Table Of Content
- Douro River Cruises Are Idyllic and Relaxing with Plenty of Scenic Sailing
- AmaWaterways
- Classic Rhine cruise (Amsterdam-Basel) MS Crucevita
- Best European River Cruise for First-Timers: Viking River Cruises
- Danube River Cruises is an Enchanting River with Culture, History and Iconic Landmarks
- Ships
- Viking Ocean Cruises
These are the major companies offering the best European river cruises along with examples of their itineraries. When it comes to Europe river cruises, a perfect seven-night starter sailing is the Upper Danube, which takes you through centuries of history as you explore Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Pick from one of the best river cruises in Europe highlighted above and let AAA help you book and plan your excursions throughout your trip.
Douro River Cruises Are Idyllic and Relaxing with Plenty of Scenic Sailing
Caring, professional and extremely knowledgeable, they are like trusted friends who clearly adore the destinations and are passionate about sharing what they know. Thankfully, you can bring that feeling of excitement and discovery home with you by stocking up on souvenirs at each port of call. Having a keepsake from the destinations you visit is one of the best ways to preserve all those special moments from your river cruise vacation. Seasoned river cruisers know it’s best to arrive at least a day before your departure date. This way, you’ll have time to shake off the jet lag, recover after a long day of travel, and adjust to your new time zone. Getting a goodnight’s sleep is essential to feeling rested and re-energised for embarkation day.
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AmaWaterways
Also, be sure to check how long you’ll be docked in each port and what excursions are on offer to get a better idea of the best way to spend your time there. Storage space is at a premium on river cruise staterooms, so it’s important to pack smart. As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours. The line’s newest ship sails Europe’s Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers, featuring a heated pool that transforms into a cinema, spacious suites and a dedicated wellness area.
Classic Rhine cruise (Amsterdam-Basel) MS Crucevita
Don't forget the River Elbe rising in the Giant Mountains of the northern Czech Republic before traversing Bohemia, Germany and flowing into the North Sea. You'll also be able to take in the lavender fields, haystacks and other scenes that inspired painters like Paul Cezanne and Vincent Van Gogh. The French city of Strasbourg, with its famous Gothic cathedral and robust Alsatian culinary scene, is often a favorite stop on Rhine itineraries, with other highlights including Heidelberg, Germany, and its imposing castle. The seven-night river cruise takes you through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.
Scenic
Your visit there and to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, as well as other memorials and monuments to the fallen, is a poignant experience (one that requires a two-hour bus ride from your ship, however). Avalon Waterways brings a World War II expert on board to add insight on select sailings. Maybe you’re curious to know how it compares to ocean cruising, or perhaps you’re looking for advice on how to make your overall experience that much better.
The line's European family program is available on at least one ship on each river the line sails during school breaks. Fun activities include a “meet the captain” event, pizza-making classes and treasure hunts. All ships are stocked with age-appropriate games and books, and family shore excursions to zoos and theme parks feature on itineraries. From Portugal's dazzling Douro to the mighty Danube, a river cruise is a fantastic way of exploring Europe’s magical cities and sensational countryside. Sparkling new Europe-based ships seemingly debut every year, all with innovative features and itineraries that showcase art, history, food and more.
Danube River Cruises is an Enchanting River with Culture, History and Iconic Landmarks
In Vienna, there's a cocktail party and private orchestra recital or city tour before heading to Budapest for two days. Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. Their deluxe beds and luxurious linens provide comfort in spacious, quiet quarters with ample closet space. Avalon offers "Active & Discovery" river cruises with activities for a variety of energy and fitness levels, from traditional sightseeing to action-packed experiences. Wine lovers will want to experience the seven-night "Taste of Bordeaux," with visits to iconic chateaux, timeless vineyards, and delicious wine tastings while cruising the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Excursions include a tour of a medieval castle and tasting of Sauternes, a stop in Pauillac, gateway to the Medoc wine region, and a Saint-Emilion tour and tasting.
Ships
European Waterways isn't the most widely known European river cruise line, but for travelers craving something truly intimate and unlike any other sailing, it's the best. However, there are also other lesser-known cruise lines to choose from that are contenders for the best river cruise line in Europe, depending on your travel style. To help you out, we've taken a look at 10 lines, from the familiar to the lesser-known, so you can decide the best river cruise line in Europe for you. They are, by far, the most popular, doable either on one-week segments or longer itineraries that combine areas and sometimes combine rivers. Even if your cruise is only a week, don't underestimate the allure of relaxing for seven days on a river in France or on the dreamy Douro in Portugal. Waking up to a different breathtaking landscape and dream destination every day is undoubtedly one of the best aspects of river cruising — and it’s something you’ll miss once your holiday is over.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Though Europe is vast, river cruises visit multiple destinations in one trip and often port right in the center of the continent's coolest cities. On one-week cruises, you'll follow the river 130 miles past green hillside vineyards in the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO-recognized destination, before turning around at the Spanish border. The river cruises typically include a visit to the university town of Salamanca in northern Spain. Viticulture is very much the lesson en route, as you learn about port production on the "River of Gold." If you’re ready to book your first river cruise, CroisiEurope is the perfect choice.
The doyen of Europe's waterways is the adults-only Viking Cruises, a multifaceted cruise line that also boasts a fleet of ocean and expedition vessels. With 55 Nordic-inspired “Longships” sailing mainland Europe—including the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Rhône and Elbe—plus four ships on Portugal's River Douro, Viking has an itinerary for every type of river cruiser. The cruise line’s soothing Scandinavian aesthetic combines a chic design with spacious accommodations that include river views or private verandas, and sails also include drinks during mealtimes, shore excursions and Wi-Fi.
Plus, Viking provides historic guided tours and intimate experiences in every destination. For those who want to explore more while onboard, Viking offers pre and post-cruise packages to help book your lodging and extend your stay. AmaWaterways' holistic wellness program encompasses a variety of fitness classes and wellness-themed excursions, making it the leading European river cruise line for active travelers.
A guided tour takes guests through Autostadt Wolfsburg, a park dedicated to the history of the automobile. In Hamburg, there's a city tour and harbor cruise before the cruise continues to the Baltic resort, Laboe, and ends in Kiel. This Austrian family business dates back more than 40 years and offers European river cruises on its fleet of 16 AMADEUS ships. Five-star service, facilities, and cuisine are their hallmarks, and their ships feature wide panoramic windows and a spacious sun deck.
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