If you’re looking to explore Europe river, than look no further. These 20 photos to inspire you to take a European river cruise will show you just how beautiful it is to sail the Danube or Rhine River. I’ve taken three river cruises with Viking River and every time I come home, I am smitten with the memories made. I love the feeling of waking up on the water, being close to different cities, and seeing somewhere new each day.
River cruising may not be for everyone, but it certainly has its perks. My favorite part of river cruising is only having to unpack once. It’s such a breeze to get from one place to the next and not having to change rooms! With a river cruise, you have access to a part of Europe that most people will never see. The calm waters and boutique boats make for an intimate experience and an opportunity unlike any other. Each day on board there are usually a few options to choose from for excursions or you can head into town and explore on your own — it’s totally up to you! With meals included, you also don’t have to worry about arranging restaurants for your trip.
Each itinerary is different and offer diverse options for what you may be interested. Some focus on the major cities, and others like the Romantic Danube by Viking River showcases more of the smaller towns along the river. Whether you’re interested in the Rhine River or Danube, or perhaps going into Eastern Europe, be sure to consider it for your next trip!
For those who are interested to learn more what to expect on board a Viking River Cruise, be sure to head to this post to read more about what it’s like.
20 Photos to Inspire You to Take a European River Cruise
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
