The rivers in Europe have long been a popular choice for those looking for a mixture of relaxed cruising and stunning scenery, history and culture. European river cruises cover everything from the heartlands of Germany to the sunny south of France and are often great value for money. This article takes a look at a few of the most popular destinations to give you an idea of what’s available.

The Danube

The river Danube flows for over 1,800 miles, winding its way through countries such as Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. This impressive length makes it a fantastic destination for anyone looking for a longer break. Highlights along the river’s length include the historic Hungarian capital of Budapest, Slovakia’s capital Bratislava and the two main cities in Austria, Vienna and Salzburg. The surrounding countryside also has a reputation for its beauty, with the river running through locations such as the Wachau Valley.

The Rhne

Known for being one of the mightiest rivers in France, cruises on the River Rhne travel through some of the country’s most famous regions. Winding its way through Burgundy and Provence, making a cruise here popular with wine aficionados and food lovers, the River Rhne allows you to stop off at a number of fantastic historic destinations. Highlights include the cities of Lyon and Avignon and the Roman ruins in Arles. The Provence countryside is also spectacular, with its famous lavender fields inspiring generations of artists.

The Douro

The Douro is one of the more overlooked cruising destinations in Europe, but this stunning destination is equal to any of the others mentioned so far. The River Douro meanders its way through peaceful towns and villages, and past vineyards and orchards. Highlights along the way include the ancient Spanish university city of Salamanca and Portugal’s historic city, Porto.

The Rhine

We finish with one of the most obvious choices, the impressive River Rhine. Rhine river cruises are amongst the most popular in Europe and with its mixture of fairytale castles, medieval towns and beautiful scenery; it’s easy to see why. Highlights along the river include the half-timbered houses in historic Mainz, the historic mixture of buildings in Strasbourg and the Roman basilica in Koblenz.

This is obviously just a taste of all the fantastic cruises that are available in Europe, there really are many more to discover. So, next time you’re looking for the perfect European getaway, why not make it a river cruise?