On European River Cruises:
The Best Way to See the Old World in Elegant Style

European river cruises are the perfect way to unwind while exploring the history, art, and natural beauty of Europe. Your search for a European river cruises brings you to ElegantCruises.com, one of the pioneers in deluxe riverboat touring a luxury. Our small ship cultural and expedition cruising company has helped thousands of American travelers experience the very best in European river cruises since the inception of our company, Elegant Cruises & Tours, in 1989.

European River Cruises: An Excellent Way to See the Old World
Europe is a marvelous river cruise destination for numerous reasons. The continent of Europe is relatively compact. Many of the most spectacular European cities are built on the rivers so travelers are able to visit many cities or historic sites efficiently while enjoying fantastic scenic landscapes as the cruise along such breathtaking rivers as the Danube, the Rhine, and the Main. ElegantCruises.com offers some shore excursions as part of our European river cruises programs, but we encourage our intrepid passengers to explore independently as well. For folks who are somewhat reluctant to tour in countries where English is not the primary language, our European river cruises are the perfect answer. All our European river cruises feature English-speaking staff and cruise directors, who are well versed in the expectations and tastes of American travelers. And for those of you who hate to pack, your deluxe vessel serves as your "floating hotel" throughout your journey. There is no need to unpack and pack again and again on our European river cruises as there would be if you were traveling by motor coach or by car on your own.

European River Cruises: Which Program, Which Vessel?
Choosing one of our many European river cruises offers not only unparalleled scenery around every watery bend, but the most convenient, comfortable and relaxing means to experience the continent during either the prime tourist months or off season. Our elegant small vessels; Amadeus Symphony, Amadeus Royal, Amadeus Princess, Katharina von Bora, Princesse de Provence, River Cloud, and River Cloud II, have been especially designed for scenic cruising along the calm rivers and waterways of Europe. The vessels you’ll find here are better and more technologically advanced than ever. Elegant Cruises & Tours was named specifically "elegant" because we specialize in elegant European river cruises. While each ship has its own unique layout, services and ambiance, our beautifully crafted vessels are designed to create the ambiance of a waterborne Orient Express. On your European river cruises, enjoy the ever-changing landscapes from comfortable sun decks, or from behind the panoramic windows lining the spacious lounges or dining rooms. Linger over continental cuisine and regional specialties accompanied by fine wines in elegant dining rooms at single leisurely sittings. On some of our vessels we have nightly musical entertainment and dancing or daily classical music performances. Relax after a morning exploring with afternoon tea service on our European river cruises. The lifestyle on board is informal and relaxed, and the limited number of guests creates a congenial atmosphere. These small vessels, carrying from 80 to 160 guests, are the best way to immerse yourself in a region's diverse landscapes while learning about the fascinating art, architecture and history each place has to offer. Select one of Elegant Cruises' European river cruises, and you may find yourself gliding slowly past vineyards creeping down to waters edge while medieval ruins are silhouetted atop nearby hills, through gorges lined with breathtaking castles, tranquil medieval towns and baroque cities that contain some of Europe's most dazzling architecture and art or 18th windmills amidst astonishing fields of multi-colored tulips. You have so many choices for European river cruises from ElegantCruises.com.

European River Cruises: Our Focus on Exploration and Discovery
All ElegantCruises.com European river cruises are carefully designed to meet the high standards of our astute guests. We understand that you are searching for the very best European river cruises available: adventures that you will remember for years to come. We have set the standard for exceptional, elegant European river cruises as is evident by our repeat customers.

For the intrepid traveler, an important part of any trip is the chance to explore and learn. With the focus on exploration and discovery, our European river cruises present wonderful opportunities for the adventurous soul. Below are short descriptions to give you a tantalizing peek at the type of enriching programs we offer on ElegantCruises.com European river cruises.

European River Cruises Across Europe
Called the "ultimate" of European river cruises for good reason, this two-week program spans the continent from the hip, cool, laid back Amsterdam to Budapest with its incredible architecture and rich cultural heritage. Aboard the Amadeus Princess you will discover historic medieval port cities, lavish palaces and ancient castle ruins, learn about old world traditions while savoring local Bavarian foods and other regional specialties. You may join local experts at a number of historic cities who will guide your explorations through the cobbled streets of in Bamberg, baroque monasteries, as well as the lavish Hofburg Palace and the impressive Opera House in Vienna. A spectacular journey along four legendary rivers touching upon the historical riches of five countries: the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, you will return home with photographs of fabulous scenic beauty.

Provence and Burgundy European River Cruises
Your trip through the very heart of French culture on the Saone and Rhone rivers reveals the beauty and allure of France's Provence with its lavender-scented hills and Burgundy well renown for its prestigious wines. This memorable journey through the most picturesque provinces in France is a voyage of endless discoveries of art and architecture, gourmet food, delicious wine, fascinating historic sites and beautiful sun drenched days.

Danube Imperial Cities
Without question, this program can be considered the "classic" of European river cruises. 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 "Queen of the Danube", to the baroque marvels of the Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty for more than 200 years in Vienna, onward to the charms of Passau with its recognizable green onion domes of the cathedral of Don St. Stephan. Since Regensburg is considered one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany you will enjoy strolling through the winding medieval lanes and photographing historic structures including ancient Roman, Romanesque and Gothic building. Your itinerary concludes with Durnstein, located in the Wachau region of Austria, one of the most picturesque areas along the Danube, and finally to Linz with its vibrant cultural offerings.

Tulip Time in the Low Countries
Typically offered in April and May, European river cruises such as these explore the Netherlands and Belgium when stunning spring blossoms are at their glorious height. See spectacular colorful landscapes of vivid blankets of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, glimpse 18th century windmills standing guard over lush landscapes, visit stunning medieval cities and immerse your self in the culture of these two countries. Stimulate your taste buds with Dutch cheese and delicious Belgian chocolate.

Christmas Cruise or New Year's Celebration Cruise
Share in the Old World Christmas Spirit aboard one of holiday European river cruises. You will visit a number of Christmas markets, which began 600 years ago when churches permitted vendors to sell food and goods to help celebrate the Christmas season. Market and marvel at the festive lights and decorations, savor gingerbread biscuits, the aroma of hot chestnuts, grilled sausages, baked apples, while sipping a delicious mulled wine all in the most festive of holiday atmospheres.

Accessible Gateway Cities for Your European River Cruises
Although ElegantCruises.com does not accommodate airfare in European cruise rates, we do accede the importance of this element in the overall convenience and ultimate enjoyment of your European vacation. However, for your benefit we design our European cruise programs so they begin and end in well-known destinations that offer easy air connections. Over the many years Elegant Cruises & Tours has established good relationships with reputable travel partners that specialize in finding the best route and fares. When you make a reservation with us, please let us know that you would like assistance in air ticketing. We will happily provide some recommendations. If you would like to spend extra days in the pre or post European cruise cities, our travel partners will help to arrange, if you wish, those bookings as well.
Elegant Cruises & Tours more than 20 years experience in creating culturally focused European river cruises and tour programs for the enterprising, intellectually curious, American traveler. We continually improve our programs every year adding more elegant European cruise ships and itineraries to our European river cruises offerings. We believe that Elegantcruises.com programs offer many distinctive benefits, making our European cruise itineraries exciting, fulfilling and most memorable.