The Rivers of Europe

A river cruise will bring you to the heart of Europe's most spectacular rivers and waterways, to unspoiled nature, unique river landscapes, historic monuments, romantic castles and villages and vibrant cities not to forget the sunsets on deck. Enjoy unpacking only once and the experience of walking off your luxurious floating hotel right into the heart of town.

The map below highlights the main rivers of Europe, you can also learn a little about each river by clicking these links :

Danube, Elbe, Oder, Rhine, Rhone, Saone and the Seine

Map for representation only

Danube
Length Approximately 1771 Miles
Few rivers in the world provide such an impressive assortment of majestic scenery, diverse cities and cultural dimensions as the Danube. Many cruises, even those of only seven days, are able to offer sightseeing in three capital cities.

The Danube cuts the city of Budapest in two, with the hilly Buda side offering much of the culture and the flatter Pest side opposite accommodating the commercial shopping areas and the Parliament building. The Matthias Church is an important sightseeing opportunity as is the Fishermen’s Bastion overlooking the river.  Just across the bridge from the mooring area is the famous Gellért thermal baths.

Bratislava, the capital of the Slovak Republic, is only a few miles from the country’s border with Austria and provides an impressive mix of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. The Old Town is compact and best explored on foot and the 15th century Bratislava Castle has recently been restored after being burned down by its own drunken soldiers in 1811.

The Austrian capital, Vienna, is famous for its rich chocolate cake and the music of the Strauss family amongst others. A city tour normally includes St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace and the art collection at the Belvedere Palace.

Also in Austria, the Benedictine abbey at Melk is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The wonderful frescoes and medieval manuscripts inside the large library are well worth seeing on what is often a half-day visit.

Many Danube cruises start and finish in the city of Passau which is actually set around the banks of three rivers, the Inn, Ilz and Danube. It is here that visitors will discover the Oberhaus Fortress and Europe’s largest pipe organ. The grand looking instrument in St Stephan’s Cathedral has 17,000 pipes.

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Elbe
Length Approximately 670 Miles
The Elbe has become increasingly popular with river cruisers in recent years, thanks to the diverse nature of the many cities, towns and villages along its banks. Cruises on the Elbe may also involve voyages along the Havel, the Oder and the Oder-Havel Canal. It is also possible take a cruise to Prague via the River Moldau.

Hamburg is a smart cosmopolitan city with elegant shopping, wide open spaces and coffee shops on almost every corner. The beautiful lakes are a feature of Hamburg and add to the feeling of space and affluence.

Exquisite handmade porcelain is discovered in Meissen, as well as one of Europe’s smallest cathedrals dating from 1260. Nearby and overlooking the city is the Albrechtsburg Castle which was founded by King Henry the Fowler in 929.

Dresden is the capital of Saxony and has become one of Europe’s most progressive cities following its recovery from near total destruction during the air raids of World War II. The young and energetic population makes this a vibrant calling point with splendid shopping opportunities and an eclectic range of art and culture.

The capital of the Bundesland of Saxony-Anhalt, Magdeburg, was once one of the most important medieval cities in Europe. Emperor Otto I, the first Holy Roman Emperor, lived in the town and was buried in the cathedral there.

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Oder
Length Approximately 531 Miles
The Oder  begins in the Czech Republic and flows through western Poland, later forming the northern 187 km of the border between Poland and Germany, part of the Oder-Neisse line. The river ultimately flows into the Szczecin Lagoon north of Szczecin and then into three branches (Dziwna, Swina and Peene) that empty into the Baltic Sea.

Oder River Cruise offers coming soon

Rhine
Length Approximately 820 Miles
The Rhine is probably the most scenic of all of Europe’s waterways and is a major link between the North Sea and central Germany.  Many cruises start in the Dutch cities of Amsterdam or Rotterdam and work their way past small towns and villages to the cathedral cities of Germany.

Without doubt, a popular destination on a Rhine cruise is the cathedral city of Cologne. The population appears to spend much of its time partying but Cologne is one of Germany’s main commercial centres. There are 12 Romanesque churches in the city and, as there are strict laws on the building of skyscrapers, it is possible to see the cathedral from virtually every corner. This magnificent Gothic masterpiece took 600 years to build and, until the construction of the Eiffel Tower in 1889, was the tallest structure in the world.

Nuremburg is a photographer’s paradise with its medieval buildings and 13th century city walls. The Imperial Castle should not be missed and the Justice Palace was the meeting place for the War Crimes Tribunal in 1946. Nuremburg is situated near to the Danube Canal.

Trier, on the Moselle, is Germany’s oldest city and nearby Cochem and Bernkastel are attractive towns in the heart of the country’s popular wine producing region. Many vineyards are open to the public and some operators arrange wine tasting tours or invite suppliers to bring their samples to the vessel.

At the junction of the Moselle and Rhine is the pretty town of Koblenz which is the principal seat of the country’s wine trade. Rudesheim, on the eastern banks of the Rhine, is at the southern entrance to the Lorelei Valley. Many visitors are eager to try the Rudesheimer Reisling in one of the dozens of ancient taverns situated in the Drosselgasse at the heart of the Old Town.

Strasbourg in France is home of the European Parliament and is frequently used as a starting point for Rhine cruises. The city is famous for its Christmas markets and the delicious Alsatian wines which are produced in the hills surrounding the city.

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Rhone
Length Approximately 505 Miles
In France’s picturesque Burgundy region, the city of Lyon is situated at the junction of the Saône and Rhône rivers. This popular and historic destination has many museums, a basilica and cathedral as well as many buildings designed in the ornate Italian Renaissance style. Walking tours are often arranged in the old quarter of the city with its many cobblestone streets and cafés.

Avignon is a Roman city with an abundance of art, history and music on offer. The main sightseeing opportunities include the Palais des Papes, where the Popes lived for much of the 14th century. It is also possible to see the remaining four of the original 22 arches that formed the Pont d’Avignon.

There are many important and impressive Roman remains in the city of Arles. The arena, theatre and thermae may be visited on organised excursions and it is possible to view the bridge made famous in Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings. From Arles, it is relatively easy to tour the Camargue with its wild horses, flamingos and coastal villages.

Tournon offers visitors the chance to see the Feudal castle built on a huge rock outcrop. There is also a museum that provides splendid views of the town and the river from its terrace.  The Rhone’s beauty is was captured in 1888 when Vincent van Gogh painted Starry Night Over the Rhone.

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Saone
Length Approximately 298 Miles
The Saone flows through France and Switzerland. It is a right tributary of the River Rhône, rising at Vioménil in the Vosges department; it joins the Rhône in Lyon.  The views of Lyon are not to be missed whilst on a Saone river cruise.

Saone River Cruise offers coming soon

Seine
Length Approximately 482 Miles
Although a popular port of call for ocean liners, Le Havre is also at the mouth of the River Seine. From here, coach excursions may be arranged to the photogenic port of Honfleur from where the French discoverers set sail to the New World. Trips are also arranged to the famous distilleries of the Calvados region.

At Rouen, there is a museum dedicated to Joan of Arc. The city is also famous for its Gothic cathedral, traditional markets, half timbered houses and numerous church spires.

Monet’s Garden at Giverney is reached on an excursion from Vernon. The garden provided much inspiration for many of the famous impressionist’s masterpieces. In the town of Vernon it is possible to view the 15th century chateau.

Paris is often the highlight of a cruise on the Seine and boats sometimes dock for one or more nights in the centre of the French capital, close to the Eiffel Tower. Public transport in the city is fast and efficient but it is recommended that a city tour is taken to view the main sights, including the Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre, Notre Dame and the Louvre. Most operators also organise an excursion to the Palace of Versailles.

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Rivers editorials of the Danube, Elbe, Rhine, Rhone and Seine courtesy of Pedigree Media International.  All rights reserved.  No part of these editorials can be reproduced or utilised in any form without permission in writing from the publishers.