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SliderEuropean River Cruises

Discover the Rhine, Danube, Douro & Beyond

River cruise ship sailing the Rhine Gorge.

Thinking about a European river cruise on the Rhine, Danube, Seine, or Douro? You’re in the right place.


Whether it’s your first river cruise or your tenth, planning can feel overwhelming—so many cruise lines, itineraries, and inclusions to compare. As a Certified River Cruise Specialist with years of firsthand experience, I help travelers cut through the noise and find the perfect sailing that matches their interests, style, and pace.

From the romantic Rhine and historic Danube to the vineyard-covered Douro and even the legendary Nile or Mekong, river cruising is one of the most immersive, enriching, and stress-free ways to see the world.

Dream Vacations Franchise since February 2017

River cruise ship docked in Passau, Germany on the Danube

Why Choose a River Cruise?

River cruising offers a unique blend of luxury, culture, and connection. You’ll enjoy:

• Carefully paced itineraries without the stress of packing and unpacking
• Authentic local experiences in storybook towns and world-class cities
• Scenic sailing past vineyards, castles, and medieval villages
• A boutique atmosphere with like-minded travelers
• All-inclusive amenities like wine with meals, guided excursions, and Wi-Fi

Picture this: sipping regional wine on the sundeck, drifting past fairytale castles, and stepping right off the ship into cobblestone villages—all while someone else handles the logistics.

River cruise guests enjoying lunch with a castle view

Experience the Best of Europe on a River Cruise

A European river cruise is the easiest way to explore the heart of the continent. Legendary rivers like the Danube, Rhine, Seine, and Douro take you past centuries of history, lush vineyards, and vibrant cultural capitals.


Unpack once in your floating boutique hotel and relax as each stop brings new discoveries—local cuisine, UNESCO landmarks, and expertly guided tours. With gourmet dining, regional wines, and unforgettable scenery, river cruising is a seamless blend of luxury and cultural immersion.

View from a river cruise ship balcony on the Danube river

What to Expect on a River Cruise

Guests can expect:

• Upscale cabins and attentive service
• All-inclusive dining with regional wines and beer
• Guided shore excursions in every port
• Smaller ships (fewer passengers, more personal space)
• Docking right in the heart of each destination

Sail past the Rhine Gorge’s castles, explore Vienna’s palaces, or enjoy wine tastings in the Douro Valley. Every journey balances relaxation with cultural discovery.

“When I first started looking into river cruises, I was completely overwhelmed… Sonia made everything easy and spot-on. The experience was incredible—and now we’re hooked!”

Lisa M.from Houston, TX

Discover the Rivers

Amawaterways ship sailing the Danube into Durnstein, Austria
Budapest Parliament Building illuminated along the Danube River cruise

Danube River Cruises

Sail through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, stopping in Vienna, Budapest, and Passau. Perfect for history lovers, music enthusiasts, and foodies.

explore danube river cruises
River cruise ships and castle views from the Rhine river

Rhine River Cruises

Iconic castles, terraced vineyards, and vibrant cities like Amsterdam, Cologne, and Strasbourg. A top choice for first-timers.

explore rhine river cruises
River cruise ship in Provence, France

France River Cruises

From Bordeaux’s vineyards to the Normandy beaches and Provence’s lavender fields, French river cruises are a feast of culture, wine, and history.Intimate itineraries with fewer crowds, charming half-timbered villages, and world-renowned wines.

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Amawateways river cruise ship on the main river in Wurzburg, Germany with castle in the background

Main & Moselle River Cruises 

Intimate itineraries with fewer crowds, half-timbered villages, vineyard-covered slopes, and storybook towns like Cochem, Bernkastel, and Trier—perfect for wine lovers and slow travelers.

explore main & moselle river cruises
Visit Ghent Belgium  on a river cruise

Dutch & Belgium Waterways

Tulip fields, windmills, and charming cities like Amsterdam, Bruges, and Ghent. Best known for spring Tulip Time cruises and Belgian chocolate & beer.

explore dutch & belgium waterways river cruises
Douro river with vineyards and sweeping views

Douro River Cruises

Portugal’s UNESCO-listed valley of terraced vineyards, Port wine tastings, and golden landscapes from Porto to the Spanish border.

explore douro river cruises
Egypt river cruise on the nile

Beyond Europe: Global River Cruises

River cruising also opens doors beyond Europe. Sail the Nile in Egypt, explore temples on the Mekong, spot wildlife on Africa’s Chobe River, or uncover vibrant culture along Colombia’s Magdalena River.

explore GLOBAL river cruises

Sonia made planning our river cruise so easy. She listened to what we wanted, found the perfect itinerary, and took care of every detail. The trip was seamless—and unforgettable! We’re already planning our next river cruise with her — this time on the Danube!

Mark & Susan R.from Dallas, TX
Certified River Cruise Specilalist, Sonia Rectenwald

Meet Sonia – Your River Cruise Specialist

Hi, I’m Sonia—your European Travel Insider and Certified River Cruise Specialist. With over 30 years of travel across Europe (and a decade of living there), I’ve made it my mission to help travelers like you discover the joy of stress-free, immersive travel.

I host a private Facebook community for travelers who love European culture, river cruises, and curated group trips. Inside, you’ll find expert tips, cruise line comparisons, and early access to exclusive itineraries. You’ll also get my signature guide, The Ultimate Guide to River Cruising in Europe, free when you join.

get your free river cruise guide
Hosted Group river cruises with Bryson Travel Group

Hosted Group River Cruises

Want to experience the magic of Europe’s rivers with a group of like-minded travelers? Join one of my hosted group river cruises—sailings where I personally travel with the group to make sure every detail is seamless.

Hosted groups are perfect if you:
• Want the confidence of traveling with an expert host
• Enjoy meeting new friends with similar interests
• Love special extras like private group events, exclusive excursions, or welcome gifts

From Christmas Markets on the Rhine to wine cruises through France and Portugal, my hosted groups combine all the perks of a luxury river cruise with the fun and camaraderie of traveling together.

Traveling with Sonia on her hosted group river cruise was the best decision we made—fun, stress-free, and full of wonderful new friends. We can’t wait to join the next one!

Linda & Tomfrom St. Louis, Mo.
Add Pre and post land extensions to your river cruise in Europe

Ready to Plan Your River Cruise?

Whether you’re dreaming of sipping wine in Bordeaux, wandering through Vienna, or drifting past Dutch windmills, there’s a river cruise itinerary designed for you. Let’s find your perfect sailing today.
schedule your complimentary travel consult