Europe is the most popular area for river cruising and growing in leaps and bounds. The Danube and Rhine are the most popular but with new itineraries on the Douro in Portugal, the Bordeaux area in France and even in Italy, will just keep giving you new rivers to explore !
European Itineraries
The Danube
The Danube River is very popular because you’re visiting the larger cities like Nuremberg, Vienna and Budapest. On the cruise that I did, the scenery coming into Budapest during the day was simply spectacular and AMA did a quick night tour on the river around the city with music playing, it was wonderful.
For a trip down the Danube River, view the video below
The Rhine
Cruising the Rhine River was like living in a fairytale viewing all the castles dotted along the hills. Starting in the beautiful canal city of Amsterdam gave us great anticipation for what else we could see by water. It was also terrific for riding the bicycles they had onboard throughout some of the cities like Cologne and Strasbourg.
Here is the Rhine River video
The Seine:
Sailing roundtrip from Paris is the key highlight for the Seine River as there is something for everyone. Romance if you’re a couple, foodies adore it and museum goers could spend a lifetime here. Plus along the way, you’re stopping at places that take your breath away. Some for the art like Claude Monet’s home and others like Normandy were a sad reminder of how many lost their lives at such a young age. It was one of the most emotional days I’ve ever endured and think everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
The Seine video is a longer one as just couldn’t seem to cut
The Rhone:
Quaint villages ? Wine ? Chocolate ? Castles ? Lavender fields ?
No question about it because the Rhone River has it all ! Southern France is a favorite of so many travellers where you can enjoy wine tastings, marvel at ancient Roman ruins, stroll through medieval villages and shop for Provencal crafts. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Avignon as well as Arles, the city where Vincent Van Gogh spent much of his life.
Watch the Rhone river Wine themed cruise below:
Bordeaux Region – The Garonne and Gironde Rivers:
For connoisseurs of great wine, this region is the one for you with visits to century old wineries that still produce prestigious vintages. Plus take in a tour to Cognac and visit the Remy Martin Estate passing the many captivating Chateaux along the way.
Take a look at the 12 day Bordeaux cruise that Linda did on the Scenic Diamond
