6th February 2023

Have you been on a river cruise before? The waterways of Europe offer some of the most beautiful ways to view medieval castles, quaint villages and lush, beautiful countryside. Here are some of our favourites...

Rhine

The Rhine is a unique river that promises a magical journey to picturesque castles, fascinating UNESCO sites, medieval towns, and panoramic vineyard terraces.

On a river cruise along the Rhine, you will have the opportunity to visit five breathtaking countries as you travel along this charming waterway: the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Germany, and Switzerland. Highlights include the famous Black Forest in Breisach and the pretty Medieval French town of Colmar. In the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, you will experience the impressive Rhine Gorge and the Renaissance Castle of Mannheim.

Danube

Flowing through ten different countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the Danube has a captivating past. Cruises often begin in Germany, a country known for its stunning medieval architecture and picturesque castle-dotted landscapes. Discover Nuremberg, where the Main Danube Canal travels on its way to the Black Sea. Another highlight is Vienna. Known as the City of Music, historic residents such as Beethoven and Mozart are among the most famous composers in the world.

Other highlights include Prague in the Czech Republic and Budapest, in one of Europe's oldest countries, Hungary. The infamous Chain Bridge spans the Danube and separates Budapest's hilly Buda from the flat Pest on either side of the river.

Rhône

There are many highlights as you sail along the Rhône and Lyon features high on that list. One of the oldest cities in France, its charming cobbled streets allow you to step back in time as you explore landmarks like the imposing Notre Dame Basilica.

As the river heads south, it passes through provençal villages and vineyards, leading to towns such as Vienne. This ancient Roman town is set in a natural valley, and boasts many ruins, as well as a castle and cathedral. Another highlight is Avignon - UNESCO has designated The Palais des Papes as a World Heritage Site. This Gothic palace, which dates back to the 1300s, is Europe's largest. The grandiose village of Tournon has a castle nestled above it in the hills, if you cross the pretty footbridge over the river towards it, you will be rewarded with incredible views over the valley it sits in.

Douro

This idyllic river starts in Spain and flows through the Douro Valley in Northern Portugal. This region has some of the world's oldest vineyards, boasting a 2,000-year-old wine-making history. 

Highlights of the Douro include the Ducal Palace in Guimaraes, the birthplace of the first King of Portugal. You can visit Casa de Mateus, the castle that is featured on the label of the renowned Mateus wine and Pinhao also offers an opportunity to sample wines of the region. Portugal's second-largest city, Porto, is the starting or finishing point for most Douro cruises. Head to medieval Ribeira and get lost in its winding streets or stroll around the gardens of the Palacio de Cristal.

Venice

Ok, so this isn't strictly a river, but since Venice has been closed off to ocean cruising, the river is now the only way you can visit by water. Whilst the main island of Venice, with its impressive Doge Palace and St. Mark's Square, might remain the focal point, the outlying islands offer much for the visitor. 

Take a river tour and you will be in the heart of the action, staying in a floating boutique hotel which will take you to the many islands that the Venetian lagoon is home to. There is a colourful Burano, with it's brightly painted houses, Murano, famous for it's arts and crafts, particularly glass-blowing and Chioggia a quintessential fishing village. Founded in the fifth century, it was known as the pantry of Venice because of its many small truck farms, which supplied Venetian households with produce until just a few decades ago.

Seine

The Seine river is the second largest river in France after the Loire. It rises near the town of Dijon, in the hills of the Côte d’Or and slowly ambles under 37 bridges in the City of Light - Paris - as it makes its way to its estuary at Le Havre and into the English Channel. Paris needs no introduction, but the Seine offers views of landmarks like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral that you just cannot get on land. Art fans will appreciate the region of Caudebec-en-Caux, where Monet lived and painted the picturesque gardens of his home in Giverny and visit Vincent van Gogh's last place of residence at Le Maison de Van Gogh in the town of Auvers-Sur-Oise.

As you travel past Les Andelys, the impressive Château Gaillard's striking exterior offers the chance to see a fascinating example of medieval military architecture. The sprawling medieval city of Rouen has an impressive cathedral as its focal point and the half-timbered houses along the river bank make a pretty backdrop as you glide past. The Seine then twists and turns to Honfleur, the gateway to the Normandy Beaches. The Landing Museum at Arromanches gives a detailed history of one of the biggest Allied operations of the Second World War. The Bayeux Cemetery provides the opportunity for a moment of sombre reflection, in a valley abundant with flowers and orchards. 

Loire

The longest river in France, the Loire winds its way through the French countryside for over 630 miles. For centuries the aristocracy of France has built castles and palaces in the scenic Loire valley and as you meander along the river, you will find that it still retains its old-world charm and historical beauty. The region is brimming with Chateaux waiting to be explored. The fairytale castle Chateau d'Ussé was the inspiration behind the Charles Perrault story 'The Sleeping Beauty in the Woods', with its cream stone, enchanting turrets and steeples. Set on an island on the river Indre, Chateau Azay-le-Rideau is quite a sight, while Chateau de Villandry has fantastic gardens.

At Anger, you will find an impressive fortress at the heart of the city, with the largest medieval tapestry in the world on display. If you stroll through the narrow streets of ancient villages, you will find a treasure trove of artisan stores. Merchants sell goods that have been made the same way for centuries, from speciality cheeses to hand-painted pottery. It is safe to say that every cruise along the Loire River has something to delight and captivate everyone.

Is your favourite European river featured? Let us know what's next on your list...