European river cruises
Europe by river, without the guesswork
The Rhine, Danube, Douro, Seine and Rhône with Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Uniworld and more — planned from Wisconsin by Cruise Planners® travel advisors Kirk and Jennifer Kanter.
Every river line feels different on board
Some lines are adults-only and include excursions in every port. Others welcome families, offer active biking and hiking options, or lean into boutique luxury. The river, the season and the ship all shape the trip.
We match you to the right combination, then add the pieces most people forget: pre-cruise nights in Amsterdam, Budapest or Paris, flights that land on time, and transfers to the dock.
Popular river journeys
- Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel through castle country
- Danube: Budapest, Vienna and the Wachau Valley
- Douro: Portugal’s port-wine valley
- Seine and Rhône: Paris, Normandy and Provence
- Holiday markets sailings in late November and December
River cruise questions
Which river cruise line is best for couples?
Couples who want a quiet, adults-only ship with excursions included usually love Viking. Couples who want more active options or more inclusions often lean toward AmaWaterways or Avalon. We’ll compare them side by side for your dates.
When is the best time for a European river cruise?
Spring and fall bring comfortable weather and fewer crowds. Summer is warmest, and late November through December brings the holiday markets.
Do river cruises include flights from Wisconsin?
Some lines offer air packages; others don’t. We price both the line’s air and independent flights from Milwaukee or O’Hare and recommend the better option.
Which river is calling you?
Tell us your travel month and interests. Consultations are complimentary.