6 European River Cruises to Take in 2026 With Exclusive Discounts!
From the Rhône to the Rhine, Danube to the Duoro, we have the best European river cruises to add to your travel bucket list.
River cruising is one of the fastest-growing sectors within the cruise industry, and its not difficult to see why. I have just returned from one of Riviera Travel’s amazing European river cruises and loved the experience. It was such a relaxing way to travel and felt far more intimate than ocean cruising.
Why you should choose European River Cruises
With an average of 160 passengers on board and daily stops with immersive experiences included, river cruising allows you to explore multiple destinations while enjoying the modern comforts of a floating boutique hotel.
Travelling by river allows you to visit smaller cities and towns that ocean cruises simply cannot reach. In most cases, we were able to step off the ship and be in the heart of the destination within minutes, without lengthy disembarkation queues or long bus journeys that you can find on ocean cruises.
I enjoyed the guided tours, but also valued the freedom to explore independently. It was easy to return to the ship at any time, and when the ship was moored overnight, there was the added pleasure of discovering destinations after dark.
We travelled on a Christmas markets river cruise and were able to visit four different markets over four nights. For those who prefer a summer sailing, river cruises also offer wine-tasting journeys, cultural city breaks, and plenty of time to relax on the sun deck while taking in the views.
We enjoyed super service, and great food, and on longer cruises you will also enjoy enriching experiences on board such as a classical recital in Vienna or ballroom dancing in France.
You can occasionally dine off the ship too, with a Spanish tapas lunch accompanied by a flamenco performance in Salamanca, and dinner at the 18th century Quinta accompanied by estate wines, on Riviera Travel’s Duoro River Cruise – all included in the cost!
Why choose Riviera Travel for European River Cruises
Riviera Travel has been in business for more than 41 years and will have 13 ships operating European river cruises by 2026. The company holds an impressive 4.7 rating on Trustpilot and is so confident in its customer service that it offers a unique guarantee: if you are not happy with your river cruise, you can return home after Day 2 and receive a full refund!
I found the service on board to be excellent. The staff were consistently attentive and always happy to offer recommendations, whether for dining choices, onboard activities, or excursions ashore.
Riviera Travel’s all inclusive offering includes all meals, drinks and excursions, as well as flights, transfers, checked baggage and port taxes. Many river cruise lines only include drinks with meals and selected excursions – Riviera include unlimited drinks from 10am until midnight – so we had no bill at the end of our trip!
And, that’s not all! For a limited time you can enjoy 10% off ALL Riviera Travel Cruises in 2026, PLUS save €50pp off with Best4Cruises, when you mention The Travel Expert!
Riviera Travel offer excellent service through the travel trade and I have partnered with Irish-owned Best4Cruises who can arrange any of these European River Cruises for you. Simply contact them by email on riviercruises@best4travel.ie or call 01 6874149 – and don’t forget to mention The Travel Expert for an additional €50pp discount!
In the unlikely event the price of your river cruise decreases, Riviera Travel’s price promise ensures you will receive a future travel voucher for the difference, plus an additional 25%!
I have highlighted some of the best European river cruises with Riviera Travel below, offering a wide variety of itineraries across Austria, France, Germany, Portugal and beyond. Whether you are drawn to cruising through France or Portugal’s renowned wine regions, discovering Germany’s medieval villages, or exploring the grand capital cities of Vienna and Budapest, there is a river cruise here to suit you.
1. Blue Danube River Cruise – Vienna, Salzburg, Budapest & More, 7 Nights from €2499pp
Cruise the iconic Blue Danube from Budapest to Vienna over eight glorious days. Relax on the top deck admiring the stunning scenery along the Danube Bend, and enjoy nine experiences in glorious cities, all included in the cost!
The elegant city of Vienna is sure to be a highlight of your European river cruise. You have the choice of guided tours and will have the opportunity to visit its extraordinary palaces and cathedral or opt for one of the optional excursions, including the renowned Spanish Riding School or the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, complete with wine tasting.
I visited the fascinating Schönbrunn Palace a few years ago. The former summer residence of the Habsburgs and often described as Vienna’s Versailles, is a sight to behold. I highly recommend taking the guided tour to fully appreciate its rich history.
Read: Top things to do in Vienna
Your Vienna experience doesn’t end when you get back on board. An indulgent Chef’s Dinner awaits, followed by a live classical quartet recital to finish off what will surely be an amazing day in one of the cultural capital’s of Europe.
In Austria you will also have the choice to explore the baroque town of Linz, or join a full day excursion to Salzburg, the home of Mozart and stunning palaces. You can also visit Dürnstein Castle or the magnificent Abbey in Melk.
As well as visiting the vibrant city of Budapest, you will also stop in its former capital Esztergom, and have time for a guided tour its beautiful Basilica. A stop in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava will also allow you to enjoy a guided tour of the city with the afternoon free to explore beautifully restored old town.
On your return to Budapest, you will have a full day to explore this vibrant city of spas and culture. Choose between a guided coach tour of the city, or an active walking tour of the Castle District. Back on board, you will be treated to a farewell dinner and a Hungarian folklore show – a fitting finale to what will surely be a captivating cruise.
Price from €2499pp on MS Geoffrey Chaucer includes flights, transfers, checked baggage. meals, drinks, daily excursions, WiFi and port charges. And, for a limited time you can enjoy 10% off this cruise in 2026!
2. Rhine River Cruise from Germany to France & Switzerland, 7 Nights from €2499pp
Journey through the ever-changing landscapes of the Rhine Gorge, the rolling hills and vineyards of Liebfraumilch, the Black Forest Mountains and the dramatic Rift Valley. Marvel at the Alpine scenery on a mountain rail journey and visit six historic towns and cities with 10 included experiences!
This European river cruise departs from Cologne calling first at the beautiful city of Koblenz, followed by the charming town of Rudeshim, two destinations I had the pleasure of visiting recently.
Koblenz with its historic old town and trendy riverside cafés is a pleasure to explore, and I’m sure you will love Rudesheim’s charming town with crooked houses that slope down beside terraced vineyards. It feels as though it has stepped straight from a fairy tale – I expected Gaston from Beauty and the Beast to pop out at any moment! A ride on the two-seater cable car over the vineyards offers superb views, or, for an even richer experience, you may wish to book an optional wine-tasting excursion.
Top Tip: Visit Da Toni for lunch, it offers tasty pasta and pizza with super service, and is great value too.
You will also visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, if technology appeals more to you, an optional excursion to the Technik Museum offers the chance to see everything from submarines to jumbo jets!
A visit to Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, is sure to be a highlight of this European river cruise. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town, with its picturesque canals and narrow streets lined with charming pastel-coloured houses.
As you cruise along the Rhine, taking in the scenery of the Rift Valley and the Black Forest mountains, you will reach the town of Breisach in the morning and Freiburg in the afternoon. Here, you may choose between a tour of the Black Forest and Freiburg, or an excursion along the Alsace Wine Route, visiting its traditional wine villages.
The final destination is the Swiss town of Basel, gateway to Lucerne and the Bernese Oberland, which is considered to have some of the finest mountain scenery in the world. Marvel at the snow-capped peaks of the Eiger and ascend by mountain railway for views of the the crystal-clear lakes below, providing a spectacular ending to this fabulous journey.
Price from €2499pp on MS Emily Bronte or €2599pp on the brand new MS RIviera Resplendence,includes flights, transfers, checked baggage. meals, drinks, daily excursions, WiFi and port charges. And, for a limited time you can enjoy 10% off this cruise in 2026!
3. Douro River Cruise – Porto, Salamanca & More, 7 Nights from €2749pp
Combine the beautiful cities of Porto and Salamanca with Portugal’s wine country and medieval hilltop villages on this seven-day journey through the Douro Valley, one of Europe’s most photogenic river landscapes.
Cruise along the Douro River from Porto to the Spanish border, admiring the striking scenery of terraced vineyards that line the riverbanks. This is the heart of port wine country, so you will enjoy a visit to a historic quinta for a wine tasting experience in Pinhão, and enjoy a traditional port wine opening back on board, with ample opportunity to sample this celebrated local speciality.
A highlight of the journey will surely be a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Salamanca, one of Europe’s oldest university towns. Widely regarded as one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, enjoy a guided tour of its principal sights, a Spanish tapas lunch accompanied by a flamenco performance, and free time to explore the city at your own pace.
You will then cruise back to the Portuguese region of Folgosa where you have the choice of visiting Mateus Palace and its gardens or the Douro Wine Museum in Régua. That evening you will be treated to a memorable dinner at the 18th century Quinta da Pacheca accompanied by estate wines and dramatic views.
The penultimate stop is Lamego, home to Portugal’s renowned sparkling wine, Raposeira, those who wish may climb the 686 steps to the summit of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, for panoramic views across the city.
The journey concludes in Porto, sailing beneath its spectacular bridges before mooring overnight. Here, enjoy a visit to a traditional port wine cellar with tasting, a guided tour of Portugal’s second-largest city, and a farewell dinner featuring regional specialities.
Price from €2749pp on MS Duoro Elegance,includes flights, transfers, checked baggage. meals, drinks, daily excursions, WiFi and port charges. And, for a limited time you can enjoy 10% off this cruise in 2026!
4. Burgundy Rhône & Provence Cruise, 7 Nights from €2449pp
This seven-night European cruise takes you on a journey along France’s scenic Saône and Rhône rivers departing from Lyon and returning from Marseille. Enjoy guided visits to Lyon, Beaune, Avignon, and more, along with tastings of renowned Burgundy and Rhône Valley wines, all while admiring the vineyard landscapes from the top deck.
Your cruise starts in France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon, with a guided tour of the city, exploring its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, before setting off on the Saône River and catching your first glimpses of the many Beaujolais villages including famous Fleury.
The following day you will drive through the pretty villages of Burgundy to medieval Beaune to see the Hôtel-Dieu on a guided tour, and to visit one of the many wine-tasting cellars in Burgundy’s wine capital.
The historic town of Vienne is sure to delight as will the picturesque cruise through the Rhône Valley. Enjoy on board wine tasting as you cruise to Tain l’Hermitage, home to Syrah. You will also have the opportunity to walk across the oldest suspension bridge in France, in the town of Tournon.
From there you will cruise towards the South of France and explore the stunning Ardèche Gorges and its natural arch, with a choice of tour options depending on your taste and fitness levels.
You will then arrive in Provence where you can enjoy a choice of guided tours of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Arles or an art tour where you will learn about the life and work of Van Gogh who lived in Arles and painted his famous Sunflowers here. This will be followed by an afternoon visit to the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct, one of the ancient wonders of the world.
Your last stop is in Avignon, where you have a choice of guided tours or choose one of the optional excursions including truffle tasting at a local farm.
Price from €2449pp on MS Thomas Hardy,includes flights, transfers, checked baggage. meals, drinks, daily excursions, WiFi, and port charges. And, for a limited time you can enjoy 10% off this cruise in 2026!
5. Solo Rhine Cruise from Cologne, 7 Nights from €2799pp
Embark on a solo adventure along the Rhine with like minded travellers! Explore Cologne, Cochem, Koblenz, Rudesheim and more, with 10 included experiences and an expert tour manager that specialises in solo travel.
This European river cruise for solo travellers begins in the striking city of Cologne. I have just returned from Cologne and loved it – I am already planning to return! From here, cruise on to the charming town of Cochem, where a guided walk through its narrow streets reveals pastel-coloured houses and inviting wine shops.
Enjoy an overnight mooring in Bernkastel, allowing time to sample the local nightlife, join a guided walk through its cobbled streets, or take an optional active excursion to the ruins of Landshut Castle for sweeping regional views.
Along the way, explore highlights of the Rhine and Moselle including Koblenz and Rüdesheim, with guided tours or free time to discover their historic centres, riverside cafés, and vineyard-lined streets at your own pace. A guided visit to Trier, Germany’s oldest UNESCO-listed city, is also included.
Your journey continues to Boppard, the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’, where an overnight stay offers the chance to explore its half-timbered streets, shops, and restaurants after dark.
This fabulous river cruise returns to Cologne where you can enjoy a guided tour of the city including its stunning cathedral, and sample its traditional bars before flying home the following day.
Top Tip: Solo travellers are always welcome with Riviera Travel but in 2027 Riviera Travel will launch the world’s first dedicated solo river cruise ship, which will launch in 2027, with no single supplements!
Price from €2799 on MS Oscar Wilde,includes flights, transfers, checked baggage. meals, drinks, daily excursions, WiFi, and port charges. And, for a limited time you can enjoy 10% off this cruise in 2026!
6. Christmas Market Cruises: Rhine & Danube Cruises from €1699pp
I have just returned from a wonderful Christmas Markets Cruise along the Rhine and I can’t think of a better way to kick start the festive season. European River Cruises allow you to visit different Christmas markets in several cities over four or five nights. Savour a warming cup of glühwein or hot Aperol as you browse the market stalls for gifts to take home, and catch some live music and festive activities along the way.
Rhine Christmas Market Cruise from Cologne: 4 Nights from €1699pp
Germany’s markets are renowned worldwide, and with traditions dating back as far as 1434 in Dresden and 1820 in Cologne. This festive cruise visits the Christmas markets of Cologne, Bonn, Rudesheim and Koblenz, while you pass through the Rhine Gorge and enjoy stunning scenery and top class service over four nights.
I loved how all markets were so different. Cologne has 8 different Christmas markets with over 400 stalls, and the city is transformed into a massive festive experience. with live music and a host of activities. A Christmas train is available to bring you between the markets and each one offers a different experience.
In contrast, the fairytale town of Rudesheim feels as though it has stepped straight from a film set, with crooked houses and inviting shops – it has been celebrating Christmas markets for over 30 years.
Historic Koblenz may not have the largest Christmas markets, but it offers a lively evening atmosphere with stylish bars and a vibrant nightlife. With the ship docked overnight, you have the opportunity to experience the city after dark.
Bonn was the biggest surprise of the journey. As the birthplace of Beethoven, it is a beautiful city, and its extensive Christmas markets are a delight to explore.
Price from €1699pp on MS Oscar Wilde, or €1799pp on the brand new MS Riviera Resplendence, includes flights, transfers, checked baggage. meals, drinks, daily excursions, WiFi, and port charges. And, for a limited time you can enjoy 10% off this cruise in 2026!
Blue Danube Christmas Market Cruise from Budapest to Vienna, 5 Nights from €1699pp
This wonderful Christmas market river cruise takes you to three of Europe’s capital cities over five memorable days, while sailing through the dramatic Danube Bend along the way.
Your journey begins in Budapest, where the ship moors overnight, allowing time to explore the Christmas markets at St Stephen’s Basilica after dark, where the whole area is lit up like something from a Disney movie. The following day you will have the opportunity to re visit the city by guided tour.
Read: Europe’s top 10 Christmas markets
The journey continues on to Bratislava for a guided tour of its baroque old town, followed by free time to browse the Christmas markets. This cruise also includes guided visits to Budapest’s iconic Parliament Building and historic Castle District, as well as Vienna’s St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg complex. And, after your time in Vienna, you will enjoy a live classical music recital back on board.
Vienna is considered one of Europe’s finest Christmas market destinations – the markets date back to 1298! I had the pleasure of visiting a few years ago and loved the experience. With more than 12 markets across the city, and more in the suburbs. Highlights for me included the festive stalls at City Hall and the markets set against the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace.
Read: Top things to do in Vienna
Price from €1699pp on MS William Wordsworth or €1999pp on the brand new MS Riviera Resplendence,includes flights, transfers, checked baggage. meals, drinks, daily excursions, WiFi, and port charges. And, for a limited time you can enjoy 10% off this cruise in 2026!
These are just a small sample of the many Eurorpean river cruises that Riviera Travel offer. You will also find river cruises in Egypt and Southeast Asia as well as worldwide tours.
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, prices and descriptions are subject to change. This post was sponsored by Riviera Travel.
