Beautiful cities, picturesque castles, and captivating vistas are just some of the many sights you’ll see on a European river cruise. The European continent itself is a bucket-list destination, and a river cruise holiday allows you to see Europe in all its splendor.

However, deciding between the landmarks of France or the romantic atmosphere of Venice can be quite overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve listed some of the most popular European river cruises for you to consider.

Delights of The Danube

If you’re looking for fairy-tale villages and landscapes that look like they’ve been lifted from paintings, European river cruises to the Danube would be your best bet. This 2,800-kilometre river allows you to explore the scenic beauty of Vienna, Budapest and Passau, and visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Český Krumlov Castle in the Czech Republic, among others. Avalon Waterways, U by Uniworld, and Viking Cruises, all offer varied river cruise packages to the Danube.

Romance on The Rhine

Also known as “Old Father Rhine”, this river cruise is host to the spellbinding majesty of the German countryside. What you’ll see are castles atop hills, sprawling vineyards, and windmill laden landscapes as you indulge in the excellent wine and cuisine of the region. Be sure to visit the Gothic Dom cathedral in Cologne before you wander off to shop. Take a photo op at Koblenz’ Festung Ehrenbreitstein, the largest fortress in the continent. The highlight of the trip is the Middle Rhine Gorge, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which features castles, towns, and vineyards that give off an authentic medieval feel. Almost all major river cruise lines flow along the Rhine, including Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, APT, Evergreen, and Travelmarvel.

Sensational Seine

Paris. Notre Dame. Champs Elysées. The Louvre. Need we say more? A river cruise along the 776-kilometre long Seine river takes you to the most historic and iconic sites of France. Be mesmerized by the beautiful sights during the day and enjoy a Moulin Rouge performance at night. You can also visit “bouquinistes” – old Paris Seine-side booksellers where you’ll find various editions of your favorite novels and bestselling books. APT, Scenic, and U by Uniworld all offer European river cruise itineraries to take you there.

Dreamy Escape on the Duoro

Quaint fishing villages and lush orchard farms cling to the pristine flow of the Duoro River as its 897-kilometer length curves through the wine countries of Spain and Portugal. Roam the Renaissance streets of Salamanca and taste the wines of Porto as you listen to signature flamenco tunes in picturesque settings. Enjoy this incredible European river cruise with APT, Viking Cruises and Evergreen.

Marvels of The Main

Witness the architectural marvels of Mainz and the bustling city of Nuremberg as European river cruises from Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Avalon Waterways, Evergreen, and Travelmarvel take you on a spellbinding journey. From verdant riverbanks to Frankfurt’s towering buildings, The Main river brings on one sweeping change of scenery to the next. Visit enchanting cities such as Würzburg, where you will find historic churches, royal palaces, and age-old medieval bridges. While you’re there, consider refreshing your tastebuds with some renowned German beer, gingerbread, and world-famous bratwurst!

River cruising allows you to immerse yourself in the rich history and beautiful landscapes of any destination you choose. Discover Europe and beyond aboard a floating hotel as you flow through resplendent rivers offering picture perfect views of this continent’s magnificent sights.