European River Cruises

A European river cruise offers a delightful blend of historical exploration, scenic beauty, and cultural immersion. Picture yourself leisurely cruising along iconic rivers like the Danube or Rhine, passing by charming towns, medieval castles, and lush vineyards. Each bend in the river reveals a new vista, from the picturesque landscapes to the architectural marvels lining the riverbanks.

Convenience is key on a river cruise. Unpack just once in your comfortable cabin and let the ship transport you from one captivating destination to the next. With gourmet dining onboard featuring local flavors and ingredients, culinary delights are part of the journey. And when you dock, embark on guided tours to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, medieval cities, and renowned cultural landmarks, often with exclusive access and insights.

But it's not just about the destinations; it's also about the journey. Relax on the ship's deck as the stunning scenery glides by, from the vineyard-covered hills of the Rhine Valley to the romantic landscapes of the Douro. Enjoy leisurely mornings with a coffee on deck, indulge in spa treatments, or participate in onboard activities. In the evenings, savor exquisite dinners and perhaps attend a local performance or lecture onboard.

Ultimately, a European river cruise offers an unforgettable blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural enrichment—a truly immersive experience that unveils the soul of Europe one charming port at a time.

 There are a lot of options to cruise in Europe, but we see just a couple advertised in Australia. There are many more that most people have not heard of yet, so lets go through some options and explain the differences.

Every line tries to have that one special thing, like including airfares in the price, or having a butler on board, or special experiences. If that feature really appeals to you, then they are the cruise line to go with.

Most of the lines pricing is very similar, and their cruises are also all of a great standard - there is no bad cruise on this list.

Most of the itineraries are similar - there are only so many rivers! One approach is to start with the river you want to see, when you want to travel, then select the cruise line that has the right trip for you. Again, all of the lines on this list will give you an amazing experience.

Use the information below to reseach what cruise line you like, what itinerary appeals to you, and when you want to go.

Then talk to us and we will make it all happen, and include a little extra that you cannot get on the cruise line website. We have access to a lot of special deals that will save you money.

AmaWaterways is unique for its focus on active, immersive travel experiences and exceptional service. 

Known for their innovative itineraries, they offer extensive shore excursions, including hiking and biking tours, catering to active travelers. 

Their ships feature luxurious amenities like spacious staterooms with twin balconies, gourmet dining, and wellness programs. 

AmaWaterways provides an intimate, personalized journey with attentive staff, and an emphasis on local culture and cuisine. Their commitment to sustainability and partnerships with leading culinary and wellness experts enhance the travel experience. 

This blend of active exploration, luxury, and cultural enrichment sets AmaWaterways apart in river cruising.

Uniworld River Cruises stands out from other cruise lines with their unparalleled commitment to luxury and authenticity. 

They offer meticulously designed ships that resemble boutique hotels, blending elegant decor with modern amenities. Uniworld's itineraries focus on cultural immersion, featuring exclusive shore excursions led by expert guides and opportunities to engage deeply with local traditions. 

Their cuisine is a highlight, showcasing regional specialties and gourmet dining experiences. With an emphasis on personalized service and attention to detail, Uniworld ensures every guest enjoys a unique and enriching journey along Europe's rivers, setting them apart as a leader in luxury river cruising.

Scenic Cruises stands out for its all-inclusive, ultra-luxury experiences. Known for five-star amenities, their ships offer spacious suites with private butler service and private balconies. 

Scenic ensures a worry-free journey with all excursions, fine dining, drinks, and gratuities included. 

They provide unique, immersive cultural experiences with exclusive Scenic Enrich events and tailor-made Scenic Freechoice activities. 

The small ship size allows access to less crowded, picturesque destinations. 

Scenic's commitment to high-end, personalized service, coupled with their comprehensive luxury and innovative shore excursions, makes them a top choice for those seeking a sophisticated and all-encompassing river cruise experience.

Tauck River Cruises stands out for its all-inclusive, high-end travel experiences and deep cultural immersion. 

Known for small group sizes and personalized service, they offer exclusive access to attractions and local experiences unavailable to other travelers. 

Tauck includes everything from shore excursions and gratuities to dining and premium drinks, ensuring a seamless, hassle-free journey. 

Their expert-guided tours and attention to detail provide rich historical and cultural insights. 

With luxury ships and a focus on enriching, unique itineraries, Tauck provides a superior river cruise experience that combines comfort, exclusivity, and in-depth exploration of destinations.

Viking Cruises is unique for its focus on cultural immersion and elegant simplicity. 

With small ships designed for intimate, destination-focused itineraries, Viking offers enriching experiences with inclusive shore excursions and educational programs. Their modern Scandinavian design creates a serene, luxurious atmosphere free from crowds and family-oriented activities, as they maintain an adults-only policy. 

The emphasis is on exploration rather than onboard entertainment, allowing guests to deeply connect with each destination. 

This commitment to quality and cultural enrichment, along with their all-inclusive pricing model, sets Viking apart as a refined choice for discerning travelers seeking immersive travel experiences.

Avalon Waterways River Cruises are distinguished by their innovative Suite Ships® with Panorama Suites featuring wall-to-wall windows for stunning views. 

They offer a variety of excursions tailored to different interests, from guided tours to active adventures like hiking. 

Onboard, guests enjoy elegant dining, spacious lounges, and wellness areas. Avalon emphasizes personalized exploration and luxury, ensuring each guest experiences Europe's rivers in comfort and style. 

Their commitment to exceptional service and attention to detail makes Avalon a top choice for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation, cultural immersion, and memorable experiences on their river cruise journeys.

Emerald River Cruises offer a unique blend of luxury and intimacy, sailing Europe's waterways with small ships accommodating fewer than 200 guests. 

Their cruises are distinguished by personalized attention, insightful excursions led by local guides, and modern, spacious accommodations with panoramic views. Guests enjoy gourmet dining, stylish lounges, and relaxing spaces like sun decks and wellness centers. 

Emerald River Cruises are renowned for their exceptional service, cultural immersion, and memorable travel experiences, making them a top choice for travelers seeking a luxurious and enriching journey through Europe's picturesque rivers.

APT River Cruises stand out due to their intimate, immersive, and scenic experiences on rivers like the Danube and Rhine. 

With a focus on luxury and personalized service, they offer small ship cruises that allow for deeper cultural exploration and access to unique destinations often unreachable by larger vessels. 

Their all-inclusive packages cover excursions, gourmet meals, and beverages, ensuring a hassle-free journey. 

APT's emphasis on enrichment activities, such as local expert talks and exclusive events, enhances the travel experience, making each cruise not just a trip but a journey into the heart of the world's great rivers and cultures.

Talk to Corina and let her do all the hard work of finding the right cruise for you.

Start with where you would like to go, how much you would like to spend, and let us create the perfect trip for you.

Call now on 0433 152436.