River cruises offer a unique perspective and a different way to explore new destinations at a leisurely pace. Choosing the right destination, especially if you are a first time cruiser, is therefore very important and overwhelming as well.
So, if you don't fancy sailing out to sea and instead experiencing a river cruise is on your mind, take a closer look at these top boat-based destinations that will provide a fascinating insight of the attractions on the region's inland waterways.
Danube River Cruise
Destinations covered: Budapest, Vienna, Hungary and the Danube Delta
The Danube is the second largest river in Europe which flows through ten countries, and a cruise along the river opens up a diverse range of itineraries that offer a perfect introduction to first-time cruisers to some breathtaking European destinations.
The Danube River Cruise offers back-to-back city breaks, particularly the cruise between Budapest in Hungary to Vienna in Austria which offers three spectacular capital cities to explore. If you sail further down on the Lower Danube, you can add a fourth capital city in Belgrade.
Where the Danube meets the Dead Sea, the delta stretches for hundreds of thousands of hectares and is home to some of the most impressive wildlife in the world and more than 300 species of birds who call the delta their home.
The Danube River Cruise offers back-to-back city breaks, particularly the cruise between Budapest in Hungary to Vienna in Austria which offers three spectacular capital cities to explore. If you sail further down on the Lower Danube, you can add a fourth capital city in Belgrade.
Where the Danube meets the Dead Sea, the delta stretches for hundreds of thousands of hectares and is home to some of the most impressive wildlife in the world and more than 300 species of birds who call the delta their home.
The Rhine River Cruise
Destinations covered: Cologne, The Rhine Gorge, Andermach, Mainz, Wurzburg, Bamberg and Nuremberg
On a cruise along the famous Middle Rhine River Valley you can experience some of the most inspiring scenery in the world. This enchanting sailing trip offers a rich blend of history, cultural heritage and traditions.
Starting from the historic city of Cologne, you will sail through medieval Germany with its old towns and castles. Cruisers will get to marvel at the beauty of the Rhine Gorge and the charming villages of Boppard and Rothenburg, apart from other major cities
Experience a journey through time, art as well as architecture as you sail leisurely through one of the most captivating regions of Europe.
Starting from the historic city of Cologne, you will sail through medieval Germany with its old towns and castles. Cruisers will get to marvel at the beauty of the Rhine Gorge and the charming villages of Boppard and Rothenburg, apart from other major cities
Experience a journey through time, art as well as architecture as you sail leisurely through one of the most captivating regions of Europe.
The Douro Valley Cruise
Destinations covered: Douro, Porto and Salamanca
Once a highly precarious stretch of water to traverse, the Douro river cruise from the Roman city of Porto is today one of Europe’s best kept secret in one of the most undiscovered corners of Europe. The cruise covers ancient sleepy villages, medieval towns and breathtaking rolling hills and valleys of the striking Douro Valley.
From Porto you cruise to Castelo Rodrigo, the higher reaches of the valley to visit Salamanca, Mateus Palace Gardens, Lamego and back to Porto where you disembark on the eighth day of your journey after a thrilling away from it all experience.
On the cruise you will see the site of one of the oldest universities in the world at Salamanca, two of the finest cathedral’s of Europe, monasteries and vineyards that have remained unchained over centuries, and when you return back you will feel you have been away from home for months on end.
From Porto you cruise to Castelo Rodrigo, the higher reaches of the valley to visit Salamanca, Mateus Palace Gardens, Lamego and back to Porto where you disembark on the eighth day of your journey after a thrilling away from it all experience.
On the cruise you will see the site of one of the oldest universities in the world at Salamanca, two of the finest cathedral’s of Europe, monasteries and vineyards that have remained unchained over centuries, and when you return back you will feel you have been away from home for months on end.
What about you, what are your favourite river cruises? Feel free to share any tips & advice below!
