The Best Cultural River Cruises In Europe

We’re often told that life’s about the journey, not the destination. What if it could be about both? Meandering down one of Europe’s most popular rivers for cruising, scenic voyages can be punctuated with iconic destination stops. We’ve rounded up the best cruises in Europe for the culturally adventurous traveler.

The Hungarian Parliament on the Danube River

Cruise the Danube: One for the eager explorers

At 2,860 kilometers, the Danube is the second longest river in Europe. Running through ten countries, cruising it offers ample opportunity for voracious voyagers to experience a lot of Europe in a little amount of time. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the sweeping plains of Hungary’s Puszta Farm before watching a remarkable live horse show performed in an open-air arena. Or you can choose to slow down the pace by visiting Austria’s Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites.

Diamonds, we’re told, are a girl’s best friend. Chocolate often ranks a close second. On charming canals, cruise through the Netherland’s cobbled streets before stopping off in Antwerp. Not only is it Europe’s second largest port, it’s also renowned for its expert diamond cutters. If you’re not drawn by the sparkle, make your way to MoMu, the contemporary fashion exhibition that celebrates jewels of the industry such as Dries Van Noten who was a founding member of the Antwerp Six. Then for a sweet treat, sail your way through windmill-studded countryside to get to Brussels and its legendary chocolate and confectionary.

Cruise the Volga: One for the ambitious architects

Not only is it the longest river in Europe, the Volga is also one of the most popular for cruising. In Moscow, the Kremlin includes five palaces and four cathedrals, all boasting extravagant, colorful, majestic architecture. For those wishing to further their knowledge of Russian design, the Kizhi open-air museum is particularly famous for its painstaking preservation of Russia’s wooden structures.

Cruise the Douro: One for the wine tasters

In a sun-drenched corner of Europe, the Douro weaves its way across northern Spain and Portugal. Known as the river of gold, it flows through the first protected vine-growing region on Earth. Stop off at Vila Nova de Gaia for port wine tours and tastings on the waterfront. Try out Croft Cellars where, after the tour, you can enjoy a glass for as little as €0.70. If the wine leaves you feeling so inclined, spend the evenings unleashing your inner flamenco dancer on the streets of Salamanca.

Cruise the Rhine: For the love of locomotion

For those not wishing to be confined only to water, a cruise down the Rhine offers the opportunity to experience travel by land and air too. In the spa town of Baden-Baden, take a trip on the Mercury Mountain Railway for particularly spectacular views, or enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Forest region to visit the magnificent Rhine Falls. Germany’s Technik Museum Speyer houses a collection of aircraft and classic cars. Those looking for something a little less mobile can enjoy a stop-off at Riquewihr, home to the Dopff & Irion vineyard. Make sure to enjoy the Gewürztraminer as an aperitif.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.