Take a European River Cruise Instead of a Bus Tour!

Only a European river cruise will take you through the German, Austrian or French countryside and right into the center of the cities you'll visit.

You can enjoy small villages in Provence as well as larger cities like Amsterdam and Budapest.

Europe can easily be visited on your own, of course, but this is a pleasant option if you are tired of trying to navigate foreign trains and struggling with your high school French or German!

Instead of traveling on a bus and unpacking your bags in a different hotel each night, you can spend your days exploring historic towns, then return to your ship for meals, rest, and travel to your next destination. The ship is much more comfortable than a bus for touring, and your hotel travels with you!

Amsterdam and The Netherlands

Uniworld River Cruises "Tulips and Windmills" - Travel to the Netherlands and Belgium in the spring and enjoy fields of tulips, the canals of Amsterdam, windmills, and the art of Van Gogh. You'll be treated to Belgian chocolates and waffles, along with local cheeses and beer. This trip is 11 days, from Amsterdam to Antwerp.

Germany, Austria, and the Danube River

Amadeus Waterways "Legendary Danube" - This Danube River cruise starts with 3 nights in Prague, then travels from Nuremberg, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary - with stops in Salzburg and Vienna, Austria, along the way. You'll also travel through the lovely Wachau Valley.

The Wine Country of France

Viking's "Portraits of Southern France" - This trip through the south of France treats you to fine French wine and Medieval castles. You will see the lands that inspired Van Gogh and fields of lavender in the French Provencal counryside. This is a 9 day trip from Chalon-sur-Saone to Avignon.

Viking also offers itineraries along the Seine, starting with 2 days in Paris.

Russia River Cruises

Viking's "Waterways of the Czars" - Russia river cruises tend to be a bit longer, taking plenty of time to explore the grandeur of the country. You will visit the famed Hermitage Museum, the palace of Catherine the Great, and Red Square. And you'll visit traditional villages in between. This is a 13 day trip from St. Petersburg to Moscow.

Christmas Market River Cruises

A European river cruise visiting the Christmas Markets is also a very popular choice. The Christmas markets of Europe are steeped in tradition, and a river cruise is the best way to enjoy several different markets in a short period of time. There are several options for Danube river cruises that visit the Christmas markets. There are also Christmas market river cruises on the Rhine.

Other European River Cruises

You can find cruises to Spain and Portugal with Uniworld and Amadeus, too. The Duoro Valley in Portugal offers more opportunities for wine-tastings!

There are many river cruise lines to choose from, and many have similar itineraries - but the best are Uniworld, Avalon, Viking, and Amadeus.

To get the best possible price on a European or Russian river cruise, go to CruiseCompete. They have information on all of the major small ship lines (from Avalon to Viking). You choose your cruise, place your request, and you'll get quotes emailed to you from several travel agents. You can grab the best price or negotiate some "perks" (like a bottle of wine in your cabin!). The service is free, and you'll get someone else to do the leg work!

Where Would You Like to Go Next?

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