See the Old World in Elegant Style on a European River Cruise

Your search for a "European river cruise" brings you to one of the pioneers in deluxe riverboat touring: Elegant Cruises & Tours, Inc. Since 1989 Elegant Cruises & Tours has assisted thousands of American travelers in selecting an appropriate European river cruise. A European river cruise is an excellent way to experience Europe's diverse cultures and scenic landscapes. Not only will you find unparalleled scenery around every river bend, but also you will travel in a most elegant, convenient, comfortable and relaxing manner during any month of the year. Our small vessels, carrying between 80 to 160 guests, are the best way to immerse yourself in a region's diverse landscapes, its elegant capital cities and small picturesque river towns as well as their fascinating culture, art, and architecture. On an ElegantCruises' European river cruise, you'll glide slowly past vineyards creeping down to the waters' edge, view medieval ruins atop nearby hills, and slip quietly into communities where towering church steeples and winding medieval streets announce their storied past.

Focus on Exploration and Discovery During Your European River Cruise
For the curious traveler, an important part of any trip is the occasion to learn. With a focus on exploration and discovery, our European river cruise programs present many wonderful opportunities. A number of our ElegantCruises’ European river cruise programs feature an expert or guide who travels aboard for the week offering informal lectures, and demonstrations. In addition, they will lead excursions ashore and answer any questions. These special European river cruise programs such as our Mozart music cruise along the Danube, culinary cruise along the majestic Rhine, or the UNESCO World Heritage Site cruise along the meandering Main River present wonderful learning opportunities.

The Value of a European River Cruise
Your deluxe vessel serves as your "floating hotel" throughout your journey. There is no need to unpack and pack again and again. How pleasant it is avoiding the crowded autobahns typical of a motor coach package tour. With today's currency exchange and the high costs of individual travel in Europe -- e.g. hotels, meals, sightseeing and entrance fees, transportation and so on, the inclusive nature of an ElegantCruises' European river cruise offers tremendous value to the American traveler. All Elegant Cruises & Tours riverboats and itineraries are carefully selected to meet the high standards of our discerning guests. All feature English-speaking staff and cruise directors, who are well versed in the expectations and tastes of American travelers, While each ship has its own unique layout, services and ambiance, every cabin is comfortable and attractive, with private bath facilities and outside windows. All are air-conditioned, with lower beds, attractive decor and thoughtful amenities. Announcements are in English on each ElegantCruises European river cruise.

The lifestyle on board is informal and relaxed, and the limited number of guests creates a congenial atmosphere. All our vessels have elegant salons and restaurants with panoramic window views and fine cuisine prepared by professional chefs. On a European river cruise, you will find that meals are served in leisurely single sittings. On some, you will find that wine is even included with lunch and dinner.

Depending on the ship and itinerary, shore excursions may be included in the price of your European river cruise, or optional (at additional cost). This is also true for occasional evening entertainment programs ashore. You'll find these details with the rates for each European river cruise elsewhere on this website, or in our brochures. If you prefer, you may stay aboard and relax on deck, or explore on your own. But whatever your interest, the prefect ElegantCruises European river cruise can be found!

Looking for the perfect European river cruise?
Here are just a few that you will find on the ElegantCruises.com website:

Tulip Time in the Low Countries
Typically offered in April and May, a European river cruise like this explores Holland and Belgium when spring blossoms are at their height. See spectacular colorful landscapes of tulips and working windmills, visit stunning medieval cities and immerse your self in the culture of these two countries.

Rhine & Main River Cruises
A European river cruise along the Rhine and Main rivers reveals a beauty and allure best appreciated from the water, as you experience the charm of France's Alsace-Lorraine, and see remnants of Roman times when these rivers formed a frontier and highway for the Empire. This memorable journey through the most picturesque province in France is a voyage of endless discoveries of Alsace-Lorraine's art and architecture, gourmet food, delicious wine, fascinating history, and heritage.

Across Europe
Called the "ultimate" European river cruise for good reason, this two-week program spans the continent from Amsterdam to Budapest. Imagine yourself eating an elegant dinner aboard your European river cruise, admiring the breathtaking views of the Danube while basking in the golden light of the setting sun. Following the route of kings and emperors on a spectacular journey along three legendary rivers touching upon the historical riches of five countries: Holland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, you will return home with photographs of fabulous scenic beauty.

Danube Imperial Cities
Without question, this program can be considered the "classic" European river cruise. The legendary Danube River provides the discerning traveler with a marvelous opportunity to experience great cultural and scenic diversity, from the striking architecture of Budapest, the Hapsburg grandeur of Vienna, the charm of Passau with its winding medieval lanes, tunnels and archways, the historic structures spanning some two millennia including ancient Roman, Romanesque and Gothic buildings Regensburg is known for, to Durnstein, one of the most picturesque areas along the Danube, and finally to Linz with its vibrant cultural offerings.

Upper Danube to the Danube Delta
This European river cruise opens your eyes to the fascinating eastern extent of the Hapsburg Empire, which at its height united so many cultures, languages and regions. Explore magnificent cathedrals, baroque abbeys, and stroll narrow cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. This breathtaking river has inspired countless artists, most notably, Johann Strauss who dedicated one of his loveliest waltzes to her, the Blue Danube waltz. Cruising the lower Danube also brings much of the historic and contemporary culture of the "New Europe" into view, notably Serbia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria and their capital cities.
Whichever itinerary and vessel, the Amadeus Symphony, Amadeus Royal, Amadeus Princess, Katharina von Bora, Princesse de Provence, River Cloud, or River Cloud II, you choose when looking for a European river cruise, you will be traveling in beautifully crafted vessels, enjoying continental cuisine and local specialties served aboard ship at single leisurely sittings, appreciating other thoughtful amenities that will make a significant difference in your elegant European river cruise experience.

Don't miss out on an exceptional vacation with ElegantCruises.com. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!