy Europe in low season, travelling last minute or travelling single . 

Pick your departure date with discounts of up to 50% for the second passenger, or 2 for 1 deals, on a wide selection of river holidays and French canal barge cruises . CroisiEurope provides every comfort for your trip, including:

• Exquisite French cuisine
• All-inclusive drinks with meals
• Free wifi on board
• Small ship cruising
• All cabins with an exterior view on the river

Don't delay, book your European river cruise today!

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Europe river cruise offers

Discover our incredible Europe river cruise offers, and sail the continent in luxury.

2024 Europe river cruises

Our 2024 europe river cruise highlights   .

Danube Delights

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

Jewels of the Rhine

Sensations of Lyon & Provence

Discover the magic of France by river

Secrets of the Douro

Explore the charms of Portugal by river

Danube Explorer & highlights of Budapest

Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards

Enchantment of Eastern Europe

Splendours of Europe

2025 europe river cruises.

Plan ahead for 2025 and find your perfect river cruise. Book today to save up to 20% and secure your chosen destination, departure date, and cabin grade.

Our 2025 Europe river cruise highlights   

Danube explorer & highlights of budapest.

Amsterdam with Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards

Extend your stay.

Extend Your Stay highlights    

Danube Explorer & Prague

Amsterdam & Jewels of the Rhine

Sensations of Lyon and Provence & Paris

Madrid & Secrets of the Douro

Berlin & The Majestic Rhine

Paris & Splendours of Europe

Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Budapest and Bucharest

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Last Minute Europe River Cruise Deals

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Danube Explorer

Sailing Date : 02 Jun 2024

World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels

Save up to 35% on 2024 Europe River Cruises

Was £2975pp

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Danube Delights

Sailing Date : 05 Jul 2024

Was £3075pp

Danube Dreams (Eastbound)

Sailing Date : 25 Jun 2024

Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!

Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included

Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard

Was £3827pp

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Danube Dreams (Westbound)

Was £3752pp

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Romantic Rhine (Southbound)

Sailing Date : 11 May 2024

Was £2828pp

Cruise Only From £2715pp

Castles along the Rhine

Save up to £1,500pp on Selected Sailings

Includes flights & overseas transfers

Was £4999pp

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Romantic Danube

Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences

Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person

Was £3675pp

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Paris & Normandy

Was £5103pp

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Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Nice

Rhone, Saone

Was £4360pp

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Danube Explorer & Prague

Was £3021pp

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Sensations of Lyon & Provence

Was £3460pp

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Was £1599pp

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Jewels of the Rhine

Was £3325pp

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Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland

Was £4799pp

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Jewels of the Rhine & Amsterdam

Was £3429pp

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Zurich-Lucerne & Jewels of the Rhine & Amsterdam

Was £4424pp

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Romantic Rhine (Northbound)

Was £1800pp

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Unforgettable Douro with Lisbon

Sailing Date : 12 May 2024

Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries

Truly all-inclusive luxury

Was £6381pp

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Unforgettable Douro with Lisbon & Madrid

Was £7456pp

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Spectacular South of France

Was £5629pp

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Jewels of Europe with Paris

Was £6671pp

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A Portrait of Majestic France

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Was £2751pp

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Europe's Heartland

Was £12050pp

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Europe River Cruise Offers

It’s more than a 5-star river cruise. It’s a seamless journey from start to finish, that places you at the heart of everything we do.

• Europe River Cruises
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2024 Europe River Cruises

Our europe river cruise highlights  .

Lower Danube Discovery

A Danube waltz

Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle

Mighty castles and lush green vineyards

Black Sea Explorer with Bucharest & Budapest

Hidden Treasures Rediscovered

Idyllic Rhône

From the gastronomic heart of France to the Mediterranean

Rhine Highlights

The heart of Europe

Jewels of Europe

Europe’s most spectacular river discovery

2025 Europe River Cruises

Windmills, Tulips and Belgian Delights

The Netherlands in bloom

Danube in Depth

Take a journey rich in culture and beauty

Discover the treasures of Eastern Europe

Beautiful Bordeaux

Savour the beauty and romance

Spectacular South of France

Awaken your senses in the South of France

What’s New in 2025  

In 2025, we have designed even more memorable and personalised experiences designed to connect you with heart of historic Europe in truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury, inspired by 38 years of expertise.

Two night Nuremberg Extension

Discover the history of Bavaria’s second-largest city including its Imperial Castle and Old Town over two fascinating days, before transferring to Regensburg where you will embark your ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ship. This extension links seamlessly with the 8 day Gems of the Danube .

Two night Munich Extension

Explore vibrant Munch via coach, the perfect way for a panoramic overview of the city. You’ll also explore on foot with a local guide, before enjoying dinner in the evening. Then, transfer to Regensburg to embark your Scenic Space-Ship. This extension links seamlessly with the 8 day Gems of the Danube . 

Two night Vienna Extension

Stay at a perfectly located city centre hotel in the beautiful city of Vienna. A city full of grandeur, Austria’s Imperial capital is famous for having the world’s most beautiful boulevard, the Ringstrasse, and for the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. This extension links seamlessly with the 16 day Danube Delta Discovery . 

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• River Cruises

European River Cruise

European River Cruises offer an unrivalled opportunity to explore some of the most romantic waterways in the world - the chance to travel into the very heart of Europe.

Choose a departure range of up to 1 month if you have not selected a specific cruise line or Choose a departure date range of up to 3 months if you have selected a specific cruise line

About European River Cruises

European River Cruises offer an unrivalled opportunity to explore some of the most romantic waterways in the world. The chance to travel into the very heart of Europe's most historic cities and see the stunning natural vistas, hidden treasures and unique cultures each individual country has to offer.

You can take a scenic journey through Paris, Rouen and Normandy on the River Seine , or see Lyon and the best of southeastern France on the River Rhone . Explore the Bohemia lowlands and Germany's "Saxon Switzerland" on the River Elbe , or the enchanting Black Forest and Basel, Strasbourg and Cologne on the River Rhine . The River Douro will take you on a voyage through the Winelands, quaint villages and historic cities of Northern Spain and Portugal, and the world-famous River Danube will take you on a voyage through some of Central Europe's most beautiful cities including Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava.

Visit Germany’s charming wine-producing villages and explore the culinary delights in Lyon, France. Roam around medieval Prague, “City of a Thousand Spires” and imagine the rich history or why not take in the elegant boulevards and grand monuments of Paris? From Portugal’s Douro Valley to Budapest’s regal Parliament building and Chain Bridge and beyond, there is so much to explore on Europe’s spectacular rivers and the rolling hills on their banks. And the best way to explore them? A cruise of course. Experience a new lease of life and a few new cultures along the way too. 

Danube - Budapest

Find Other River Cruises

Danube river cruise, douro river cruise, rhine river cruise, rhone river cruise, seine river cruise, mekong river cruise, yangtze river cruise, french river cruise.

Avalon Waterways’ European River Cruises: a New View of the Old World

Perfectly balance elegance and ease as you set sail down some of the world’s most legendary waters.

Embark on an Avalon Waterways river cruise and immerse yourself in the essence of each destination along the world's greatest rivers. Explore the tranquil villages of Germany, the enchanting retreats of Austria and Hungary, the majestic cliffs and fortresses of France, and the vibrant hues of Holland. Avalon brings the world—and dreams—to life.

Cruising Elevated 

Avalon Waterways goes against the current, delivering boundless exploration with everything from unexpected in-port experiences—for example, a guided kayaking tour of Amsterdam's storied canals—to a dynamic selection of “Special Interest” cruises highlighting some of the continent’s most beloved features. These include Holland’s spring tulips, the beers of Belgium and Germany, and Christmastime markets along the Danube .  

Wide Open Wonder—Better by Design  

Then there are the vessels themselves: Avalon Waterways operates a fleet of 13 suite ships across Europe’s many rivers, with each vessel featuring exclusive Panorama Suites. These spacious rooms—which make up 80 percent of each individual ship—are specially configured to highlight every view, with beds facing a floor-to-ceiling panoramic window so that the outside world is right there at your disposal, without ever missing a moment. Larger suites also result in fewer passengers, adding to the ship’s intimacy, while onboard farm-to-fork fare includes a bevy of regional flavors, from mushroom schnitzel with tartar sauce to Burgundy snails served up with fresh baguette.

Amazing, Included  

Avalon Waterways’ growing list of itineraries showcase Europe’s most storied and fabled channels such as the Danube, the continent’s second-longest river and a former frontier for the Roman Empire, and the Seine, which stretches 485-miles from Dijon, France , to the English Channel. Not only is this river central to French culture and identity, but its captivating banks have inspired many an Impressionist painting, including Claude Monet’s 1869 masterpiece, Bathers at La Grenouillere.  

One of the newest river offerings includes cruises along Portugal’s enchanting Douro River , which flows among verdant forests, steep hills, and terraced vineyards,—meandering through the heart of one of the oldest wine-producing regions on earth—as well as the Garonne River, a grape-lined waterbody in France’s Bordeaux region, brimming with quaint country hamlets and famous wine cellars.  

Sail Away from the Ordinary 

Each Avalon Waterways cruise features an average of 23 excursions, all arranged into three categories—Active, Discovery, and Classic. This way travelers can tailor a trip to fit individual needs and interests.  

Take the eight-day European river cruise, The Rhine & Moselle: Canals, Vineyards, which sails from Luxembourg to Holland along the Moselle River, stopping at picturesque towns nestled among vineyards and through spectacular cliff-hugging scenery. One port-of-call is Cochem, where you can choose between all three categories of excursions

If it’s a bit of exercise you’re after, book the “Active” hike above Cochem to see its medieval architecture through a bird’s-eye view. Looking for something educational? The “Discovery” option includes a visit to an early-19th century mill, where travelers can experience the traditional art of mustard making. Along with a guided walk through Cochem’s winding streets, the “Classic” excursion also includes a visit to the hilltop Reichsburg Castle, a neo-gothic masterpiece situated 330-feet above the river.  

There’s also Avalon Waterways’ eight-day Vide Portugal: Vineyards & Villages cruise along the splendid Douro River, which winds its way among family farms, sleepy villages, and a world of cultural treasures, including the hauntingly melodic Fado music. Day two of the itinerary includes a visit to the country’s greater Porto region. Whether it’s picking up a bicycle from the ship’s Adventure Center and pedaling along the riverbanks, opting for a Discovery excursion to a Romanesque monastery to savor the beatific sounds of a choir-sung Gregorian Chant, or enjoying a full-day guided tour of Braga, an elegant town northeast of Porto that’s often regarded as the country’s religious center, how you spend the day is entirely up to you.  

Coming Full-Circle  

Avalon Waterways offers a myriad of ways to see the Old World of Europe anew—whether it’s through one of our Avalon Choice excursions, a special interest cruise, or a panoramic window. It’s all yours to choose.   

Find Your Cruise. Learn More

The Editorial Staff of Smithsonian magazine had no role in this content's preparation.

The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise ship

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Fast-growing Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line.

Not only does the California-based company offer ocean cruises in almost every corner of the world, it also offers river cruises on many of the world’s major rivers.

That’s notably different from most cruise lines. Typically, cruise lines operate either ocean cruises or river cruises but not both. That gives them a smaller range of itineraries.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note, from the Douro in Portugal to (until recently) the Volga in Russia.

The company also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong in Southeast Asia, and it just began river trips on the Mississippi River .

There are 80 river ships in Viking’s fleet — an astounding number. None of its main competitors among river lines catering to North Americans, which include Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and AmaWaterways , have anywhere near that number of vessels.

Related: First look at Viking’s stylish new Nile River ship

Among ocean cruise destinations, Viking has a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which it considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) However, you’ll find Viking’s nine traditional ocean ships everywhere from North America to Asia and Australia.

Last year, the line began cruising to Antarctica with its first expedition ship — a type of vessel built specifically for travel to remote, hard-to-reach places. Viking now has two such vessels.

Among the line’s voyages, there’s everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages.

Overwhelmed with choices? Here are the five best Viking cruise destinations where the line can truly offer you a memorable vacation.

Scandinavia and Northern Europe

Some of Viking’s most interesting itineraries are around Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea, with many beginning or ending in Norway — the homeland of the company’s founder and chairman, Torstein Hagen.

As Hagen once told me, Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea are what the company considers “Viking country” — a region where it wants to dominate.

During summers, in particular, Viking devotes an unusually large number of its ships to itineraries around Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea and other Northern Europe destinations such as Iceland. Many, notably, use the relatively small but famously scenic Norwegian city of Bergen (population 286,000) as a gateway, something no other line is doing. That allows for unusual variations on the typical Baltic Sea or Norwegian fjords cruise.

The line’s most popular route in the region, “Viking Homelands,” is a two-week-long, one-way trip between Bergen and Stockholm that combines several days of exploring the fjord region of Norway’s west coast with more-typical Baltic cruise destinations such as St. Petersburg, Russia, and Helsinki.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Note that, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Viking has pulled the St. Petersburg stop, as well as stops in Finland and Estonia from the Viking Homelands itinerary; the trips instead feature extra stops in Norway and Denmark. It’s unlikely St. Petersburg will return to the itinerary until the war in Ukraine is resolved.

Viking also offers a 14-night itinerary that includes several stops in the northernmost part of the country above the Arctic Circle. Dubbed “Into the Midnight Sun,” the one-way route between Bergen and London is unique because it combines calls in far-north Honningsvag and Tromso, Norway, with visits to Scotland’s remote Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands. Though part of the United Kingdom, these archipelagos have ties to Norwegian and Viking history.

Itineraries that will take you from Bergen to Iceland or even as far away as France, Portugal and Spain also are available.

Viking’s Scandinavia and Northern Europe trips range widely in length from just seven nights to a whopping 28 nights.

Among the longest sailings that Viking offers that include calls in Northern Europe are one-way, 28-night voyages between Bergen and New York City. The trips include stops in Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Canada.

In Northern Europe, Viking ships mostly sail out of Bergen, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen and London as well as Reykjavik.

The Mediterranean

Viking has grown into a major player in Mediterranean sailings, with more than 30 distinct itineraries that include stops in the region.

The trips include voyages focused specifically on the Western Mediterranean or Eastern Mediterranean and some that include stops across both areas.

Typical of the latter is the line’s 14-night “Mediterranean Antiquities” routing, a one-way trip between Athens and Barcelona that stops in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Monaco, France and Spain.

More-focused Mediterranean itineraries include the line’s nine-night “Empires of the Mediterranean” voyages between Venice and Athens, which mostly concentrate on stops along the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea in Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro.

In the Mediterranean, the line’s main hubs are Barcelona; Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Venice, Italy; Piraeus (the port for Athens), Greece; and Istanbul.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites  

Europe riverways

Viking is, quite simply, the giant of river cruising in Europe — at least among lines that cater to English speakers. The company operates around 70 river ships on a broad swath of the continent’s rivers — far more than any other river line catering to North Americans.

In all, the line accounts for about half of all river cruises taken by North Americans in the region. The next biggest player in Europe river cruises for North Americans, AmaWaterways, is less than half the size.

Among the rivers in Europe where Viking has a major presence are the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; and the Moselle and Elbe in Germany. Until recently, Viking also offered cruises on the Dnieper River in Ukraine. The voyages have been suspended since Russia invaded the country in early 2022.

On nearly all of the rivers, the line offers multiple itineraries with lengths ranging from seven nights to as many as 22 nights.

Among 10 different itineraries on the Rhine River alone, offerings range from a seven-night “Rhine Getaway” from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, to a 22-night “European Sojourn” from Amsterdam to Bucharest, Romania. The latter adds travel on the Main and Danube rivers to days on the Rhine.

Viking offers some of the most intimate and elegant cruises on the Nile, with three ships including the recently unveiled, 82-passenger Viking Osiris — one of our favorite vessels on the river.

All three of Viking’s Nile ships operate the same seven-night Nile cruise itinerary that Viking pairs with a four-night stay at a hotel in Cairo (three nights before the cruise and one night after) to create an 11-night “Pharaohs and Pyramids” tour of Egypt.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking’s loyalty program

The cruise portion of the tour includes visits to the historic temples of Luxor, Karnak, Esna, Dendera and Abu Simbel as well as a visit to the iconic Valley of the Kings. The stay in Cairo brings a visit to the pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum and other sites.

Viking Osiris is the first of four sister ships that Viking plans to launch on the Nile by 2025 as it doubles its footprint in Egypt. The vessels offer a clean-lined, Scandinavian-influenced design that mimics the look of Viking’s Europe-based vessels.

Notably, the ship features an entire deck of sprawling suites that rival anything else found on the Nile for luxury and comfort. Each comes with two full-size rooms — a large living room with a residential feel and an adjacent bedroom with a walk-in closet and bathroom. Each suite also has an outdoor balcony with seating for two — something you don’t always see on Nile ships.

Viking is a newcomer to cruises to Antarctica, but the destination is a big growth area for the line. Viking recently added two new, 378-passenger expedition cruise vessels specifically built to travel to the White Continent.

Dubbed Viking Octantis, the first of these vessels began sailings to Antarctica in February 2022. The second ship in the series, Viking Polaris, has just joined its sister in Antarctica this year. Together, the two ships are already making waves in the market for Antarctica cruises, in part because they have several new and unusual features.

Most notable is The Hangar, an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to two of each ship’s exploratory vessels while still in the protected interior of the ship. A first for an expedition ship, it’s something that is significantly improving the experience for passengers heading out on Antarctica exploration.

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

In another first for polar expedition cruise vessels, every cabin on both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Viking offers several Antarctic itineraries, with the typical trip starting with a night at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before a flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, to board one of the two expedition ships for an 11-night cruise to Antarctica and back. A longer version of the trip features 13 nights on board one of the ships and extra days in Antarctica.

Viking also offers Antarctica sailings that combine a visit to the White Continent with stops in the Falkland Islands, Uruguay and Brazil.

Viking Octantis, notably, also operated Viking’s first sailings around the Great Lakes this year. In 2023, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will spend their summers in the Great Lakes.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.