Best River Scenery

The Danube

One of the most popular and well-known rivers in Europe is the Danube, which passes through 10 countries separating Eastern and Western Europe. The Danube boasts three of the most spectacular spots in European river cruising: the Wachau Valley in Austria, where the river is lined with steep, terraced vineyards and forested hills; the Danube Bend, which is the most beautiful stretch of the river within Hungary just north of Budapest; and the Iron Gates, a narrow gorge between the natural border of Serbia and Romania as the Carpathian Mountains meet the foothills of the Balkan ranges.

The Rhine

The section between Mainz and Koblenz offers the most well-known and best river scenery. As the romantic Rhine carves its way through a beautiful deep valley, the views are resplendent with picturesque wine-growing villages, vineyards, castles, and fortresses.

The Elbe

The best river scenery on the Elbe is just south of Dresden, Germany as the river winds its way through Saxon Switzerland National Park and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains near the spa town of Bad Schandau close to the Czech border.

The Rhone

In France, the most beautiful part of the Rhone River is from Vienne to Tournon, highlighting vestiges from the area’s Roman heritage, rugged mountains, and very famous wine-growing regions.

The Seine

Leaving the impressive and scenic Seine in Paris behind, the loveliest part of the Seine is on the approach to Rouen, and again Honfleur, with some truly enchanting sections through the Norman countryside.

The Po

The prettiest part of the Po includes some sections in the Po Valley, with Venice as the crowing glory, and the lush green and poplar-lined section near Cremona.

The Douro

The best river scenery on the Douro, in Portugal, is from Peso de Regua to Pinhao. Lush vine-covered terraced hillsides, small towns, and lavish manor houses flank this stretch.

Caledonian Canal

The best river scenery on the Caledonian Canal in Scotland includes the Great Glen and Loch Ness, famed for the legendary beast. A cruise on the canal offers magnificent scenery and wild landscapes, replete with castles and golf courses.

The River Shannon

The River Shannon provides a beautiful stretch of river around Banagher, with is vast tract of water meadows, in addition to the impressive southern section through Lough Derg, one of the largest lakes of the river.

The Imperial Waterways of Russia

The best river scenery and most famous area for river cruising is between St. Petersburg and Moscow, via a series of canals and the Volga River.

The Nile

The Nile is an astounding and otherworldly river. The most scenic section is between Luxor to Aswan, providing the best river scenery, with temples, varying desert and oasis landscapes, and views into the daily lives of the riverside inhabitants.