There are a multitude of great rivers to roam in Europe with Avalon Waterways, so let’s break them down for you.
1. Douro River
Meaning “River of Gold”, sailing on the Douro is a transfixing way to discover the gems of Portugal’s wine region. It weaves a course through some of Europe’s most captivating vistas and charming villages complete with all the wine, bread, olives and cheese that you’ve wished for. Not only this, but you’ll have the chance to sail on our newest Suite Ship, the Avalon Alegria.
Highlight: discover the treasures of Régua on a guided walking tour with a tasting of local specialties.
2. Garonne & Dordogne Rivers
Photo by restaurantlesvoutes on Instagram
The Garonne River flows from the central Spanish Pyrenees to converge with the Dordogne River at the city of Bordeaux. Discover the famed Bordeaux region as you cruise past some of France’s most idyllic countryside, all while drinking in the remarkable history, architecture, wine and food that’s on offer!
Highlight: tour Saint-Émilion, one of Bordeaux’s charming medieval villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Rhône River
A cruise on the Rhône takes you through lush landscapes, ancient architecture and culinary cities. It’s perfect for any kind of traveller – whether it be a lovely introduction to the south of France or satisfying savvy cruisers with the finest vineyards and incredible history.
Highlight: Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France so tempt your taste buds on an insightful foodie walking tour.
4. Seine & Saône Rivers
While the Saône acts as more of a conduit between the Rhône and Seine, it still holds its own. If you then travel north, the iconic Seine River begins at Dijon and empties into the English Channel. There are some quintessential French villages along both of these French rivers, the likes of which inspired artists like Monet and Renoir.
Highlight: whilst docked in peaceful Les Andelys, join your Adventure Host to hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard, famous for being the home of King Richard the Lionheart.
5. Moselle River
The Moselle River flows through tranquil scenes through France, Luxembourg and Germany. Each has their own unique traits but one thing’s for certain, a river cruise on the Moselle is simply stunning. The Moselle joins the Rhine River in Koblenz, Germany.
Highlight: stroll through the winding streets of Cochem and its half-timbered houses, topped off with an epic view across the Moselle Valley from Reichsburg Castle.
6. Rhine River
There’s a reason why the Rhine is so popular, and that’s because some of Europe’s most historic cities, cathedrals and castles are found here. In particular, the Rhine Gorge – a stretch of river (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) filled with the most concentrated number of castles in the world! The waters of the Rhine travel for over 1,100 kilometres from the Swiss Alps to the Netherlands’ North Sea so you’ll spend most of your time in Germany.
Highlight: with its towering Gothic spires, the Strasbourg Cathedral is hard to miss with its stained-glass windows and astronomical clock. From here, enjoy time in the magical La Petite France district.
7. Main River
Photo by jannatravels on Instagram
Germany’s prized river, the Main, connects the Danube with the Rhine to create one huge waterway from the North Sea to the Black Sea. Cruising along the Main River is particularly popular during the festive season with its ‘burg/berg’ cities (think Bamberg and Würzburg) hosting some of Europe’s best Christmas markets.
Highlight: Stand in awe in the halls of Würzburg’s Bishop’s Residenz, a Baroque masterpiece with the largest-known ceiling fresco.
8. Waterways of the Netherlands & Belgium
From charming canals in the Netherlands, to charismatic cities in Belgium, there is much to discover in these two countries! Springtime is the pinnacle season to travel in with tulips out in full bloom, creating a sea of colour wherever you turn.
Highlight: Keukenhof Garden, just outside of Amsterdam, is only open for eight weeks each year so join Avalon to witness millions of tulips (and other flora and fauna) in all their springtime glory.
9. Danube River
Last but not least, the Danube is known as the original river. Winding its way through ten countries and four capital cities, much of Europe’s history has been lived out on its shores. Whether you love to dive into the storied history of the Balkans or delight in the regal atmosphere of Vienna, the Danube dazzles every traveller from woah to go.
Highlight: Visit Saint Sava in Belgrade, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches, before exploring Knez Mihailova Street. This is Belgrade’s central hub that is abuzz with locals going about their daily lives.
Have we piqued your interest? Visit the Avalon Waterways website to continue your inspiration.
