SHORT EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES: 3-5 DAY RHINE, DANUBE, MOSELLE AND RHONE MINI CRUISES

For business travelers, or travelers in general going to Europe that have a few extra days, these 3 – 5 day river cruises are a great way to experience a river cruise and see some great sites. With the cruise, the rate includes the cruise, all meals and a beverage package with most drinks (alcohol and non-alcohol).

River cruise itineraries involve voyages through countries such as Italy, Czech Republic, Hungary, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and more without the typical inconveniences of unpacking and packing. Their ‘Floating Hotels’ cruise by gorgeous villages, cities, vineyards, and castles.

Traveling throughout Europe is fun and exciting — it is one of those adventures that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Europe gives travelers that beautiful balance of both ancient and modern times.

If you like to have a more intimate and cozy travel experience around this timeless and beautiful continent, then you should go for a short river cruise. It will surely be an unforgettable journey as you traverse astounding waterways such as the Danube, the Main, and the Rhine and see historic cities and beautiful villages by the shore.

Here are some of the advantages of traveling on a short river cruise.

1. They’re brief.
Short river cruises in Europe usually last 3 to 7 days, depending on the cruise you choose. You will be able to enjoy the scenery and bask in European culture without having to stay too long on the ship. It is the perfect vacation for families with small children, an add-on to an existing trip, or for those who simply want a quick getaway. You will be able to experience so much in a short time.

You don’t have to spend more than a month in Europe to enjoy its luxurious culture and beautiful landscapes. For instance, you can visit Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria in a three-night Danube river Cruise or view the castles along Germany’s Rhine River on a four to six day river cruise.

2. They are more personal.
Compared to ocean cruises, a short river cruise lets travelers enjoy smaller vessels, which is a more intimate setting — the best retreat for those on a romantic vacation. In most big cruise vacations, you will find yourself amidst at least 2000 travelers.

3. You don’t have to unpack multiple times.
If you want to travel around multiple locations in Europe and you are going by land, you will find that you will have to unpack and pack again multiple times. The river cruises will bring you to as many locations as you want and you have to unpack only once — it is such a convenience.

On the other hand, if you don’t mind exploring while on water but you want to sleep and rest on land, you can still enjoy a short river cruise.

4. They offer guided visits on various tourist spots.
Don’t think that you will stay on the cruise while you are traveling — there will be stops, shore excursions, and guided tours when you reach particular tourist attractions.

Cruises also allow travelers to explore the towns by themselves. And since you are in fascinating Europe, some interesting stops that will highlight your trip may include outdoor museums, churches, castles, cheese factories, vineyards and even tulip gardens.

Of course, you still have the option to stay on the vessel all day if you prefer.

Our international cruise line rates include the nights cruise, all meals, beverage package of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks as well as included Wi-Fi (except A-ROSA). Rates start at $648 – $1068 for a 5 day cruise.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money or a lot of time to enjoy Europe. Plan short excursions such as a 4 day Rhine river cruise with your loved ones, family, and/or friends today!

Germany Rivers

Rhine River

The Rhine river is one of the most romantic and beautiful rivers in the world. It is also the most important and the 2nd longest river in Western Europe. It is about 766 miles long and it originates from the Swiss Alps. This beautiful river flows and runs through six countries across Europe, namely Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, France, and the Netherlands.

Rhine River Cruises

Danube River

The Danube River is Germany's second longest river and flows thru 10 countries - starting at the Black Forest and ends at the Black Sea. River cruise itineraries include voyages through countries like Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Moldova,Ukraine and Bulgaria.

Danube River Cruises

Elbe River

The Elbe River acts as a gateway to Eastern Europe. There is an exciting mix of medieval cities and towns from the Bohemian capital Prague, to Hamburg and through the sensational hovering sandstone mountains of Saxon Switzerland as you cruise along the Elbe to indulge in a breathtaking scenic journey.

Elbe River Cruises

Main, Mosel and Neckar River Cruises

The Main, Mosel (Moselle), and Neckar are major tributaries of the Rhine River in Germany, vital for commerce and tourism. The Main flows through Frankfurt, the Mosel is known for steep vineyards and Roman history, and the Neckar flows through Heidelberg and Stuttgart, offering a, scenic landscape for travelers

Main, Mosel and Neckar River Cruises

France Rivers

These "Floating Hotels" cruise by beautiful cities, villages, castles and vineyards. On the Rhone, ships sail round-trip from Lyon, France to the Burgundy and Beaujolais wine regions and the Mediterranean style cities of Avignon and Arles as well as one-way between Lyon and Avignon. On the Seine, enjoy the charm of small towns such as Les Andelys and admire the impressive chalk cliffs of the Channel Coast. Take a stroll through the small seaside and artist town of Honfleur and marvel at the beauty of Monets Garden in Giverny. The Wine region The Loire Valley is an enchanting place filled with one breath taking chateau after another - over 300 in total beginning from the 10th century. The gardens - there are not enough words to describe these great landscapes of color.

Seine River

On the Seine, enjoy the charm of small towns such as Les Andelys and admire the impressive chalk cliffs of the Channel Coast. Take a stroll through the small seaside and artist town of Honfleur and marvel at the beauty of Monets Garden in Giverny.

Seine River Cruises

Rhone/Saone Rivers

The Rhone is one of the major rivers of Europe and has twice the average discharge of the Loire (which is the longest French river), rising in the Rhone Glacier in the Swiss Alps at the far eastern end of the Swiss canton of Valais, passing through Lake Geneva and running through southeastern France. The Rhone is the only major river to flow into the Mediterranean sea. At Arles, near its mouth on the Mediterranean Sea, the river divides into two branches, known as the Great Rhone (French: Le Grand Rhone) and the Little Rhone (Le Petit Rhone).

Rhone/Saone River Cruises

Bordeaux River

You'll be raising your glass many times in Bordeaux, which is renowned for its wines, considered amongst the best in the world. As the capital of the department Gironde in the region Aquitaine, it has over two and a half million inhabitants in its metropolitan area. After years of neglect, the former wet docks are the country's new hot spot, with a number of cafes, gardens, and museums springing up all the time. A lively university community of over 60,000, (Bordeaux Campus is the largest in France) establishes that Bordeaux is about more than just wine.

Gironde River Cruises

Loire River

The Loire Valley is a treasure trove of historical attractions and architectural marvels to discover and explore. The Loire River is a little over a thousand kilometers long making it the longest among France’s waterways. It runs from the area of Mont Gerbier de Jonc through Nevers and through Tours then into Nantes before it empties out into the Atlantic at Saint Nazaire. It has several tributaries that can also be traversed by paddle boats or barges.

Loire River Cruises

Holland Rivers

Holland's waterways are famous in March and April, and even into early May, for the profusion of flowers: Tulips, irises, daffodils, and more. The Netherlands has much more to offer, though: Amsterdam and her art; Kinderdijk and the windmills; Dordrecht and her distinctive church towers and historic architecture; Rotterdam with her beautiful Harbor and numerous museums, from art to 15th-century artifacts. Delft with its pottery. Other stops on the Holland cruise include the historical cities of Horne, Middleburg, Gorinchem, Utrecht, and Nijmegen.