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8 of the best European river cruises for 2025 and 2026, from the enchanting Rhine to the magical Danube
Europe is home to some mighty rivers, and there’s no better way to get to know historic waterways than by cruise ship
The choice of river cruises is on the rise, with more ships and interesting itineraries than ever before.
Typically setting sail on smaller vessels, river cruises can get you closer to iconic and unique destinations that larger ships can’t reach. And compared with ocean cruises, river cruise ships can offer even more sightseeing as you can make the most of riverside views as you sail.
As the ships are smaller than ocean vessels they can often dock closer to the centre of a town or city where they may stay late into the evening and even overnight. These ships could also visit more than one port in a day.
The typically calmer water on a river means there is less chance of seasickness unless you are very sensitive to the motion of the ship.
Read more: The best river cruises around the world
European river cruises tend to set sail all year round, spanning key seasonal events from Christmas markets to wine harvests, spring gardens in bloom and more.
Because vessels are smaller, river cruises also tend to have outside-facing cabins, so you can make the most of the views from the luxury of your room. Speaking of luxury; river cruises are celebrated for their luxe furnishings, and their touch of class.
While prices per person may at first glance seem steeper than ocean cruises, river cruises are often all-inclusive, with – more often than not – excursions and on-board meals, drinks, tips and wifi being included in the price. Return flights or Eurostar transfers may also be included in your booking depending on the itinerary.
A range of cruise brands offer river voyages such as Riviera Travel, Viking and Tui.
The market is also set to be boosted by new entrants, including Celebrity Cruises and Trafalgar, with both entering the sector in the coming years.
Lindblad Expeditions is also planning to bring its exploration cruises to European rivers.
Here, we round up some of the best European river cruises for 2025, spanning France, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Austria and more.
Riviera Travel: Music, Arts and Craft of Switzerland River Cruise
Basel – Lucerne – Breisach – Strasbourg – Speyer – Rhine Gorge – Bonn
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This cruise could be music to the ears for fans of classical composers Mendelssohn or Beethoven. Riviera’s eight-day Music, Arts & Craft of Switzerland river cruise down the Rhine takes in the countryside landscapes that inspired Mendelssohn en route to Germany where passengers can visit Bonn, the birthplace of Beethoven.
The sailing also goes past the Rhine Gorge – offering views of vineyards, castles and ruins.
Departs 28 August 2025. From £2,499pp based on two sharing. Includes return flights, Eurostar and transfers.
Uniworld: Wine Roads of France and Portugal
Bordeaux – Cussac Fort Médoc – Cadillac – Blaye, Bourg sur Gironde – Libourne (Saint-Émilion) – Bordeaux – Porto – Regua, Pinhão – Pinhão – Pocinho – Vega de Terrón – Salamanca – Barca d’Alva – Braga – Porto – Lisbon
Uniworld offers a fantastic selection of themed and specialist cruises, from LGBT+ itineraries to women-only trips. For those who like to plan their travels around sampling local food and drink, this expansive 18-day cruise covers key French and Portuguese wine regions, with flights from Bordeaux to Porto in between. You can set sail aboard SS Bon Voyage in France or SS São Gabriel in Portugal and will get the chance to meet local vintners at French chateaux and Douro River Valley quintas. Uniworld also offers a range of cruise extensions, so you can extend your holiday.
Departs 26 October 2025. From £11,999pp, transfers, excursions and on-board gratuities included.
Viking: Elegant Elbe
Berlin – Potsdam – Wittenberg – Meissen – Dresden – Bad Schandau – Děčín – Prague
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Explore Germany’s third largest river, the Elbe, and cultural highlights along the way with this 10-day cruise aboard Viking Astrild. Nature lovers will enjoy passing by the verdant Elbe Biosphere Reserve – look out for white-tailed eagles and the Siberian iris – while culture enthusiasts will get plenty of opportunities to explore historic hotspots including Berlin, Potsdam, Prague, Wittenberg and more.
Departs 1 November 2025. From £4,095pp, return flights included plus one complimentary shore excursion at each port.
Passau – Linz – Emmersdorf – Duernstein – Vienna – Bratislava – Esztergom – Budapest
If you are looking for a cruise full of your favourite things, guests sailing from Passau to Budapest on this Amadeus Danube cruise could meet Elisabeth von Trapp, granddaughter of Captain and Maria von Trapp whose story inspired The Sound of Music.
On a visit to Salzburg from Linz, passengers will be met by Elisabeth, a certified Austrian guide and accomplished musician, who will lead a private walking tour through the city’s charming streets and musical landmarks.
Sailing on the 168-capacity Amadeus Imperial, passengers will also get the chance to see her share stories and musical memories on board.
Departs 24 July 2025. From £2,246 per person.
Scenic Cruises: Normandy & Gems of the Seine
Paris – Les Andelys – Rouen – Honfleur – Caudebec-En-Caux – Vernon – Conflans – Paris
One of the most searched for cruises worldwide last year, Seine river cruises promise a sight-filled tour of Paris, taking in iconic landmarks (from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame) from the water. Beyond the City of Light, this 10-night cruise on board a ‘Scenic Space-Ship’ will slice through northern France, transporting passengers to Vernon, Rouen, Honfleur and more. This cruise is a great option for history buffs, with the chance to listen to on-board lectures about the First and Second World Wars, as well as to visit plenty of churches, museums and palaces.
Departs 29 October 2025. From £4,765pp, return flights included.
Uniworld: Milan, Venice & the jewels of Veneto
Milan – Venice – Mazzorbo – Burano – Chioggia – Athens
Bookended by Milan and Venice, this 10-day exploration of Italy from the water will take in the scenic islands and waterways of Veneto, as well as the colourful houses of Burano, and the fish markets of Chioggia. Excursions – eight are included in the price – span trips to Verona, where Romeo and Juliet is set, vineyard tours and glass-blowing demonstrations. Passengers will set sail on the River Countess, renovated in 2020.
Departs 3 November 2025. From £2,399pp. Includes unlimited beverages on board, plus eight days of excursions. Flights not included.
Emerald Cruises: Holland and Belgium in bloom
Amsterdam – Rotterdam – The Hague – Antwerp – Arnhem – Amsterdam
Explore Holland and Belgium with this seven-night cruise aboard a Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Take advantage of the variety of excursions included in the price such as architectural tours of Rotterdam, guided bike trips to Waterland, tours to Zaanse Schans windmills and a visit to Keukenhof Gardens to see 79 acres of technicolour tulips. On board, there will be everything from clog painting to fine dining, plus an open-air sundeck on offer.
Departs 27 March 2026. From £2,355pp. Excursions, meals, and tipping and gratuities included. Flights not included.
Jules Verne: Péniche Provençale
Sète – Villeneuve les Maguelone – Aigues-Mortes / Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer – Gallician – Arles
One of the many advantages of a river cruise are the small vessels you get to explore the waterways on, and MS Péniche Anne-Marie has just 10 cabins. This scenic six-night trip aboard this comfortable barge will cruise by Roman ruins in Arles, wildlife in the Camargue and sandy beaches in Villeneue-les-Maguelone. On board, passengers can take in the incredible views from the terrace (or even the terrace’s hot tub). This no-fly cruise is great for those looking to avoid the airport – you simply need to take the Eurostar and TGV from London to Avignon via Lille.
Departs 7 May 2026. From £3,295pp. Includes rail travel, transfers, full board and drinks on board.
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