Top 17 European River Cruises to Experience in 2025

River cruising offers a unique travel experience distinct from ocean cruising. These journeys through Europe combine smaller vessels, frequent stops, and docking points that provide easy access to major cities. Travelers can unwind while gently floating past picturesque vineyards, quaint villages, and lush meadows. Most cruise lines maintain high standards of luxury, featuring spacious staterooms, gourmet dining options, and sundecks. Many cruises also come with all-inclusive packages that may cover excursions centered around culinary delights and historical landmarks. Several operators, like Viking and Avalon, also handle flight bookings, while others, like Scenic, provide convenient door-to-door transfers, ensuring a stress-free experience.

Here’s a list of the top river cruises in Europe for 2025.

1. Discover the Venetian Lagoon

Ideal for romantic getaways, modern large cruise ships are banned from Venice’s core, making a luxury river cruise the perfect way to explore this iconic city and its enchanting islands. Most trips dock at San Basilio on Giudecca Canal, often allowing for three to four nights to explore the shimmering waters, ornate palaces, and sunlit plazas of Venice.

Venturing into the lagoon, travelers can visit the colorful island of Burano, known for its vibrant homes; Murano, famous for glassmaking; and the tranquil Torcello. Many cruise lines offer day trips to Bologna, featuring pasta-making workshops, while some provide exclusive after-hours tours of St Mark’s Basilica with art historians.

2. Cruise Along the Moselle

Best suited for longer journeys, the narrow Moselle River meets the Rhine at Koblenz and features prominently in extended European river cruises. Known for its spectacular scenery, the Moselle valley boasts terraced vineyards, dramatic castles, and charming villages. The cruise often encompasses historic towns like Cochem and Bernkastel-Kues, both renowned for their excellent wines, before heading to Trier, home to remarkable Roman ruins, including the impressive Porta Nigra gate and a large amphitheater.

3. Travel Through Eastern Danube History

For history enthusiasts, the Danube flows through the scenic Carpathian Mountains, passing landmarks in cities like Novi Sad and Belgrade juxtaposed against the tranquil countryside of Bulgaria and Serbia. Explore the ancient capital of Veliko Tarnovo and notable sites like the Baba Vida fortress and the fascinating rock formations of Belogradchik, while also learning about the more recent history tied to the Balkans conflict.

Many cruise lines have introduced trips along the eastern Danube, with options to extend visits to Bucharest and the mysterious landscapes of Transylvania, a region steeped in both history and folklore.

4. Experience Culture in the Dutch and Belgian Waterways

Spring is ideal for cruising the picturesque waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium, especially as tulip fields bloom in vibrant colors. A cruise often begins in Amsterdam, where travelers can immerse themselves in world-class museums such as the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, as well as the Anne Frank House. Potential stops include the historic harbor town of Veere and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kinderdijk, which features iconic windmills. In Belgium, options abound for chocolate and diamond shopping, alongside beer tastings in Brussels.

5. Savor Wines Along the Garonne and Dordogne

With the Garonne and Dordogne rivers winding through renowned wine regions, a river cruise from Bordeaux is a paradise for wine lovers. Guests can explore the vineyards and châteaux of Saint-Émilion and Sauternes, cycle along picturesque routes, and indulge in the culinary delights at local markets in Libourne while enjoying stunning scenery along the journey.

Onboard experiences may also include views of Bordeaux’s elegant architecture and visits to the Citée du Vin wine museum, reflecting the region’s rich viticulture.

6. Scenic Sojourn Along the Seine

The Seine beckons with spectacular Normandy landscapes, including apple orchards and charming villages. Notable stops on the cruise include historic Rouen and the somber D-Day beaches. Guest experiences can extend to Versailles and the renowned gardens and home of Monet at Giverny.

Additionally, cruises typically begin and end in Paris, offering close proximity to iconic sites like the Champs-Élysées, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower, allowing for unparalleled exploration of France’s bustling capital and serene countryside surroundings.

7. Embrace Culture on the Elbe

For those looking for dramatic landscapes, the Elbe requires adept navigation of shallow-draft boats, allowing passage from Berlin to the enchanting city of Prague. Travelers can stop in historical towns such as Wittenberg and Dresden, with remarkable scenery awaiting as the river snakes through Saxon Switzerland, characterized by sudden sandstone cliffs. Many cruises culminate in Prague, where travelers can further explore this captivating city.

8. Visit Medieval Villages on the Main

Perfect for a holiday season experience, cruises on the Main River deliver travelers through enchanting landscapes dotted with charming villages and historical landmarks, all adorned in festive cheer during winter. Cruises often include guided walking tours through classic towns and visits to key sites like Würzburg, known for its gorgeous baroque palaces.

9. Fall for the Enchanting Rhine

Spanning a lengthy route from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea, the Rhine holds significant historical and cultural importance. Engage on a romantic river cruise that allows passage through picturesque vineyards and medieval towns, with stops in notable cities like Strasbourg and Cologne. Unique routes may also venture into the scenic Moselle region.

10. Sail the Rhône to Provencal Vistas

A river cruise along the Rhône encompasses a tour of France’s exceptional landscapes, from vineyards of Burgundy to Provence’s sun-drenched hills. The artistry of Lyon, the historical streets of Avignon, and the grandeur of Arles will be key highlights of this captivating journey.

11. Unearth Culinary Delights on the Douro

Focusing on wine tasting and gourmet offerings, a cruise on the Douro River, often departing from Porto, allows travelers to indulge in the region’s culinary delights. Experiences range from exploring historic towns to savoring local dishes, including adventures to Salamanca in Spain, known for its rich history and flamenco performances.

12. Experience the Scenic Blue Danube

A river cruise on the Danube reveals central Europe’s charm, transporting guests to numerous destinations, including the beautiful cities of Vienna and Bratislava. A changing landscape invites discovery each day, while Budapest offers an enchanting experience with attractions that underline its status as the “Pearl of the Danube.”

13. Explore Bohemian Wonders on the Vltava

The Vltava may be narrow in some spots, allowing for a unique cruise experience through Czech Republic’s lush countryside. Journeys start in Prague and may include visits to historic sites like Konopiste Castle, while offering glimpses of enchanting towns and stunning natural vistas.

14. Journey Through the Caledonian Canal

Following the Great Glen’s natural fault line, the Caledonian Canal winds through Scotland, showcasing the majestic landscape that includes Loch Ness, where adventure awaits as travelers keep an eye out for the famous Loch Ness Monster.

15. Savor the Allure of Southern Spain

Andalusia is a land of vibrancy and history, packed with experiences ranging from flamenco performances to tours of architectural wonders. A river cruise explores picturesque cities like Seville, Jerez, and Cordoba, weaving through the rich cultural heritage of Spain.

16. Embrace Italian Charm on the Po River

Cruising the Po River between Venice and Mantua showcases Italy’s beauty, with stops at towns like Chioggia and Adria. Excursions may lead to notable sites like the Doge’s Palace and wine tastings along the way, perfectly capturing Italy’s rich culture and landscape.

17. Discover History on the Thames

The Thames, flowing through nine counties, is England’s longest river and is rich in historical significance. Begin your journey in London and sail to historic locations like Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle while absorbing England’s captivating past.

Reporting contributed by Richard Mellor and Siobhan Grogan