River cruises: Europe from the water
Small ships, big scenery and a new storybook town every day, with guided walks, regional wines and the heart of the city right outside your window.
Intimate ships, docked in the heart of town
River ships carry fewer than 200 guests, so the atmosphere is relaxed and personal. There are no tenders and no crowds at the gangway: most days you step ashore right in the middle of town, often with a guided walking tour included.
Fares are wonderfully inclusive, typically covering shore excursions, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, and Wi-Fi. Many of my clients start with a river cruise in Europe and never look back.
Perfect for you if…
- You want culture, history and food more than nightlife
- You'd rather sightsee than spend days at sea
- You prefer a smaller, quieter ship and like-minded travelers
- You'd like most excursions and drinks with meals already included
Where river cruises shine
The Rhine
Amsterdam to Basel past castles, vineyards and the Lorelei rock, with a day in Strasbourg.
The Danube
Bavaria, Vienna, the Wachau Valley and Budapest, one of the loveliest arrivals in Europe.
The Seine
Paris, Monet's gardens at Giverny and the Normandy beaches.
The Rhône & Saône
Provence, Lyon's food scene and Burgundy's wine country.
The Douro
Portugal's terraced port-wine valley, sunny and less traveled.
Christmas markets
Festive Rhine and Danube sailings from late November through December.
Cologne · the Rhine
Berlin · the Spree
Germany
Life on board
Best times of year
European rivers are at their best from spring through fall, with a magical extra season in December.
Holland and Belgium in full bloom, including the Keukenhof gardens.
Long days, warm evenings and outdoor dining on the sun deck.
Grape harvests along the Rhine, Danube and Douro, with golden autumn color.
Glühwein, gingerbread and twinkling town squares.
The right ship makes the trip
Each river line has its own personality, from Viking's Scandinavian calm to Uniworld's boutique-hotel glamour. I'll help you choose.
Your fare usually covers
- An outside-facing stateroom (no inside cabins on river ships)
- All onboard meals, often with regional specialties
- Wine and beer with lunch and dinner on most lines
- A guided tour in most ports
- Wi-Fi and onboard enrichment talks
Inclusions vary by line and fare. I'll spell out exactly what's covered, and what isn't, before you book.
Ask about my group space & current offers
River cruises sell out early, especially the Christmas markets and spring tulip sailings. Cruise fares change daily, and the rates I can hold for my clients are often better than what's advertised online.
Find your perfect voyage
Ocean Cruises
Wake up in a new port nearly every day, from the Mediterranean to the fjords of Norway.
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Expedition Cruises
Antarctica, the Galápagos, Greenland and Iceland, with naturalists, Zodiacs and very few crowds.
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Luxury Cruises
All-suite ships, butler service and fares that include the excursions, the drinks and the gratuities.
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Family Cruises
Water parks for the kids, quiet decks for the grandparents, and connecting cabins for everyone.
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