One of the great things about a river cruise is that there are loads of rivers you can choose from when you’re looking for a destination. Of course it comes down to your own personal preferences, but here’s my own personal top 10 list of European rivers in order of my preference for a cruise:
#1 Rhine
The Rhine is a breath-taking river in Germany, always one of the most popular for river cruises. The reason I love it is because I’m a huge fan of castles, and you’ll see a great selection along the banks. Add in the sights of Cologne and the incredibly beautiful Rhine Valley and your holiday is sure to be full of highlights.
#2 Danube
Personally I love getting to grips with new cultures and sometimes a great way to get a feel for a country is to dive into the capital city and explore what it represents. A sailing on the Danube can give you the chance to explore four capitals in one go, ensuring an exciting and varied voyage.
#3 Seine
The Seine may not be this high for others but the incredible mix of scenic countryside, the history of the Normandy region and everything to do with the Second World War, and both the landmarks and lively lifestyle of Paris make this an absolute winner in my eyes, with something for everyone to enjoy.
#4 Douro
I like the Douro River because it offers you something different – most river cruises are focused on more of central or eastern Europe but this is the extreme west with a trip through the beautiful country of Portugal, and not only that but you can learn about how port wine is made – with plenty of scope for tasting!
#5 Volga
The largest river in Europe, the Volga is a stunning river and it takes you to my favourite city in mainland Europe, St Petersburg. With the wide range of sights including the Hermitage Museum, Catherine Palace and more, and some of the finest architecture seen the world over, I don’t think I could ever be bored on one of these cruises.
#6 Dutch-Belgian Waterways
A number of cruises on the Dutch and Belgian waterways focus more on the gardens, and this isn’t my own style, but the towns and cities that you’ll visit appeal to me a lot with their relaxed atmosphere, attractive building design and welcoming feel. Also, I love chocolate, and Belgium caters for me hugely in this respect.
#7 Rhone-Saone
These rivers in the south and central regions of France give passengers the opportunity to experience the Provence and Burgundy wine regions. This doesn’t just mean plenty of tasting sessions (although don’t worry, they are included), it also presents beautiful scenery as you sail past some of these gorgeous vineyards placed on rolling hills.
#8 Elbe
My own personal preference with the Elbe River is that you get to visit Dresden, which I rank as one of the most underrated cities in Europe. It’s full of interesting sights and attractions, and as victim to heavy bombing in WW2 it has plenty of stories to tell.
#9 Dnieper
Sailings in Ukraine are some of the lesser-known river cruises available but they do make for a fascinating journey. Kiev is a wonderful blend of the old and the new while some of the churches along the route are breath-taking.
#10 Moselle
The Moselle River joins the Rhine and passes through Luxembourg. There are a number of historic landmarks on the route, with plenty to keep guests intrigued.
These are just my own opinions, so what do you think? Disagree with my order? Have I missed anywhere out? Let me know in the comments below.
By Ian Lewis
Google
