European River Cruises

When it comes to European river cruises, Danube itineraries are among the most popular. The Danube is Europe’s second-longest river, starting in Germany’s Black Forest and flowing through 10 countries on its way to the Black Sea. 

The eight-day Enchanting Danube cruise is one of our favourites. Your trip starts in Hungary’s capital, Budapest, where you can admire the striking landmarks likes Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Buildings. Next, you’ll sail to Bratislava and Vienna, winding along the scenic Danube Bend as you go. You’ll have an evening and a full day in Vienna, so you can really make the most of the city’s art and music scene.

Day five takes you to Dürnstein – one of the prettiest cities on the Danube – where you can stroll along cobbled lanes and hike to the castle ruins. Then you’ll journey on to Salzburg, where you can choose between a Sound of Music Experience and a daytrip to the countryside town of Linz. Your river cruise ends in the German city of Passau, where three rivers meet. You can cycle or hike along the riverbanks, before enjoying a celebratory Captain’s Farewell Dinner in the evening. 

Portugal might not immediately spring to mind when you think of Europe river cruises. But, with its terraced hillsides and lush vineyards, the Douro Valley should definitely be on your list. 

The eight-day Douro River Valley cruise starts and ends in Porto – a city which takes its name from the country’s most famous export, port wine. You can learn about the history of this sweet tipple at the Douro Museum, explore Porto’s UNESCO-listed neighbourhoods, and ride the city’s historical tram.

Day four is all about wine, as you make your way ashore. Enjoy a tasting session at a prestigious port estate, or go on a guided hike through a vineyard – followed by a wine-tasting, of course. Next, you’ll sail through the stunning landscapes of the valley towards the ‘Golden City’ of Salamanca, and on to the hilltop Rodrigo Castle where stunning views await. Finally, you’ll spend a day in Guimaraes – the birthplace of Portugal – where you can visit a Medieval castle and a grand chateau-style palace. 

A country loved for its cuisine, rolling countryside and vibrant cities, France really does have it all. In northern France, the eight-day Paris and Normandy itinerary is ideal for history buffs. Casting off from Paris, you’ll sail through charming Normandy, ticking off famous sites like Monet’s home, Richard the Lionheart’s Chateau Gaillard, and the Medieval city of Rouen, where Joan of Arc was killed. A number of fascinating excursions are available, too, including a trip to the Normandy Beaches and the Palace of Versailles.  

But if you’re more into French wine than French history, consider the Brilliant Bordeaux cruise. You’ll sail along three rivers – the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde – and discover popular wine-making areas like Bordeaux and Médoc. You can learn all about the vine-to-wine process, visit grand chateaus and sip delicious vintages. Try sweet dessert wines in Cadillac, and explore Saint-Émilion’s cobblestone streets. You’ll also be able to explore the city of Bordeaux, which is crammed with Gothic architecture, caramel-coloured buildings, buzzing wine bars, and cute cafés.

If you love art, architecture, food and wine, you’ll love the eight-day Venice and the Gems of Northern Italy itinerary. This fantastic river cruise begins with two days in Venice, where you can marvel at Italy’s most enchanting city. Stroll through a typical Venetian neighbourhood, explore the pretty canals, and savour a once-in-a-lifetime experience of a private after-hours ceremony in St Mark’s Basilica.  

From there, you’ll sail on to the authentic fishing town of Chioggia. And enjoy a full-day tour to the culinary capital of Bologna – the home of spaghetti Bolognese – where you can take part in a pasta-making workshop. Spend some time in the northern lagoon of Venice, where you’ll visit three beautiful islands – historical Torcello, tranquil Mazzorbo and colourful Burano. Your European river cruise wraps up with one final day in romantic Venice.