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Europe River Cruises
Embark on a river cruise along the waterways of Europe. Choose from river cruise itineraries that take in the Rhine, Rhône, Danube, Seine and Douro rivers. Discover all-inclusive river cruises from the world’s leading river cruise operators. Marvel at ancient castles in the Rhine Valley, the Dutch tulip fields in springtime, and countryside and vineyards of France and the Douro in Portugal.
Popular River Cruises View all
10 Days Paris to Paris
Operator: Scenic
From 7,620
Save 1,379
15 Days Budapest to Amsterdam
Operator: Travelmarvel
From 4,960
Save 3,543
Latest River Cruise Deals View all
2025 Early Bird Offers Available NOW!
Save up to $2,200pp on selected Europe and France River Cruise itineraries with Scenic Luxury Cruises.
BLACK FRIDAY OFFERS
BONUS pre or post hotel night on select itineraries, plus receive $2,500pp air credit toward Economy Class flights.
BLACK FRIDAY WORLDWIDE SALE
Take a further $1,000 off per couple on any APT trip of 8 days or more departing in 2025. Offer ends 03 Dec 2024.
Explore Europe's Rivers View all
Featured River Cruise OperatorsFeatured Operators View all
With Scenic, it’s more than a 5-star river cruise...it’s a seamless journey from start to finish that places you, our guest, at the heart of everything...more we do. It’s taking you to extraordinary regions and immersing you in meaningful and enriching experiences. It’s exquisite cuisine, indulgent wellness, and a world-class team who will anticipate your every need. You'll find the difference is in the details with Scenic: the innovative ship design, expertly trained crew, immersive journey, and an unrivalled focus on health and safety protocols.
Why pay for other people’s drinks? Why pay for shore excursions that don’t interest you? Family-owned Amadeus has spent 40-years' perfecting the balance...more without compromising quality. Beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, but not during the day. Only pay for the shore excursions you want. Book an excursion package in advance for a discount or book individual excursions as you go. Gourmet dining, wi-fi, bottled water in cabins and of course one of the most luxurious five-star fleets on the European waterways. To quote a regular repeat guest “Amadeus are fantastic. A really great product and the crew are all so beautiful”. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.
From culture-rich cities to world-famous wine regions, Emerald Cruises represents a new chapter in the world of river cruising. Our deluxe fleet of revolutionary...more Star-Ships promise contemporary comfort and unique on-board innovations, while our generous offering combines affordability with great dining, exceptional service and immersive itineraries across Europe and Asia. With return flights, transfers, all on-board meals, complimentary drinks, tips and much more included in the price of an Emerald Cruises river cruise, we’ve taken care of everything. Our attentive team of crew, sommeliers and personal butlers are available day and night to ensure every minute on-board the Emerald Cruises fleet is as enriching, enjoyable and relaxing as possible.
Discover Must do experiences and highlights on a Europe river cruise
The Elegant Elbe
Are you a seasoned river cruiser? Don't forget the River Elbe rising in the Giant Mountains of the northern Czech Republic before traversing Bohemia, Germany and flowing into the North Sea.
The Reds of Bordeaux
Take a cycling trip to explore the picturesque Medoc region, stopping to taste the local reds from the finest French region for red wine.
Experience a Quinta
Take the chance to spend a relaxing day at a traditional vineyard in Portugal – tasting the Port wine for which the region is famous.
Castles by the Rhine Gorge
Head to the sundeck as you leave Rudesheim and enters the narrows of the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Spot the 40 castles and fortresses atop the high cliffs as you glide toward Koblenz.
The Lights of Budapest
Feel romance on the Danube as you set sail from Budapest en route to Amsterdam, farewelled by the golden lights that lace the Parliament Building on the riverbank. A magical moment on your European river cruise.
Recent Europe River Cruise Reviews What our clients are saying about their journeys along the rivers of Europe
An enjoyable river cruise with everything run well except for how the problems with the boat propella were mismanaged . This ongoing problem impacted on the mid cruise stops in particular we missed seeing Numerburg a high value tour and we sailed almost all the Rhine Valley in darkness.
As a solo traveller and first time cruiser, I had my hesitations about a 14 day cruise. But it was wonderful in every respect - my room, the ship, the extraordinary Tour Director, the friendly staff and the company of interesting and friendly travel companions. It was a joy.
From the first day the river cruise was first class. Everything was taken care of and the cost of all meals, drinks and excursions etc were included. The staff were all polite and nothing was too much trouble for them including room service if you didn’t want to go to the lounge or dining room. The meals were extensive with multiple choices and all ...read more were delicious. I couldn’t fault Scenic for the accomodation, food or service. As a solo traveller I did find the lounge/dining room difficult at times as these cruises are obviously designed for couples or groups of friends and I probably spent more time in my cabin than I had planned. It would have been more enjoyable if there was a smaller quieter lounge and dining area rather than one large one of each but I do appreciate that with the size of the ship the options are limited. The excursions were all well planned and catered to the needs of different interests and fitness levels. Overall the trip was very enjoyable.
Excellent Venice Cruise But Disappointing Transfer From Milan Graham and Caroline, South Australia, Australia, Oct 2024
We arrived at Milan airport and the Uniworld representative was there to meet us and transfer us to the Milan hotel. The hotel was 5 star and in an excellent location. The next morning we did the city tour and the Last Supper visit which was very good. We then chose to do the optional extra cost Lake Como tour in the afternoon. This was a mistake as ...read more it is very expensive and took about 7 hours overall, about 5 hours of which was spent getting there and back. We would recommend spending the afternoon around Milan instead.
The next day was the transfer to Venice and to the ship and which we thought was very poor for a luxury cruise. We were required to get our own bags on the bus at 6am which meant rising very early. We were then given 30 minutes for 70 to 80 people to scramble to have breakfast and then all get on a double decker bus for the trip to Venice. We stopped in Verona for a walking tour with virtually no free time and then back on the bus to a winery for lunch. Lunch was OK but nothing exceptional and then back on the bus and off to Venice. A very long day (9-10 hours to travel about 270 km.
Things improved remarkably upon reaching the ship in Venice about 3:30pm to 4pm. The ship is very comfortable although the over the top décor is an acquired taste. The service was excellent and the food was very good. The rooms are on the small side but are very comfortable. The bathroom is very tight. The cruise is very well run and all places visited were interesting and very nice. Visits to the Venice attractions were well organised to avoid the crowds. Overall, the cruise was thoroughly enjoyable but Uniworld needs to rethink the Milan transfer.
The next day was the transfer to Venice and to the ship and which we thought was very poor for a luxury cruise. We were required to get our own bags on the bus at 6am which meant rising very early. We were then given 30 minutes for 70 to 80 people to scramble to have breakfast and then all get on a double decker bus for the trip to Venice. We stopped in Verona for a walking tour with virtually no free time and then back on the bus to a winery for lunch. Lunch was OK but nothing exceptional and then back on the bus and off to Venice. A very long day (9-10 hours to travel about 270 km.
Things improved remarkably upon reaching the ship in Venice about 3:30pm to 4pm. The ship is very comfortable although the over the top décor is an acquired taste. The service was excellent and the food was very good. The rooms are on the small side but are very comfortable. The bathroom is very tight. The cruise is very well run and all places visited were interesting and very nice. Visits to the Venice attractions were well organised to avoid the crowds. Overall, the cruise was thoroughly enjoyable but Uniworld needs to rethink the Milan transfer.
Explore More Explore more Your guide to the river cruising through Europe
01 September, 2024
Travel Advice Regarding Europe FloodsHigh Water Levels Impact European River Cruises: What You Need to Know Planning a river cruise through Europe or about to embark on one? Recent flooding has affected several cruise itineraries on the Danube and Rhine rivers. Here's a summary of the situation and how it might affect your...
09 July, 2024
Celebrate France! Lyon: Gastronomic Capital of the WorldTo celebrate France Month, Scenic is shining a spotlight on their collection of luxury France river cruises. Not only do these itineraries explore the rich history and culture of each region, they focus on the gastronomic excellence just waiting to be experienced by guests, onboard and ashore....
20 February, 2024
Visit Portugal: Highlights of Douro River CruisingThe Douro River runs through northern Portugal and into Spain, with river cruises typically sailing to and from Porto, with the option of city stays either side of the cruise. These stays often include time in either Lisbon, Madrid and even Barcelona. For guests embarking on a river cruise,...
24 January, 2024
APT's 2025 River Cruising Revolution: Introducing Solara and OstaraWelcome to the future of luxury river cruising, where elegance and environmental consciousness sail hand in hand. APT, a name synonymous with unparalleled travel experiences, is set to elevate your river cruising dreams to new heights in 2025. As Australia's most outstanding global tour...
Common Questions Common questions about river cruising in Europe
What is the best month for a European river cruise?
The European River cruising season runs from March to December. Springtime (Mar, Apr and May) can be a little cooler but the perfect time to experience stunning spring flowers and landscapes. Spring deals can also mean cheaper prices in those early months. Mid May to Mid September is peak season, so expect fares...read more to be a little higher. The summer months of July and August are hotter and busier but enjoy long, warm summer evenings to really immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and culture. September and October are popular months as summer crowds have gone and daytime temperatures are still warm enough to explore and enjoy autumnal colours along the river. Prices become more competitive towards the end of autumn and into December making it a great time to make savings, wrap up warm and enjoy some retail therapy at the magical Christmas markets.
Which European river cruise is best?
If you’re new to river cruising, many test the water with a shorter river cruise. A one-week Rhine cruise from For those wanting to see as much as possible, try a two-week itinerary that combines the Rhine, Main and Danube. Cruising the Rhine-Main-Danube canal takes you from beautiful Amsterdam through the castles and picturesque towns of Germany and into Austria, Slovakia and Hungary highlighting wonderful cities such as Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. We've put together a list of 10 Best European River Cruisesfor you to consider.
Why is the Danube so popular?
The Danube is the second longest river in Europe and flows through 10 countries from the Black Forest to the Black Sea offering some of the most enchanting and captivating scenery in Europe. It's size means that itineraries vary in length and can be as short as 4 days taking in a few key countries and cities -...read more perfect for those on a strict schedule or looking to try out a river cruise for the first time. Longer itineraries of 14 days or more offer an in depth view of the many small towns, big cities and scenic landscapes along the river and often visit quieter stretches of the Danube known for their rich scenery and wildlife. What should I pack for my European River Cruises?
This will depend on the season you are travelling, but the good news is that river cruising is all about being relaxed. Comfort is key and the focus is definitely on ensuring you're suitably attired for daily activities and exploring. Layers will work for any cooler evenings and a rain coat is great protection...read more for rainy or windy days . Comfortable walking shoes are a must as is a small, secure day bag that you can take with you on your excursions. River cruises tend not to have formal gala nights so no need for serious evening wear - smart-casual is the way to go. Cabin storage may not be huge so packing light will mean your luggage won't take up all the space. Don't forget a European power adapter and your phone, camera or tablet to keep friends and family up to date on your adventures. What activities are there on a European river cruise?
Your European river cruise will usually include a shore excursion at each port. River cruising enables you to reach those destinations that may be less accessible to coach tours and ocean cruises such as right in the heart of a city so shore excursions are mostly cultural or educational in nature. Many operators...read more offer more exclusive or in depth explorations of regional areas or sites of interest at extra cost. On shore activities may depend on the size of the city or destination and the length of stay at that particular location. Many river cruises carry bikes on board that can be hired for you to explore an area at your own pace. On board, some river ships have fitness studios, spas and pools and offer yoga or other group fitness options. Why is European river cruising so popular?
A big plus for river cruising in Europe is that you have to unpack once on arrival and then you can focus on enjoying your holiday. Getting from one destination in Europe to another can be a logistical challenge for some and as much of the cruising is done at night while you sleep, you simply wake up at your new...read more destination ready to explore. Ships are like floating hotels and offer luxury cabins, first class dining and sumptuous lounges and because of their small size, never feel overcrowded. Most European rivers have been important thoroughfares for centuries so destinations as well as being beautifully scenic, stops are often at iconic towns and cities. Check our 10 reasons to take a European river cruise for more information. 