The best river cruises for boutique European cruising
From wine tasting along the Douro to Italian feasts with top chefs in Venice, browse the most amazing river cruise itineraries
A voyage through some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways on a small cruise ship is the perfect way to explore more of a region than you might otherwise. And with some of the best cruise ships taking to Europe’s rivers on dazzling itineraries, there’s never been a better time to explore our home continent.
From the Douro to the Rhine, Europe has some of the world's most scenic rivers that are best experienced on a small ship, where you can sail from little towns to historic cities via relaxing long stretches of countryside.
And you can sail with some of the best river cruise lines, such as Uniworld and A-ROSA.
We've rounded up the best river cruises for boutique sailing, selecting those that combine the most carefully put-together itineraries aboard the loveliest ships, including a super-luxe option to explore the Venetian Lagoon and its historic landmarks.
River cruises are also the perfect introduction to cruise holidays for first-timers, while those who already know and love the joy of discovering destinations by small ship will enjoy exploring new itineraries accompanied by famous faces, such as chef James Martin and Tom Kerridge.
Here are Good Housekeeping's pick of the best river cruises for exploring Europe's wonderful rivers, plus a few options for those who want to travel further afield.
And for Good Housekeeping's full collection of fabulous river cruises, visit our holiday website to get inspired.
Sail the Danube and visit locations from the Sound of Music
The majestic Danube winds its way through ten culture-packed countries, making it the ideal location for a European river cruise. One of the most enchanting cities on the shores of the Danube is Salzburg, which will hold a special place in the hearts of anyone who loves the Sound of Music and its star Julie Andrews.
Good Housekeeping has a fantastic Danube cruise which will take you to glorious Salzburg, where you'll visit some of the much-loved musical's filming locations, including the gazebo where 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen' was shot.
Making the cruise extra special is a performance of Julie Madly Deeply on board your ship. This acclaimed West End act is a cheeky and affectionate love letter to Julie Andrews and will be a truly memorable evening for fans of the movie icon. After the show, you'll get a chance to meet the show's award-winning star, Sarah-Louise Young.
Along the way you'll get to visit some of the prettiest sites along the Danube, including the Wachau Valley, where charming towns nestled in green landscapes gently slope down to the river banks.
When? July 2025
Cruise the magical Venetian Lagoon and hear Russell Watson sing
Venice is a captivating city, almost frozen in time, where astoundingly beautiful buildings line a maze of canals — it's no wonder the sheer decadence of this place captures the hearts of so many.
Part of the thrill of visiting Venice is getting swept up in its narrow streets, peering into windows displaying intricately painted masks and feasting on plates of risotto in piazzas.
Join Good Housekeeping's fantastic music-themed Venice cruise with world-renowned tenor Russell Watson, which includes an exclusive intimate concert in this stunning and historic city and seven nights on board a luxury ship.
You'll explore the lagoon's elegant waterways aboard S.S La Venezia. It's an incredible eight-day itinerary that takes you around the Venetian Lagoon to visit places such as Chioggia, Torcello, Mazzorbo and Burano.
S.S. La Venezia matches Venice's splendour in its opulent fittings, filled with accents that honour its location, including exquisite Venetian masks and Murano glass. Everything's included on this five-star cruise, from delicious food and wines to a choice of excursions around the islands.
When? October 2024
Sail to Hamburg and Amsterdam with your favourite DJs
Another music-themed voyage, but this time it's all about pop hits as you sail to Germany and The Netherlands with the company of some famous faces (or voices) from the Greatest Hits Radio crew.
You'll set sail from London Tilbury and head to Germany, where you'll sail into Hamburg on the Elbe river. While here, take the time to discover historic buildings and cool cafes on the banks of the river, including the UNESCO listed Speicherstadt - the world's largest warehouse district.
It's then on to Amsterdam, where you might choose to visit the world-famous Rijksmuseum, home to renowned works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, or simply walk along its pretty canals, taking in the sights.
Some of the highlights of this cruise will take place on board as you sail on a well-equipped ship. Look forward to a special onboard edition of Ken Bruce's PopMaster quiz, as well as DJ sets from Martin Kemp, Jenny Powell, and Kate Thornton. The presenters will also answer some of your questions during a lively Q&A session.
When? October 2024
Taste Portuguese wines on a Douro River cruise
The gorgeous Douro Valley is an enchanting and peaceful pocket of Portugal, famed for its port wine and loved for its storybook-style beauty. Terraced vineyards rise steeply from the winding river and are dotted with whitewashed Quintas - the region's terracotta-roofed wine estates - making it a particularly scenic area for a relaxing river cruise.
Sit on the sundeck of a ship to watch the scenery pass by, and delight your palate with some of Portugal’s most sensational wines on an eight-day round-trip cruise on the Douro River. You'll be able to explore the area and learn more about its port production — with plenty of opportunities to sample it yourself on visits to rustic Quintas
After arriving in Porto to board the A-ROSA ALVA, you’ll sail to Régua, a pretty riverfront town that’s produced port since the 18th century. You'll follow the Douro, hopping from place to place to where Portugal borders Spain before turning back. A highlight is visiting a Quinta in Pinhão where, depending on the season, you might get to take part in the traditional grape harvest, picking and crushing the grapes underfoot.
When? May, September and October 2025
Visit Germany's famous Christmas markets along the Rhine
There are so many enchanting cities and villages along the banks of the Rhine, and they really come into their own in December. Germany is famed for its atmospheric Christmas markets, and many of the best in the country can be found along the Rhine, making a Christmassy cruise a fabulous way to explore them.
There's Mainz, one of the oldest cities in Germany, where you can visit a historic Christmas market on the Domplatz, set against a backdrop of the illuminated Mainz Cathedral. You'll want to visit Koblenz too, a city considered to have one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany, and one of the largest in the Rhineland.
Join Good Housekeeping for a festive voyage along the Rhine on the the beautiful ship A-ROSA Aqua and you'll visit Mainz and Koblenz as well as Frankfurt and Cologne, where the market takes place right in front of the famous Cologne Cathedral.
On board your ship you'll find a sauna, fitness area, and whirlpool to enjoy between your market trips, and ample breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets in the ship's lovely dining venues.
When? December 2024
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Enjoy an Italian feast with celebrity chefs in Venice
One thing that's synonymous with Italy is good food, and that's exactly what you can enjoy on this eight-day sailing around Venice and the Veneto region.
Tick off Venice's spectacular sights, including the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge and St Mark's Basilica, which you'll visit after dark on our Good Housekeeping cruise. As part of our GH trip, you'll also get VIP access to the Doge's Palace, the stunning Venetian Gothic palace that dates back to 1340.
Sailing on the luxurious S.S. La Venezia, which accommodates only 126 guests and has a wonderfully intimate feel, you'll also visit the colourful, charming islands of Burano (pictured above), Mazzorbo and Torcello, all situated in the Lagoon of Venice.
If all of that wasn't exciting enough, the cherry on top will be meeting acclaimed chef James Martin, who will join you on board for the day to give a talk and partake in a Q&A and book-signing session. In addition, the much-loved Saturday Morning host will cook a delectable gala dinner one evening, too.
When? October 2024
Another wonderful Venetian sailing with a famous foodie guest is Good Housekeeping's cruise with Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett. Angela will join you on a visit to the city's bustling Rialto food market, before hosting an exclusive onboard cooking demonstration and answering some of your questions.
When? May 2025
Alternatively, join our eight-day sailing with MasterChef judge Monica Galetti. Monica will join you on a visit to the thriving food markets on Chioggia, where local fisherman sell their fantastically fresh fish.
As with our other Venice cruises, you'll get exclusive access to some of the lagoon's top attractions, including St Mark's Basilica after dark to see a peaceful lighting ceremony and Torcello's basilica with an art historian.
When? April 2025
Taste the flavours of Bordeaux and meet Tom Kerridge
Bordeaux is one of France's most picturesque regions, and is ideal for exploring on a river cruise as two of the country's major rivers, the Dordogne and the Garonne, flow right through it.
On the shores of these scenic rivers you'll find rolling landscapes of vineyards. It is here that some of the world's most renowned wines have been produced for hundreds of years. This region is also full to the brim with history, with grand buildings like the UNESCO-listed citadel in Blaye and the 17th-century Fort Médoc.
Join Good Housekeeping's foodie cruise through Bordeaux and you'll get the chance to try some of the region’s finest wines as you visit renowned wine estates. Joining you for part of the cruise is the Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, who'll host a cooking demo and Q&A on board your luxury ship.
Also on the itinerary is a scenic drive from Blaye to Bourg along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie, where you'll see the spectacular Blaye Fortress and the historic Lansac Windmill.
When? April 2025
Glide along the Danube and see the Lipizzaner horses in Vienna
The banks of the Danube have seen the rise and fall of empires and provided inspiration to some of Europe's greatest artists and composers. This grand river winds its way past mysterious hillside castles and ancient medieval towns and meanders through a range of culture-rich cities, including four European capitals.
A river cruise is an unbeatable way to explore some of the cities straddling the Danube, allowing you to visit several towns, villages and cities on one trip, without having to organise local transport yourself.
One of the finest cities that the Danube flows through is Vienna, once the home of Mozart, where manicured gardens, chic coffee houses and baroque palaces will have you feeling like you've stepped back in time. It's also the home of the Royal Lipizzaner Stables at the Spanish Riding School, where grand Lipizzan horses perform a mesmerising type of equine ballet.
On Good Housekeeping's Danube River cruise you can visit the Royal Lipizzaner Stables with historian Lucy Worsley. You'll enjoy an aperitif and a talk before watching the training of the young stallions in the imperial atmosphere of the Baroque winter riding school, as classical Viennese music plays.
When? September 2024
See the Dutch tulips at the famous Keukenhof Gardens
As far as springtime river cruises go, a visit to The Netherlands is hard to beat. This is the time of year when the country bursts into colourful bloom as its iconic tulips brighten up the countryside.
Good Housekeeping has a very special seven-night cruise, perfectly timed to visit the Netherlands during its beautiful tulip season. You'll visit the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens where seven million flowers cover 80 acres in brilliant colour. You'll see innovative landscaped gardens nestled between lakes, water gardens and blooming shrubs of every colour.
There'll be some special guests joining you for this cruise too. Look forward to a talk and Q&A with TV gardener Charlie Dimmock, as well as a cocktail masterclass with bar owner and TV bartender Merlin Griffiths.
As well as The Netherlands, you'll also head to Hamburg in Germany and Antwerp in Belgium. There are plenty of horticultural treats waiting for you in these cities too, from the Planten un Blomen park in Hamburg, to Antwerp's Plantentuin, a botanical garden with an vast collection of plants from around the world.
When? April 2025
Sail further afield with a cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia
While Europe has more than its fair share of enchanting rivers, you're also spoilt for choice if you fancy a river cruise further afield.
Asia has several waterways which provide ideal routes for discovering new countries and cultures. Flowing through Myanmar, China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, the Mekong is one of the longest rivers in the world and home to an incredible range of wildlife.
It makes the ideal destination for a river cruise that combines culture, delicious cuisine and wildlife-spotting. You might spot species like the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, giant freshwater stingray and giant catfish swimming alongside you.
Good Housekeeping is offering an immersive adventure along the Mekong through Cambodia and Vietnam. You'll sail in a Luxury Balcony suite aboard the Mekong Jewel, a luxurious and beautifully decorated ship, to visit unforgettable sights like the UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat temples and incredible cities like Phnom Penh and Hanoi.
There'll be ample opportunities to learn about the turbulent history of the region too, with visits to the infamous Killing Fields and a glimpse of the Viet Cong's network of tunnels dating back to the Vietnam War.
When? Until October 2025
Discover local traditions as you sail the Ganges in a luxury ship
Another Asian adventure awaits on the Ganges, India's most sacred river. Sailing along this important body of water allows you a unique insight into life along its banks. It meanders 2,500km through the country from its starting point high in the Himalayas down through sprawling cities, tiny villages, and spectacular nature.
A Ganges cruise is a wonderful way to see some of India's best attractions, with highlights including the Rajbari temple complex in Kalna, the artisan village of Matiari, and the neoclassical Hazarduari Palace in Murshidabad.
Join Good Houskeeping's once-in-a-lifetime tour of India, which includes seven-night cruising in luxury down the Ganges. After exploring India's Golden Triangle – including a trip to witness both sunset and sunrise over the iconic Taj Mahal – you'll board the opulent Ganges Voyager II, a spectacular ship adorned with hand-painted murals, to explore the culture and history on the river banks.
Of course, another highlight of India holiday is the cuisine, and you'll be joined on board by Michelin-starred British-Indian chef Atul Kochhar, who will share his passion for Indian cooking in a live demonstration.
When? November 2024
Discover the wonders of Egypt and sail the Nile
A brilliant option if you're itching to explore another continent is Egypt, where the Nile holds awe-inspiring archaeological treasures along its banks.
A cruise along this fabled river allows you to easily visit magnificent temples like Kom Ombo, Philae, and Edfu and to see the Valley of the Kings, the ancient burial grounds of Egyptian royalty. There are several more fascinating monuments to see along the way, including the towering twin statues known as the Colossi of Memnon.
Join a cruise along the Nile with Good Housekeeping and you'll see all this and more while sailing on board the exceptional luxury ship, River Tosca. Making this river cruise even more special is the company of historian and author Lucy Worsley.
Lucy is an expert in Agatha Christie, who took inspiration from this region for one of her most famous works, Death on the Nile. You'll have afternoon tea at the hotel which features in the novel and Lucy will share her knowledge of the famous author's work during several Q&As and talks.
When? September 2024
More cruise ideas:
- The best cruises for couples
- A guide to Northern Lights cruises
- The most beautiful Danube cities and towns
- A guide to Japan cruise holidays
Douro Valley: a guide to the spectacular region
12 of the best cruises for couples
The best cruises for 2025
Why Uniworld is world's best river cruise line
