The Rhine, the Danube, the Seine: steeped in history, the names of these major rivers evoke images of fairy-tale castles, small towns with red-tiled roofs and some of the most significant cultural centers in Europe.
Taking a Backroads Active River Cruise along one of Europe’s iconic waterways is a wonderful way to discover the Continent’s rich cultures, fascinating history and scenic landscapes. With an AmaWaterways floating hotel as your base, cruising maximizes the time you have during the day to explore since most of your travel time happens while you sleep. And a cruise down a major river like the Rhine or Danube gives you the opportunity to bike or hike in up to five different countries in a single trip without transporting luggage (including your bike) or navigating border crossings.
A luxury river cruise in Europe is not what you may think of as the typical cruise experience. First of all, AmaWaterways river cruise ships (called longships) are much smaller than those used on ocean cruises, carrying a few hundred, rather than a few thousand, passengers. Also, on a river cruise line, there are no days out at sea with nothing but ocean to see. European rivers pass through scenic countryside, small towns and major cities like Paris and Budapest, and, without as much distance to cover, the itinerary can feature more frequent, and longer, shore excursions.
Off the ship, you’ll spend your days biking past vineyards or fields of lavender, boarding a gondola for an Alpine hike, and other activities as varied as kayaking around Vienna's Donauinsel, taking a guided city walk around Bratislava or Porto, touring Omaha Beach in Normandy, and visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites. And bring the whole family—not only will the kids get a kick out of staying in a ship’s stateroom, they’ll be treated to special kids-only activities like archery at Schallaburg Castle, an escape room in Budapest, even a chocolate-making workshop in Vienna.
What is the best European river cruise for you? Backroads offers departures from April through October, so your choices are ample for almost any time of year. Check out the best seasons to cruise in Europe—anchors aweigh!
Spring (April, May & June)
Best for:
- Pleasant Weather: Temperatures range from low-mid 50s to the upper 60s (Fahrenheit), and there’s less chance of rain compared to fall.
- Vivid Scenery: The landscape is alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery― especially along the Danube, Rhine and Douro rivers.
- Fewer Crowds: In comparison to peak summer months, springtime sees fewer tourists, which can mean a more relaxed experience in cities and small towns.
Straight Talk:
- In early spring, some rivers can still be chilly―particularly the Danube and Rhine.
- River levels are more unpredictable. Higher water levels in early spring due to snowmelt from the Alps and other mountain ranges may require changes to itineraries.
Summer (July & August)
Best for:
- Warm, Even Hot, Weather: Depending on where you travel, summer typically offers warm, sunny days, with temperatures ranging from the upper 60s to the upper 80s, with higher temperatures in southern Europe.
- Outdoor Activities & Events: European cities are energized with festivals and other cultural happenings in the summer. One of the most famous is the Rhine in Flames festival, which takes place on five weekends in May through September, with the most spectacular event occurring in August between the towns of Spay and Koblenz.
Straight Talk:
- Summer is the peak season for European river cruises and tourism in general, so you should expect crowded ports, towns and attractions. (Though at Backroads, we do our best to take you off of the beaten path to avoid the crowds.)
- In southern regions like Spain and Portugal (e.g., the Douro River), it can get very hot in summer, sometimes above 95 degrees.
Autumn (September to October)
Best for:
- Mild Weather: Temperatures range from upper 50s to upper 70s, though it can get cooler as you move into October.
- Colorful Foliage & Wine Harvest Season: Autumn is harvest season, which is one of the most beautiful times of year for a European river cruise! The vineyards along the Rhine and Danube turn the jeweled tones of gold, orange and red of fall and the wine harvest is bountiful. Witnessing the wine harvest in full swing makes you feel more connected to each wine’s complex and expressive aromas and flavors.
- More Relaxed Explorations: After the peak summer season, you’ll encounter fewer tourists, which leads to more relaxed and intimate sightseeing.
Straight Talk:
- Shorter Days: As fall rolls in, days get shorter, which means less time for sightseeing compared to summer.
- Whimsical Weather: While fall weather is typically mild, it can be less predictable than summer and spring, bringing more rain and cooler temperatures later into the season.
A Backroads European river cruise at any time of year combines the best of what you’ve come to expect from us—active vacations, superb Trip Leaders, genuine experiences—with an exceptional itinerary and the uniqueness of a floating boutique hotel. What is the best time of year for a river cruise? There’s only one way to find out—try them all, and decide for yourself!
