Rivers of Europe

Lower Danube

This leisurely cruise travels from Hungary, through Austria's beautiful Wachau Valley, and into the heart of Germany.  Visit the spectacular cities of Vienna and Budapest, among others, and sail high above the river valley as you experience the amazing Main-Danube Canal.

Main-Danube Canal
Centuries ago, in 794, Emperor Charlemagne dreamed of a waterway that would connect the Rhine to the great Danube, thus allowing ships to sail from the North Sea to the Black Sea.  In 1845, the same vision became the passion of King Ludwig of Bavaria.  Work on a 100-mile canal with over 100 locks was resumed in the 1920s, and thanks to modern technology, it was finally completed in 1992.  Winding through rural Bavaria and linking Bamberg on the Main, with Kelheim on the Danube, its locks progressively raise your ship to a height of 1,330 feet near Nuremburg.  The sights along the way are fascinating as the ship sails above houses, streets, and river valleys . . . you literally sail over the Franconian Alps!

Upper Danube

Connecting eight countries from the Black Forest to the Black Sea, the Danube is Europe's second longest river.  Here, along the banks of the Danube, where Gothic cathedrals rise from lush vineyards . . . and medieval villages stand as they did thousands of years ago . . . experience the pleasures of this mighty river on a delightful cruise aboard the five-star Mozart of the deluxe Danube Princess.  Explore the art, history, and culture of Europe's most celebrated cities – Budapest, crowned "Queen of the Danube"; Vienna, where Mozart composed his greatest operas and symphonies; and Melk with its splendid Benedictine Abbey.

Douro River

Here is a truly delightful cruise holiday that seasoned travelers will appreciate.  It offers a gentle, relaxing journey of breathtaking scenery, quaint villages and towns, and the great cities of Porto and Salamanca.  This is most certainly the best, most comfortable and most enjoyable way to see Portugal.  The Douro is not the longest, grandest, or most historic of Europe's rivers, but she certainly is one of most untouched and beautiful.  From her meager beginnings in the hills north of Madrid, she makes her way through Northern Portugal in a meandering flourish to the ocean and the endlessly fascinating city of Porto.  Your cruise on the Douro River takes you from Porto on a wonderfully scenic path through deep cleft gorges terraced with thousands of vineyards, past sleepy villages and a tranquil countryside of almond and citris trees, to just before the Spanish border.  From here you visit Spain's ancient seat of learning, Salamanca with its grand buildings in rich copper hues and Spain's most magnificent square, Plaza Mayor.  Alone the way see vineyards, palaces, places of pilgrimage, and cultural center.

Elbe & Moldau Rivers

Discover Germany's rich heritage on this special cruise along the historic Elbe River, through the heart of former East Germany.  Visit ports closed to Westerners for almost 50 years; see some of Europe's most dazzling medieval towns and villages that have remained virtually unchanged for much of this century.  Visit Dresden, one of Europe's greatest baroque cities, and Meissen, renowned for its porcelain.  Walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther through Wittenburg, where he sparked the Protestant reformation.

Rhine, Main & Moselle

Let the Prussian Princess show you the beauty of Switzerland, France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands with a series of cruises along the legendary Rhine.  Sail through the Main-Danube Canal, a spectacular engineering feat linking 2,000 miles of European waterways.  Visit sophisticated Strasbourg and picturesque Cologne.  Or experience the magic of Amsterdam and historic Brussels, all from the deck of your luxury floating hotel.

Main-Danube Canal
Centuries ago, in 794, Emperor Charlemagne dreamed of a waterway that would connect the Rhine to the great Danube, thus allowing ships to sail from the North Sea to the Black Sea.  In 1845, the same vision became the passion of King Ludwig of Bavaria.  Work on a 100-mile canal with over 100 locks was resumed in the 1920s, and thanks to modern technology, it was finally completed in 1992.  Winding through rural Bavaria and linking Bamberg on the Main, with Kelheim on the Danube, its locks progressively raise your ship to a height of 1,330 feet near Nuremburg.  The sights along the way are fascinating as the ship sails above houses, streets, and river valleys . . . you literally sail over the Franconian Alps!

Po River

Beginning in the French Alps and running eastward to the Adriatic Sea, Italy's greatest river, the Po, flows through some of the most beautiful regions Italy has to offer.  Coveted through the ages by aristocrats and invaders alike, the Po River Valley overflows with a wealth of art, culture, and traditions, and is the home of much of Italy's quintessential cuisine.  As you sail through this fascinating region, the Medieval and Renaissance glory of the cities visited will enchant you.  Experience the treasures of the Po river Valley from the provincial captial of Cremona to Venice's romantic canals.

Seine River

Travel the legendary Seine River from the romantic capital of Paris to the Atlantic Ocean.  Travel among medieval towns and the delightful countryside on Europe's most romantic river.  Excursions visit the region's famous artistic sites and tour through buildings representing various architectural periods.

Rhône & Saône Rivers

A romantic journey through the South of France, this cruise travels the length of the Rhône River.  Visit some of the country's most magnificent towns as you cruise through the idyllic countryside and past fruitful vineyards.  Get a taste of the region's fabled wines and amazing food as you tour through the gastronomic region.

Volga & Svir Rivers

A spectacular voyage through Russia along its colorful and historic waterways.  The exciting days in Moscow and St. Petersburg are combined with a leisurely cruise past charming medieval towns, quaint river villages, and breathtaking scenery.  Visit the enchanting Golden Ring cities – Uglich, Yaroslav, and Kostroma – and sail through the largest lakes in Europe: Onega and Ladoga.

Burgundy

Where the Beautiful Canal du Nivernais winds through spectacular, untouched countryside.  This is a region where the appreciation of all that is good in life – whether it be cuisine, wines, or the land itself – still reigns.

Champagne

Where the Beautiful Canal du Nivernais winds through spectacular, untouched countryside.  This is a region where the appreciation of all that is good in life – whether it be cuisine, wines, or the land itself – still reigns.

Le Midi Region

The 300-year-old Canal du Midi skirts the sun-bathed shores of the Mediterranean before winding inland through ancient villages and Roman fortifications toward the famed wine region of Bordeaux.  You'll find the pace marvellously relaxed, with plenty of time to unwind or bicycle along the shady towpaths or into the nearby countryside to sample local wine and produce.

Loire Valley

A spectacular vision, filled with famous chateaux, including the romantic masterpiece, Chenoneau.

Rhône Valley

Caledonian Canal

The Caledonian Canal connects the lochs in the rift valley of the Great Glen.  It is said that this is Europe's most scenic waterway.  Ancient castles, heather-clad glens, trout-filled streams, fine golf courses, pipes, and perhaps a single malt whiskey are but a few things that spring to mind.

Lough River

The 12 passenger Shannon Princess of classic Dutch design is the essence of Irish hosptitality, and the largest barge cruising the Shannon.  Captain Ruairi Gibbons and partner Olivia Powerk, a distinguished Chef, tailor journeys through the unspoiled reaches of the Shannon countryside, a profusion of lakes, green pastures, and wide horizons.  Besides the daily baked breads, scones, and muffins, the galley produces a range of menus adapted to the freshest fish, game, and local produce the rich Irish markets provide.  The talented Olivia, trained at the famous Bally Malloe School, distinguishes herself at every meal with signature dishes like parcels of wild salmon, roasts of spring lamb, variations of shellfish stew with fresh herbs, and, of course, a great selection of desserts.

River Thames

The Royal River Thames winds sedately through tranquil English countryside, past stately mansions, royal castles, and picturesque riverside pubs.  Woodlands make way for water meadows and quiet villages of perfectly manicured gardens.  Cruising between Windsor and Shillingford, you'll see the best of England's heritage from Windsor Castle to the Dreaming spires of Oxford.