riverboat cruise europe 2023

Europe River Cruises

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10 best European river cruises

Compiled by

Nadine Europe travel expert at TourRadar

Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Turnu Magurele (Bucharest) to Vienna, MS Fidelio

Danube serenade: romantic journey from vienna to turnu magurele (bucharest), ms fidelio, romantic rhine (southbound) 2024, romantic danube 2024, classical rhine cruise (amsterdam - basel), trans-european cruise from budapest to strasbourg (port-to-port cruise), rhine castles & swiss alps 2024 start amsterdam, end basel, jewels of europe 2024 - 15 days (15 destinations), from the black sea to the blue danube (port-to-port cruise), gems of the danube with prague 2024 - 11 days.

• River Cruise
• Embark on a remarkable cruise that takes you through six captivating countries: Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania with stops in 9 unforgettable cities.
• Traverse Budapest's network of seven bridges, connecting the traditional cosmopolitan district of Buda with the lively Pest.
• In Bratislava, uncover a wealth of captivating sites including the National Theatre, St. Martin's Cathedral, Michael's Gate, the old town hall, and the awe-inspiring rock fortress.

“Great Danube River Cruise with attentive service, good food & accommodations.”

• Explore quaint villages in Croatia and Serbia, genuine treasures of their rich historical heritage.

“The choice of destinations was excellent. Everything ran like clockwork.”

• Cruise along the mighty Rhine, relax & enjoy the scenery
• Join a guided tour to the Black Forest or discover Colmar
• Enjoy the variety of food, wines & onboard entertainment

“It was a great tour. Gentle walking was not gentle and it would have been nice to know before hand that a half hour walk was more like an hour and a half.”

“Our cruise manager Maddy was super kind, fun and knowledgeable. Our hotel manager Adlie led her team taking good care of us.”

“The accomodations were top class, the food excellent, loved the pool. Definately 5 stars.”

“Great staff, great food and drinks.”

• Christmas & New Year

“Fantastic trip. All staff amazing.”

• Watch the scenery outside change between castles, hills and abbeys
• Stay active with guided biking and walking tours
• Visit charming riverbank villages and sample local specialities

“The inclusions were excellent, walking tour guides at most locations were brilliant and well informed.”

“The food was excellent. We enjoyed our trip and would use Croisi again.”

“The food was delicious and plentiful as were the drinks. We met lots of wonderful travelers and the excursions were perfect!”

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Europe  River Cruises

Discover the captivating waterways and be immersed in the history and culture of Europe's extraordinary regions.

• Destinations
• Previous page

Journey through picturesque European river waterways

Be inspired by the history, culture, cuisine and magnificent sights of Europe. From the charming castles and fairy-tale villages on the Rhine, Main and Danube, and the iconic sites of France, to the renowned Portuguese wine regions along the Douro River. Explore these incredible destinations while enjoying truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury in a class of its own. 

Choose your European Destination

A world of enriching experiences awaits you as you cruise past an array of towns rich in culture and history.

Enjoy a truly all-inclusive river cruise in a class of its own.  

Why   t ravel on a Scenic Europe river cruise? @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}@font-face {font-family:"Public Sans"; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-alt:Calibri; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:auto; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0cm; margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Public Sans",serif; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:major-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-AU;}.MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-AU;}div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;}

Our luxurious Scenic Space-Ships have been purpose-built for Europe’s waterways and get you closer to shore to create a real sense of immersion. Let time stand still as you discover the limitless wonders of Europe and enjoy a premium all-inclusive experience.

Innovative Scenic Space-Ships

Our innovative ships feature an abundance of luxurious outdoor, dining and wellness areas, along with spacious suites. Low guest numbers of only up to 163 guests provide an intimate experience. These sleek ships are also able to dock in the heart of towns, so you can enjoy more time to explore.

Luxurious Suites

Each suite offers you the luxury of personal space. Our generously-sized suites are elegantly appointed with premium amenities including a queen-size Scenic Slumber Bed, a pillow menu and luxurious bath products. The Balcony, Junior and Royal Suites* feature your very own window to the world with our signature Scenic Sun Lounges – some of the largest balconies offered on European waterways. 

Up to Five Dining Options

Whether you prefer a fine dining experience with a six-course degustation, a relaxed café setting or dining in the privacy of your suite, you’ll find delectable options to suit your tastes and mood. Premium international beverages^ – wine, beer, cocktails, spirits – are included and available all day, every day. It’s more than outstanding food and wine – it’s the fresh flavours of each region prepared by our innovative chefs. 

Scenic Freechoice

Personalise your river cruise and pursue your own interests as you set off on curated excursions throughout Europe. Scenic’s extensive and diverse list of Freechoice excursions offer an Active, Moderate or Relaxed pace so you can choose activities best suited to you based on your passions. Whether it’s a guided hike up beautiful Buda Hill or delectable wine tastings in the French town of Châteauneuf du Pape, the choice is yours.

Scenic Enrich

Our Scenic Enrich experiences are exclusive to Scenic guests and place you at the heart of the world’s most refined art, music and architecture. You’ll go behind the scenes to enjoy moments inaccessible to the ordinary traveller, from a classical concert at the opulent Palais Liechtenstein in Vienna to after hours access at Bassins de Lumières, a former submarine base turned immersive digital art installation. These carefully curated experiences are destined to be the highlights of your journey. 

Salt Therapy Lounge

Scenic is the first and only river cruise company to feature a therapeutic Salt Therapy Lounge* on board its Scenic Space-Ships cruising Europe’s waterways. Mimicking the environment of a salt cave, the Salt Therapy Lounge can assist with healing, improving respiration and boosting the immune system.

Featured Itineraries

Unforgettable Douro

A truly timeless place

Spectacular South of France

Awaken your senses in the South of France

Black Sea Explorer with Bucharest & Budapest

Hidden Treasures Rediscovered

Jewels of Europe

Europe’s most spectacular river discovery

Romantic Rhine & Moselle

Romance is alive and well on the Rhine

Christmas Markets

Soak up the Christmas magic

• Europe River Cruising 2025
• Europe River Cruising 2024
• Your Guide to Europe River Cruising

Your guide to Europe river cruising

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• River Cruises

15 of the Best River Cruises in Europe

See fairy-tale villages, iconic landmarks, and vineyards as you explore the continent's waterways.

Much of the appeal of European river cruises lies in the small size of the ships, casual atmosphere, and accessibility. Unlike oceangoing ships that carry thousands of passengers, these vessels typically 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. Many also include fitness centers, spas, and internet access.

Cruises usually offer several daily shore excursions with options based on interests and activity levels. Biking and walking tours are available in most ports. On boats traveling along rivers at all hours, collecting passengers from another port, guests can choose a leisurely day in a comfortable lounge enjoying the passing scenery.

While there are several famous rivers in Europe, the Danube and the Rhine are the most popular cruise options, according to  River Cruise Advisor . The Danube River tends to be more scenic, studded with charming cities and the UNESCO-recognized Wachau Valley. Alternatively, the Rhine offers access to bustling metropolises and passes Europe's industrial hubs. Both rivers flow through excellent wine country as well. Whether you want to explore an iconic route or less-traveled waterways, these are the best river cruises in Europe.

Viking Cruises

Perhaps the best-known river cruise company, Viking Cruises promotes its “longships,” which are designed to deliver maximum space and comfort. There are ample staterooms with full balconies to choose from — including two-room suites. Guests enjoy Viking's destination-focused dining as well as the variety of itineraries.

Trip to Try: Portugal's River of Gold

This nine-night trip begins in Lisbon with a walking tour before heading to Porto, home of Port wine, to board the ship on the Douro River. Guests can explore baroque palaces, vineyards, and lush scenery along the way, arriving in the World Heritage city of Salamanca, Spain, on day six. The itinerary includes visits to Portuguese villages Pinhão and Régua to sample local food and wine before returning to Porto.

AmaWaterways

A family-owned and -operated cruise company, AmaWaterways focuses on excellent food and wine, tasteful decor, stateroom views, and innovation in its luxurious fleet. Fares include fitness classes, shore excursions, and all dining on board, including The Chef's Table specialty restaurant. New ships debut each year, but the AmaMagna, which traverses the Danube, features the most spacious suites available. Rooms outfitted with full-sized balconies are worth the splurge on these small ships; it's like having a bonus room in your cabin. For a wider berth, book a part-charter to accommodate large groups.

Trip to Try: Taste of Bordeaux

Wine lovers will want to experience this seven-night journey with visits to iconic châteaux, timeless vineyards, and delicious wine tastings while cruising the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Excursions include a Saint-Emilion tour and tasting, a stop in the Medoc wine region, and a tasting of Sauternes in medieval Roquetaillade Castle. Returning to Bordeaux, guests will explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital of the wine world.

Adventures by Disney River Cruises

Chloe Rice/Adventures by Disney River Cruises

Partnering with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney offers cruises on the Seine, Rhine, and Danube rivers. In true Disney style, specially designed itineraries create experiences for parents, children, and teens, from active excursions to unique onboard activities. Entertainment for guests of all ages includes adults-only dinners and wine-tasting experiences, teen programming, Disney movie nights, karaoke, and trivia nights.

Trip to Try: Danube River Cruise

The seven-night trip starts in Budapest where excursions include a horse show at an equestrian park, a petting zoo, and a goulash-making competition. In Bratislava, wander cobblestone streets on a walking tour. Visit Schönbrunn Palace, enjoy a marionette show, or learn to make strudel while in Vienna. In Melk, Austria, hike to a castle or bike along the Danube for an active day. Dock in Linz, then visit Salzburg to see famous film locations featured in “The Sound of Music.” A stop in Passau, Germany allows guests to walk among treetops on a high-ropes course or spend a more leisurely afternoon with a monastic brewery tour and tasting. Say farewell to the ship in Vilshofen, Germany, before transferring to Munich for the flight home.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Uniworld's one-of-a-kind vessels are inspired by the locations they visit, making them luxurious destinations in their own right. Amenities include in-suite butler service, world-class cuisine, and all-inclusive rates that cover premium spirits and wines as well as gratuities.

Trip to Try: Enchanting Danube

The seven-night Danube cruise aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa or the S.S. Beatrice begins in Budapest with a choice of tours, such as a food tour or a panoramic drive with a guided visit to the Franz Liszt Academy. In Vienna, walk between the city's best attractions or take an early-access guided tour of the Vienna Art History Museum. Excursion options include a vineyard visit and tasting or a saffron workshop in Dürnstein, or a stop at an abbey library in Melk. Dock in Linz for a full day of culinary exploration or transfer to Salzburg to visit music-themed highlights like Mozart's birthplace and "The Sound of Music" filming locations. The cruise ends in Passau after a walking tour of the city and a riverside stroll or a hike along the Ilz, a Danube tributary.

Avalon Waterways

When you cruise with Avalon Waterways, you can observe the riverfront scenery from the comfort of your bed. The line's spacious staterooms and suites boast wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows, luxurious linens, and ample closet space. Large bathrooms include full showers and L'Occitane bath amenities. Avalon offers “Active and Discovery” river cruises with options for a variety of fitness levels, from traditional sightseeing to action-packed experiences like hiking or rail cycling, which is a bike fitted to a former train track.

Trip to Try: Active & Discovery on the Rhône

Southbound on the Rhône River, this cruise begins in Lyon and heads south through the French countryside with picturesque towns and villages. Throughout Provence, stops include Avignon, Port-Saint-Louis, and Arles. During the seven-night journey, Avalon Choice excursions include culinary walks with cooking classes, hikes with panoramic views, a painting workshop, wine tastings, classic sightseeing, and more directed by three available activity levels.

Started as a New England motor coach tour company, Tauck is a family-owned travel firm offering tours and cruises to destinations worldwide. Its award-winning European river cruises are praised for personalized service, exclusive destination experiences, luxurious cabins and suites, fine dining, and professional, caring staff.

Trip to Try: Impressions from the Seine: Paris to Normandy

This seven-night round-trip cruise from Paris features stops in historic small villages and towns after sightseeing in the City of Light. In the days following embarkation, highlights include a guided tour of Versailles, Louis XIV's magnificent palace and gardens, Rouen Cathedral, and Joan of Arc Square. See the D-Day beaches of Normandy, and the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach. Art lovers will enjoy a private experience of Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny and a visit to the Impressionist Museum.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic Cruises offers both ocean and river voyages. Both feature its fleet of “Space-Ships,” which are meticulously designed for spacious quarters. Guests enjoy personalized butler service and all-inclusive cruising. Ships offer a wellness area, massage services, a gym, and onboard entertainment. Scenic's “FreeChoice” excursions offer something for all activity levels.

Trip to Try: Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle

Board the ship in Basel, Switzerland. For seven nights, slowly sail up the Rhine to Breisach in the Alsace region of France. Stops include Koblenz, where guests can take a walking or e-bike tour. There's a private classical music concert and tour of Reichsburg Castle along the way, as well as optional visits to the iconic Eltz Castle or a walking tour of Strasbourg and its magnificent cathedral. Disembark in Mainz to conclude the trip with a transfer to Frankfurt.

Emerald Cruises

For its European river cruises alone, Emerald features a fleet of eight “Star-Ships” with stylish suites, first-class amenities, and room for 180 guests. Most carry bicycles, and all staterooms are equipped with hiking poles. Excursions include EmeraldPlus, a program of special experiences to connect with destinations, and EmeraldActive, which offers faster-paced guided tours, bike rides, hikes, and other activities.

Trip to Try: Sensations of Lyon & Provence

Travel from Lyon to Marseille on a seven-night cruise on the Rhône River. Overland to a quaint village before returning to Lyon to set sail. The ship cruises south toward Tournon, with its 16th-century castle. Other stops include Avignon and Arles. Throughout the cruise, choose from optional activities such as canoeing, hiking through vineyards, walking tours of villages, or onboard wine tastings.

CroisiEurope Cruises

Established in 1976, Croisi holds a fleet of oceangoing ships, canal barges, and river cruise ships. The company's innovative approach stems from basing its ships' design on the characteristics of the waterways. This allowed them to be pioneers on several European rivers including the Gironde, Loire, Po, and Elbe.

Trip to Try: Hamburg to Berlin: Discover the Medieval Charms of Hanseatic Cities

CroisiEurope's six-night cruise starts with guided tours of Hamburg and Lübeck, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a morning cruise, the ship passes through the Scharnebeck twin ship lift. This industrial marvel vertically raises vessels to 125 feet where the River Elbe connects to a canal. An optional visit to the Autostadt theme park, dedicated to German car design, and an afternoon cruise fill day four. The next day, there's a tour of Magdeburg, known for its fascinating architecture and culture. In Potsdam, wander the Sanssouci Palace gardens before enjoying an evening gala. The boat then docks in Berlin, where guests can tour the city before disembarking the following day.

A-ROSA River Cruises

This German cruise company's distinctive ships are easy to recognize by the large red lips and rose on the bow. The 15-strong fleet includes a hybrid-powered ship, A-Rosa Sena , that cruises the northern Rhine almost silently and emission-free. Family-friendly amenities include a kids club, heated outdoor pools, and free passage for children ages 15 and under.

Trip to Try: Highlights of the Rhine

This five-night, round-trip Rhine river cruise begins in Cologne, Germany, followed by stops in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Each city has a unique style of architecture and a thriving art scene. Sightseeing options include guided tours by bus, private car, or even pedal boats on Amsterdam's canals, each at an additional cost. Turning back toward Cologne, enjoy two days in Utrecht before disembarking.

Lüftner Cruises

Lueftner Cruises

This Austrian family business dates back more than 40 years and offers European river cruises on its fleet of 11 Amadeus ships. Five-star service, facilities, and cuisine are hallmarks, and the ships feature panoramic windows and a spacious sundeck.

Trip to Try: Saar and Moselle Fairytales

Board the ship in Cologne and spend seven nights cruising down the Rhine River to its tributary, the Moselle River, one of Europe's best-kept secrets , and the Saar River. The ship passes the Mosel vineyards and docks in the medieval town of Cochem for a guided walking tour. Guests can tour the town of Bernkastel-Kues and enjoy a wine tasting. After a morning tour of medieval Saarburg, the ship cruises along the Saar with panoramic views of Great Bend, an impressive curve in the river. It then stops in Luxembourg and Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, before returning to Cologne.

Nicko Cruises

Plying Europe's rivers since the early 1990s, this German company has a fleet of over 20 river ships. Nicko Cruises focuses on giving guests a flexible itinerary to explore destinations in a way that best suits their tastes. While guests might have to pay more for a drinks package or additional excursions, this river cruise line delivers value.

Trip to Try: Renaissance and Reformation

The seven-night cruise sets off along the Elbe and Havel rivers from Potsdam, Germany, aboard the Katharina Von Bora . In Magdeburg, visit the Green Citadel, a unique space with shops and cafes designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The next stop is Wittenburg, home to the Castle Church where Martin Luther sparked the Protestant Revolution in 1517. From Bad Schandau, guests have the option to take an excursion by bus to Prague for the day. Having seen the impressive architecture, cathedrals, and Prussian fortresses, travelers sail back to Dresden to end the week.

Teeming River Cruises

Jeff and Gina Paglialonga/Teeming River Cruises

Founded in 2017 with the goal of making European river cruises more economical and personalized, this American company developed a different model. Teeming River Cruises offers a mix of programmed group activities and free time, and guests get a complimentary city tour app to explore each destination on their own. Passengers can also opt for excursions on top of the basic itinerary for an extra fee.

Trip to Try: From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua

Set in northern Italy along the Po River, this six-night trip starts in Venice where guests can discover the most popular sites like St. Mark's Square. In partnership with CroisiEurope aboard the M.S. Michelangelo , the ship heads west to Chioggia. Join an excursion to Vicenza before boarding again in Porto Viro and cruising to Rovigo. After arriving in Torretta, spend time in Verona, with its ancient amphitheater and Giusti Gardens. The next days are spent in Cremona, with a visit to a violin workshop, and Mantua, where key properties of the House of Gonzaga are located. After disembarkation, take a bus back to Venice.

Les Bateaux Belmond

Belmond has another way to cruise some of Europe's rivers — on luxury barges with private chefs and excursions like truffle hunting, hot-air ballooning, canoeing, and wine tasting. Seven private charter barges make up Les Bateaux Belmond, each with its own style and size. The elegant barges cruise the waterways of Burgundy, Provence, Camargue, and Champagne. Each can accommodate four to 12 passengers, making this a personal experience.

Trip to Try: Les Bateaux Belmond's Napoleon

On the Belmond Napoleon , which runs scheduled trips as well as private charters, guests cruise the Rhône River past châteaux, rural river towns, and expansive vineyards. Begin the journey in Tain l'Hermitage and enjoy a wine tasting. After a stop at the medieval village of Viviers, the cruise continues to Grignan, where you can participate in a luxurious truffle tasting at a farm. Visit the palace where 14th-century popes lived in Avignon. In Arles, explore the surrounding landscape that inspired Van Gogh's work. Along the cruise, enjoy fragrant fields of lavender and wild roses, too.

Riviera River Cruises

WESTEND61/GETTY IMAGES 

United Kingdom-based Riviera River Cruises has four decades of experience traversing Europe's best-known waterways and lesser-visited regions. The ships, many named after British literary greats, feature standard amenities such as Wi-Fi, a fitness room, a pool, and a sauna. Staterooms have plush furnishings and balconies for outdoor lounging.

Trip to Try: Budapest to the Black Sea

While many European river cruises cover the most popular stretches of the Danube, this itinerary picks up where most end, in Budapest. The 15-day cruise follows the Danube through Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania to the Black Sea. Along the way, passengers see pastoral lands and steep river canyons. Picturesque stops include Novi Sad with its beautiful baroque architecture, the Iron Gates Gorge marking the boundary between Serbia and Romania, and Oltenița from which guests can visit Bucharest. After reaching the Danube Delta, travelers return to Budapest for disembarkation.

Related Articles

Europe  River Cruises

Explore the enchanting rivers of Europe and discover the unique history and culture of its extraordinary regions.

• Destinations
• Previous page

Travel through Europe's  picturesque rivers

Be inspired by the history, culture, cuisine, and magnificent sights of Europe, from the charming castles and fairy-tale villages on the Rhine, Main, and Danube, and the iconic sites of France, to the renowned Portuguese wine regions along the Douro River. Explore these incredible destinations while enjoying truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury in a class of its own.

Learn more about what to expect on a river cruise, world-class destinations & our all-inclusive luxury experience—or find your perfect itinerary.

Choose your European Destination

A world of enriching experiences awaits you as you cruise past beautiful towns full of culture and history.

Enjoy a truly all-inclusive river cruise in a class of its own.  

Why   travel on a scenic europe river cruise.

Our luxury, purpose-built Scenic Space-Ships get you closer to shore to create a real sense of immersion in the heart of European life and culture. Let time stand still as you discover the limitless wonders of Europe and enjoy a premium all-inclusive experience.

Innovative Scenic Space-Ships

Our innovative ships feature an abundance of luxurious outdoor, dining, and wellness areas, along with spacious suites. Low guest numbers of only up to 163 guests provide an intimate experience. These sleek ships are also able to dock in the heart of towns, so you can enjoy more time to explore.

Luxurious Suites

Each suite offers you the luxury of personal space. Our generously-sized suites are elegantly appointed with premium amenities including a queen-size Scenic Slumber Bed, a pillow menu, and luxurious bath products. The Balcony, Junior, and Royal Suites* feature your very own window to the world with our signature Scenic Sun Lounges – some of the largest balconies offered on European waterways.

Up to Five Dining Options

Whether you prefer a fine dining experience with a six-course meal, a relaxed café setting or dining in the privacy of your suite, you’ll find delectable options to suit your tastes and mood. Premium international beverages^ – wine, beer, cocktails, spirits – are included and available all day, every day. It’s more than outstanding food and wine – it’s the fresh flavors of each region prepared by our innovative chefs.

Scenic Freechoice

Personalize your river cruise and pursue your own interests as you set off on curated excursions throughout Europe. Scenic’s extensive and diverse list of Freechoice excursions offer an Active, Moderate, or Relaxed pace so you can choose activities best suited to you based on your preferences. Whether it’s a guided hike up beautiful Buda Hill or delectable wine tastings in the French town of Châteauneuf du Pape, the choice is yours.

Scenic Enrich

Our Scenic Enrich experiences are exclusive to Scenic guests and place you at the heart of the world’s most refined art, music, and architecture. You’ll go behind the scenes to enjoy moments inaccessible to the ordinary traveler, from a classical concert at the opulent Palais Liechtenstein in Vienna to after hours access at Bassins de Lumières, a former submarine base turned immersive digital art installation. These carefully curated experiences are destined to be the highlights of your journey.

Salt Therapy Lounge

Scenic is the first and only river cruise company to feature a therapeutic Salt Therapy Lounge* on board its Scenic Space-Ships cruising Europe’s waterways. Mimicking the environment of a salt cave, the Salt Therapy Lounge can assist with healing, improving respiration, and boosting the immune system.

Featured Itineraries

Gems of the Danube

A river unlike any other

Danube in Depth

Take a journey rich in culture and beauty

Jewels of Europe

Europe’s most spectacular river discovery

Normandy & Gems of the Seine

Take a journey down the river of dreams

Beautiful Bordeaux

Savour the beauty and romance

Unforgettable Douro

A truly timeless place

• Europe River Cruises
• Your Guide to River Cruising

Your guide to Europe river cruising

What to expect  on your river cruise

Learn about the benefits of river cruising with our comprehensive guide to your first time on a river cruise and what you can expect when you travel with Scenic.

Stay up to date and be inspired

Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates, and event invites.

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Cue the wanderlust: 10 dreamiest European river cruises

A cruise expert's top pick european river cruises..

Tauck to Expand U.S. Cruise Offerings in 2023

River cruising has taken me to some of the most spell-binding places I’ve ever visited in Europe. Storybook architecture, castles, and bucolic landscapes are sprinkled like pixie dust along the region’s waterways. You can walk right off your ship and find yourself in a fairytale.

Carrying only 100 to 200 passengers on average (some even less), river ships offer one of the most intimate styles of cruising. Their more inclusive pricing models complement easygoing, “explore at your own pace” itineraries—and most lines give you at least one free tour—making it all about the destination. Many European rivers also flow through multiple countries, so you can experience a wide range of scenery, cultures, and adventures in one trip.

SEE THE WORLD: Best companies for guided tours

I’ve combed through all the major river cruise lines’ itineraries to handpick the most wanderlust-worthy routes. Dream big with these 10 cruises that give you access to some of the most magical cities and small villages in Europe.

Note: Though often grouped together with river cruising, barge cruising is an entirely different ball game. Barge ships have much smaller passenger counts (think less than 10 passengers) and don’t include as many amenities as river ships. For this article, my focus will be river cruising.

1. Germany’s Rhine River Valley

River Cruise Line: AmaWaterways

Itinerary: Rhine and Moselle Fairytales

Using the Rhine River and its tributary, the Moselle, to reach more remote areas, AmaWaterways has curated the ultimate fairytale itinerary. Its Rhine and Moselle Fairytales cruise is peppered with some of the region’s most winsome villages. Half-timber houses, old stone bridges, and storied castles conjure up images of storybooks from childhood. The magic only grows as you head into Germany’s Black Forest and close to the Swiss Alps.

SAVOR AND SIP: Our top picks for European wine tours

2. Paris and the Seine River

River Cruise Line: A-Rosa

Itinerary: Seine Experience Normandy with Paris

Napoleon Bonaparte once said “Secrets travel fast in Paris.” The magic of a Seine River cruise is no secret, but the Seine Experience Normandy with Paris itinerary from “city-nature-gourmet-active-adventure-wellness-romance-family cruise” line A-Rosa holds some of its own. Each bridge tells a story, and every village you pass on your way to Normandy—including Les Andelys and Rouen—begs for you to get a little lost in its mystical alleyways. It’s no wonder so many famous artists documented life along the Seine in their work.

FRENCH HOLIDAY: These France tours really stand out

3. Portugal’s Douro River

River Cruise Line: Scenic

Itinerary: Delightful Douro with Lisbon

Portugal river cruises continue to grow in popularity, and for good reason: the Douro Valley is just as breathtaking as it is rich in ancient traditions. The Delightful Douro with Lisbon itinerary from ultra-luxury cruise line Scenic offers different ways to experience the region, with active, moderate, and relaxed options for its all-inclusive excursions. From Pinhao, with its traditional Portuguese tile murals, to Lisbon and Sintra, one of Europe’s most fabled, fairytale villages, this cruise is a feast for the senses.

4. The South of France

River Cruise Line: Emerald Cruises

Itinerary: Aix-en-Provence with Sensations of Lyon and Provence

Pastel facades and fields of lavender and poppies meld with Roman ruins and Medieval stone villages in the South of France. The Aix-en-Provence with Sensations of Lyon and Provence itinerary from Emerald Cruises serves up a memorable taste of all the region’s glory. Munch on some calissons (Provencal candies) while you wander at a slower pace. Keep your eyes peeled, and you’re bound to run into landscapes straight out of a Vincent Van Gogh painting.

5. The Netherlands and Belgium

River Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises

Itinerary: Tulips and Windmills

As the name of the itinerary implies, Tulips and Windmills from Viking River Cruises makes the most of the charms of Belgium and the Netherlands during the blooming season. Much of your time will be spent in Amsterdam, but the Dutch countryside has its fair share of storybook hamlets to relish, too. Highlights include the villages of Kinderdijk and Veere, as well as Enkhuizen, which even has its own fairytale-inspired attraction called Sprookjeswonderland.

6. German Christmas Markets

River Cruise Line: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Itinerary: Classic Christmas Markets

It’s hard to match the magic of a European river cruise during Christmas time, when cities and towns are cozy and inviting with holiday markets. Uniworld sets itself apart from other lines with its Classic Christmas Markets cruise, with stops you typically don’t see. Wertheim, Kitzingen, and Rothenburg are local favorites for perusing handcrafted gifts with a hot mug of gluhwein in hand. These sought-after, storybook towns are all included on Uniworld’s itinerary.

HOLIDAY SPIRIT: Companies with the best European Christmas market tours

7. Loire Valley, France

River Cruise Line: CroisiEurope Cruises

Itinerary: Loire River Cruise

Some say the Loire Valley is home to France’s most fairytale-like scenery. Hallmarked by its chateaus and castles, the region was even the inspiration for a real fairytale: “The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood,” by Charles Perrault. While some river cruise lines incorporate visits to the Loire Valley as supplemental packages, CroisiEurope is among only a few that have a ship specifically designed to sail the shallow Loire River. CroisiEurope’s Loire River cruises fully immerse you in the scenery that surrounds France’s last “wild river,” so you’ll never miss a view.

8. Oktoberfest in Germany

River Cruise Line: Tauck

Itinerary: Autumn Along the Rhine: Munich’s Oktoberfest

Fall foliage adds a splash of color to the Rhine’s storybook setting, where ancient castles, fortresses, and cathedrals collide. On the Autumn Along the Rhine: Munich’s Oktoberfest cruise from Tauck , passengers can savor it all—the scenery, the season, and the most authentic celebration of Oktoberfest. Tauck, which is known for its thoughtfully planned cultural experiences, makes this itinerary even more special with stops in France’s Alsace countryside and Switzerland’s enchanting Lucerne.

9. Eastern Europe to the Black Sea

River Cruise Line: Grand Circle Cruise Line

Itinerary: Eastern Europe to the Black Sea

The Danube River is one of the most popular European river cruise itineraries, but many don’t venture far enough to reach the Black Sea. But that’s where its more unassuming beauty begins. From Budapest, Hungary, Grand Circle ’s cruise itinerary Eastern Europe to the Black Sea passes through Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. As you enter the Balkans, you’ll discover storybook scenery that still bears scars of its tumultuous recent history. The experience is equal parts awe-inspiring and humbling.

10. Bordeaux, France

River Cruise Line: Avalon Waterways

Itinerary: Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries, and Charming Villages

There’s much more to France’s Bordeaux region than wine, and Avalon Waterways ’ itinerary Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries, and Charming Villages is the perfect way to make the most of it. The Garonne and Dordogne Rivers meander through rolling, pastoral hills full of hidden treasures. This route takes you beyond the vineyards to landmarks like the Chateau de la Brede castle and Medieval city of Saint-Emilion. The ship docks overnight in every port, too, leaving you with even more time to explore.

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Lyon to the Tip of Provence on the Rhône and Saône Rivers

LYON - MACON - The Beaujolais vineyards - LYON - TAIN-L'HERMITAGE - The Vercors - AVIGNON - ARLES - The Camargue - MARTIGUES(1) - Lyon or Marseille(2)

Set off on an unforgettable cruise from Lyon to Martigues, with ports of call in Mâcon, Tain-l'Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, and the Camargue.

Discover the 2,000-year history of Lyon as you stroll through its cobblestone streets. Ten percent of the city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Vercors Massif and its steep limestone cliffs and vineyards perched above the valleys.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS 

An exceptional cruise on the Saône to the mouth of the Rhône River

• Mâcon and its historic downtown
• The Beaujolais vineyards
• Lyon and its strategic street doorways
• The hanging houses in the Vercors Massif
• A safari in the wild Camargue

THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE

• All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
• Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
• Free Wi-Fi onboard
• Headsets are included for excursions
• Official welcome from the captain and crew
• Onboard activities
• Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
• All port fees included

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We’ll enjoy dinner on board as our ship cruises to Mâcon. Don’t miss Lyon lit up at night as we depart!

This morning, join us for an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : A guided tour of Mâcon. With its colored facades, Mâcon feels like it should be part of Provence. Learn more about this Burgundy city on a tour highlighting its major sites. This afternoon, join us for an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : The Beaujolais vineyards. The Beaujolais wine region is tucked in between Lyon and Burgundy. Wines range from the young Beaujolais Nouveau to high-quality crus . Red wines are made mostly from Gamay grapes that create a vibrant, fruity taste.  Light and fresh white wines come predominantly from Chardonnay varieties. After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship to cruise to Lyon in the evening.

Optional excursions proposed: CLASSIC package: Join us for a panoramic tour of Lyon and learn about the discrete and strategic doorways leading to shortcuts, known as traboules , that go from street to street. DISCOVERY package: Food tour of Lyon. We’ll cruise to Tain-l’Hermitage in the afternoon and arrive in the evening.

This morning, join us on an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Discover the Vercors Massif and enjoy a tasting of local sparkling wine (Clairette de Die).* The Vercors Massif contains impressive sites and breathtaking views. We’ll discover many of these on a trip through its natural park. Peaks, trails, rushing streams, steep cliffs, and rolling mountain pastures await. The Vercors Massif was also a strategic location for the French Resistance during World War II. We’ll visit the quaint town of Die—known for its delicious sparkling wine—and enjoy a tasting. After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Avignon, arriving during the evening.

Optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Join us this morning for a guided tour of Avignon and the Papal Palace. Avignon has had quite a past. The city’s historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Included in this area is the Papal Palace, one of the largest and most important Gothic buildings in Europe and the city’s most famous attraction. Our ship will cruise to Arles. The afternoon will be dedicated to an optional guided tour of Arles.

This morning, join us for an optional excursion: CLASSIC package: Tour the Camargue. We’ll visit a manade to enjoy a horse show. DISCOVERY package: Safari in the Camargue in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Set out on an exciting jaunt into the heart of the wild Camargue. Sit back and admire the rivers, marshes, ponds, pink flamencos, black bulls, and the famous, indigenous Camargue horses. Whether on the edge of the sea or inland, each spot is an immersion in the wonders nature has to offer in France. Our ship will cruise to Martigues. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. Transfer by coach to Lyon or Marseille(2).

Sales Useful info

Included : What you need to know before your departure

Not included Useful info

• Child discount (2-9 years) : - 20%

Shore Excursions

Mandatory information

Formalities Some administrative formalities to take into account in order to prepare your trip

For the safety of our passengers, the captain and crew of the boat may decide to modify the navigational itinerary.

(1) Depending on mooring availabilities, the stopover in Martigues may be replaced by Port Saint Louis du Rhône.

(2) Transfer by coach from Martigues to Lyon or Marseille D7, our transfers are guaranted for a minimum of 20 persons.

Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures

Europe River Cruises

With longer port calls and our destination-focused approach, Viking maximizes your discoveries in Europe. From the fairytale castles of the Middle Rhine to the natural beauty of Norwegian fjords, you will gain deep insight into the continent’s cultural and historic riches.

Rhine Getaway

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Grand European Tour

Romantic Danube

Danube Waltz

Lyon & Provence

Paris & the Heart of Normandy

Cities of Light

Paris to the Swiss Alps

Châteaux, Rivers & Wine

London, Paris & D-Day

Paris & D-Day 80th Anniversary

France’s Finest

Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland

NEW! Rhine & Main Explorer

Portugal’s River of Gold

Passage to Eastern Europe

Capitals of Eastern Europe

Elegant Elbe

Holland & Belgium

Tulips & Windmills

European Sojourn

Treasures of the Rhine

NEW! Treasures of the Danube

Christmas on the Seine

Christmas on the Rhine

Christmas on the Danube

Danube Christmas Delights

Christmas on the Rhine & Moselle

Christmas on the Main & Moselle

Christmas Along the Elbe

Rhine & Viking Shores & Fjords

Highlights of europe river cruises.

Europe’s inland waterways and stunning seaside coasts are brimming with old-world treasures. Discover them in celebrated capitals such as Vienna and Oslo, and in delightfully surprising ports, like Bratislava, Slovakia and Skagen, Denmark. From river to ocean, you can find:

• Cologne’s towering Gothic cathedral
• A traditional Sami ceremony north of the Arctic Circle
• Ancient trade routes of the Vikings
• Budapest’s regal Parliament building and Chain Bridge
• Sheep farming and wool production in a Faroese village
• Vintners tending their vines in quintas along the Douro
• The Hanseatic past of historic Bergen
• Kinderdijk’s windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Picturesque Icelandic waterfalls and fjords
• Award-winning beers at Britain’s oldest brewhouse

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2024-2027 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from August 1-31, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn and Capitals of Eastern Europe, Paris to the Swiss Alps, Cities of Light, London DDAY & Paris, Rhine & Main Explorer. Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by August 31, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by September 30, 2024. 2026 : Pay in full by March 31, 2025. 2027 : Pay in full by November 30, 2025. Offers expires August 31, 2024.

$25 DEPOSIT:  $25 DEPOSIT: For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to January 2025 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to March 2025 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $799 per person or Business Class air from $3,499 per person based on select gateways and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the Viking Air Plus page.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract .

AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS:  Offer expires August 31, 2024.

NOTE: U.S. flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.

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River Cruise Vacations

Reasons to Choose a River Cruise

River cruising is an experience unlike any other. River ships carry on average about 150 guests and their smaller size allows them to give you personal attention, plus bring you right into the heart of bigger cities and smaller towns. Simply step ashore to start exploring. Onboard, you unpack only once to see a variety of destinations. And, the food is amazing. Enjoy fresh, local foods, accompanied by regional wines and top-shelf spirits. When you want to explore the rivers of Europe, Asia, Africa, or the U.S., talk to a AAA Advisor. Why? Because many of our AAA Advisors are certified River Cruise experts.

Summer Sale

Journey into the heart of Europe, Asia, Egypt, and beyond on a culturally immersive scenic cruise. Right now, take advantage of Summer savings: up to FREE International Airfare, Special Fares & $25 Deposit on select 2024-2026 River voyages.

Anniversary Sale

For a limited time, receive up to 20% cruise savings when you reserve select 2024 or 2025 AmaWaterways sailings. Plus, this offer is combinable with their special AirPlus fixed rates on airfare

2024 Cruise Savings Event

Book your all-inclusive, luxury river cruise now, and you’ll save up to $3,000 per person on a wide selection of Uniworld's most popular itineraries sailing in 2024.

River Cruising Events

If sailing serenely along the word's beautiful rivers is on your bucket list, learn more about river cruising at one of our informative presentations.

Latest Deals

• AmaWaterways River Cruises - 2024 Holiday Savings
• AmaWaterways River Cruises - Anniversary Sale
• AmaWaterways River Cruises - Reserve your 2026 river cruise early and save
• AmaWaterways River Cruises - Mekong 2-for-1 Land Offer

Featured River Cruises

AmaWaterWays

Take joy in exquisite cuisine, enriching excursions, and unparalleled service as you journey along legendary rivers through the heart of Europe, Asia, and Africa with award-winning AmaWaterways. 

Member Benefits

• Save up to $600 per stateroom • Welcome gift • Book select AAA Vacations® departures and receive additional benefits

The world’s leading river cruise line—Viking. Named the #1 River Cruise Line by Travel+Leisure readers in 2022, Viking takes guests closer to their destinations with included shore excursions, insightful lectures, and regional cuisine.  

• Receive up to $200 per person onboard credit

Uniworld River Cruises

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises—the world's most luxurious all-inclusive river cruise line—features one-of-a-kind ships, exclusive excursions, and gourmet cuisine. 

• Save up to $500 per couple • Book select AAA Vacations® departures and receive additional benefits

Tauck River Cruises

Discover the all-inclusive value of the Tauck River Cruising experience...with one upfront price and virtually every river cruise expense included. You get what you pay for, and then some.

• Save $150 per person on the purchase of all classes of Tauck Air on all international itineraries

US River Cruises

American Cruise Lines

Enjoy an all-American experience sailing the Mississippi River, Eastern U.S., and Pacific Northwest on a river boat, paddle wheeler, or coastal vessel offering guests locally-sourced cuisine and shore excursions.

• Enjoy a $50 per-booking savings and a $50 per-person onboard credit

Viking Mississippi

Stretching for 2,350 miles down the United States, from Minnesota's Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, our new cruises on the "Mighty Mississippi" offer a different type of cross-country journey for the curious explorer—one that allows you to be immersed in American history and culture.

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2023 Top-Rated Europe Journeys

Below, discover your inspiration with our top-rated guest favorites.

European River Cruises

River Cruise

The Blue Danube

Prague, Bratislava, Regensburg, Vienna, Budapest, Salzburg

Royal Danube, Berlin & Kraków

Berlin, Vienna, Kraków, Linz, Potsdam, Bratislava, Cesky Krumlov

The Rhine, Swiss Alps & Amsterdam

Visit:  

Amsterdam, Zürich, Basel, Köln, Rüdesheim, Colmar

The Rhine and Moselle

Basel, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Heidelberg, Nijmegen, Baden-Baden

Rhine Enchantment, Milan to Amsterdam

Impressions from the seine: paris to normandy.

Versailles, Paris, Beaches of Normandy, Rouen, Giverny, Caudebec-en-Caux

European Land Journeys

Land Journey

Classic Italy

Rome, Venice, Naples, Pompeii, Florence, Cinqe Terre

A Week In... Venice, Florence & Rome

Rome, Vatican City, Venice, Florence

Spain and Portugal

Porto, Madrid, Lisbon, Seville, Sintra, Cordoba

A Week In... Spain

Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Malaga

Switzerland: Europe's Crown Jewel

Geneva, St. Moritz, Lucerne, Stresa, Lausanne, Bern

A Week In... Scotland

Edinburgh, Inverness, Loch Ness, Glasgow, Culloden, Palace of Holyroodhouse

A Week In... Ireland

Dublin, Blarney, Cork, Kinsale, Cliffs of Moher, Dromoland Castle

Normandy, Brittany, Paris & the Loire Valley

Paris, Versailles, Beaches of Normandy, Mont-St-Michel, Bayeux, Giverny

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Russian River Cruises

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• Moscow — St. Petersburg
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Lorem Ipsum

Moscow to Saint Petersburg

13 days – 12 nights

Collapse Full Itinerary

Gold, Platinum  Airport transfer / Check-in at centrally located Marriott Aurora***** or Ararat Park Hyatt*****

Imperial : Private airport transfer / Check-in at the luxurious Four Seasons Moscow***** only a minute from the Kremlin and Red Square

Volga dream experience:

Gold: City Tour / Novodevichy Cemetery Imperial, Platinum:  City tour / Lunch in a Moscow City Skyscraper / Novodevichy Cemetery / Sparrow Hills

Meals: Breakfast

Platinum / Imperial

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Gold:  Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square / GUM Department Store

Platinum:  Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square / St. Basil’s Cathedral / GUM Department Store / Park Zaryadye

Gold:  Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro Tour.

Platinum:  Leo Tolstoy House-Museum in Hamovniki / Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro Tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gold, Platinum:  Town of Uglich / Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood

Volga dream experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony & Russian Cooking Class

Gold, Platinum:  Yaroslavl City Tour / Governor’s house 

Volga dream experience: Sun Deck Barbeque

Gold:  Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery  

Platinum:  Ferapontov Monastery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting

Gold, Platinum: Kizhi Island / Lake Onega

Volga dream experience: Piano Concert – Compositions by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov

Gold, Platinum:  Svirstroy village / Local resident’s home / Local primary school

Volga dream experience: Farewell Dinner, Captain’s cocktail

Gold:  City Tour / Peter and Paul Fortress

Platinum:  City Tour / St. Isaac’s Cathedral / Canal boat / Yusupov Palace

Gold:  The State Hermitage Museum / Peterhof: Park and a historic Cottage

Platinum:  The State Hermitage Museum (Early Entrance!) / Gold Room / Peterhof: Park and a historic Cottage

Gold:  Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room

Platinum:  Faberge Museum / Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room

Meals: Breakfast / Imperial

Gold, Platinum, Imperial: Check-out / Airport transfer

Volga dream experience: -

The rates are set for a cruising season. The price is not dependent on the month within a selected year

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All prices are per person based on double occupancy.

All rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Actual size of cabins can slightly differ within one category.

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Journey: Volga Dream

Price per person: not specified

I thought river cruises were just for retirees, but a Disney river cruise proved me wrong

Editor's Note

When my Gen X and younger friends ask me about river cruises, I always tell them to stay away. River cruises are wonderful vacations, but they're targeted at retirees, not families with kids. Each day, you'll dutifully follow a flag- or sign-carrying guide to World War II memorials and local cathedrals — your ever-present Quietvox headset marking you immediately as a tourist. River cruises are like bus tours, just on the water, and geared toward the pace and interests of older couples.

But that was before I signed up for an Adventures by Disney Rhine River cruise.

We might have stopped at the same French, German and Dutch cities as other river cruises, but the vibe was completely different. In the Black Forest, I whooped and hollered as my alpine toboggan sped around stomach-dropping curves. In Strasbourg, I got an upper-body workout canoeing through the city's canals, and in Cologne, I visited a chocolate museum with lots of samples.

Even better? My entire family came with me, allowing me to introduce my kids to several countries in Europe with activities that appealed to them, on a ship filled with other families and knowledgeable guides that would ease our travel.

Apparently, river cruising can actually appeal to younger travelers.

If you didn't know that a Disney river cruise was a vacation option, you're not alone. Disney's oceangoing cruise ships are better known. Your friends and family members have likely considered or even booked a vacation on one of Mickey's floating resorts, full of fabulous kids clubs, adults-only escapes and numerous opportunities to hobnob with princesses and your favorite Disney characters. Shorter sailings out of Florida or California make these cruises easy to pair with theme park vacations at Disney World or Disneyland.

Adventures by Disney isn't always about the water. The brand's escorted-vacation arm mainly offers land-based explorations of places like Wyoming and Paris, but also partners with river cruise line AmaWaterways to run multigenerational-family-friendly cruises on the Rhine, Seine and Danube rivers. These trips offer all the attention to detail and magical moments you love from Disney, but with a more refined vibe and a tiny fraction of the Mouse. The Disney guides on board will take the stress out of vacationing while also bringing all the fun.

If you've fantasized about floating down European waterways and introducing your kids to new countries in a hassle-free way, but are looking for more active excursions and like-minded shipmates, Adventures by Disney might be the vacation you didn't know you needed.

I spent a week in July with my husband and two kids (ages 10 and 13) on an Adventures by Disney Rhine River cruise. From our experience, here's how Disney does river cruising differently.

Everyone age 5 and up is welcome

The under-8 crowd on our river cruise was small ... but mighty.

They were always the first people on the dance floor after dinner, even though it was well past their regular bedtime. They proudly helped the guides hold their "paddles of power" signs high in the air for the rest of us to follow along. They were the clear favorites of the ship's wait staff, who made them flowers out of napkins and masks and swords out of paper.

Adventures by Disney recommends its cruises for travelers ages 8 and up, but everyone over 5 is welcome. Nearly one-third of the guests on our 160-passenger ship were under 18, with a handful of college-age young adults mixed in. Most were traveling with their parents, but a few were in multigenerational or skip-gen groups with their grandparents.

Our shipmates included several adult couples and friend groups traveling without children, which I wasn't expecting. They tended to be Disney adults — members of the Disney Vacation Club, Disney Cruise Line devotees or folks who had vacationed with Disney with their children or grandchildren and appreciated the Disney service.

This age mix is not the typical river cruise passenger base. Whenever our ship berthed next to a ship from another company, I saw mainly gray-headed couples.

If you love Disney or its attention to detail, but you don't want to sail with kids, know that Adventures by Disney offers adults-exclusive food and wine and Oktoberfest cruises on specific dates.

Related: Best cruise lines for families

The ship is designed with families in mind

Disney doesn't just charter river ships — it partners with AmaWaterways to create a family-friendly environment on the European waterways. The family-owned cruise line even built a few river ships with its Disney passengers in mind.

Unlike most other ships sailing the Rhine, Seine and Danube, our ship, AmaLucia, has cabins and suites that can accommodate more than two travelers. Some cabins have a connecting door, so families of four or five can create a shared space. Others are triples with an easy chair that transforms into a single bed. Suites have pull-out sofa beds.

AmaWaterways' unique twin balcony setup — a true balcony just large enough to fit two chairs plus a French balcony adjacent to a small sitting area — creates space for those bed chairs and the connecting doors. My daughter was a big fan of sitting on our balcony to read, and I doubt she would have gotten as much pleasure from an open window or door inside the cabin.

AmaLucia also has one amenity that most other river ships don't have — a pool.

It's small and only 3 feet deep, but you'd be wrong if you thought it wasn't the main hangout for many of the kids on board. My daughter said the pool was half sunscreen by the end of the trip, but that didn't stop her and her new buddies from heading there every afternoon they could. The giant chess set behind it on the sun deck was also a gathering spot for the young teens.

The chefs on board make sure to have kid-friendly meal options special for the Disney river cruises. I doubt the regular AmaWaterways passengers consume as many chocolate cornflakes as my son did each morning. (They might not even be offered sugar cereals!) A kids menu each night at dinner included pasta (buttered noodles were a big hit), burgers, chicken tenders and hot dogs. One day when we came back to the ship for lunch, we ate in the casual dining space behind the lounge because pizza was on the menu.

On many days, we had the option to eat lunch in town or head back to the ship for a buffet lunch. If your kids are willing to be adventurous, you can all try the local cuisine, but if they're not, you have the option of going back to the ship for more familiar fare. Or, you can do like my family and eat giant scoops of gelato for lunch rather than sitting down to a meal.

Adventure Guides hold your hand and entertain your children

Most river cruises have a cruise manager who will organize tours and answer questions. Adventures by Disney sailings employ up to five Adventure Guides (the number is based on passenger count) who wear many hats and bring the service level on the ship up a notch.

The guides perform the cruise manager role — hosting briefings each evening to explain the next day's schedules and options, shepherding guests on and off buses, liaising with local guides, and answering guest questions. But they go above and beyond. When the lunch options on our Black Forest tour changed to something my family doesn't eat, our guide Gina proactively reached out to find an alternative and made certain that our family got the special meals we ordered.

The Adventure Guides are not technically youth staff, and they don't always plan kids activities during time spent on board. But they make a point to engage with the younger travelers. They host at least two Junior Adventure dinners, where they supervise a kids buffet so parents can enjoy an adults-only meal in the ship's restaurant or Chef's Table, and run a movie night one evening in the lounge.

They also distract kids during more adult-oriented excursions so parents can participate rather than wrangle children. On our cruise, one 6-year-old reported that her favorite excursion was the wine tasting because she got to drink juice and play with the Adventure Guides, who had whisked all the kids into a courtyard away from the adults. The guide on our tour of the Van Gogh Museum also took a young cruiser aside to help her with a scavenger hunt so her parents could listen to the local guide talk about the art; she also asked my son about the books he was reading, and patiently listened while he talked a mile a minute about this favorite fantasy series.

The Adventure Guides also know the best local treats to try ("spaghetti" ice cream in Heidelberg, chimney cakes in Rudesheim) and where to find them. They can give recommendations about activities during free time in town, but don't expect them to personally tour you around.

Guides hail from a mix of backgrounds; our fearless leaders were Americans Amanda and Gina, French Hugo and Clement, and German Susanna. All are chosen for their knowledge of the cruise area and the local language, but many also have experience working in Disney parks around the world. They come to the job with excellent people skills (Amanda has a psychology degree; Gina worked as a teacher) and an understanding of the Disney brand philosophy when it comes to creating magical family experiences.

While we loved all the guides, I found that the American guides were perhaps the best at understanding the needs of American tourists, but the European guides brought a local perspective to the places we visited. Clemente told a moving tale about discovering how his grandmother's family in Normandy had hidden Jewish families during WWII, and Susanna told funny stories about driving in Germany.

Excursions are varied and active

The biggest appeal to me of an Adventures by Disney river cruise was the excursions. Instead of endless walking tours and history lessons, we could choose from more active and hands-on tours.

In the Black Forest, we raced down a hill on alpine toboggans before visiting an open-air museum where the kids churned butter and decorated wooden whistles. In Strasbourg, France, we canoed through the canals before a macaron-making event on the ship, and in Rudesheim, Germany, we took a cable car to the top of the hill. In Cologne, we visited a chocolate museum.

More adult-minded tours were offered for cruisers traveling without children or for families willing to split up for the day. Several winery tours were offered, as well as a jovial pub crawl in Cologne to try German beer. More relaxed tours included a short trip to the village of Riquewihr in France that inspired Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" and a canal boat ride instead of the canoe in Strasbourg.

After some of the organized activities, passengers had free time in a city like Heidelberg or Cologne with multiple bus options back to the ship. Tired children or grandparents could return early, while more intrepid sightseers could stay all afternoon. In several ports, passengers could walk from the ship into town to do their own exploration or enjoy dinner off the ship. The flexible schedule worked for both independent travelers and those who wanted their hands held.

Most river ships carry bicycles for guest use, and AmaLucia had a fleet of adult-sized bikes we could borrow. Adventures by Disney makes sure to bring aboard a few kid-sized bikes and helmets, which allowed us to go biking with our 10-year-old in Rudesheim.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

The Disney touches are sweet and subtle

A life-sized Mickey Mouse did not cruise with us; no princess made an appearance. Still, you never forgot you were on a Disney-run cruise.

Music from the Disney songbook was always playing in the background in the ship's lounge, and Disney movies were shown on a few nights. Ratatouille made an appearance at the macaron-making event, and the afternoon tea service included Mickey-shaped cookies.

But there were two Disney traditions throughout the cruise that the whole ship loved. Each evening, a stuffed Captain Minnie doll was handed off to a new passenger, who had to take her on adventures (and keep her safe) the following day. At the evening recap, Minnie's minder would have to recount her adventures and choose which passenger would travel with her the following day. (On our cruise, Minnie loved riding the bus and always made sure to wear her seat belt.)

The other much-anticipated daily event was the presentation of the day's pin. Each day, the Adventure Guides handed out Disney-character pins related to the day's destination and activity with slogans like "Rendezvous on the Rhine." Some we found on our pillows, along with our turndown chocolates, while others were distributed on the tour bus or at the evening recap. My usually too-cool-for-school kids would get anxious when evening came around and we hadn't gotten a new pin.

You can attach the pins to a lanyard, hat or backpack, or save them to trade at Disney pin-trading events on land and sea.

Your kids will make friends

My kids are not social butterflies. They tend to be shy in big groups of kids and prefer to hang out alone or with us when we travel. My daughter is always hesitant about going to the kids club on ocean cruise ships; my son goes exclusively to play video games and not to talk to other tweens.

So I was not sure what to expect from the kid and teen social scene on board.

To my surprise and delight, my 10-year-old daughter made friends on day one with a 14-year-old girl in our group. They sat on the bus together and shared a toboggan on their first ride. Although my daughter wasn't thrilled about attending the Junior Adventurer dinner, she was willing to go because her friend was there. That friend introduced her to some of the other kids, so that by the last night my daughter was inviting other girls her age to play giant chess on the sun deck.

My son didn't make any specific friends, but he met all the young teens at the first teen dinner. When they got bored, the teens would knock on all the other teens' doors, including my son's, and invite everyone to play Roblox in the lounge or chess up on deck. Sometimes they would run through the hallways knocking on doors or try to play pranks on each other, but as far as I could tell, they were being inclusive and not forming exclusive cliques.

The trip is all-inclusive

Adventures by Disney river cruises aren't cheap. Prices start at $5,799 per adult or $5,199 per child under age 12, so upward of $21,996 for a family of four sharing two cabins. But you get a lot for your money.

All of the excursions are included; unlike other river cruises, there are no tour options you need to pay extra for. The guides would hand out tickets or tokens to try a local coffee for free or to gain entrance to a windmill, rather than letting those things be add-on costs.

All meals on the ship are included, including the multicourse Chef's Table, as well as select meals during longer excursions. Wine, beer and soft drinks are always included at lunch and dinner (as well as sparkling wine and fresh juices at breakfast). You can also enjoy free cocktails during a daily Sip and Sail happy hour, with mocktail options for the kids.

Wi-Fi, crew gratuities, airport transfers and taxes are also included.

We mainly spent money on lunch or treats off the ship, as well as one dinner in Amsterdam when we were docked overnight, but on all of those occasions, we could have eaten on the ship if we wished. During free time off the ship, we also chose to pay for a few activities on our own, such as climbing to the top of the cathedral in Cologne and riding the funicular in Heidelberg all the way to the top (our Disney-included castle ticket included the cost to ride the lower funicular). AmaLucia offers a spa and salon, and guests can book treatments for an additional cost.

Bottom line

River cruises aren't the perfect vacation for all families. They're not cheap, and days are busy with morning tour departures at 8 or 9 a.m. and often jam-packed days of sightseeing. You're constantly surrounded by other people, sharing tables at dinner or buses to activities, and that can be overwhelming for some families.

However, if you want the ease of one home base, prescheduled meals and activities, and the support of knowledgeable guides as you introduce your kids to the joys of overseas travel, a Disney river cruise can be the ideal way to travel. It's a familiar environment from which to explore foreign countries, with just the right amount of fairy dust to make your vacation magical. And unlike typical river cruises, Adventures by Disney cruises are built to appeal to kids, teens, parents and grandparents alike.

Now when my friends express interest in a river cruise, I don't have to burst their bubble. I can tell them they've got options for family-friendly adventures on the Rhine, Seine and Danube.

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