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

Many river cruises offer similar itineraries, but every cruise line puts its own spin on the experience.

There are ample staterooms with full balconies to choose fromincluding spacious suites.

River cruise along Heidelberg, Germany

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Guests enjoy Viking’s destination-focused dining as well as the variety of itineraries.

Returning to Bordeaux, guests will explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the capital of the wine world.

In Bratislava, learn about Slovakian history on a walking tour.

Viking river cruise sailing through Porto, Portugal.

Viking Cruises

Visit Schonbrunn 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 the famous film locations featured in The Sound of Music.

AmaWaterways river cruise sails through Bordeaux, France

AmaWaterways

Say farewell to the ship in Vilshofen, Germany, before transferring to Munich for the flight home.

Large bathrooms include full showers and L’Occitane bath amenities.

Throughout Provence, stops include Avignon, Port-Saint-Louis, and Arles.

Adventures by Disney River Cruises passes a hillside castle as it sails the Danube River.

Chloe Rice/Adventures by Disney River Cruises

See the D-Day beaches of Normandy, and the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic Cruises offers both ocean and river voyages.

Both feature its fleet of Space-Ships, which are meticulously designed for roomy quarters.

Uniworld river cruise sailing down the Danube River.

Uniworld River Cruises

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.

Avalon Waterways sails through the Rhone region of France.

Avalon Waterways

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.

Disembark in Mainz to conclude the trip with a transfer to Frankfurt.

An upward view of the Eiffel Tower while ashore from a Tauck river cruise.

Tauck

Most carry bicycles, and all staterooms are equipped with hiking poles.

Overland to a quaint village before returning to Lyon to set sail.

The ship cruises south toward Tournon, with its 16th-century castle.

Scenic Cruises sails by a castle and vineyards along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Other stops include Avignon and Arles.

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.

Large panoramic view of Lyon with Saone river.

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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 skyline view of Berlin, Germany with the TV Tower at dusk.

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Each city has a unique style of architecture and a thriving art scene.

Turning back toward Cologne, enjoy two days in Utrecht before disembarking.

The ship passes the Mosel vineyards and docks in the medieval town of Cochem for a guided walking tour.

Guests watching the sunset from the stern of an A-Rosa cruise ship on the Rhine River.

A-ROSA River Cruises

Guests can tour the town of Bernkastel-Kues and enjoy a wine tasting.

From Bad Schandau, guests have the option to take an excursion by bus to Prague for the day.

Teeming River Cruises offers a mix of programmed group activities and free time.

Lueftner Cruises lit up at night docked on a river.

Lueftner Cruises

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.

River cruise docked along the Elbe or Havel Rivers in Germany.

Nicko Cruises

After disembarkation, take a bus back to Venice.

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.

Teeming River Cruises docked on the river’s bank in Europe.

Jeff and Gina Paglialonga/Teeming River Cruises

Each can accommodate four to 12 passengers, making this a personal experience.

Begin the journey in Tain l’Hermitage and enjoy a wine tasting.

Visit the palace where 14th-century popes lived in Avignon.

Belmond, Afloat in France docked at the river’s side near a small cathedral.

Les Bateaux Belmond

In Arles, explore the surrounding landscape that inspired Van Gogh’s work.

Along the cruise, enjoy fragrant fields of lavender and wild roses, too.

Staterooms have plush furnishings and balconies for outdoor lounging.

Aerial view of Budapest, Hungary and its bridges across the Danube River at sunset.

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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.

After reaching the Danube Delta, travelers return to Budapest for disembarkation.