8 of the best European river cruises for 2026 and 2027, from the enchanting Rhine to the magical Danube
Europe is home to some mighty rivers and there’s no better way to get to know historic waterways than on a cruise ship
Astrong
The choice of river cruises is on the rise, getting guests closer to a range of destinations that larger ocean-going ships can’t reach.
Typically setting sail on smaller vessels – with capacity ranging from around 100 to 250 guests – river cruises can often dock right in the centre of a town or city where they may stay late into the evening and even overnight, providing more time to enjoy and explore an area.
The typically calmer water on a river means there is less chance of seasickness unless you are very sensitive to the motion of the ship.
European river cruises tend to set sail all year round, spanning key seasonal events from Christmas markets to wine harvests, spring gardens in bloom and more.
Because vessels are smaller, river cruises often have outside-facing cabins, so you can make the most of the views from the luxury of your room. Speaking of luxury; river cruises are celebrated for their luxe furnishings and their touch of class.
While prices per person may at first glance seem steeper than ocean cruises, river cruises are often all-inclusive, with – more often than not – excursions and on-board meals, drinks, tips and wifi being included in the price. Return flights or Eurostar transfers may also be included in your booking depending on the itinerary.
A range of cruise brands offer river voyages such as Riviera Travel, Viking and Tui.
The market is also set to be boosted by new entrants, including Celebrity Cruises and Trafalgar, with both entering the sector in the coming years.
Lindblad Expeditions is also planning to bring its exploration cruises to European rivers.
Here, we round up some of the best European river cruises for 2026 and 2027, spanning France, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Austria and more.
Amadeus: Rhine Concert Cruise
Cologne – Bonn – Nijmegen – Rotterdam – Dordrecht – Amsterdam
This cruise could be music to the ears of classical fans.
You could experience a river cruise and concert with “King of the Waltz” conductor and violinist André Rieu.
Amadeus River Cruises’ “Rhine Concert Cruise“ sails from Cologne to Amsterdam for six nights including stops at Bonn, which is the birthplace of Beethoven, as well visits to Nijmegen, Arnhem, Rotterdam and Dordrecht.
It finishes with a performance by Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra in the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam.
Departs 4 January 2027. From £2,589pp.
Uniworld: Wine Roads of France and Portugal
Bordeaux – Cussac Fort Médoc – Cadillac – Blaye, Bourg sur Gironde – Libourne (Saint-Émilion) – Bordeaux – Porto – Regua, Pinhão – Pinhão – Pocinho – Vega de Terrón – Salamanca – Barca d’Alva – Braga – Porto – Lisbon
Uniworld offers a fantastic selection of themed and specialist cruises, from LGBT+ itineraries to women-only trips. For those who like to plan their travels around sampling local food and drink, this expansive 18-day cruise covers key French and Portuguese wine regions, with flights from Bordeaux to Porto in between. You can set sail aboard SS Bon Voyage in France or SS São Gabriel in Portugal and will get the chance to meet local vintners at French chateaux and Douro River Valley quintas. Uniworld also offers a range of cruise extensions, so you can extend your holiday.
Regular sailings between July and October 2026. From £8,849pp.
Viking: Elegant Elbe
Berlin – Potsdam – Wittenberg – Meissen – Dresden – Bad Schandau – Děčín – Prague
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Explore Germany’s third largest river, the Elbe, and cultural highlights along the way with this 10-day cruise aboard Viking Astrild. Nature lovers will enjoy passing by the verdant Elbe Biosphere Reserve – look out for white-tailed eagles and the Siberian iris – while culture enthusiasts will get plenty of opportunities to explore historic hotspots including Berlin, Potsdam, Prague, Wittenberg and more.
Regular sailings between April and November 2026. From £2,795pp, return flights included plus one complimentary shore excursion at each port.
AmaWaterways: Magna on Danube
Budapest – Bratislava – Vienna – Krems – Spitz – Linz – Passau – Vilshofen
Discover the grand cities and riverbank villages along the Danube with AmaWaterways.
Staying aboard AmaMagna, one of the largest river cruise ships on the water with capacity for 196 guests.
The sailing goes from Budapest in Hungary to Vilshofen in Germany but also visits Austria, giving you chances to hike around castles and cycle across cities such as Vienna.
AmaWaterways even holds its own Bavarian Oktoberfest with local beer on tap in Passau and there are Christmas markets sailings.
Regular departures between March and December. From £2,198 per person, flights included.
Scenic Cruises: Normandy & Gems of the Seine
Paris – Les Andelys – Rouen – Honfleur – Caudebec-En-Caux – Vernon – Conflans – Paris
One of the most in demand, Seine river cruises promise a sight-filled tour of Paris, taking in iconic landmarks (from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame) from the water. Beyond the City of Light, this 10-night cruise on board a “Scenic Space-Ship” will slice through northern France, transporting passengers to Vernon, Rouen, Honfleur and more. This cruise is a great option for history buffs, with the chance to listen to on-board lectures about the First and Second World Wars, as well as to visit plenty of churches, museums and palaces.
Regular departures between April and October. From £4,190pp, return flights included.
Riviera Travel Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca River Cruise
Porto – Régua – Pinhão – Salamanca – Lamego – Porto
Sail along Portugal’s tranquil Douro River while discovering the country’s history and raise a glass in the port warehouses of Porto.
Highlights of this seven-night all-inclusive sailing with Riviera Travel include exploring the rock art at Côa Valley and sampling the moscatel wines.
There is also a stop in Salamanca that includes a traditional flamenco show.
Regular sailings between March and October. From £2,199pp. Flights and transfers included.
Emerald Cruises: Holland and Belgium in bloom
Amsterdam – Rotterdam – The Hague – Antwerp – Arnhem – Amsterdam
Explore Holland and Belgium with this seven-night cruise aboard a Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Take advantage of the variety of excursions included in the price such as architectural tours of Rotterdam, guided bike trips to Waterland, tours to Zaanse Schans windmills and a visit to Keukenhof Gardens to see 79 acres of technicolour tulips. On board, there will be everything from clog painting to fine dining, plus an open-air sundeck on offer.
Departs 5 April 2026. From £2,692pp. Excursions, meals, and tipping and gratuities included. Flights not included.
Jules Verne: Péniche Provençale
Sète – Villeneuve les Maguelone – Aigues-Mortes / Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer – Gallician – Arles
One of the many advantages of a river cruise are the small vessels you get to explore the waterways on, and MS Péniche Anne-Marie has just 10 cabins. This scenic six-night trip aboard this comfortable barge will cruise by Roman ruins in Arles, wildlife in the Camargue and sandy beaches in Villeneue-les-Maguelone. On board, passengers can take in the incredible views from the terrace (or even the terrace’s hot tub). This no-fly cruise is great for those looking to avoid the airport – you simply need to take the Eurostar and TGV from London to Avignon via Lille.
Departs 7 May 2026. From £3,295pp. Includes rail travel, transfers, full board and drinks on board.
Read more: The best European cruise holiday destinations
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