Port Guides
For European River Cruising
Welcome to your riverside travel companion!
Our Port Guides are designed to help you choose the perfect river cruise itinerary, whether you’re dreaming of sailing past fairytale castles on the Rhine, exploring charming wine villages along the Danube, or wandering through lavender fields in Provence.
Think of these guides as your sneak peek into life along Europe’s most beautiful waterways. We’ve organized everything by river to make it super easy to explore your options. You’ll find details about major cities where you might start or end your journey (hello, Vienna and Amsterdam!), along with insights into the must-see towns and hidden gems you’ll discover along the way.
To make your planning even easier, we’ve tagged each river with special interest categories that you’ll see notated in the highlights. And while we’ve covered the major sites that typically appear on cruise itineraries, some of the small towns and villages will still surprise you. After all, half the fun of river cruising is stumbling upon that adorable café in a tiny village or finding a local festival that isn’t in any guidebook. Consider our Port Guides your foundation for choosing the right cruise while leaving room for those magical “I can’t believe we found this!” moments that make travel so special.
Ready to start exploring? Just select your river of interest below, and let’s discover your perfect cruise route together!
The Garonne River
Overview of the Garonne River and River Cruises Garonne River cruises are a dream come true for wine lovers, taking you through the heart of France’s famous Bordeaux wine region. Located in southwestern France, the Garonne flows from the Pyrenees Mountains to the...
The Seine River
Overview of the Seine River and River Cruises The Seine River is a classic route for exploring northern France, starting in Burgundy and flowing through Paris before reaching the English Channel at Le Havre. Seine River cruises usually include iconic stops in Paris...
The Moselle River
Overview of the Moselle River and River Cruises Sailing along the Moselle River was like stepping into a storybook. This tributary of the Rhine flows through France, Luxembourg, and Germany, winding through some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes. The views are...
The Elbe River
Overview of the Elbe River and River Cruises The Elbe River is a hidden gem that flows from the Czech Republic through Germany, all the way to the North Sea, offering a mix of historic cities, charming towns, and gorgeous scenery. Cruises on the Elbe usually kick off...
The Main River
Overview of the Main River and River Cruises The Main River, located entirely in Germany, flows from the Upper Franconia region through picturesque towns and vibrant cities before joining the Rhine River near Mainz. River cruises on the Main offer a blend of medieval...
The Douro River
Overview of the Douro River and River Cruises The Douro River is easily one of the most stunning rivers in Europe, winding its way from Spain to Portugal, and it's famously tied to Portugal’s beloved Port wine. Most river cruises on the Douro start and end in Porto,...
The Danube River
Overview of the Danube River and River Cruises The Danube River is the second-longest river in Europe, stretching across 10 countries, giving travelers a chance to explore a variety of cities and cultures all in one trip. The river flows through grand capitals like...
The Rhône River
Overview of the Rhône River and River Cruises If spending summer in the south of France sipping rosé sounds like your vibe, then a Rhône River cruise is for you! The Rhône River winds through the dreamy south of France, starting in the Swiss Alps and flowing through...
The Rhine River
Overview of the Rhine River and River Cruises The Rhine River is one of Europe’s most famous waterways, winding through six countries and full of history and beauty. When you see ads and brochures about river cruising, the hilltop castles along the Rhine, especially...
Not sure where to start but know what you love? Check out our guides best for these traveler types:
Art Enthusiasts
- Touring famous art museums like the Louvre or Belvedere Museum
- Exploring street art scenes in cities like Berlin or Lisbon
- Visiting artist studios or attending a local art workshop
Beer Buffs
- Touring historic breweries in Munich or Brussels
- Sipping traditional Kolsch in Cologne
- Enjoying a beer-tasting or a pub crawl
Bookish Travelers
- Visiting famous libraries or bookstores, like the Austrian National Library in Vienna or Lello Bookstore in Porto
- Touring literary landmarks, such as Shakespeare and Company in Paris
Castle Chasers
- Exploring Neuschwanstein Castle or other Bavarian castles
- Visiting medieval castles along the Rhine, like Marksburg Castle
- Taking a scenic river cruise past castle ruins, like in the Wachau Valley
Food & Wine Lovers
- Wine tasting in Burgundy or the Douro Valley
- Exploring food markets in Lyon or Budapest
- Joining a culinary tour or dining with a local chef
History Buffs
- Walking through ancient Roman ruins in Trier, Germany
- Touring UNESCO sites
- Visiting WWII history sites, like Nuremberg’s Documentation Center
Outdoorsy Folks
- Biking along the scenic Danube from Passau to Vienna
- Hiking vineyard trails in the Moselle Valley
- Kayaking or paddle boarding
Vineyard Views
- Strolling through vineyards in Bordeaux with panoramic views
- Enjoying a wine picnic overlooking the Rhine Valley
- Taking a scenic train ride through the vineyards of Burgundy
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