What Is The Most Beautiful River Cruise In Europe- 18 Great Ideas

In this article, we’ll take a trip through Europe’s magnificent canal network and reveal what is the most beautiful river cruise in Europe (or at least give you a few suggestions). From the spell-binding Danube, that winds through a tapestry of countries, to the peaceful Thames in the very heart of England, every itinerary brings a different perspective of Europe’s varied landscapes, history, and culture. We would like to supply intelligent and informative information on every river cruise, disclosing where it is and advising our customers on choosing their next voyage. Feeling good to start sailing on this adventure?

Danube River Cruise, Across Europe

Taking a cruise on the Danube River is like turning the leaf of a European history book. You will be traversing right across the center of the continent, making stops at Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, and others. It is not about the nationality of the people; it is about cultural immersion, Austria’s architectural masterpieces, Budapest’s historical depth, and the scenic beauty of the Iron Gates.

The Danube becomes the liquid silk thread weaving through many landscapes and stories thus making it the top candidate in the row of choices of which is the best river cruise in Europe. This cruise is a feast for all the senses, presenting a mosaic of cuisines, languages, and cultures unraveling the wealth of Central and Eastern Europe.

Rhine River Cruise, Germany, Switzerland, France & The Netherlands

Rhine River Cruise is a magical tour in the midwest of Europe sharing herring with Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. This river is a narration of medieval knights, full of more than 40 castles and fortresses that line its banks. It winds through the fabled Black Forest and the Lorelei Rock, where the legends speak of the sailors who were lured by the sirens. 

The Rhine is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic cities such as Cologne and Strasbourg and the vineyard-covered slopes that produce some of the finest Rieslings in the world. The cruise experience, the ever-present romance of European landscape, architecture and traditions truly makes it a contender for what is the most beautiful river cruise in Europe.

Douro River Cruise, Portugal, and Spain

Douro River Cruise is a travel into the soul of Portugal and Spain, traversing the terraced vineyards, and listening to the old ages’ tales of wine production. It’s a UNESCO-protected region, stunning with its curving river surrounded by small hills and with quintas (wine estates) dotting it across featuring sips of the famed Port wine. Starting in the ancient city of Porto, where the sea meets the river, up to Salamanca, another ancient city in Spain, this cruise is an in-depth exploration of Iberian culture, history, and food. Douro mesmerizes with jaw-dropping views and flavorful food, thus being a one of a kind, unrepeatable river cruise.

Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of hidden gems in Barcelona.

Seine Cruise, France

A cruise along the Seine is the quintessentially French experience whether it provides a view of Paris’s heart or takes you to the picturesque Normandy region. It has a call to all that wants to take a trip to France, The City of Light monuments included, to the Normandy Beaches that will reflect on the history of World War II. The ship also has stops at Giverny, Monet’s favorite town, and Rouen, the rockin’ medieval city where Joan of Arc’s story ended. The Seine reflects the heart of French art, history, and natural beauty portraying a rather private look of the most valued French sights and stories.

Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of hidden gems in Paris, non touristy things to do in Paris, and our guide to solo travel in Paris.

Volga River Cruise, Russia

The Volga river cruise is the the most epic slice of Russia’s rambunctious riverscape, starting from cosmopolitan Moscow to the imperial vastness of St. Petersburg. This journey will be a full immersion into the Russian soul, combining history, culture, and breathtaking nature sceneries. While traveling along the way, cruisers observe the rich wildlife of Volga Delta, old Kazan City, and the tranquil beauty of Lake Ladoga. Volga River is a sort of artery flowing through the soul of Russia and talking about revelations of its difficult history, breathtaking architecture and boundless tales that have carved Russia as we know it.

Elbe River Cruise, Germany & Czech Republic

Passengers on a river cruise on the Elbe are afforded the contrast between the dynamic cities of Germany and the baroque splendor of the Czech Republic. The Berlin to Prague travel not only tells a story but also gives a glimpse of reborn Dresden, stunning Saxon Switzerland scenic and spellbound Prague with its well-maintained medieval center. This river voyage allows an unmatched vision of European history and civilization, mixing the beauty of nature with the creativity and artistic triumphs of humans.

Rhône River- Saône Cruise, France

The Rhône and Saône rivers in France are like cruising along a museum’s gallery of gastronomy, history, and natural sights. From the culinary capital, Lyon, cruises begin with a selection of the finest French cuisine to be found before discovering the Roman ruins of Arles and the medieval city of Avignon. The way is broken by the lavender fields of the Provence region providing a mouth-watering feast for the senses. This trip encompasses the soul of Southern France, honouring its historical sensitivity, artistic vitality, and gourmet finesse.

Po River Cruise, Italy

We can’t really answer the question ‘what is the most beautiful river cruise in Europe ‘without mentioning the Po River Cruise offers an exclusive voyage into the Veneto region showing all to visitors the important landmarks that make up the unique city of Venice but also rising to the challenge of bringing the beauty of smaller cities like Ferrara and Padua to life where the Renaissance was born. This trip sets out to explore Italy’s cultural heritage from its deep art and history to its unique gastronomy. Discovering Po River is like an experience filled with romance, magnificence, and silence, a reflection of the Italian lifestyle.

Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of hidden gems in Italy and hidden gems in Northern Italy.

Dnieper River Cruise, Ukraine

The Dnieper River cruise in Ukraine is the experience of a lifetime, an itinerary of history, culture and natural charm. Ranging from the bustling city of Kyiv with its golden-domed monasteries to the tranquil Black Sea coast, this cruise provides a wide spectrum of Ukrainian heritage. The journey has visits to the Cossack fortress of Zaporizhzhia and the picturesque island of Khortytsia which give glimpses of Ukraine’s rocky past and spirited present. Dnieper River opens a door to the exploration of one of the less known but breathtaking parts of Europe.

Guadalquivir River Cruise, Spain

See through the eyes of Andalusian Spain through a Guadalquivir River Cruise to understand clearly the country’s Moorish past, colorful culture, and breathtaking sceneries. Full of life in the streets of Seville and flamenco music, this journey through Spain’s soul is to the ancient wonders of Córdoba and Granada. The route also crosses into the Doñana National Park, one of Europe’s most important wetlands, presenting Spain’s natural variety and the river’s vitality in Spain’s history and ecology.

Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our 2-week southern Spain itinerary.

Loire River Cruise, France

The Cruise on the Loire River in France transports you to the very center of the Loire Valley, world-famous for its spectacular châteaux and miles of manicured vineyards. Nicknamed the ‘Garden of France,’ this region reflects the Renaissance and Enlightenment times. The Loire Valley is more than just beautiful scenery; it’s a call to delve into the past and marvel at the architecture of places like Nantes and Tours.Each of the stops along the river reveals tales of nobility, beauty, and the essence of French living making the Loire River Cruise a trip through time while covering cultural diversity and the grandeur of French heritage.

Moselle River Cruise, France and Germany

The Moselle River Cruise is a breathtaking journey through the most alluring wine region of Europe, meandering among France, Luxembourg and Germany. This river famous for its steep vineyards and charming medieval communities, provides a serene and cozy cruise opportunity. The Moselle twists by old castles and Roman remains reaching small towns like Cochem and Bernkastel-Kues. The Riesling wines of the region can even be regarded as a highlight, they showcase this fertile area through their tasting experience. Moselle River Cruise unites natural beauty with the cultural depth of Charcuterie, creating an exceptionally tranquil and enriching European river experience.

Thames River Cruise, England

Passing a Thames River Cruise is equivalent to follow the course of English history and culture. This cruise takes you from the Thames Valley’s rustic charm to the historical sights of London – providing you with a very unconventional view of England’s past and present. Things to see would be the Tower of London, the grand Windsor Castle and the beautiful scenery that the country offers. The Thames is more than a river; it’s a symbol of England’s legacy. Through the Thames, one can trace the country’s past from the Roman settlements to the modern metropolis of London.

Main River Cruise, Germany

At the core of Germany’s Main River Cruise is the journey of a lifetime that connects the Rhine to the Danube, brings together the nation’s history, culture, and beauty spectacularly. Spanning from the medieval essence of Bamberg to the baroque elegance of Würzburg the Main River separates Germany’s most beautiful towns and cities. 

This line is bathed in history, every stop carrying a piece of Germany’s journey from its roots to the present status as a cultural colossus. The Main River Cruise is a journey through the very essence of Germany, giving you insights into the country’s history, present, and future.

Garonne Dordogne Rivers Cruise, France

The Garonne and Dordogne Rivers Cruise takes you through the center of Bordeaux, France, famed for its fine wines. This cruise is a celebration of French winemaking and provides unrivaled access to recognized vineyards as well as offers the taste of superb wines. Past wineyards the cruise looks into the historic ports of Bordeaux and the ancient towns along the rivers’ shores. The beauty of this region is not limited to its landscapes but to its rich past and cultural wealth that makes the Garonne and Dordogne River cruise a must for those who love wine, history and French culture.

Tisza River Cruise, Hungary

Tisza River Cruise in Hungary is an unexplored journey to the very core of secrets of Eastern Europe. The Tisza river flows through the Hungarian Great Plains giving a special sight of the country’s rural landscapes, typical villages and natural reserves. This cruise allows to discover Hungary’s lesser known areas filled with wildlife, thermal spas, and folksy traditions. Tisza River Cruise is a soulful journey into the heart of Hungary exposing its stunning sceneries and colorful people.

Svir and Neva Rivers Cruise, Russia

A cruise along the Svir and Neva Rivers in Russia provides a one-of-a-kind experience, starting from the quiet waters of Lake Ladoga to the architectural magnificence of St. Petersburg. This route is a tour of the Russian imperial greatness, featuring the visit to the Valaam monastery, the Peterhof baroque wonders and the grand Hermitage Museum St. Petersburg. The Svir, and Neva Rivers connect Russia to its glorious heritage as well as its exciting present with a rare blend of stunning nature and cultural wealth.

Danube Delta Cruise, Romania and Ukraine

Last but not least, the answer to the question ‘What is the most beautiful river cruise in Europe?’ couldn’t be complete without the Danube Delta Cruise which allows visitors to experience one of Europe’s largest and richest biodiversity wetlands which parts both Romania and Ukraine. AUNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts avian enthusiasts and nature lovers is a home to over 300 bird species and various fish and mammals suitable for fishing. 

The delta’s labyrinth of canals, lakes, and marshes creates an almost pristine natural environment, contrasting with the busy cities on the Danube elsewhere. The Danube Delta Cruise is a living proof of ecological diversity and wonder, an opportunity to unwind in one of the most valuable nature reserves in the continent.

Advantages Of River Cruises In Europe

River Cruising Is Efficient

Most cruise ships sail at night and reach the next port early in the morning. This allows passengers to spend a full day in every port on the way. This is a lot more efficient than trying to navigate through the streets of an unknown town or struggling to find a parking spot for your rental car.

Cruising Is Comfortable

On a cruise, you only have to unpack once. Additionally, while you’re exploring the ports where your cruise ship stops, you don’t have to worry about where will you keep your luggage. It will remain in your cabin the whole time.

The comfort factor is also important for people who aren’t very good with their English and are reluctant to travel in places where people don’t speak English. Even though most people in Europe do speak English, knowing the native language of a country is not as important when you’re cruising as it is when you travel on your own.

Important Sites Are Accessible

Most of the popular tourist sites are accessible to cruise travelers. Most of the big cities in Europe were built on the water (near the sea or near a big river) and seeing them from the deck of the ship can oftentimes be an impressive sight. Even the few cities that weren’t built on a water are only a bus ride away once you get off the boat.

Downsides

Despite some of the obvious advantages, cruising around Europe has its downsides too. Firstly, you will not have much interaction with local citizens. You’ll spend most of your trip eating and sleeping on the ship and touring the ports with other passengers.

Another downside is that despite seeing many cities during the cruise, you will not have enough time to spend in any of them. 8-10 hours isn’t enough to even scratch the surface of a city, especially when it comes to Europe’s historic capitals. Don’t try to experience too much because you might get a vacation burnout. Instead, look at this cruise as a box of chocolate candy. Enjoy the lots of small bites and save the memories.

Know Before Choosing What Is The Most Beautiful River Cruise In Europe

Now that we answered the question ‘what is the most beautiful river cruise in Europe’ (or at least did our best to do so), let’s cover a few more helpful tips for river cruising in Europe.

If you’re planning to go on a cruise in Scandinavia and the Baltics, cruises here run from late May to early September. However, if you want to visit in the winter and see the Northern lights in Scandinavia, the Norwegian Coastal Voyages cruises throughout the year.

If you’re interested in cruising around the UK or are planning your Ireland itinerary, the best time to go is late summer/early fall. However, keep in mind that the temperatures will be a lot cooler than the rest of continental Europe.

What about timing? You will find river cruise ships operating on the great rivers of Europe starting from early spring until November and during the Christmas season. Most tourists indulge in this activity during the spring and summer but in my opinion, autumns are nothing short of spectacular. Finally, if you’re looking for a cruise for people with disabilities, check out this list of wheelchair-accessible cruises. 

If you have seasickness, don’t worry- most of the boats sail during the night and there’s less chance you’ll get seasick when you’re asleep.

Be careful when you choose your cabin. If you’re traveling with your partner, double-check if the cabin has a double bed because a lot of them don’t. If you’re traveling with 2 or more children, book in advance because the number of five berth cabins is very limited.

Alcohol and soft drinks are really expensive to purchase on the boat and many cruise lines ban passengers from bringing alcohol on board. If you don’t want your beverage tab to rise quickly, check the alcohol policy of the company you’re thinking to book with.

If you’re planning to go on a cruise in Scandinavia and the Baltics, cruises here run from late May to early September. However, if you want to visit in the winter and see the Northern lights in Scandinavia, the Norwegian Coastal Voyages cruises throughout the year.

If you’re interested in cruising around the UK or are planning your Ireland itinerary, the best time to go is late summer/early fall. However, keep in mind that the temperatures will be a lot cooler than the rest of continental Europe.

What about timing? You will find river cruise ships operating on the great rivers of Europe starting from early spring until November and during the Christmas season. Most tourists indulge in this activity during the spring and summer but in my opinion, autumns are nothing short of spectacular. Finally, if you’re looking for a cruise for people with disabilities, check out this list of wheelchair-accessible cruises. 

Did this article answer the quesiton what is the most beautiful river cruise in Europe? Do you have anything you would like to see added to the article? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Like it? Pin it.