Sailing trips across oceans aren't the sole way to have an enjoyable experience. cruise And you might have a more personal encounter on the river.
Usually embarking on smaller boats for their journeys, rivers cruises This can bring you nearer to both iconic and lesser-known items. destinations larger vessels frequently cannot access these areas.
Unlike ocean cruises, river cruises provide greater opportunities for sightseeing since they allow passengers to take full advantage of the scenic waterfront vistas while cruising along.
Even calmer waters in a river indicate that there is less turbulence. chance of seasickness, unless you have an extreme sensitivity to the movement of the vessel.
Read more: Top River Cruises Worldwide
European River cruises usually operate throughout the entire year, covering major seasonal occasions such as Christmas markets and wine harvests, along with spring gardens in full blossom and many others.
Since the ships are smaller, river cruises often feature exterior cabins, allowing you to enjoy scenic vistas directly from your accommodations. In terms of opulence, these cruises are renowned for their high-end decor and elegant ambiance.
Although initial costs for each individual might appear higher compared to ocean cruises, river cruises typically offer an all-inclusive experience where most expenses—such as tours and both onboard dining and beverages—are generally covered within the fee. Additionally, gratuities are usually part of the package. Depending on the route you choose, return flights or even Eurostar transfers could also be factored into the overall cost of your reservation.
Various cruise lines provide river trips including options from Riviera Travel, Viking, and Tui. Celebrity Cruises is set to join the market in 2027.
Here, we compile a list of some top European river cruises for 2025, covering France , Portugal , Italy , Germany , Austria and more.
Riviera Travel: The Symphony of Music, Art, andCraft on a Swiss River Cruise
Basel – Luzern – Breisach – Strasbourg – Speyer – Rheinische Schweiz – Bonn
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This cruise might be like sweet music to enthusiasts of classical composers such as Mendelssohn or Beethoven. On Riviera’s eight-day journey, Swiss River Cruise: Music, Art, and Crafts Along the Rhine, travelers soak in the scenic views that inspired Mendelssohn as they journey toward Germany. There, visitors can explore Bonn, the birthplace of Beethoven.
The sail also takes you through the Rhine Gorge, where you can admire vistas of vineyards, castles, and ruins.
Departs 28 August 2025. From £2,499pp based on two sharing. Includes return flights, Eurostar and transfers.
Uniworld: Vineyard Routes Through France and Portugal
Bordeaux – Cussac Fort Médoc – Cadillac – Blaye, Bourg-sur-Gironde – Libourne (Saint-Émilion) – Bordeaux – Porto – Régua, Pinhão – Pinhão – Pocinho – Vega de Terrom – Salamanca – Barca d'Alva – Braga – Porto – Lisbon
Uniworld provides an excellent range of themed and specialized cruises, including LGBT+ routes. women-only trips For those inclined to organize their trips around tasting regional cuisine and beverages, this extensive option is ideal. 18-day cruise encompasses major French and Portuguese wine areas, including journeys from Bordeaux to Porto. You have the option to embark on a sailing trip. SS Bon Voyage in France or SS São Gabriel In Portugal, you'll have the opportunity to meet local winemakers at French châteaus and in the Douro River Valley quinta estates. Additionally, Uniworld provides various cruise add-ons, allowing you to prolong your vacation.
Leaves on July 13, 2025. Starting from £9,254 per person; includes transfers, excursions, and on-board tips.
Viking: Elegant Elbe
Berlin – Potsdam – Wittenberg – Meißen – Dresden – Bad Schandau – Děčín – Prague
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Discover Germany’s third biggest river, the Elbe, alongside cultural attractions as you journey through with this guide. 10-day cruise aboard Viking Astrild Nature enthusiasts can revel in the lush landscapes of the Elbe Biosphere Reserve, keeping an eye out for white-tailed eagles and the Siberian iris. Meanwhile, those inclined towards cultural exploration have ample opportunity to delve into history at sites such as Berlin, Potsdam, Prague, Wittenberg, and many others.
Leaves on June 24, 2025. Starting from £3,695 per person with return flights included along with one free shore excursion at every stop.
Tui: Magical Danube
Budapest – Bratislava – Krems – Passau – Linz – Vienna – Budapest
Maximize your exploration of the Danube by visiting four countries within a single week. The itinerary includes stops at the historical capitals of Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna, with your journey beginning as you embark on board. Tui Skyla , an intimate riverboat featuring 77 cabins and a beautiful wooden upper deck ideal for sightseeing. This ship offers excursions where you can explore various attractions. seven-night cruise incorporate guided walks, brewery boat trips, and nighttime performances in Vienna.
Leaves on March 31, 2025. Starting from £1,156 per person. The package covers flights, transfers, daily meals along with beverages, gratuities, and baggage allowance.
Normandy Sights & Treasures Along the Seine Cruise
Paris – Les Andelys – Rouen – Honfleur – Caudebec-en-Caux – Vernon – Conflans – Paris
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One of the most searched for cruises Globally speaking, last year, Seine River cruises offered a jam-packed tour of Paris, allowing visitors to admire famous sights such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame from the water. Additionally, these tours extend beyond just the City of Light. 10-night cruise Onboard a 'Scenic Spaceship,' you'll journey through northern France, stopping at destinations like Vernon, Rouen, Honfleur, and others. Ideal for enthusiasts of history, this voyage offers onboard talks covering both World War I and II, along with visits to numerous churches, museums, and palaces.
Leaves on April 13, 2025. Starting from £5,155 per person, with return trips included.
Uniworld: Milan, Venice & The Treasures of Veneto
Milan – Venice – Mazzorbo – Burano – Chioggia – Athens
Surrounded by Milan at one end and Venice at the other, this 10-day exploration Of Italy via water will allow you to enjoy the picturesque islands and canals of Veneto, along with the vibrant homes in Burano and the bustling fish markets in Chioggia. The package includes eight excursions such as a trip to Verona, where Romeo and Juliet is set, vineyard tours and glass-blowing demonstrations. Passengers will set sail on the River Countess , renovated in 2020.
Leaves on July 18, 2025. Starts from £2,861 per person. Covers unrestricted drinks onboard along with eight days of activities. Does not include flights.
Emerald Cruises: Springtime in Holland and Belgium
Amsterdam – Rotterdam – The Hague – Antwerp – Arnhem – Amsterdam
Discover Holland and Belgium using this seven-night cruise Onboard an Emerald Cruises Star-ship, you can enjoy a range of activities included with your fare like exploring the architecture of Rotterdam, cycling through scenic routes in Waterland, visiting the iconic Windmill Village at Zaanse Schans, and touring the stunning Keukenhof Gardens where seven dozen acres come alive with vibrant tulips. Afloat, expect offerings ranging from traditional Dutch clog-painting workshops to gourmet meals, along with access to an expansive outdoor sun deck for soaking up the views.
Leaves on March 29, 2025. Starting from £2,545 per person. Includes excursions, meals, and tips/gratuities. Does not include flights.
Jules Verne: Péniche Provençale
Sète – Villeneuve-les-Maguelone – Aigues-Mortes / Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer – Gallician – Arles
A significant benefit of a river cruise lies in the smaller ships used for navigating the waterways, providing an intimate exploration experience. MS Péniche Anne-Marie has merely 10 cabins. This picturesque six-night trip Traveling aboard this cozy barge, guests will sail past ancient Roman sites in Arles, observe wildlife in the Camargue region, and pass by pristine beaches near Villeneuve-les-Maguelone. Passengers onboard can enjoy breathtaking vistas from the deck or unwind in the hot tub on the terrace. Ideal for travelers wishing to bypass air travel, this journey starts with a Eurostar trip followed by a TGV ride from London to Avignon via Lille.
Leaves on May 8, 2025. Starts from £2,495 per person. Covers rail transportation, transfers, meals, and beverages included onboard.
Read more: Top European Cruise Holiday Destinations
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