River cruises in Europe are a great way to see a variety of locations, without the hassle of repeatedly packing and unpacking or moving from place to place. Due to their size river cruises offer a much more intimate experience than sea cruises and river cruise ships can dock directly in port, which saves time in loading and unloading passengers and maximizes your time in a city. Below I have listed the main rivers for cruising in Europe. The Danube

The Danube River runs from Germany’s Black Forest east through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine, making it the perfect river for those interested in exploring Eastern Europe in comfort. It passes through picturesque countryside, pleasant small towns, and major cities and capitals, including Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, and Bratislava.

Cruises on the Danube can last between just a few days, during which you’ll concentrate on a smaller area like Austria and Hungary, to 16-day odysseys where you can traverse the whole route from Germany to the Black Sea. Off river exursions can include visiting the small towns of Ceský Krumlov or Budweis in Czech Republic, taking a "Sound of Music" tour inSalzburg in Austria or exploring the medieval town of Regensburg in Germany.

The Seine and Rhône Rivers

The River Seine River flows through the north of the country, from Paris to the English Channel. Most cruises start or end in Paris and make several stops in the Normandy region. Spend a few days exploring the beauty of Paris and then set sail for small towns like Rouen and Le Harve. Excursions further inland might include an afternoon in Giverny, home of Claude Monet. Cruises on the Seine usually last 7-8 days.

The Rhône runs through Southeast France and Switzerland. It passes through Oberwald and Geneva in Switzerland and several smaller towns in France, including Arles, Avignon and Lyon.

Most cruises stop in the afore mentioned towns. You can tour the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lyon, marvel at Roman ruins and walk the streets of Arles and tour Avignon, the "City of Popes". Excursions away from the river may include a journey into the heart of Burgundy to taste the locally made wine.

The Rhine

The Rhine starts in the Swiss Alps, flows north through Germany, and passes through the Netherlands. It runs through the major cities of Basel in Switzerland, Cologne and Düsseldorf in Germany and Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Rhine cruises typically last for 8-12 days and feature stops at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cologne, the castle at Marksburg, and the European Parliament at Strasbourg. Along the way you’ll pass by fairy-tale castles, idyllic vineyards, and charming small towns.