The European river cruise season runs from March to December, with peak season from June to August offering the warmest weather and longest days. Spring (April-May) is ideal for tulip season on the Rhine and pleasant temperatures along the Danube. Autumn (September-October) brings harvest festivals, wine season, and golden foliage through the Wachau Valley and Rhine Gorge. November and December are dedicated to Christmas market cruises along the Rhine and Danube, which are enormously popular and book out well in advance. River levels can occasionally affect itineraries during very dry summers or spring snowmelt.
River cruises are intimate affairs on purpose-built longships carrying 100-190 guests, docking in the centre of towns and cities rather than at industrial ports. The Danube connects Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, and Passau, passing through the stunning Wachau Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of terraced vineyards and medieval abbeys) and the dramatic Iron Gates gorge on the Serbia-Romania border. The Rhine threads through Amsterdam, Cologne, the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge with its hilltop castles, Strasbourg, and Basel. The Main-Danube Canal links the two great rivers, enabling grand voyages from Amsterdam to Budapest. Other popular waterways include the Rhone (Burgundy and Provence), the Seine (Paris to Normandy), and the Douro (Portugal's port wine country). Expect included walking tours, wine tastings, cooking classes, and cycling excursions, with most meals and drinks included.
Our European Rivers specialists can help you find the perfect voyage — from first-time cruisers to seasoned travellers.
