Top 10 European River Cruise Line Itineraries
Itineraries to consider:
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AmaWaterways' Magnificent Europe
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Tauck's Amsterdam to Budapest
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Uniworld's European Jewels
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Avalon's Magnificent Europe
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Viking's Grand European Tour
Rhine-Main-Danube Rivers
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For those that can take the extended time, a European river cruise itinerary between Amsterdam and Budapest traverses some of Europe's most picturesque landscapes. You will cruise along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, passing through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Along the way, you will be treated to stunning views of rolling hills, vineyards, medieval castles, and charming villages.
Itineraries to consider:​
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AmaWaterways' Romantic Danube
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Tauck's Heart of the Danube
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​Uniworld's Enchanting Danube
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Avalon's Active & Discovery on the Danube
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Viking's Danube Waltz
Upper Danube River
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When most people talk about taking a Danube River cruise, they are likely referring to the “upper” Danube section of the river. The river cruise itinerary will take you through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany. You can experience grand capitals (Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna), as well as many small, quaint towns. In fact, its picturesque landscapes, lush vineyards, rolling hills, and historical towns make it the most booked European river cruise itinerary.
Itineraries to consider:​
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AmaWaterways' Enchanting Rhine
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Tauck's Romantic Rhine
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Uniworld's Castles Along the Rhine
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Avalon's Romantic Rhine
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Viking's Rhine Getaway
Rhine River
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A European river cruise itinerary on the Rhine River typically sails between Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Basel (Switzerland). The river is famous for its numerous castles and fortresses that dot the landscape. Its appeal to countless poets, painters, and composers has cemented the romantic allure of the river, offering cruisers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical intrigue.
Itineraries to consider:​
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AmaWaterways' Impressions of the Seine & Paris
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Tauck's Impressions from the Seine
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​Uniworld's Paris & Normandy
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Avalon's Active & Discovery on the Seine
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Viking's Paris & the Heart of Normandy
Seine River
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The Seine River is flanked by some of France's most famous landmarks and cultural treasures. From the iconic Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris to the historic châteaux of Normandy, cruising the Seine provides access to a wealth of world-renowned sights. Each stop along a Seine River Cruise provides insights into France’s rich cultural tapestry.
Itineraries to consider:​
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AmaWaterways' Iconic Christmas Markets
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Uniworld's Danube Holiday Markets
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Viking's Christmas on the Main & Moselle
Christmas Market River Cruise
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European Christmas markets are renowned for their magical atmosphere, featuring local customs and traditions, twinkling lights, seasonal delicacies, and festive music. A river cruise allows you to immerse yourself in this festive ambiance across multiple cities, each offering its own unique charm and traditions. While the weather is cold, the winter scenery along the river can be breathtaking, with snow-covered rooftops and twinkling lights reflecting off the water. While the best river to sail for a Christmas Market River cruise is subjective, a Danube or Rhine River itinerary gets our vote.
Itineraries to consider:​
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AmaWaterways' Essence of Burgundy & Provence
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​Uniworld's Burgundy & Provence
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Avalon's Burgundy & Provence
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Viking's Lyon & Provence
Rhône-Saône Rivers
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Sailing on the Rhône and Saône rivers offers a delightful journey that showcases breathtaking views of rolling vineyards, charming villages, and historic châteaux. The region is renowned for its gastronomic delights that include world-class wines, exquisite cheeses, and gourmet cuisine. The Rhône Valley is known for its full-bodied reds, aromatic whites, and rosés; the Burgundy region is famous for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.
Itineraries to consider:​
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AmaWaterways' Best of Holland & Belgium
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​Tauck's Belgium & Holland in Spring
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Uniworld's Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time
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Avalon's The Netherlands in Bloom
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Viking's Tulips & Windmills
Dutch & Belgian Waterways
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Most people will look to book a European River Cruise on the Dutch & Belgian Waterways during tulip season, with a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens being a highlight of the cruise. Peak bloom time will vary each year, but expect mid- to late-April into early May for best views. Itineraries also operate outside tulip season, providing an opportunity to explore the unique and historic towns throughout the Netherlands and Belgium.
Itineraries to consider:​
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AmaWaterways' Rhine & Moselle Splendors
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​Tauck's Rhine & Moselle
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Uniworld's Rhine, Moselle & Belgium Discovery
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Viking's Paris to the Swiss Alps
Moselle River
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The Moselle region is renowned for its wine production, particularly white wines such as Riesling, and any European river cruise itinerary sailing on the river will pass through steep vineyard-covered slopes and charming villages. You will experience a delightful blend of scenic beauty and cultural immersion.
Itineraries to consider:​
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AmaWaterways' Enticing Douro
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Tauck's Cruising the Douro River Valley
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Uniworld's Douro River Valley
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Avalon's Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro
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Viking's Portugal's River of Gold
Douro River
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The Douro River Valley is renowned for its terraced vineyards, dramatic cliffs, breathtaking landscapes, and picturesque villages. A European River Cruise along the river provides panoramic views of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Excursions from the river tend to be longer bus rides than what you might experience on many other river cruises, but wine lovers are rewarded with visits to historic wine estates and memorable vineyard tours.
Elbe River
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A little less known is a European River Cruise itinerary on the Elbe River. Sailing between Prague and Berlin (though neither city is on the Elbe itself), you will get a chance to experience the history and culture of the Czech Republic and central Germany. From world class museums and galleries to historic castles and churches, you will have plenty of activities to choose from. Berlin and Prague bookend the cruise with hotel stays.
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