Cologne Germany- photo by SpaceJulien on Flickr CC

stunning view of Cologne, Germany from the Rhine River – photo by SpaceJulien on Flickr CC

River Cruises in Europe

River Cruises are a very popular way of traveling through Europe. And it’s no wonder, given the large number of beautiful, important rivers flowing through the continent – rivers that have played such significant roles in Europe’s history, politics, economies, cultures and arts.

Each of Europe’s major rivers flow for well over 1000 miles, passing through several countries before emptying into one of the seas surrounding the continent. As a result, rivers such as the Volga, Rhine and Danube have served as one of the most important means of trade, commerce and communication around the continent for thousands of years. They’ve determined where people have settled and the locations of villages, towns and many of Europe’s most important cities.

Several of Europe’s capital cities have been established along rivers as well as hundreds of other cities. Many of them are filled with stunning palaces, cathedrals, town squares, historic neighborhoods and buildings. There are museums, boutique shops, old taverns. And many stunning bridges cross the rivers.

These same rivers have determined country borders, served as major points of national defense and played significant roles in squabbles, fights and wars. Because of that, many beautiful castles and fortresses line their shores.

Through the Rhine Gorge – photo by Kecko on Flickr CC

Europe’s rivers have inspired musicians, opera composers, painters, writers and film-makers because of their sublime beauty and history. They pass through rugged mountains, deep gorges, gentle valleys, rolling fields, affluent vineyard regions, thick forests, national parks and river deltas. They meander through idyllic countrysides, quaint villages and charming towns.

In more recent years, many sections of Europe’s rivers have been distinguished as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their great cultural, historic or scenic value.

With so much diversity of scenery, culture and destinations, it’s easy to understand why river cruises are such a popular and excellent way to travel through Europe. Depending on visitors’ tastes and interests, they can choose to immerse themselves in nature, learn about European history, view stunning historic architecture, cruise through quaint countrysides or be dazzled by Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Stone Bridge over the Danube River – photo by Lyn Gateley on Flickr CC

It’s also not surprising that there are many, many different types of cruises to join around Europe. They range from short 1-4 hour cruises up to intensive 1-2 week cruises. Short cruises include half-day city tours, dinner cruises and day-long jaunts into the countryside.

Many specialty cruises are also available, such as visits to vineyards; nature-focused cruises through mountains, gorges or national parks; and cruises of Europe’s famous Christmas markets.

Longer 1-week and 2-week cruises commonly visit several European cities, roll through idyllic farmland and vineyards with quaint historic villages, pass through dramatic gorges, and cruise past dozens of striking castles, fortresses and estates. These cruises make a complete holiday, offering great insights into Europe’s history and culture.

Europe’s major rivers are so long and pass through such a variety of landscapes, towns and cities, that it would take many different cruises to explore them all.

Goslar Christmas Market -photo by GrahamHills on Flickr CC

Christmas Market in Germany-photo by GrahamHills on Flickr CC

Personally, I think it would be great fun to try several different lengths and types of river cruises around the continent. I’d love to take a few short half-day city cruises in order to view Europe’s stunning cities as panoramas from the water. Then, of course, I’d love to take a couple longer 1-3 day cruises through several country’s rural areas to gaze at the quaint villages, scenic farmlands and rolling hills.

I’d have to take a cruise through UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘The Upper Middle Rhine Valley’ aka ‘The Romantic Rhine’ in Germany to see all the castles and fortresses lining the river. And a specialty cruise to visit Europe’s Christmas markets sounds rather exciting as well.

Ah, where to begin? I guess I’ll first have to get myself to Europe!

Meanwhile, if you’re lucky enough to travel through the continent this year, consider joining a couple river cruises in Europe in 2014. They’re really a most excellent way to explore the region.

QUESTIONS:

Have you ever joined a river cruise in Europe?

If so, where and how was it?

If not yet, what kind of river cruise would you like to join?

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You might also like:

Round Up of my Best Day Cruises

Confessions of a Cold Weather Hater

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