The popularity of river cruising continues to grow year after year with more and more people discovering the charms of small ship cruising.
It’s the life; calmly drifting along a river and being waited on hand and foot whilst you glide past beautiful scenery before docking in the heart of historic cities.
However whilst you’re in the middle of choosing the right ship, don’t neglect some serious research into which river you really want to cruise down!
The Danube
This enchanting river is known as one of Europe’s most romantic rivers. It’s halted armies at its banks, been the inspiration behind Strauss’s Waltz and inspired lovers to the lengths of its banks!
From imperial Budapest to the stunningly romantic city of Vienna, this river has something for everyone. From medieval fortresses to Baroque buildings- there will always be a spectacular view for you to witness passing you by.
Flowing from the Black Forest of Germany to the Black Sea, the Danube has shaped the history of Central Europe over many centuries.
Did You Know: The Danube is Europe’s second longest river—more than twice the length of the Rhine and nearly three and a half times the length of the Rhône!
The Enchanting River Danube is one of Europe’s most romantic rivers providing the beauty of Wachau Valley, glorious castles of Europe, Medieval Monasteries and luscious vineyards.
Rhine
Steeped in myth and legend, the Rhine has it all with castles stolen from fairytales, majestic cathedrals, historic hilltop towns and the stunning scenery of the rolling meadows and mountains of the Black Forest.
From medieval bridges in Strasburg to relaxing in a cafe in the charming Drosselgasse, Rudesheim; there’s a picturesque view to exploring every bend of the Rhine.
The majority of river cruise lines offer seven-night cruises on the Rhine, giving you plenty of opportunity to see the highlights, which include Germany’s many charming castles such as Marksburg Castle and the ruins of Heidelberg which command the riverbanks as you sail by.
Admire the beautiful Cologne, otherwise known as the jewel of the Rhine, with its awe-inspiring Dom and experience the lush landscape of the Black Forest region.
You can even witness Holland’s famous windmills and waterworks, encounter multicultural Strasbourg in France, and take part in the inviting nightlife in Rüdesheim’s Drosselgasse.
Douro
You may not have heard of this river but it travels through Portugal and Spain and sailing along it gives you stunning views of the local countryside. Journey through the Iberian landscape which is known for being a paradise for wine lovers.
Douro’s wine region is a UNESCO World Heritage for its majestic wilderness. The wine you’ll find is unequal to anything else in colour and taste- visit and celebrate its unique characteristics!
Imagine views of hillside vineyards, dramatic cliffs and grand manor houses. You’ll enter into a land of tradition where its cultural expressions sit side by side in the form of museums, fairs, pilgrimages and the adoration of saints.
Seine
The beautiful River Seine, for us, has to be the most romantic river out there combining the best of both worlds.
Journeying through mesmerising urban landscapes and under some of the world’s most beautiful bridges of Paris to the idyllic countryside and diverse landscapes of epic forests and picturesque vineyards, offering panoramic views of France’s heartland.
This charming and elegant waterway flows along the Seine Valley, winding through iconic cities and lesser-known regions of Normandy, revealing the Seine’s timeless beauty. Sail through the culture and romance of Paris, enjoy the rustic charm of Melun and see the garden that inspired many of Claude Monet’s masterpieces.
The Seine is without a doubt the most well-known river in France and its name derives from the Latin Sequana or ‘snake’.
After glancing at the river on a map you will immediately appreciate how this came about – it meanders, snakelike, through the countryside, from the heart of France to the Normandy Coast.
Winding through the countryside, the Seine takes passengers to some of the most picturesque and storied locations possible.
The Rhone
From the Seine in the north, we head now to Southern France for a whole new perspective with a cruise on the tranquil River Rhone where you can take in the breathtaking landscapes that inspired the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso and Gauguin.
The Rhone will carry you into the heart of Burgundy and Provence where you can watch and learn the region’s traditional wine-making techniques, explore the Gao-Roman ruins, take a visit to the Papai Palace and taste the culinary delights in Lyon!
Originating as an outflow of the Rhone Glacier in Valais, Switzerland the Rhone is an Alpine River. From the Swiss Alps, the river runs down into Lake Geneva from one end and exiting from the other, then into the city of Geneva before ploughing across the Juna Mountains to Lyon where it meets the River Saone from the North.
The river then continues through the rich wine-growing regions of south-eastern France to Arles before eventually emptying into the Mediterranean Sea.
The Mekong
Last but by no means least we head from the heart of Europe to the Far East to explore the bustling cities in Vietnam to the tranquillity of Cambodia.
This truly is a journey of a lifetime. Visit the colourful floating markets in the Mekong Delta and the Royal Palace in Cambodia’s French capital, Phnom Penh.
Not only will you sail past spectacular and beautiful landscapes but also stay in glistening cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.
What do you think of the top river cruises? Which ones would you most like to cruise down? Which rivers have you already experienced?
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