Europe River Cruise Tours & Trip Packages

Europe River Cruise Tours & Trips

8,091 Europe trips. Tours from 583 tour companies. 21,063 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

834 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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River Cruise
Telemark & the Norwegian Fjords self drive tour
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5/5 Excellent
53 reviews
River Cruise
Why we love them
As a regional tour operator with a mostly Scandinavian staff, they are deeply familiar with the northern landscape.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Bergen, Oslo

Highlights

  • Town of Rjukan and Gaustatoppen mountain
  • Stay overnight in Historical Hotel Dalen and Hotel Ullensvang
  • Daycruise on Telemarkskanalen on a historical canal boat
  • Drive along Hardanger route and enjoy the magnificent views of the fjords and the mountains

What travelers are saying

"My wife and I did the six day Lofoten Islands tour offered by 50 Degrees North. The tour is simple, they provided us a rental car, accommodations for two nights each at three Rorbuer hotels scattered across the islands, and a couple of scheduled day tours. Most of the time, we were on our own to see the islands at our own pace. The islands are stunningly beautiful, and the tour planning made our travels hassle free. They even scheduled lunch for us at an organic goat farm, which may sound a little strange for a vacation like this, but that is only because you haven't tasted the cheese. (Best lunch ever!) At our request, they altered the tour slightly so that we could begin the tour in Svolvaer and end it six days later at the airport in Leknes. We can't imagine a more complete tour of the islands in six short days."

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Stockholm Archipelago Tour
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5/5 Excellent
53 reviews
River Cruise
Why we love them
As a regional tour operator with a mostly Scandinavian staff, they are deeply familiar with the northern landscape.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Stockholm

Highlights

  • Travel on a classic old steamship or local ferry
  • Enjoy delicious seafood at local inns and restaurants on the pier
  • Experience the authentic Swedish archipelago lifestyle

What travelers are saying

"My wife and I did the six day Lofoten Islands tour offered by 50 Degrees North. The tour is simple, they provided us a rental car, accommodations for two nights each at three Rorbuer hotels scattered across the islands, and a couple of scheduled day tours. Most of the time, we were on our own to see the islands at our own pace. The islands are stunningly beautiful, and the tour planning made our travels hassle free. They even scheduled lunch for us at an organic goat farm, which may sound a little strange for a vacation like this, but that is only because you haven't tasted the cheese. (Best lunch ever!) At our request, they altered the tour slightly so that we could begin the tour in Svolvaer and end it six days later at the airport in Leknes. We can't imagine a more complete tour of the islands in six short days."

Trip dates & details
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The Telemark Canal - Independent cruise
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5/5 Excellent
53 reviews
River Cruise
Why we love them
As a regional tour operator with a mostly Scandinavian staff, they are deeply familiar with the northern landscape.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Oslo

Highlights

  • Visit Skien, the birthplace of famous Norwegian playwright, Henrik Ibsen
  • Cruise Telemark Canal to Dalen onboard a historic canal boat
  • Stay at the historic Hotel Dalen
  • Beautiful Norwegian countryside
  • Why not book at sauna at the new Soria Moria Sauna, down by the lake

What travelers are saying

"My wife and I did the six day Lofoten Islands tour offered by 50 Degrees North. The tour is simple, they provided us a rental car, accommodations for two nights each at three Rorbuer hotels scattered across the islands, and a couple of scheduled day tours. Most of the time, we were on our own to see the islands at our own pace. The islands are stunningly beautiful, and the tour planning made our travels hassle free. They even scheduled lunch for us at an organic goat farm, which may sound a little strange for a vacation like this, but that is only because you haven't tasted the cheese. (Best lunch ever!) At our request, they altered the tour slightly so that we could begin the tour in Svolvaer and end it six days later at the airport in Leknes. We can't imagine a more complete tour of the islands in six short days."

Trip dates & details
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Göta Canal - classic cruise
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5/5 Excellent
53 reviews
River Cruise
Why we love them
As a regional tour operator with a mostly Scandinavian staff, they are deeply familiar with the northern landscape.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Stockholm

What travelers are saying

"My wife and I did the six day Lofoten Islands tour offered by 50 Degrees North. The tour is simple, they provided us a rental car, accommodations for two nights each at three Rorbuer hotels scattered across the islands, and a couple of scheduled day tours. Most of the time, we were on our own to see the islands at our own pace. The islands are stunningly beautiful, and the tour planning made our travels hassle free. They even scheduled lunch for us at an organic goat farm, which may sound a little strange for a vacation like this, but that is only because you haven't tasted the cheese. (Best lunch ever!) At our request, they altered the tour slightly so that we could begin the tour in Svolvaer and end it six days later at the airport in Leknes. We can't imagine a more complete tour of the islands in six short days."

Trip dates & details
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Göta Canal - the complete cruise
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
53 reviews
River Cruise
Why we love them
As a regional tour operator with a mostly Scandinavian staff, they are deeply familiar with the northern landscape.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Stockholm

What travelers are saying

"My wife and I did the six day Lofoten Islands tour offered by 50 Degrees North. The tour is simple, they provided us a rental car, accommodations for two nights each at three Rorbuer hotels scattered across the islands, and a couple of scheduled day tours. Most of the time, we were on our own to see the islands at our own pace. The islands are stunningly beautiful, and the tour planning made our travels hassle free. They even scheduled lunch for us at an organic goat farm, which may sound a little strange for a vacation like this, but that is only because you haven't tasted the cheese. (Best lunch ever!) At our request, they altered the tour slightly so that we could begin the tour in Svolvaer and end it six days later at the airport in Leknes. We can't imagine a more complete tour of the islands in six short days."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety

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Heroes of Telemark self drive
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5/5 Excellent
53 reviews
River Cruise
Why we love them
As a regional tour operator with a mostly Scandinavian staff, they are deeply familiar with the northern landscape.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Oslo

What travelers are saying

"My wife and I did the six day Lofoten Islands tour offered by 50 Degrees North. The tour is simple, they provided us a rental car, accommodations for two nights each at three Rorbuer hotels scattered across the islands, and a couple of scheduled day tours. Most of the time, we were on our own to see the islands at our own pace. The islands are stunningly beautiful, and the tour planning made our travels hassle free. They even scheduled lunch for us at an organic goat farm, which may sound a little strange for a vacation like this, but that is only because you haven't tasted the cheese. (Best lunch ever!) At our request, they altered the tour slightly so that we could begin the tour in Svolvaer and end it six days later at the airport in Leknes. We can't imagine a more complete tour of the islands in six short days."

Trip dates & details
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Charming Provence : a barge cruise in Southern France (port-to-port cruise)
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS A wonderful journey through charming towns and historic sites EXCURSIONS INCLUDED Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, one of the most beautiful villages in France A traditional Camargue experience with a manade The fortified city of Aigues-Mortes and the salt marshes The beauty of the Camargue, Arles and olive oil production Etang De Thau and its oyster farms

Themes

50 plus, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Family Friendly, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Summary over a cruise on the Haute Seine and Yonne on a barge. As seasoned cruisers, knowing well all aspects of cruising on seas and rivers, we had no experience about traveling on a barge in a canal. It was also time to overcome this lack. A number of companies offer this kind of cruising on barge with 8 to 16 passengers, however very often at exorbitant prices. Luckily, we discovered that the company CroisiEurope offers one week cruise on various canals in Europe, at very decent price, especially considering that all is inclusive (full board, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and all excursions) on modern barges with a maximum of 22 passengers. We opted for the barge Ms Deborah, which cruises on the canal de la Loire, with the Briare to Nevers’ route. We were looking forward to this itinerary because the proposed excursions particularly suited us. Unfortunately, only a few days before departure, we were informed that due of a lack of water in the Loire canal the Ms Deborah was switched over to the Haute Seine and Yonne for a new itinerary from Paris to Sens. Despites the fact that this new itinerary didn’t really meet our desires, especially the excursions, we decided to accept the change. Our group of 6 persons from Switzerland was very warmly greeted by all members of the crew when arriving on the quai de Grenelle in Paris where we see the MS DEBORAH for the first time, our floating home for the week. With its two dominating colours blue and white, it is difficult not to fall in love with this beautiful small ship. We were invited immediately for the welcome cocktail during which we met officially the crew and the other six individual passengers originating from New Zealand, England and the USA. With less time than it needs to tell, the relation between us was created, so that everyone felt part of a bunch of friends knowing each other for long time. There is no need to present here the MS Deborah itself, as this is already thoroughly done on the Cruise Critic page. The crew of 6 persons is composed of a captain, a sailor, a cruise director, a chef, a waitress and a cabin hostess who put all their efforts to satisfy the passengers and offer them the best possible service. The captain as well as the sailor are always trying to make passengers at ease, answer questions or even bring a drink. The lady cruise director is omnipresent, taking care of the passengers better than a mother hen would do. The talented young French chef aims to produce dishes which please everybody. His outstanding sauces and excellent desserts should be particularly praised. However, referring to comments we made during a cruise on the Seine Princess two years ago, we cannot understand that why today it is not possible to offer the choice of a light buffet at lunch instead a three or even four course menu! The always smiling and friendly Hungarian waitress was very caring and attentive, without forgetting the cabin hostess doing a great job in the cabins, the public spaces and even the kitchen. It wouldn’t be fair to name a single person as all members of the crew, without any exception, do all they can to make the cruise unforgettable. Our one-week cruise on the barge Ms Deborah enables us today to make the following comments: ~ a cruise on a barge cannot be compared to any other kind of cruise ~ despite all the comfort offered on modern barge, one must be very aware that life on board happens at a restraint space, requiring therefore much flexibility and understanding in all aspects from all passengers ~ in our case, being only 12 passengers, we had the opportunity to take our meals on the terrace. We also never had the feeling that the boat was overcrowded. This can be different when the ship is full, especially by bad weather ~ the state of mind between the passengers who are mostly of foreign nationalities, who don’t know each other and don’t speak French, must function well right from the beginning ~ if the interrelation works, it is difficult to find a more relaxing and enjoyable way of travelling ~ the success on a barge is mainly due on the quality of its crew. Ms Deborah’s crew members have quickly created a family spirit on board, showing also that they genuinely like what they do ~ excursions can play a major role in choosing an itinerary. Not speaking French or English can be a handicap Do we recommend to do a cruise on a barge? Yes, definitively! It’s affordable, the atmosphere on board is unique, the routes can be very interesting. In our case, this second try with CroisiEurope gives them a better note."

Trip dates & details
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French Impressionism Along the Banks of the Seine
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Paris, Rouen

Highlights

  • CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Discover the landscapes that inspired Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, and Eugène Boudin. EXCURSIONS INCLUDED: VISIT MAJOR ARTISTIC SITES: The charming village of Barbizon The Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, the largest collection of his works Monet’s home in Giverny, nature’s tableau vivant The Fine Arts Museum and the cathedral in Rouen Honfleur, cradle of Impressionism The Norman Abbey Circuit Étretat, and the beautiful white cliffs of the Côte d'Albâtre

Themes

50 plus, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Family Friendly, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Summary over a cruise on the Haute Seine and Yonne on a barge. As seasoned cruisers, knowing well all aspects of cruising on seas and rivers, we had no experience about traveling on a barge in a canal. It was also time to overcome this lack. A number of companies offer this kind of cruising on barge with 8 to 16 passengers, however very often at exorbitant prices. Luckily, we discovered that the company CroisiEurope offers one week cruise on various canals in Europe, at very decent price, especially considering that all is inclusive (full board, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and all excursions) on modern barges with a maximum of 22 passengers. We opted for the barge Ms Deborah, which cruises on the canal de la Loire, with the Briare to Nevers’ route. We were looking forward to this itinerary because the proposed excursions particularly suited us. Unfortunately, only a few days before departure, we were informed that due of a lack of water in the Loire canal the Ms Deborah was switched over to the Haute Seine and Yonne for a new itinerary from Paris to Sens. Despites the fact that this new itinerary didn’t really meet our desires, especially the excursions, we decided to accept the change. Our group of 6 persons from Switzerland was very warmly greeted by all members of the crew when arriving on the quai de Grenelle in Paris where we see the MS DEBORAH for the first time, our floating home for the week. With its two dominating colours blue and white, it is difficult not to fall in love with this beautiful small ship. We were invited immediately for the welcome cocktail during which we met officially the crew and the other six individual passengers originating from New Zealand, England and the USA. With less time than it needs to tell, the relation between us was created, so that everyone felt part of a bunch of friends knowing each other for long time. There is no need to present here the MS Deborah itself, as this is already thoroughly done on the Cruise Critic page. The crew of 6 persons is composed of a captain, a sailor, a cruise director, a chef, a waitress and a cabin hostess who put all their efforts to satisfy the passengers and offer them the best possible service. The captain as well as the sailor are always trying to make passengers at ease, answer questions or even bring a drink. The lady cruise director is omnipresent, taking care of the passengers better than a mother hen would do. The talented young French chef aims to produce dishes which please everybody. His outstanding sauces and excellent desserts should be particularly praised. However, referring to comments we made during a cruise on the Seine Princess two years ago, we cannot understand that why today it is not possible to offer the choice of a light buffet at lunch instead a three or even four course menu! The always smiling and friendly Hungarian waitress was very caring and attentive, without forgetting the cabin hostess doing a great job in the cabins, the public spaces and even the kitchen. It wouldn’t be fair to name a single person as all members of the crew, without any exception, do all they can to make the cruise unforgettable. Our one-week cruise on the barge Ms Deborah enables us today to make the following comments: ~ a cruise on a barge cannot be compared to any other kind of cruise ~ despite all the comfort offered on modern barge, one must be very aware that life on board happens at a restraint space, requiring therefore much flexibility and understanding in all aspects from all passengers ~ in our case, being only 12 passengers, we had the opportunity to take our meals on the terrace. We also never had the feeling that the boat was overcrowded. This can be different when the ship is full, especially by bad weather ~ the state of mind between the passengers who are mostly of foreign nationalities, who don’t know each other and don’t speak French, must function well right from the beginning ~ if the interrelation works, it is difficult to find a more relaxing and enjoyable way of travelling ~ the success on a barge is mainly due on the quality of its crew. Ms Deborah’s crew members have quickly created a family spirit on board, showing also that they genuinely like what they do ~ excursions can play a major role in choosing an itinerary. Not speaking French or English can be a handicap Do we recommend to do a cruise on a barge? Yes, definitively! It’s affordable, the atmosphere on board is unique, the routes can be very interesting. In our case, this second try with CroisiEurope gives them a better note."

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Europe Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
21,063  Reviews
See all Europe tour reviews
Excellent
8,912
Great
3,229
Average
558
Disappointing
181
Terrible
87
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Brilliant ... but

I will deal with the 'but' first. This is definitely not a 1; leisurely; more a 2, moderate. The distances to walk are comparatively large and the surfaces (cobbl...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

highlights of central europe

An excellent introduction to the countries visited. The tour leader, Peter, plying and explaining the flute. Very pleasant knowledgeable man, with a good sense of ...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

HIGHLIGHTS OF CENTRAL EUROPE

Had a fantastic time.Saw some beautiful places, amazing arctitecture, met some fantastic people, laughed til I cried. X Auschvitz...........an emotional place. We pa...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

Highlights of Central Europe

Great trip, gave an overview of several capitals and could not fit much more in really. Wished I had visited this part of the world long before now. Hotels better th...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

HIGHLIGHTS OF CENTRAL EUROPE

I was a bit worried about being too long on the bus but the timings were so well organised and during these bleak rainy days of winter I think about how happy I was ...

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Europe Tour Selection Trips

  • River cruises are an appealing way to tour Europe in a relaxed mode that offers sightseeing in both atmospheric villages and big cities.
  • Europe is about more than high culture; active Europe tours include cycling in Greece, hiking in the French or Swiss Alps, even walking across England.
  • Point-to-point walking or cycling tours through the countryside are a great way to meet locals along trails, in pubs, or in small town settings.
  • For the truly adventurous, consider tours that include running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain; “mud walking” in Holland; or glacier walking in Switzerland.
  • The “If It’s Tuesday, It Must Be Belgium” rush-rush-through-seven countries-in-a- week bus tours are mostly passé; consider focusing on one or just a few countries at a time.
  • Spain-Portugal; Denmark-Sweden-Norway; Czech Republic-Austria-Hungary; and Belgium-Netherlands are among those countries that make for nice regional tours.
  • While you can see something of Europe in a week, allowing at least ten days to two weeks for one to three countries is more satisfying.
  • Don’t be too concerned with language barriers when booking your tour, since many Europeans now speak English, and your guides can translate when necessary.
  • Many Europeans go on vacation for the entire month of August, so visiting in September or October can be ideal; the weather is cooler, too.
  •  

     

Additional details

Traveling to Europe - ETIAS

Europe is implimenting a new travel authorization system that American travelers will need to enter into Europe’s EU and Schengen Zone. ETIAS, which stands for EU Travel Information and Authorisation System, will charge a fee and check security credentials for travelers visiting for business, tourism, medical or transit purposes.

ETIAS won’t be required until 2022 but there will be a six month grace period which means travelers won’t be required to have approval until 2023.

Read more about traveling to Europe and what the ETIAS means for American travelers.


New Update - Europe Ban

As of July 1, 2020 the European Union has opened their borders to tourists from 15 different countries.

The reopening plan was based on health criteria, and ultimately officials decided to leave the U.S. off the list. The list of countries allowed to enter Europe will be reviewed every two weeks to keep up with the changing reality of coronavirus outbreaks.

Here is the full list of countries that the European Union has opened up to:

  • Algeria
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • China
  • Georgia
  • Japan
  • Montenegro
  • Morocco
  • New Zealand
  • Rwanda
  • Serbia
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
  • Tunisia
  • Uruguay
 
 

Where does the language barrier matter?

One of the most fascinating qualities of Europe is the way that countries so close together, with so much interaction, have maintained strong individuality. This manifests in culture, customs, and of course - language. There are 24 official languages in the EU, but countries both in the Union and outside it often have their own official languages.

Because of this, if you are planning a trip around Europe - you will likely run into a situation where you cannot speak the local language. Don’t worry! Most Europeans can speak more than two languages, and in Western Europe, as well as capital cities, this means many Europeans speak English.

Eastern Europe & Russia

One common concern when traveling to Europe is that there is very little English spoken in Eastern Europe -- this is, however, rapidly changing. As the popularity of destinations like Budapest, Prague, Riga, and Krakow continues to boom, many more young people there are becoming fluent in English.

There are, however, several places where English speakers are a little harder to come by. Four countries where English speakers are uncommon include:

  1. Russia (with the exception of St. Petersburg)

  2. Albania

  3. Rural Spain

  4. Bulgaria

Dialects

As can be expected, there are also countries with specific regional dialects. This is unlikely to be a problem -- but it is something good to be prepared for! For example, even if you are fluent in French, you might not be able to understand Alsatian (spoken in the Alsace region of region, including the city Strasbourg) or Catalan (spoken in the southwestern corner of  France).

Best Winter Family European Vacations

A winter vacation to Europe is a timeless and magical experience, especially when the trip is shared with loved ones. Here are three of the best locations to keep in mind for when you’re planning your next trip for you and your family.

1. Zermatt, Switzerland
Take an alpine tour of Europe to this picturesque town is nestled between the sharp and dramatic mountains. Not only this, but it is at the base of one the Alps’ most famous peaks: the Matterhorn.

Enthusiastic climbers, skiers, and snowboarders will thrill in some of the best skiing Europe has to offer. Afterwards, head back to your chalet and tuck into a steaming mug of Swiss hot chocolate before heading out for a traditional fondue dinner.

2. St. Petersburg, Russia
One of the most popular cities to visit throughout the year, visitors come to St. Petersburg in the winter to beat the crowds and experience a genuine Russian snow. You will be stunned by the sight of the frozen Neva river, and snow piling on the arches of the St. Nicholas cathedral.

When things get too chilly outdoors, take a well earned break by visiting the infamous Russian ballet and opera, or take an educational tour of the Hermitage museum inside of the Winter Palace.

3. Canary Islands, Spain
For families looking to escape the cold, Europe is still a great destination. Consider the Canary Islands, which are located off the coast of West Africa, and are favored with sunbathing weather all year round.

With opportunities to go hiking, jetski, waterski, surf, even sandboard off Gran Canaria’s massive, Sahara-like sand dunes, there are countless ways to have active fun. At night, indulge in the island’s unique cuisine.

Flying to Europe

What with the introduction of so many new budget airlines, many travelers are curious about new flight options to, and around, the continent. With fuel costs low, and the value of the dollar on the rise, trips to Europe are cheaper for Americans than ever before. This interest is increased by the fact that many vacation packages do not include flights, and it is still necessary to book your own. 

Airlines like Ryanair travel within the continent very cheaply, but be prepared to forgo checking in, and airplane tray tables, much less built in TV’s. These budget airlines also have stringent and unique restrictions. For example, Ryanair requires that you check in before arriving at the airport, or you will lose your ticket. Another downside to "flying budget" is that customer service can be very difficult to obtain with these no-frills airlines, and cancellations without any recourse are also relatively common.

If you aren't willing to risk a budget airline, there are still ways to find cheap flights. One good tip is to look airlines fly out of cities that serve as a hub (an example in the U.S. would be the Atlanta airport). Whether you are flying for a Europe tour from the USA, or India, flights from these airports are usually lower in price.   

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