Historically, Europe developed around the great waterways that wind themselves through the heartland of the old country. European river cruises can take you to the places that inspired Van Gogh along the Rhone or to the birthplace of Impressionism along the Seine.European riverboats are smaller and more intimate than traditional cruise ships. These floating hotels allow you to see many places while enjoying the comfort of the same bed every night. You can enjoy fine European cuisine in the dining room or simply relax and view the vineyards, castles and hamlets from the observation deck. All staterooms have large picture windows for maximum viewing. On most river cruises, city tours are included in the price. A few of the highlights of major rivers to cruise in Europe are:
The Danube: On a Danube River cruise, you'll discover Europe's vineyard-lined valleys and beautifully preserved medieval towns in countries such as Germany, Austria, Hungary, Serbia and Romania. The most popular river cruise is the Grand European sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest or reverse. Christmas Markets cruises are very popular on the Danube. These are a great value because it is off season and the festive holiday atmosphere is a treat.
The Duro: Many Douro River cruises visit Porto, founding place of Portugal's famous port wine. You may enjoy the gardens of the baroque manor house, Solar de Mateus, near Vila Real, or join an excursion to Lamego's Gothic cathedral and 11th century castle. Many Douro River cruises visit the Spanish city of Salamanca, home to one of the oldest universities in the world and one of Europe's most impressive squares.
The Elbe: Visit Magdeburg, where you can explore the Old Market and visit the tomb of Emperor Otto. You may stop at Wittenberg Castle and the Castle Church where Martin Luther posted his 95 theses and sparked the Protestant Reformation. Or, you may visit a porcelain factory, or Albrechtsburg Castle, or sample Saxon wine in Meissen. You may also sail through the sandstone formations of Dresden, the capital of Saxony, and journey into Prague for visits to Wenceslas Square, Old Town City Hall and Charles Bridge.
The Mosel: Cruises on the Mosel River are often combined with Rhine River cruises and are a great way to experience some of Europe's oldest cities. You'll discover s castles built more than 1,000 years ago, towns with architecture that ranges from Roman to rococo, and lush vineyards, as journey through Germany, Luxembourg and France. Many Mosel River cruises visit Trier, Germany's oldest city, founded in 16 B.C. by Roman Emperor Augustus. You may also explore the Reichsburg Castle in Cochem, or the U.S. Memorial Cemetery in Hamm, Luxembourg, where General George Patton is buried.
The Oder: Oder River cruises are a great way to discover the Old World charm of interesting and little-known towns in Germany and Poland. Oder River cruises often visit Stralsund, a Hanseatic League city in northern Germany. You may also enjoy a stop in Szcsecin, Poland's largest port, to see St. Jacob's Cathedral or the Loitz House, the 16th century house where the Russian empress Catherine the Great was born.
Po River: A Po River cruise shows you rich culture, fascinating art, and cuisine of northern Italy. Most Po River cruises visit Venice, one of the world's most romantic cities, where you can take a gondola ride through the famous canals before you tour St. Mark's Basilica. You may enjoy excursions to a famous glass blowing factory on the island of Murano, a stop in monument-filled Mantua, which is the setting for Verdi's Opera Rigoletto, and a visit to the lace merchants in Burano or to the home of Parmesan cheese, Parma.
The Rhine: Rhine River cruises are perhaps the most popular of all European river cruises. Some riverboats sail strictly on the Rhine River (known as the Rhein River in Germany.) You may visit Basel, Switzerland's second largest city, where you can stop at the medieval town hall, see works by Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali at the museum of fine art and catch a great view of the Rhine River from Wettstein Bridge. Enjoy a stop in Bamberg, Germany for a taste of smokebeer and a visit to the 11th century cathedral of Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II.
The Rhone: There's no better way to experience the romance of the South of France than on a Rhone River cruise. You’ll discover French history, culture and the country's stunning scenery. Most Rhone River cruises visit Lyon, at the convergence of the Rhone and Saone Rivers, where you can taste succulent French cuisine before visiting St. Pierre Palace, Place des Terraux and Fourviere Hill. You may see Roman treasures and some of Vincent Van Gogh's favorite views in Arles, the Gothic Palais des Papes (Pope's Palace) in Avignon.
The Saone: A Saone River cruise is a great way to experience the picturesque, vineyard-covered countryside in France's famed Burgundy wine region. You'll not only discover the magnificent wines and cuisine of the region, but you will also explore French history, culture and a wealth of notable buildings with varied architectural styles. Most Saone River cruises visit Macon, where you can walk the Parcours Patrimonial heritage trail and see Old St. Vincent Cathedral, the dome of Hotel Dieu, Soufflot Chapel and numerous museums. You may also enjoy excursions to Tournus, home to St. Philibert, an abbey and church completed in the 12th century. You'll stop in the important wine trading port of Chalon-sur-Saone, where the 17th century Church of St. Pierre and the crypt of St. Benigne are not to be missed.
The Seine: Experience the splendor of northern France's Normandy region on a Seine River cruise. You'll discover the history, culture and beauty of this region, known as the birthplace of Impressionism. Most Seine River cruises visit Paris, the City of Lights, where you can see world famous architectural masterpieces and museums, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Arch de Triomphe and Louvre museum, home of the Mona Lisa. Visit the farmhouse and gardens where Claude Monet lived and worked in Giverny or stop in Les Andelys to see Richard the Lionheart's Chateau Gaillard and the Nicholas Poussin museum. Many Seine River cruises also sail to Le Havre, where you can join an excursion to the Normandy beaches and the D-day landing site.