Five Of The Most Scenic River Cruises In Europe
River cruises can be an excellent way to visit some of Europes most beautiful cities and towns. With the luxury of having someone else at the helm, you can sit back and relax. Indulge yourself and experience the sights, sounds and shorelines of Europes most beautiful rivers.
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Which Is The Best River Cruises In Europe
There are many incredible river cruises available in Europe. The best way to find the perfect cruise is to map out your own personal itinerary or use one of the European river cruise travel companies pre-made packages. Popular river cruise destinations include France, Germany, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Italy.
One particularly exciting line is Viking River Cruises. Imagine traveling through the heart of Europe on a Viking riverboat, exploring cities like Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Prague, Berlin, and Amsterdam.
The best European river cruises are generally found in the following regions: France & Germany Czech Republic & Hungary Bohemia & Austria. Most European river cruises are between seven to fourteen days long.
Taking a European river cruise is an excellent way to see some of Europes most beautiful and historically significant sites in the world. Some of the highlights that passengers can expect to see on a European river cruise include the Palace of Versailles in France, the city of Prague in the Czech Republic, and the ancient city of Rome in Italy.
The best time to set sail is during the Spring or Autumn months when there are more daylight hours and warmer weather. At these times, many ships offer special deals.
Learn why our travel experts are the ultimate source on all things River Cruises. Were here to help.
Browse our exclusive packages and request more information from our travel specialists.
Natalie, River Cruise Travel Advisor
The Douro’s Sweet Spot
For more than 2,000 years, grapes have been harvested and wine has been produced in Portugal’s Douro Valley. Vineyard boundaries were laid here in 1756, making this the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Joe Boulous highlights why the Douro Valley remains the heart of Portugals wine country.
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Best River Cruise Companies Overview
With the average price of a European cruise coming in just shy of £280 per night, river cruising might not look like a budget holiday. But factor in food, drinks and daily excursions, which are all typically included as standard, and the figures start to sound more reasonable.
Take Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, top of our annual river cruise survey. It promises an all-inclusive experience, so you wont face any on-board surprises. Plus, youll get free beer and wine with lunch and dinner, as you do with Emerald Waterways, APT Luxury River Cruises and Viking River Cruises, three of our other Which? Recommended Providers this year.
Of course, you wont find the range of on-board facilities of the vast ocean liners, but then you wont be spending whole days at sea either. River cruises get you straight to city centres so theres more time for sightseeing and excursions. That said, with nearly all meals taken on board and usually only one dining option youll want to be sure the food and drink pass muster.
In the table below, we show the results from our annual river cruise survey. Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours remained top of our table for the second year running with impressive customer service scores. Its sister company Emerald Waterways came joint second with APT Luxury River Cruises, Viking River Cruises was rated fourth, while Riviera Travel came fifth. All five brands received our Which? Recommended Provider Rating.
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Whats The Best River Cruise Line In Europe
Weve shortlisted Scenic Cruises, APT and Avalon Waterways as some of the best river cruises in Europe based on features such as user ratings, variety and options and extras.
In 2020, Crystal Cruises was named as the best river cruise line at Travel+Leisures Worlds Best Awards. It impressed with its high level of detail, customer service and luxury, which one guest stated was better than any five-star hotel theyve stayed in.
U By Uniworld, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, Tauck and Viking Cruises were also highly placed at the Travel+Leisure awards.
According to online tour booking agent TourRadar, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, G Adventures, Leufner Cruises, Portugal Travel Centre, Scenic Cruises and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection are top of the list. All have average review ratings of 5 out of 5 stars on the site.
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Whats A River Cruise Experience Like
Lets start by answering this question.
In general, river cruises are more intimate than ocean cruises.
Ships are smaller , and its easy to get to know fellow passengers. Typically, you spend lots of time ashore.
As well, river cruise rates are all-inclusive.
Along with cruise accommodation and meals, fares include shore excursions, alcohol and cruise gratuities.
So What Is A Christmas Market
The fabled Christmas Markets are the real pull on these cruises. Many North American travelers may be unaware of these, as Christmas Markets are not a North American tradition. They are essentially street markets. Usually set up outdoors, Europes Christmas Markets can offer an incredible variety of local crafts and wares and perhaps best of all delicious local Christmas delicacies. Mulled wine and cider are popular wintertime beverages, and are typically sold in these markets as well. For culture mavens, theres no better time to truly embrace local customs than at Christmas.
Unlike the North American full-body contact sport that is Christmas shopping, Europeans have the option of shopping in the Christmas Markets, as opposed to shopping malls. But Christmas Markets are also social experiences: People will gather here after work to enjoy a nice meal and some delicious mulled wine or hot chocolate. Its fun to enjoy the pleasant, convivial atmosphere. Theres no fighting for parking. No battling checkout lines. Just people enjoying the company of others.
Of course, the opportunity to experience some of Europes grandest cities in their snow-covered glory is another reason to take a Christmas Markets river cruise, although, of course, there is no guarantee that youll experience snow. Weve done more than half a dozen Christmas Markets cruises, and wed assign a 50/50 chance of seeing snow on any given cruise.
Day 1 Arrive in Frankfurt, Germany
Day 4 Bamberg
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Our Search For The Best River Cruises
1.We searched for the top river cruises from an extensive list of more than 20 luxury river cruise lines.
2. We evaluated more than eight premium river cruise lines based on our expert-guided buying criteria: destinations and itineraries, service, food and accommodations, and more.
3. We provided you the best three river cruises for first-timers.
The approach we took to narrow down the top river cruises was as follows:
We began our search with 20 river cruise companies. These companies offer river cruise packages around the world and each package offers different features, amenities and entertainment.
We analyzed river cruise companies based on well-known travel review sites.
We found and removed companies with an excessive amount of negative reviews. For example, river cruise companies that chartered ships rather than use their own fleet were cut.
We delivered the best river cruise companies so you can start planning your trip.
It’s All In The Details
Your river cruise is designed to give you a wonderful taste of Europe, and weve sorted out the details to make your experience as seamless as possible. Our onboard social areas are at the heart of each ship, providing the perfect place to relax and enjoy the views. You can forge new friendships with your fellow travellers as the beautiful scenery glides past, swapping tales of your latest discoveries. With the delights of the continent at your fingertips and the service of our staff, well make your holiday one to remember.
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Adventures By Disney River Cruises
Partnering with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney offers cruises on the Seine, Rhine, and Danube Rivers, Disney style. Specially designed itineraries and Adventure Guides create experiences for parents, children, and teens, from active excursions to unique onboard activities. Adults-only dinners and wine tasting experiences along with teen programming, Disney movie nights, karaoke, trivia nights, and Junior Adventurer dinners provide entertainment for guests of all ages.
The eight-day Danube River Cruise starts in Budapest where excursions include a horse show at an equestrian park and a goulash-making competition for Adventurers. In Bratislava, Junior Adventurers can visit a petting zoo, and in the evening, there’s family karaoke. A tour of Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace, marionette show, concert, and strudel making are options the next day. A day in Salzburg ends onboard with “The Sound of Music” film and singalong. After an Oktoberfest celebration and captain’s farewell dinner, the cruise ends the next day.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Whilst you may not have heard of this much awarded company , you should certainly add it to yourroster of the best river cruise vessels in the world.
When you step on one of their vessels, you immediately start toappreciate the Uniworld difference. The concept is all aboutrecreating the feel of a small boutique hotel on board anall-inclusive river vessel, and every ship is different, personallydesigned by members of the Tollman family who own Uniworld’sparent, TravCorp.
If you’ve seen pictures of Uniworld’s ships then you’ll probablyhave been struck by the slightly garish interiors depicted in theofficial photography but in reality, the decor is a lot moresubtle than it appears in the oversaturated promo shots. Quirky,yes, but elegant and tasteful with it.
In design terms, it is all about the detail – depending on thevessel, you will find hand crafted mirrors, lavish staircases,original collections of antique oil paintings, hand-painted trompel’oeil ceilings, faux marble columns and ornate murals, all bearingtribute to the skills of artisans from all over Europe. Within thestaterooms and suites, the lavish décor is enhanced by the latesttechnology.
To match the décor, attention to detail is the watchwordthroughout the vessel: charming and attentive service by stafftrained to Uniworld’s exacting standards, gourmet dining, exclusiveshore excursions included in the fare, all combine to make aUniworld river cruise something quite different from the norm.
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Oberoi Hotels & Resorts:
Some of the most luxurious Nile cruises are offered by Oberoi Hotels & Resorts.
The Oberoi Zahra river ship has glass showers with full-length view windows and a misting system to keep you cool on the sundeck and outdoor restaurant.
And get this.
A fleet of air-conditioned black Mercedes vans shadows the ship onshore. When the ship docks, theyre waiting and ready to whisk you away to see the tombs, temples and 5,000 years of Egyptian history.
European River Cruise Faqs
Why should I choose a river cruise?DouroSeineRhoneRhineDanubeMainMoselle What should I look for on a riverboat?Should I get a room with a balcony?What is dining like?Do river cruises ever visit destinations that arent on the river?Will my vessel have WiFi?What kind of power outlets are there? Will I need a converter?How can I save money on a river cruise?Deals & PromotionsAre European River cruises a good family vacation?Do Americans and Canadians need a passport and visa to travel on European River cruises?current European visa requirements
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Vantage Deluxe World Travel
Aggressive on pricing with two-for-one sales or free air for repeat guests Vantage focuses on Central Europe , the Douro River and the Nile, with a fleet of both older and more modern ships. This middle-of-the-road line, like Grand Circle, caters to both older and solo travelers . Most staterooms come with French balconies . The ships have some fun theming for example, suites on the 176-passenger River Navigator are named for members of the Rat Pack.
Onboard enrichment may include an art history lesson on the Seine prior to visiting Monets studio in Giverny, France, or a Portuguese lesson on the Douro.
Vantages newer ships are a good choice in terms of value .
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
River Cruises In Holland And Belgium
A cruise through Holland and Belgium will take you through the vast network of scenic canals and rivers. You will visit some of the most beautiful European cities and towns and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Netherlands iconic windmills and tulips.
A Tulips & Windmills tour gives you the opportunity to easily explore some of Europes most dynamic and culturally rich cities from the luxury of the cruise ship. Indulge in cosmopolitan Amsterdam on an Amsterdam day trip and see world-renowned paintings and magnificent Gothic churches in Belgium.
Eight different destinations, spanning ten days, a Holland and Belgium cruise is not to be missed.
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Why Should You Go On A Europe River Cruises
- See some of the most beautiful and historically significant sites in the world
- Most river cruises last anywhere from seven to fourteen days
- Sail along some of Europes most famous waterways
- See places like the Palace of Versailles in France, Prague in the Czech Republic, and the ancient city of Rome in Italy
- Get great deals on European river cruises
- Envision cruising the Rhine River in Germany
- Each river cruise is unique, but they all offer an amazing experience that will stay with you for the rest of your lives
Here are some factors to consider when youre choosing which European river cruise to go on:
- Choose a river cruise with several different ports of call to maximize your time in each city
- Keep an eye out for specials, as many river cruises have deals or discounts available
Set Sail On A Luxurious Adventure Down Some Of The Worlds Greatest Rivers With These European Cruise Companies
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Theres something utterly romantic about exploring Europe by boat.
Whether youre travelling down the Danube through Austria, Hungary and Serbia, where castles and charming towns emerge around every turn, or along the River Rhine through Switzerland, Germany and Amsterdam, where dramatic mountains and heritage canals paint the landscape seeing Europe by river is an experience like no other.
Keen to board the ship and set sail? These are the companies offering river cruises with the most arresting landscapes in Europe.
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River Cruise Prices Are More Inclusive Than Ocean Cruise Prices
In 2011, Tauck became one of the first river lines to go all-inclusive, including beverages and tips. Others have followed suit, though inclusive doesnt always mean that all extras are included. Some lines include port charges, gratuities and alcohol in their base fares others do not. Still, ocean cruisers will likely be surprised at what river cruise fares do include.
The biggest difference between ocean and river cruising is that daily shore excursions are included, says Richard Marnell, senior vice president of marketing for Viking. You do not get nickeled and dimed once you are onboard. The vast majority of what you are going to do is paid for, so you can budget well in advance.
Wine and beer included with dinner? Imagine that. Complimentary airport transfers? Free Wi-Fi? On river cruises, these are staples.
Explore France Germany And More On These European River Cruises
Much of the appeal of European river cruises, especially as we emerge from the pandemic with pent-up travel demand, is the small size of the ships, casual atmosphere, and accessibility. Unlike oceangoing ships that carry as many as 5,000 passengers, most river cruise ships accommodate around 150 guests, for a more intimate experience. Balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-air viewing are features of most river cruise ships, and some offer pools, spas, fitness areas, and jogging tracks.
Guests are kept busy with daily shore excursions, and most cruises offer several options depending on interests and activity levels. Bikes and walking tours are available in most ports, or guests can choose a leisurely day in a comfortable lounge enjoying the passing scenery.
“River cruises offer opportunities to step ashore in fairy-tale towns and fabled cities. You can immerse yourself in contemporary culture and learn something about the history of the towns along the continent’s greatest rivers,” according to Ralph Grizzle of River Cruise Advisor. “Sitting on the top deck of a ship under brilliant blue skies, you can gaze on fabled landscapes dotted with castles, villages, and vineyards. A flight of stairs down, and you have all the amenities of a modern hotelrestaurants, bars, fitness facilities, spas, internet access, and comfortable staterooms.”
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Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours Which Recommended Provider
Scenic specialises in luxury river cruises in Europe and Asia. It’s not cheap, but there are no nasty surprises because everything’s included in the initial price, including gratuities, 24-hour room service, private butlers and a concierge laundry service. As a result, the company still earns four start out of five for value for money.
As a WRP, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has committed to promptly refunding customers for cancelled cruises and offering alternatives, including a refund, if itineraries change due to travel restrictions.
You have a choice of at least two excursions at every stop. And while on board, you’ll be treated to high-quality cabins, excellent food and friendly and helpful staff. Customers told us that ‘being looked after from start to finish made the holiday care-free’.
Passengers also raved about the five-star passenger-to-space ratio, so you’ll never feel cramped on board
Should I book with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours? Yes. Fantastic staff, food and just about everything else add up to a brilliant cruise, if you’re willing to pay.