Lonely Planet Cruise Ports European Rivers

Sip your wine while watching picture-perfect European scenery breeze past castles, medieval villages and fields of flowers. European river cruises are elegantly casual affairs, perfect for exploring the arts and culture that beckon ashore.

Active travellers, nature and culture aficionados, as well as families of all sizes, have discovered that cruising down a quiet, traffic-free river, surrounded by scenic riverfront views, is an ideal way to see Europe. This change in European travel is unfolding in real time, as each year more and more cruise lines offer immersive learning experiences such as cooking classes and home visits, or activities like bicycle trips and long hikes. In fact, a river cruise is often the best way to experience destinations for the first time.

And, of course, theres the food. Many cruise lines offer a regional menu or serve almost solely local cuisine. They know their guests are keen to indulge and cook accordingly. Look for cruises offering cooking classes with the chef as an added bonus.

By necessity, European riverboats are far smallerthan the vessels that cruise the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas. Passenger numbers are usually fewer than 200, making these cruises a far more social and intimate experience. More frequent stops mean much more onshore activity.

Additionally, there are no inside cabins on a European river cruise. Cabins come with a large window at the very least, and a great many have their own balcony or floor-to-ceiling panoramic views. You might even forego the ships entertainment just to watch the scenery breeze past.

Gorgeous meanders and noble German cities

The stretch of the south of Koblenz contains Germanys most majestic scenery, winding through picture-perfect villages and craggy landscapes. Beyond, the river grows large as it courses through major cities like Cologne, many of which were founded by the Romans. Cultural travellers will be rewarded with such sightseeing gems as the magnificent cathedrals of Cologne and Speyer, plus some richly endowed art galleries.

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Southern Rhine, France, Germany & Switzerland

Explore intriguing towns in this borderland

Running between Germanys famed Black Forest on one side and the glorious French wine region of Alsace on the other, the southern stretch of the features a fascinating blend of cultures. Landscapes range from picturesque to more industrial, with cities such as Strasbourg and Basel offering brilliant attractions.

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Western Danube, Austria & Germany

Romantic landscapes in the heart of Europe

Coursing through Bavaria, the is dotted with postcard-perfect towns and picturesque stretches of riverbank a golden example of European river cruising. Theres plenty to keep you interested on the way, from the culture of Vienna to the intriguing history of Nuremberg.

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Eastern Danube, Hungary & Serbia

A cross-section of Europes lesser-known east

The begins with one of the rivers major highlights, magnificent Budapest, the capital of Hungary and home to bathhouses and intriguing cuisine. Beyond here, the river traces a circuitous path through Eastern Europe, taking in intriguing post-communist locales, as well as some of Europes lesser-known cultures. Parts of this section of the Danube are a bit off-the-beaten-track and are all the better for it.