European River Cruises
From the Danube’s capitals to the Rhine’s castles, the Douro’s terraced vineyards and the Seine to Normandy — discover the rivers of Europe with a specialist who knows every route.
European river cruising is the easiest, most scenic way to see the continent: one small ship of roughly 100 to 190 guests, docking in the heart of a different town each morning, with almost no packing or transfers. The great routes — the Danube, the Rhine, the Douro in Portugal, the Seine to Normandy, the Rhône and Saône in Provence, and the Main and Moselle — each have their own character. We help you choose the river, line, ship, cabin and season, and get you the best cruise price free from a true cruise specialist, with no obligation.
Why cruise the European?
Every great river, one place
Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine, Rhône, Main, Moselle and Elbe — we match the river to what you most want to see.
Unpack once, see it all
Your hotel floats with you, docking in the center of each town — no long transfers, no repacking.
All-inclusive value
Most fares include shore excursions, regional wine and beer with meals, and central docking.
Every season
Spring blooms, summer festivals, autumn harvests and the famous December Christmas-market sailings.
Which European river is right for you?
The Danube suits first-timers who want capital cities; the Rhine is the castle route; the Douro is pure vineyard scenery and Porto; the Seine pairs Paris with Normandy and Giverny; the Rhône is Provence, food and wine.
Longer voyages combine rivers — Rhine-Main-Danube from Amsterdam to Budapest is the grand tour of Europe by water. We’ll match the route, length and pace to you.
European river cruising in pictures
Ready to plan your European river cruise?
Tell us which rivers and cities interest you, your dates and preferred line, and we’ll get you the best cruise price free from true European river cruise specialists, with no obligation.
Get your best European cruise price freeFrequently Asked Questions
Which European river should I cruise first?
The Danube (Vienna–Budapest) and the Rhine (Amsterdam–Basel) are the classic first cruises. The Douro, Seine and Rhône are wonderful seconds, each with a strong regional focus.
When is the best time to go?
April–June and September–October offer the best weather; July–August is warm and lively; late November–December is Christmas-market season. Water levels vary by season and river, which a specialist plans around.
What is included?
Most European river fares include a guided excursion in each port, regional wine and beer with meals, Wi-Fi and central docking — with premium and luxury lines adding more.
Which line is best?
AmaWaterways, Viking, Avalon, Scenic, Uniworld, Emerald, Tauck, Riviera and CroisiEurope all sail Europe, each with a different style and price. We match the line to you.
How do I get a quote?
Request your best cruise price free from a true cruise specialist, with no obligation, and compare rivers, lines, ships, cabins and dates side by side.
