Immerse yourself in European architecture, culture, and history with a river cruise. Rivers tell a story about a people and their history—making them a gateway to civilizations new and old. Multiple destinations are part of every voyage, making river cruises a great way to experience more of Europe, more affordably.
The following cruise lines offer an extensive selection of popular packages, making reservations six months or more in advance a must. These cruises are an extraordinary way to enjoy the pleasures of water travel paired with unparalleled access to Europe’s celebrated cosmopolitan centers and hidden rustic escapes.
Tauck
If you’re yearning to deeply explore destinations that highlight the character and culture of central and eastern Europe in style, Tauck’s award-winning cruises are for you. Tauck river cruises are known for their authentic and immersive experiences that not only ensconce guests in luxury but provide exclusive land-bound escapes including escorted shore excursions and guided tours.
The 25-day Grand European cruise spans Budapest to the Black Sea, stopping in Vienna, Amsterdam, Nurnberg, and Regensburg along the way. Each stop offers an opportunity to be absorbed into the local milieu to experience the unique possibilities of each destination.
Tauck offers both westbound and eastbound tours, allowing travelers to visit additional destinations before or after their cruise. Their selection of itineraries also includes trips designed for small groups, family, and private travel. A travel advisor can help plan and organize stays across Europe so you can make the most of a European vacation that includes a river cruise itinerary.
Viking
Viking has been providing intimate and awe-inspiring access to some of Europe’s most spectacular sights since 1997. Set sail on vessels reminiscent of Viking longships of old, custom designed to navigate both river and ocean waters safely. The Douro, Elbe, and Seine fleets also supply modern comforts like swimming pools and putting greens.
Viking’s river cruises set off on voyages down Portugal’s Douro River as well as the Danube and Rhine Rivers. In all, Viking river cruises connect over half a dozen Western European nations and dozens of cosmopolitan cultural centers like Prague, Lyon, Paris, and Vienna. Voyages travel hundreds of miles on itineraries ranging from eight to 15 days with stops to explore multiple European landmarks along the way.
Guests of Viking enjoy state-of-the-art luxury experiences with amenities. The Viking Hemming’s new and exclusive Aquavit Terrace is the perfect place to relax, mingle, and dine in an intimate setting while taking in serene sunrises or breathtaking sunsets on the banks of the Douro.
AmaWaterways
If you seek to experience scenic European waterways in exclusive luxury, AmaWaterways is the river cruise line for you. With unparalleled service on cruises traveling over half a dozen European rivers, AmaWaterways provides travelers with the means to explore the banks of multiple European countries with comfort and convenience. AmaWaterways cruises sail all year long with themed and seasonal options for a distinctive travel experience made all the more memorable surrounded by friends and family.
AmaWaterways has one-of-a-kind itineraries for popular and thrilling European destinations in the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Switzerland, among others. If exploring as much of the continent as possible is your goal, the company offers the 45-day Seven River Journey with spring, summer, and fall itineraries for an unforgettable European excursion.
