Exploring various attractions on the European continent through river cruises offers an intimate yet picturesque travel experience. These cruises help travellers enjoy the breathtaking views of mediaeval villages, stunning castles, and vast flower fields while savouring delicious food and drinks onboard. Frequent halts allow passengers to partake in exciting onshore activities. That said, given the myriad of options, choosing the best cruise option from the list of river cruises in Europe can be challenging.

Top river cruise packages in Europe
Some of the finest river cruise packages in Europe offer travellers unique and enriching experiences, showcasing diverse landscapes.

1. Rhine Cruise Amsterdam

• Location: Amsterdam to Basel
• Price: Starts at €2,097 per person
• Duration: 8 days

On board the Rhine River cruise, travellers get to witness the timeless charm of Amsterdam, encompassing some of Europe’s most loved rivers and exploring magnificent landmarks such as the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House. Another important highlight is the stunning Dutch countryside, filled with windmills. One can participate in guided shore excursions and enjoy the delectable onboard dining and comfy cabins. The cruise will take one through mediaeval towns and the captivating view of the Middle Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travellers can appreciate archaic buildings and modern architectural masterpieces as the cruise sails past various riverside attractions. This cruise offers audio guides that provide insights into the historical and cultural significance of key destinations that are part of the itinerary. One also gets to relish the variety of culinary delights made by the chefs onboard.

2. Danube Delights Cruise

• Location: Munich to Budapest
• Price: Starts at €3,417
• Duration: 8 days

Get ready to witness the Danube Delights Cruise, which takes one from Munich to Budapest. On this river cruise, one will discover the scenic landscapes and beautiful cities along the Danube River. Guided excursions to iconic tourist attractions, exquisite dining, and luxurious accommodations will make this cruise trip a memory for a lifetime. 

During the cruise trip, one will sail along the Danube, the second-largest river on the continent. An English-speaking crew will be on board, avoiding concerns regarding language barriers. Throughout the journey, the crew will assist one and cater to all travel needs. While on board, one can plug into the audio guide and hear fascinating stories about the key destinations covered under the itinerary.

As part of the cruise journey, one will cross four countries. The city tours provide a unique perspective on these countries’ histories. For example, there will be guided walks along the cobblestone streets in Germany, city tours of Budapest and Vienna, and more, which allow one to learn about how the history of these places defined their future.

3. Seine River Cruise

• Location: Paris
• Price: Starts at €2,545 per person
• Duration: 8 days

Take on a scenic Seine River cruise to explore the beauty of France. As part of this river cruise, one will travel through Paris and soak in the attractive views of iconic landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and a replica of the Statue of Liberty. On board, one can enjoy delectable country cuisine as they navigate through the charming towns nestled alongside the riverbanks. At the Normandy beaches, the journey gives one a first-hand look into history. Further, Rouen’s Gothic architecture will surely leave one spellbound.

The itinerary also includes a visit to Giverny, where travellers can explore the charming gardens and house where renowned French artist Claude Monet lived and worked. The onboard audio commentary offers additional insights into the key attractions of the cruise journey. This cruise, one of the top ones in Europe, provides an opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of the capital city and celebrates France’s rich cultural heritage, art, cuisine, and history.

4. Douro Cruise

• Location: Porto to the Spanish border
• Price: Starts at €2,546 per person
• Duration: 8 days

This Europe river cruise starts in Portugal and takes one through the picturesque landscapes featuring mediaeval hilltop villages, Mediterranean olive groves, and terraced gardens, leaving one spellbound. One gets to visit places like Pinhao and Porto, which are famous for their unique cultures. The cruise will also take one to explore the ancient city of Salamanca, which houses one of the oldest universities in Europe—the University of Salamanca. Along the cruise journey, passengers can enjoy mouth-watering Portuguese cuisine as they experience the country’s rich heritage.

Tips on how to select the best river cruise

1. Select the destination
Every river cruise has unique attractions and highlights as part of their travel itinerary. One should consider what interests them the most—local cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, or historical places—and select a destination that aligns with their preferences.

2. Determine the right time for the cruise
The time of travel can significantly impact one’s experience onboard. Certain rivers are navigable during specific seasons because of the climate, local events, or water levels. So, when planning, consider the best times to visit one’s destination to avoid any surprises during the cruise journey.

3. Decide the budget
Prices for different river cruises can vary significantly. One can find everything from ultra-luxury options to cost-friendly alternatives. So, set a budget well ahead of the journey to avoid overspending or missing meaningful experiences due to financial limitations.

4. Select the right cruise line
It is important to note that different cruise lines offer unique services and amenities to passengers. One should research multiple cruises, compare their offerings and itineraries, and select the best option that suits one’s preferences and requirements.

5. Read online reviews
After shortlisting cruise lines, one should check their online reviews posted by other travellers to learn about the quality of service and onboard experiences, helping one establish realistic expectations.