The Best Cruising Destinations in Europe

Is there any better way to explore Europe than with a breathtaking cruise sailing along the most beautiful rivers in the world? Travelers will pass  ancient buildings and church spires as they uncover the history and continuum of generations who have witnessed the same scenes! There are few places in the world that offer such a tangle sense of ancestral and historical presence. With breathtaking views and luxurious accommodation, there is no better way to explore Europe than with a river cruise!

You might be wondering where to visit. After all, Europe is a large continent with a plethora of beautiful places to explore. Discover some of our top picks for the best cruising destinations in Europe!

The city of Passau flies under the radar for most travelers to Europe, which is great news for those who do want to see it. It is always a great experience to visit a place that not everyone has been to! Known as the Three Rivers City, this fascinating city sits on the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers, a feat afforded to few urban centres around the world.

Just as important as the waterways converging the city is Passau itself. It is no use to have beautiful rivers if there is nothing to see along them! Luckily, Passau is a beautiful city filled with history and heritage. Overlooked by a 13^th century castle (and boy does this part of the world do castles well), a magnificent view of the past is only a turn of the head away, and its streets and riverbanks are bustling with museums and buildings of interest. Be sure to head to the Old City and St Stephen’s Cathedral – two of the city’s premier sights. Visit the cathedral for one of the daily organ concerts, played on the world’s second largest organ, which has nearly 18,000 pipes!

East along the Danube lies the Austrian town of Melk, famous for its hilltop abbey. Built in the 11th century, Melk Abbey is an astonishing work of architecture. Whether history or architecture is your thing, there is no doubt you will be left speechless by the breathtaking views of the town from this hilltop building! There is no wonder why this is one of the best cruising destinations in Europe.

From Melk it will not be too much further to Vienna, one of Europe’s finest cities and the shining light of the Danube. After the smaller, lower-key cities of Passau and Melk, floating into the glorious and mighty city of Vienna will be a fascinating moment. The buildings, the bridges… Could this be Europe’s ultimate river city? We think it might just be, especially when you see it from the water.