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15 of the Best River Cruises in Europe

See fairy-tale villages, iconic landmarks, and vineyards as you explore the continent's waterways.

Much of the appeal of European river cruises lies in the small size of the ships, casual atmosphere, and accessibility. Unlike oceangoing ships that carry thousands of passengers, these vessels typically accommodate around 150 guests for a more intimate experience. Balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-air viewing are features of most river cruise ships. Many also include fitness centers, spas, and internet access.

Cruises usually offer several daily shore excursions with options based on interests and activity levels. Biking and walking tours are available in most ports. On boats traveling along rivers at all hours, collecting passengers from another port, guests can choose a leisurely day in a comfortable lounge enjoying the passing scenery.

While there are several famous rivers in Europe, the Danube and the Rhine are the most popular cruise options, according to  River Cruise Advisor . The Danube River tends to be more scenic, studded with charming cities and the UNESCO-recognized Wachau Valley. Alternatively, the Rhine offers access to bustling metropolises and passes Europe's industrial hubs. Both rivers flow through excellent wine country as well. Whether you want to explore an iconic route or less-traveled waterways, these are the best river cruises in Europe.

Viking Cruises

Perhaps the best-known river cruise company, Viking Cruises promotes its “longships,” which are designed to deliver maximum space and comfort. There are ample staterooms with full balconies to choose from — including two-room suites. Guests enjoy Viking's destination-focused dining as well as the variety of itineraries.

Trip to Try: Portugal's River of Gold

This nine-night trip begins in Lisbon with a walking tour before heading to Porto, home of Port wine, to board the ship on the Douro River. Guests can explore baroque palaces, vineyards, and lush scenery along the way, arriving in the World Heritage city of Salamanca, Spain, on day six. The itinerary includes visits to Portuguese villages Pinhão and Régua to sample local food and wine before returning to Porto.

AmaWaterways

A family-owned and -operated cruise company, AmaWaterways focuses on excellent food and wine, tasteful decor, stateroom views, and innovation in its luxurious fleet. Fares include fitness classes, shore excursions, and all dining on board, including The Chef's Table specialty restaurant. New ships debut each year, but the AmaMagna, which traverses the Danube, features the most spacious suites available. Rooms outfitted with full-sized balconies are worth the splurge on these small ships; it's like having a bonus room in your cabin. For a wider berth, book a part-charter to accommodate large groups.

Trip to Try: Taste of Bordeaux

Wine lovers will want to experience this seven-night journey with visits to iconic châteaux, timeless vineyards, and delicious wine tastings while cruising the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Excursions include a Saint-Emilion tour and tasting, a stop in the Medoc wine region, and a tasting of Sauternes in medieval Roquetaillade Castle. Returning to Bordeaux, guests will explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital of the wine world.

Adventures by Disney River Cruises

Chloe Rice/Adventures by Disney River Cruises

Partnering with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney offers cruises on the Seine, Rhine, and Danube rivers. In true Disney style, specially designed itineraries create experiences for parents, children, and teens, from active excursions to unique onboard activities. Entertainment for guests of all ages includes adults-only dinners and wine-tasting experiences, teen programming, Disney movie nights, karaoke, and trivia nights.

Trip to Try: Danube River Cruise

The seven-night trip starts in Budapest where excursions include a horse show at an equestrian park, a petting zoo, and a goulash-making competition. In Bratislava, wander cobblestone streets on a walking tour. Visit Schönbrunn Palace, enjoy a marionette show, or learn to make strudel while in Vienna. In Melk, Austria, hike to a castle or bike along the Danube for an active day. Dock in Linz, then visit Salzburg to see famous film locations featured in “The Sound of Music.” A stop in Passau, Germany allows guests to walk among treetops on a high-ropes course or spend a more leisurely afternoon with a monastic brewery tour and tasting. Say farewell to the ship in Vilshofen, Germany, before transferring to Munich for the flight home.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Uniworld's one-of-a-kind vessels are inspired by the locations they visit, making them luxurious destinations in their own right. Amenities include in-suite butler service, world-class cuisine, and all-inclusive rates that cover premium spirits and wines as well as gratuities.

Trip to Try: Enchanting Danube

The seven-night Danube cruise aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa or the S.S. Beatrice begins in Budapest with a choice of tours, such as a food tour or a panoramic drive with a guided visit to the Franz Liszt Academy. In Vienna, walk between the city's best attractions or take an early-access guided tour of the Vienna Art History Museum. Excursion options include a vineyard visit and tasting or a saffron workshop in Dürnstein, or a stop at an abbey library in Melk. Dock in Linz for a full day of culinary exploration or transfer to Salzburg to visit music-themed highlights like Mozart's birthplace and "The Sound of Music" filming locations. The cruise ends in Passau after a walking tour of the city and a riverside stroll or a hike along the Ilz, a Danube tributary.

Avalon Waterways

When you cruise with Avalon Waterways, you can observe the riverfront scenery from the comfort of your bed. The line's spacious staterooms and suites boast wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows, luxurious linens, and ample closet space. Large bathrooms include full showers and L'Occitane bath amenities. Avalon offers “Active and Discovery” river cruises with options for a variety of fitness levels, from traditional sightseeing to action-packed experiences like hiking or rail cycling, which is a bike fitted to a former train track.

Trip to Try: Active & Discovery on the Rhône

Southbound on the Rhône River, this cruise begins in Lyon and heads south through the French countryside with picturesque towns and villages. Throughout Provence, stops include Avignon, Port-Saint-Louis, and Arles. During the seven-night journey, Avalon Choice excursions include culinary walks with cooking classes, hikes with panoramic views, a painting workshop, wine tastings, classic sightseeing, and more directed by three available activity levels.

Started as a New England motor coach tour company, Tauck is a family-owned travel firm offering tours and cruises to destinations worldwide. Its award-winning European river cruises are praised for personalized service, exclusive destination experiences, luxurious cabins and suites, fine dining, and professional, caring staff.

Trip to Try: Impressions from the Seine: Paris to Normandy

This seven-night round-trip cruise from Paris features stops in historic small villages and towns after sightseeing in the City of Light. In the days following embarkation, highlights include a guided tour of Versailles, Louis XIV's magnificent palace and gardens, Rouen Cathedral, and Joan of Arc Square. See the D-Day beaches of Normandy, and the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach. Art lovers will enjoy a private experience of Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny and a visit to the Impressionist Museum.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic Cruises offers both ocean and river voyages. Both feature its fleet of “Space-Ships,” which are meticulously designed for spacious quarters. Guests enjoy personalized butler service and all-inclusive cruising. Ships offer a wellness area, massage services, a gym, and onboard entertainment. Scenic's “FreeChoice” excursions offer something for all activity levels.

Trip to Try: Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle

Board the ship in Basel, Switzerland. For seven nights, slowly sail up the Rhine to Breisach in the Alsace region of France. Stops include Koblenz, where guests can take a walking or e-bike tour. There's a private classical music concert and tour of Reichsburg Castle along the way, as well as optional visits to the iconic Eltz Castle or a walking tour of Strasbourg and its magnificent cathedral. Disembark in Mainz to conclude the trip with a transfer to Frankfurt.

Emerald Cruises

For its European river cruises alone, Emerald features a fleet of eight “Star-Ships” with stylish suites, first-class amenities, and room for 180 guests. Most carry bicycles, and all staterooms are equipped with hiking poles. Excursions include EmeraldPlus, a program of special experiences to connect with destinations, and EmeraldActive, which offers faster-paced guided tours, bike rides, hikes, and other activities.

Trip to Try: Sensations of Lyon & Provence

Travel from Lyon to Marseille on a seven-night cruise on the Rhône River. Overland to a quaint village before returning to Lyon to set sail. The ship cruises south toward Tournon, with its 16th-century castle. Other stops include Avignon and Arles. Throughout the cruise, choose from optional activities such as canoeing, hiking through vineyards, walking tours of villages, or onboard wine tastings.

CroisiEurope Cruises

Established in 1976, Croisi holds a fleet of oceangoing ships, canal barges, and river cruise ships. The company's innovative approach stems from basing its ships' design on the characteristics of the waterways. This allowed them to be pioneers on several European rivers including the Gironde, Loire, Po, and Elbe.

Trip to Try: Hamburg to Berlin: Discover the Medieval Charms of Hanseatic Cities

CroisiEurope's six-night cruise starts with guided tours of Hamburg and Lübeck, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a morning cruise, the ship passes through the Scharnebeck twin ship lift. This industrial marvel vertically raises vessels to 125 feet where the River Elbe connects to a canal. An optional visit to the Autostadt theme park, dedicated to German car design, and an afternoon cruise fill day four. The next day, there's a tour of Magdeburg, known for its fascinating architecture and culture. In Potsdam, wander the Sanssouci Palace gardens before enjoying an evening gala. The boat then docks in Berlin, where guests can tour the city before disembarking the following day.

A-ROSA River Cruises

This German cruise company's distinctive ships are easy to recognize by the large red lips and rose on the bow. The 15-strong fleet includes a hybrid-powered ship, A-Rosa Sena , that cruises the northern Rhine almost silently and emission-free. Family-friendly amenities include a kids club, heated outdoor pools, and free passage for children ages 15 and under.

Trip to Try: Highlights of the Rhine

This five-night, round-trip Rhine river cruise begins in Cologne, Germany, followed by stops in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Each city has a unique style of architecture and a thriving art scene. Sightseeing options include guided tours by bus, private car, or even pedal boats on Amsterdam's canals, each at an additional cost. Turning back toward Cologne, enjoy two days in Utrecht before disembarking.

Lüftner Cruises

Lueftner Cruises

This Austrian family business dates back more than 40 years and offers European river cruises on its fleet of 11 Amadeus ships. Five-star service, facilities, and cuisine are hallmarks, and the ships feature panoramic windows and a spacious sundeck.

Trip to Try: Saar and Moselle Fairytales

Board the ship in Cologne and spend seven nights cruising down the Rhine River to its tributary, the Moselle River, one of Europe's best-kept secrets , and the Saar River. The ship passes the Mosel vineyards and docks in the medieval town of Cochem for a guided walking tour. Guests can tour the town of Bernkastel-Kues and enjoy a wine tasting. After a morning tour of medieval Saarburg, the ship cruises along the Saar with panoramic views of Great Bend, an impressive curve in the river. It then stops in Luxembourg and Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, before returning to Cologne.

Nicko Cruises

Plying Europe's rivers since the early 1990s, this German company has a fleet of over 20 river ships. Nicko Cruises focuses on giving guests a flexible itinerary to explore destinations in a way that best suits their tastes. While guests might have to pay more for a drinks package or additional excursions, this river cruise line delivers value.

Trip to Try: Renaissance and Reformation

The seven-night cruise sets off along the Elbe and Havel rivers from Potsdam, Germany, aboard the Katharina Von Bora . In Magdeburg, visit the Green Citadel, a unique space with shops and cafes designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The next stop is Wittenburg, home to the Castle Church where Martin Luther sparked the Protestant Revolution in 1517. From Bad Schandau, guests have the option to take an excursion by bus to Prague for the day. Having seen the impressive architecture, cathedrals, and Prussian fortresses, travelers sail back to Dresden to end the week.

Teeming River Cruises

Jeff and Gina Paglialonga/Teeming River Cruises

Founded in 2017 with the goal of making European river cruises more economical and personalized, this American company developed a different model. Teeming River Cruises offers a mix of programmed group activities and free time, and guests get a complimentary city tour app to explore each destination on their own. Passengers can also opt for excursions on top of the basic itinerary for an extra fee.

Trip to Try: From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua

Set in northern Italy along the Po River, this six-night trip starts in Venice where guests can discover the most popular sites like St. Mark's Square. In partnership with CroisiEurope aboard the M.S. Michelangelo , the ship heads west to Chioggia. Join an excursion to Vicenza before boarding again in Porto Viro and cruising to Rovigo. After arriving in Torretta, spend time in Verona, with its ancient amphitheater and Giusti Gardens. The next days are spent in Cremona, with a visit to a violin workshop, and Mantua, where key properties of the House of Gonzaga are located. After disembarkation, take a bus back to Venice.

Les Bateaux Belmond

Belmond has another way to cruise some of Europe's rivers — on luxury barges with private chefs and excursions like truffle hunting, hot-air ballooning, canoeing, and wine tasting. Seven private charter barges make up Les Bateaux Belmond, each with its own style and size. The elegant barges cruise the waterways of Burgundy, Provence, Camargue, and Champagne. Each can accommodate four to 12 passengers, making this a personal experience.

Trip to Try: Les Bateaux Belmond's Napoleon

On the Belmond Napoleon , which runs scheduled trips as well as private charters, guests cruise the Rhône River past châteaux, rural river towns, and expansive vineyards. Begin the journey in Tain l'Hermitage and enjoy a wine tasting. After a stop at the medieval village of Viviers, the cruise continues to Grignan, where you can participate in a luxurious truffle tasting at a farm. Visit the palace where 14th-century popes lived in Avignon. In Arles, explore the surrounding landscape that inspired Van Gogh's work. Along the cruise, enjoy fragrant fields of lavender and wild roses, too.

Riviera River Cruises

WESTEND61/GETTY IMAGES 

United Kingdom-based Riviera River Cruises has four decades of experience traversing Europe's best-known waterways and lesser-visited regions. The ships, many named after British literary greats, feature standard amenities such as Wi-Fi, a fitness room, a pool, and a sauna. Staterooms have plush furnishings and balconies for outdoor lounging.

Trip to Try: Budapest to the Black Sea

While many European river cruises cover the most popular stretches of the Danube, this itinerary picks up where most end, in Budapest. The 15-day cruise follows the Danube through Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania to the Black Sea. Along the way, passengers see pastoral lands and steep river canyons. Picturesque stops include Novi Sad with its beautiful baroque architecture, the Iron Gates Gorge marking the boundary between Serbia and Romania, and Oltenița from which guests can visit Bucharest. After reaching the Danube Delta, travelers return to Budapest for disembarkation.

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Europe’s inland waterways and stunning seaside coasts are brimming with old-world treasures. Discover them in celebrated capitals such as Vienna and Oslo, and in delightfully surprising ports, like Bratislava, Slovakia and Skagen, Denmark. From river to ocean, you can find:

• Cologne’s towering Gothic cathedral
• A traditional Sami ceremony north of the Arctic Circle
• Ancient trade routes of the Vikings
• Budapest’s regal Parliament building and Chain Bridge
• Sheep farming and wool production in a Faroese village
• Vintners tending their vines in quintas along the Douro
• The Hanseatic past of historic Bergen
• Kinderdijk’s windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Picturesque Icelandic waterfalls and fjords
• Award-winning beers at Britain’s oldest brewhouse

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2024-2027 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from October 1-31, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn and Capitals of Eastern Europe, London, Paris & D-Day, Rhine & Main Explorer . Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by October 31, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by November 30, 2024. 2026 : Pay in full by April 30, 2025. 2027 : Pay in full by January 15, 2026. Offers expires October 31, 2024.

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Europe River Cruises

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Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Turnu Magurele (Bucharest) to Vienna, MS Fidelio

Danube serenade: romantic journey from vienna to turnu magurele (bucharest), ms fidelio, jewels of europe 2025|2026 - 15 days (from amsterdam to budapest), romantic rhine (southbound) 2024, jewels of europe 2024 - 15 days (13 destinations), festive season on the legendary danube with 2 nights in prague 2024, douro experience 2025, capital cities along the danube (port-to-port cruise), the romantic rhine valley and holland (9 destinations), 1.200 miles on the beautiful blue danube (vienna - bucharest) (13 destinations).

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• Embark on a remarkable cruise that takes you through six captivating countries: Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania with stops in 9 unforgettable cities.
• Wander through Vienna, renowned as a bastion of classical music and a historic imperial city in Europe.
• In Bratislava, uncover a wealth of captivating sites including the National Theatre, St. Martin's Cathedral, Michael's Gate, the old town hall, and the awe-inspiring rock fortress.

“The choice of destinations was excellent. Everything ran like clockwork.” Andrew, traveled in June 2024

• Explore Amsterdam by bike or boat
• Attend a classical concert in Bonn
• Cruise the Rhine and visit vineyards

“The ship was excellent, food and drinks were great, adventures perfectly organized.” Klaus, traveled in July 2024

• Go sightseeing in Cologne and view the famous cathedral
• Explore Amsterdam's waterways or visit Muiderslot Castle
• Join a guided tour to the Black Forest or discover Colmar

“Excellent cruise with lots of activities, great accommodation and excellent staff.” David, traveled in May 2022

• Explore Budapest by coach and on foot
• Attend a private classical concert in Vienna
• Tour the historic Melk Abbey

• Explore Prague's historic city and cuisine
• Tour Nuremberg's medieval sites and markets
• Stroll through Regensburg's Christmas markets

“Beautiful ship, great staff, fantastic food. Bus drivers great & careful drivers.” Shelley, traveled in June 2023

• Explore Porto's UNESCO-listed old town
• Cruise the Douro and soak up sun on deck
• Tour vineyards and taste wine in Pinhão

“Excellent service, friendly staff and delicious food. Excursions were good too.” Pushpa, traveled in July 2022

• Board and enjoy a welcome cocktail in Vienna
• Explore Vienna's Ring and hidden cultural gems
• Tour Budapest's architectural marvels and markets

• Board our ship and meet the crew at a welcome cocktail
• Explore Heidelberg and taste Rüdesheim's famous wines
• Cruise the Romantic Rhine and enjoy a gala dinner

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9 best river cruises in Europe

River cruising in Europe is one of those delightfully slow and easy modes of travel. You're in a small floating hotel, gliding past castles, vineyards and scenery that changes by the hour as you explore calm inland waters.

Daily guided walking tours and other excursions provided by the river line take you to key UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other city and village attractions you've come to see. Or, you can choose to explore on your own, which is easy since your ship often will dock right in town.

Lazy afternoons on the ship afford the time to sit in a lounge chair and watch the world go by — kids swimming from the riverbanks, farmers tending their crops, river birds flapping their wings — as you glide to your next destination.

Which European river should you explore? The choices are broader than you might expect.

The main rivers in Europe are the Danube and the Rhine and their tributaries. They are, by far, the most popular, doable either on one-week segments or longer itineraries that combine areas and sometimes combine rivers. Even if your cruise is only a week, don't underestimate the allure of relaxing for seven days on a river in France or on the dreamy Douro in Portugal.

Here are the best river cruises in Europe.

Upper Danube

When it comes to Europe river cruises, the Upper Danube is a perfect seven-night starter sailing. It takes you through centuries of history as you explore Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

Ships visit such cultural hubs as Vienna, with its opera house, art museums and elaborate royal palaces, and Budapest, Hungary, with its magnificent architecture and modern vibe. If your ship passes the Hungarian Parliament Building at night, you're in for a treat; magnificently lit, it's one of the most photographed sights on the river.

Along the route between Melk and Krems in Austria, you cruise through the Wachau Valley, a key wine-growing region producing rieslings and gruner veltliners, with sipping opportunities available. It's also a great place to bike, which is why it's nice to sail with lines such as AmaWaterways that carry bikes on board for passengers to use.

You might also have the option of a side trip to Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart — and also where several scenes for the movie "The Sound of Music" were filmed. A surprise for many is Old Town Bratislava, Slovakia, which might not have been on your must-do list but charms with its beer culture and castles.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

Lower Danube

For a deep dive into Eastern Europe's past and present, the fascinating Lower Danube route between Budapest and Bucharest, Romania, explores history from the medieval times and Victorian era of Dracula to the rise of communism and the Bosnian War.

The seven-night river cruise takes you through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. The most beautiful stretch of the river is a 62-mile passage through a gorge between the Balkan and Carpathian Mountains. It's also one of the deepest stretches of river in the world.

Other sights accessed during shore excursions via bus include Bulgaria's Belogradchik Rocks, which are naturally carved towering red rock pinnacles that appear to take forms such as "Madonna with child," and Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's stunning medieval capital.

Related: I thought river cruises were just for retirees, but a Disney river cruise proved me wrong

When it comes to top cruising rivers in Europe, the Rhine wins for natural beauty and fairy-tale landscapes. A cruise on the river between Amsterdam and Basel, Switzerland — a typical one-week route — takes you past expanses of slope-side vineyards, forests and mountains; historic cities; and medieval half-timbered villages.

That's even before you get to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 40-mile stretch of river, between Rudesheim am Rhein and Koblenz, Germany, has castles galore — you might imagine Rapunzel letting down her hair — and Lorelei, the legendary slate rock said to distract sailors with the mesmerizing song of a maiden.

The French city of Strasbourg, with its famous Gothic cathedral and robust Alsatian culinary scene, is often a favorite stop on Rhine itineraries. Other highlights include Heidelberg, Germany, and its imposing castle.

Related: Christmas market river cruises: What to expect on a holiday sailing

Sure, you can catch sight of the Eiffel Tower when boarding a river ship in Paris, but you can do that while staying in a hotel, too. The real highlights of a Seine cruise are sailing on the river outside the city toward the English Channel and a visit to the beaches in Normandy, France, for a perspective on World War II.

Your visit there and to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, as well as other memorials and monuments to the fallen, is a poignant experience (one that requires a two-hour bus ride from your ship, however). Avalon Waterways brings a World War II expert on board to add insight on select sailings.

Other treasures exist along the Seine, not the least of which is Giverny, France, the home and gardens of impressionist artist Claude Monet. If you are a fan of his art, much of the property might seem familiar.

In historic Rouen, France, where Joan of Arc was martyred in the Middle Ages, stop by Rouen Cathedral (another subject of Monet) before losing yourself on cobblestone streets with wonderful cafes.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Bordeaux river cruises are different from other water routes because you explore two short waterways — the Dordogne and Garonne rivers — and the Gironde estuary in southwest France.

You'll spend more time ashore than floating down the river on this itinerary, with your ship docked for two nights in the city of Bordeaux, France, a miniature Paris with grand 18th-century buildings. Who cares when you are in the epicenter of French culture in one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world?

Bordeaux serves up the opportunity to sip Medoc, Margaux, Saint Emilion, Pomerol and Sauternes wines as you expand your wine education. You'll visit vineyards and gorgeous chateaus. Your cruise line might even host a dinner at a wine estate one evening. If you plan your cruise for September or October, you'll be able to admire the grape harvest.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for solo travelers

Rhone and Saone

Another must for wine lovers is exploring the interior of France, sipping Cotes du Rhone in famous wine-making regions such as Hermitage and Chateauneuf-du-Pape in Provence and Beaune in Burgundy.

Rhone and Saone river cruises typically sail between Lyon and Arles or Avignon, and they're top-loaded with such nonwine attractions as the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and the Roman Arles Amphitheater, as well as the massive Palais des Papes (Papal Palace) in Avignon. You'll also be able to take in the lavender fields, haystacks and other scenes that inspired painters like Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh.

Related: 4 luxury river cruises on wow-worthy itineraries

For a lazy, dreamy, wonderful river cruise experience, nothing quite beats exploring the wine regions of Portugal on the Douro, one of the major rivers through the Iberian Peninsula. The home base for these river cruises is Porto, Portugal, with its historic city center, spectacular bridges and port houses.

On one-week cruises, you'll follow the river 130 miles past green hillside vineyards in the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO-recognized destination, before turning around at the Spanish border. The river cruises typically include a visit to the university town of Salamanca in northern Spain. Viticulture is very much the lesson en route, as you learn about port production on the "River of Gold."

Related: My latest river cruise adventure included kayaking, biking and hiking — here's how yours can, too

Due to fluctuating water levels and narrow passages, the Elbe is a challenging river that runs 680 miles between the Czech Republic and Germany. Historically, it formed part of the border between East Germany and West Germany.

River cruising here is a rare experience. Viking is one of the few lines that visits (another is the French line CroisiEurope), offering 10-day itineraries that combine hotel stays in the cities of Berlin and Prague with a stretch of river between Prague and Wittenburg, Germany.

The cruises are on ships built specifically for the Elbe route. They stop in places such as resurgent Dresden, heavily bombed during World War II but expertly rebuilt; the Saxon Switzerland region of Germany with its striking sandstone rock formations; and the spa town of Bad Schandau.

Related: Are European river cruises right for families? Here are the pros, cons and best options for kids

The Po in northern Italy is tidal, making it another challenging waterway. But where else can you easily combine a visit to Venice, Italy, with a river cruise? Uniworld Boutique River Cruises does the Po in high style with its 126-passenger S.S. La Venezia, completely decked out with a sense of place, from Fortuny fabrics and Murano glass to its gilded accents.

The one-week route doesn't take you far but does include the walled city of Padua, the charming fishing village of Chioggia and Murano, home of renowned glassblowing artisans.

For those looking for a longer experience, Uniworld cleverly combines a Po cruise with luxury rail journeys to countries like Turkey and Switzerland.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin