riverboat cruises in europe reviews

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Best River Cruises

7 night cruise to europe.

• You want a friendly river cruise experience with some inclusions
• You like high-quality interior design and well-appointed rooms
• You are looking for an adult-centric vacation in Europe
• You need amenities like onboard bicycles or fitness centers
• You are looking for a fully inclusive river cruise experience

14 Night Cruise to Europe

• You want a river cruise on a beautiful ship with lots of light
• You want quality service, cuisine and shore excursion options
• You're looking to experience Europe with like-minded adults
• You want a river cruise that's suitable for children and teens
• You need amenities like pools, spas and indoor theatres
• You appreciate local cuisine and regional wines when you cruise
• You prefer sailing with adults only; Viking doesn't permit kids onboard
• You enjoy Scandinavian design that is simple yet beautiful
• You want to be physically active or visit a spa onboard
• You plan to bring your young children on your river cruise
• You are inspired by simple, elegant Scandinavian decor
• You enjoy the company of other like-minded adults
• You don't want to pay extra for shore excursions
• You would like to bring your children on your river cruise
• You require cabins specifically designed for solo travelers
• You want to visit Europe's premier rivers in style
• You prefer traveling with adults only; Viking doesn't allow kids
• You appreciate modern Scandinavian design and decor
• You would like to travel with young children or families
• You want a fully inclusive river cruise experience

4 Night Cruise to Europe

• You like some inclusions but don't mind paying for a few add-ons
• You like exploring ports on foot or by bicycle
• You want your bed to face the windows as your sailing
• You want a balcony on which you can sit, relax and enjoy
• You want the most lavish, high-end suites around

11 Night Cruise to Mississippi River

• You wish to book a modern Viking-style riverboat in the U.S. along the Mississippi
• You seek comfortable accommodations and amenities similar to the line's ocean ships
• You appreciate inclusive shore excursions and onboard dining
• You would like to take a river cruise in Europe or elsewhere abroad
• You prefer larger ocean ships with more to do onboard
• You want a more intimate riverboat experience with fewer fellow passengers

5 Night Cruise to Europe

• You want an all-inclusive river cruise with lavish amenities
• You appreciate extra niceties onboard, like butler service
• You like diverse itineraries with plenty of time in port
• You are on a budget or are traveling as a family with kids
• You want a value-priced river cruise with unbundled features

10 Night Cruise to Europe

• You want a stylish, adult-centric river cruise with inclusions
• You enjoy having guided tours and independent exploration
• You value having local food and beverage options onboard
• You want an all-inclusive European river cruise experience
• You typically book large, ultra-spacious suite accomodations

22 Night Cruise to Europe

• You want a river cruise with plenty of amenities and features
• You appreciate a mix of European and American cuisine choices
• You like the idea of dining al fresco on the Aquavit Terrace
• You are on a budget or are looking for a last-minute cruise
• You want inclusions like onboard bicycles and fitness centers
• You want to bring kids; Viking is an adult-centric river cruise
• You want a high-quality river cruise at a reasonable price
• You love clean, Scandinavian design and subtle design touches
• You enjoy socializing with other like-minded adult travelers
• You dislike socializing over mealtimes and cocktail hours
• You are looking for an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise
• You want to bring the kids; Viking is designed for adults
• You want a river cruise with spacious cabins and suites
• You enjoy socializing with like-minded, well-traveled adults
• You appreciate good quality, locally inspired cuisine and wine
• You want amenities like onboard bicycles or spa services
• You're looking for an all-inclusive luxury river cruise
• You want to bring kids; Viking caters exclusively to adults

11 Night Cruise to Europe

• You want to see what the Viking River Cruise experience is about
• You value friendly service and good, locally inspired cuisine
• You want a good degree of organization and tour options
• You are traveling as a multi-generational family with children
• You want features like onboard bicycles, spa services or pools
• You are looking for an all-inclusive river cruise experience

3 Night Cruise to Europe

• You value high-quality design and airy river cruise cabins
• You appreciate the option to dine al fresco during meals
• You are looking for an adult-oriented vacation in Europe
• You plan on traveling with children; Viking caters to adults
• You are looking for things like onboard bicycles or spas
• You want a contemporary river cruise with some inclusions
• You enjoy culturally relevant excursions, beverages and cuisine
• You enjoy active adventures ashore and healthy dining options
• You want a lavish, all-suite luxury river cruise experience
• You aren’t swayed by active excursions or wellness programming
• You want a river cruise on a modern, well-designed ship
• You appreciate a wide array of bright, airy public rooms
• You want an adult-oriented river cruise throughout Europe
• You want a river cruise ship that holds fewer than 100 guests
• You are looking for a ship with dedicated solo cabins
• You want a river cruise experience that is family-friendly

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• World's Best

The 10 Best River Cruise Lines

The best river cruises blend refined onboard accommodations with exciting itineraries along some of the world’s most memorable waterways.

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite river cruise lines.

After pandemic-related challenges at the beginning of last year, river ships got back to what they do best: exploring inland waterways in Europe, the United States, and select other destinations around the world. Travel + Leisure readers enthusiastically returned, setting out on voyages both classic and new.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships on their cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. Those assessments were combined to generate results for the cruise lines in six categories, including river cruising.

The top three in the river cruise lines were very close in their scores. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. Tauck, the well-known tour and river-ship operator, retained its No. 2 spot. "The itinerary was thoughtful as well as instructive," wrote one reader who traveled on the Joy . In the No. 3 spot is Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, with praise that included this rave from one voter who sailed on the Maria Theresa : "This was an exceptional cruise. The staff was excellent. I can't say enough about this cruise line and this ship."

Aqua Expeditions, with journeys on the Peruvian Amazon, ranked No. 4, thanks in part to the sophisticated onboard dining. "Its cuisine is rich in local products and designed by one of the most renowned chefs in Peru," noted one reader. Closer to home, No. 5 American Queen Voyages (formerly American Queen Steamboat Company) earned praise — especially from older adults — for its leisurely cruises on the Columbia, the Mississippi, the Ohio, and other U.S. waterways.

Top-ranked Viking does all the major riverways of Europe, with ships also on the Nile and the Mekong, and, new in 2022, on the Mississippi. Readers praised the line's value proposition and shore experiences that go beyond the norm. The "Thinking Man's vacation" is the way one reader who sailed on a Viking ship on the Rhine river put it.

Find the full list of the best river cruise lines — and more on what sets Viking apart — below.

With its fleet of more than 50 contemporary "longships" on rivers such as the Rhine, the Danube, and the Seine, plus additional ships in Europe, Egypt, and Vietnam, T+L's top-ranked river cruise line for 2022 is often praised for its steadiness. "Having traveled on seven Viking longships that are virtually indistinguishable from one another, I believe it's the consistency that makes Viking one of our favorite ways to travel," said one reader. The longships are light-filled floating boutique hotels with a Scandinavian-design aesthetic, indoor and outdoor dining, and herb gardens up on top. Viking's carefully crafted itineraries and "good value" also received praise from readers. "Met wonderful new friends. Absolutely outstanding service and terrific food," said one fan.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 96.77

More information: viking.com

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 96.60

More information: tauck.com

3. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 96.31

More information: uniworld.com

4. Aqua Expeditions

Score: 93.27

More information: aquaexpeditions.com

5. American Queen Voyages (formerly American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines)

Score: 92.82

More information: aqvoyages.com

6. Grand Circle Cruise Line

Score: 90.64

More information: gct.com

7. AmaWaterways

Score: 90.12

More information: amawaterways.com

8. Avalon Waterways

Score: 89.88

More information: avalonwaterways.com

9. Vantage Deluxe World Travel

Score: 84.71

More information: vantagetravel.com

10. American Cruise Lines

Score: 81.17

More information: americancruiselines.com

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Central Europe River Cruises

Find an European River Cruise trip that explores Central Europe. There are 922 adventures to choose from, that range in length from 4 days up to 32 days. The most popular month for these tours is August, which has the most tour departures. Find here the best European river cruise lines .

250+ river cruises through Central Europe with 840 reviews

Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Vienna to Bucharest (Turnu Magurele) , MS Fidelio

Magestic Danube II (Belgrade - Vienna), MS Fidelio

We really appreciated getting a good cruise for a price we could afford. We will definitely be back. Everything worked well and Tour Radar were excellent to work with.

Grand Danube Cruise 2024 Start Vilshofen, End Giurgiu (16 destinations)

Grand Danube Cruise 2024 Start Vilshofen, End Giurgiu (14 destinations)

Danube Classics 2024 (63 destinations)

Everything super Good catering

Danube Classics 2024

Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) 2024

From the Blue Danube to the Black Sea (port-to-port cruise) (11 destinations)

Crosieurope had nice food, plenty of beer and wine, very clean boat - both inside and out. Staff were very nice and helpful, always cleaning windows, carpet, etc. The administration staff were a bit at times disorganised. Sometimes they would forget to give message in English after they delivered Message in French.

The Danube from Romania to Germany with 1 Night in Bucharest 2024

Splendours of Europe (Start Amsterdam, End Budapest)

The program in the Emerald ship was magnificently planned and discussed. The local music during the cruise was so informative. Long live the music from the Netherlands and Germany through Austria and Slovakya to Hungary! Just for the music, dances and songs I will do the cruise again!

The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise)

The tour exceeded all our expectations. We will definitely recognize this company to all our friends and family. Will also do another one in the near future.

Enchanting Danube (2024) (Passau to Budapest, 2024)

This was our first river cruise and everything went beyond our expectation. Services: the staff were accommodating and helpful. Tours: various excursions to choose from for different age group and they were well-organized. Ship: beautiful boutique-design ship. The only cons is a slow Wifi connection but it ain't a big deal. There were so many onboard activity that kept us entertaining. I noticed that the cruise operates in eco-friendly manner, i.e. they eliminates sing-use plastic. That's a big plus!!!!

Splendours of Europe (Start Budapest, End Amsterdam)

Enchanting Danube (2024) (Budapest to Passau, 2024)

Malerisches Eisernes Tor

River cruises in central europe reviews.

It was a great value for the money. We got a free room up grade. I wouldnt buy the drink package again, it wasn't worth it. The prices for drinks were low enough that unless you drink 5 or 6 glasses of wine or beer a day every day and you have to pay extra for any other kind of alcohol its just not worth it . The food was good. My husband had a small problem with the food. Not that it wasn't good just were used to ocean cruises where theres food everywhere at anytime. On a river cruise its only at meals and you have to decide in the morning what you want for the rest of the day. I wish we could have done more cruising when it was light out so we could have seen more scenery, but the we would have had less time in ports. I wish they had better entertainment, the singer was horrible.

The cruise was excellent in most aspects, especially the crew, who were absolutely lovely and extremely hardworking. Our ship, the Arosa Donna, was very smart and clean with adequate space in the lower deck cabin we occupied, but let down by the loud noises when going through the numerous locks. We found the food, which was prepared and cooked with care, a real treat at every mealtime and so too were the drinks - we enjoyed the water, wine, beer and the really good coffee! We enjoyed the time on and off the ship and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to relax and enjoy the scenery and see a little of Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava, as well as the delightful little town of Engelhartszell. In addition, we enjoyed the Wachau day trip. Thank you very much to Sabrina and all the other staff on board, who always did their very best to ensure everyone was able to make the best of their time on the cruise.

Travel Styles

• River Cruise
• 10 Best River Cruise Companies (with Reviews)
• 10 Best Backpacking Tours Europe 2024/2025
• Best 4 week Europe Itineraries [Train, Cruises & More]
• Best 10 day Europe Itineraries (with Prices)
• 10 Best European River Cruise Lines and Companies

International Versions

• Deutsch: Flusskreuzfahrt Mitteleuropa
• Français: Europe centrale : Croisières fluviales
• Español: Crucero fluvial Circuitos en Europa Central
• Nederlands: Riviercruise Rondreizen in Midden-Europa

Cruise Maven

Cruising the World One Port at a Time

Viking Grand European Tour 15-Day River Cruise Review

By: Sherry Laskin · Updated On: August 17, 2022

I was more than ready for this Viking Grand European Tour 15-day river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. Lee Oliver, our Viking Lif river ship Program Director, greeted us at the gangway with a warm “Welcome Aboard!” 

Those two words were like music to my ears. Maybe not Bartok or Liszt but music nonetheless.

Budapest , Hungary, on the beautiful and sometimes-blue Danube , has so much to experience.

A mid-afternoon boarding gave guests plenty of time before dinner to explore this spirited yet somewhat austere city, either on their own or with a Viking tour excursion.

Viking River Grand European River Cruise Review

In This Post...

In the course of two-weeks, we would cruise on three rivers; the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers. Along the way, Viking Lif  had 12 scheduled cruise ports to visit before docking in Amsterdam. A couple of port tour excursions offered day trips to other nearby ancient towns, and I highly recommend those options. Here’s our itinerary.

Grand European Tour Itinerary

• Day 1:    Budapest, Hungary
• Day 2:    Budapest and Bratislava, Slovakia
• Day 3:    Vienna, Austria
• Day 4:    Melk, Austria
• Day 5:    Linz, Austria and Passau, Germany
• Day 6:    Regensburg, Germany
• Day 7:    Nuremberg, Germany
• Day 8:    Bamberg, Germany
• Day 9:    Wurzburg, Germany and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
• Day 10:  Wertheim, Germany
• Day 11:  Koblenz, Germany
• Day 12:  Cologne, Germany
• Day 13:  Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
• Day 14:  Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Getting to Budapest by Train

As a solo traveler and someone who doesn’t fly, it was a challenge to figure out how to get to Budapest. After one night in Munich, Germany, it was an eight hour train ride to Budapest.

In First Class on trains in Europe, you’ll find many English-speaking passengers from North America. It was easy to strike up conversations with fellow travelers and the eight hours quickly passed.

With the help of Viking reservations, I pre-reserved a driver to meet me at Budapest’s historic Keleti station.

Within 30 minutes of pulling into the station and getting into the taxi, I was on board Viking Lif , met our program director and settled into my cozy cabin. Our Viking Grand European Tour was about to begin.

RELATED:   How to Take the Train to Budapest for a River Cruise

Day 1:  Viking Lif Embarkation

By the time I arrived at the ship in the late afternoon, other passengers had already unpacked and were mingling about the vessel. They had enough time for a short city tour and were enjoying cocktails in the lounge. 

I had about an hour to get acquainted with my cabin and Viking Lif river ship before the first pre-dinner meeting.

At 6:30pm, it was time to head to the lounge, meet the other guests and attend the informative yet brief review of our river cruise itinerary. Though the meeting was necessary and very informative, I really looked forward to tonight’s dinner. 

All I ate on the eight-hour train ride from Munich to Budapest was a bowl of Hungarian Goulash. No complaints…the goulash was very good and of course, very appropriate!

READ NEXT:  Getting to Budapest for Viking Grand European Tour Embarkation

It was a balmy autumn night that beckoned tourists and locals alike to stroll along the banks of the Danube late into the evening. I was tired but excited to finally have a chance to walk across Budapest’s historic Chain Bridge. 

Camera in hand, I must have crossed the Danube four or six times, snapping photos of the warm yellow bridge lights, couples strolling arm in arm, and the magnificently illuminated state buildings that line the riverfront.

Finally, it was time to call it a night. Tomorrow, our Grand European Tour river cruise would begin with a full day of sightseeing before we even got underway.

READ MORE:  In-Depth Review of Embarkation Day in Budapest

Day 2:  Touring and Tasting Budapest

If being chatty at breakfast isn’t your thing, there’s the option for a very relaxing breakfast buffet at Aquavit Terrace every morning. It’s also a good way to plan your morning time if you have a 9:00am or even earlier tour departure. This was usually how my day started; quiet, comfortable, and a cappuccino in hand.

By 8:15am on our second day in Budapest, passengers heard the first warning announcement for our city tour departure.

Know Your Tour Departure Time

Here’s how it’s done on river cruises. You know your tour departure time, say 9 A.M. At 8:45 A.M. over the PA system, you’re given a 15-minute heads-up for the tour to leave. 

Then you hear a 5-minute warning for your motor coach departure. The tour departure time that’s posted is not when you should walk out of your stateroom. It’s actually when the bus departs. I’ve had to run to catch the bus on more than one occasion.

Today’s complimentary morning tour was your basic European city overview; historic places, medieval churches, political hotspots of yore. In the scope of four hours, we would either drive by, stop to view or exit the motor coach to stretch and take photos. 

Highlights of Our Budapest Tours

Morning tour of budapest.

Our motor coach drove across the Chain Bridge to Buda side of the Danube. This is the hilly side of the city where many of the most beautiful building are located.

Views from the Buda side of the river…

Fishermen’s Bastion, built between 1895 and 1902, the beautiful towers and covered terrace weren’t built to defend the territory but to provide unparalleled views of the city. We had ample time to wander along the terrace and up to the Neo-Romanesque designed towers. This is the prime photo op location for sweeping vistas of Budapest.

Back aboard Viking Lif in time for lunch. As there would be on every day of the cruise, you can choose from two lunch venues; The Restaurant with table service and a buffet or in Aquavit for a café lunch, buffet-style. Most days, I chose Aquavit Lounge.

Afternoon Tour on the Pest Side

Budapest jewish and hungarian history.

I signed up for the optional 2:00PM Dohány Street Synagogue and Hungarian Jewish Museum tour. The motor coach let us off just a short walk to the synagogue. Part of the intrigue was seeing the small shops, bars and cafés in what was once the Jewish Quarter, or Ghetto.

Built in the Moorish Revival style between 1854-1859, it is the largest synagogue in Europe. In addition to the main synagogue (Great Synagogue), inside you’ll find the Hungarian Jewish Museum, the Graveyard and the Memorial.

The Weeping Willow memorial is in the courtyard behind the synagogue. On its leaves are inscribed the names of 30,000 Holocaust victims. The father of actor Tony Curtis, Emanuel Schwartz, funded the weeping willow memorial. 

The courtyard was named Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat who managed to save thousands of Jews from going to concentration camps.

Stopping for a Slice of Budapest’s Finest

After a stop at a small shop for a Hungarian pastry called, “Flódni”, we boarded the bus to head back to the ship. We returned just in time for Cocktail Hour.

Tonight was the official “Welcome Aboard” toast by Captain Marcin and Hotel Manager Eve. One sparkling wine down and just before dinner, we had our next day’s briefing. Next port going north on the Danube would be Bratislava, Slovakia.

READ MORE:  Top 10 Things to See in Budapest

Day 3:  Bratislava, Slovakia and Funny Little Men

I woke up to see that we were underway, gently cruising along the Danube towards our next port, Bratislava , Slovakia.

Following breakfast and before we’d arrive, a mandatory safety drill was held. Warm autumn weather quickly drew everyone to the top deck and the drill took all of 15-20 minutes.

Afterwards, many of us stayed and either walked laps or settled into a lounge chair. With a mid-afternoon arrival into Bratislava, the day would be relaxing and informative. 

Program Director Lee led an enrichment talk about Vienna coffeehouses (where to go and what to eat) and a background about Austrian-born composer Wolfgang Mozart.

Locals have a great sense of humor as can be sensed when you try to find all the bronze statues. When I was in Bratislava, I counted eight almost human-size funny little men bronze statues. How many will you find?

Day 4:  Vienna, Austria

This wasn’t my first visit to this medieval city. From the beautifully baroque Schönbrunn Palace to a peek at the Spanish Lipizzaner Horses, Vienna has something surprising or magnificent around every corner.

I decided to pass on the complimentary morning motor coach tour of the city and get some writing done. One thing to note about Vienna, river cruise ship dockage is usually too far to walk to the city center. It is walkable but most people opt for a bus into the city and some will then walk back to the river ship.

Too good to pass up, I signed up for the Chef’s Tour to the Farmer’s Market (Naschtmarkt). A bit of walking, two subway trains and we were smack in the middle of a working-class neighborhood and a several-blocks-long farmer’s Market.

After a couple of hours, we were back on the subway, walked two blocks through Mexikoplatz and past St. Francis of Assisi Church and we were back on Viking Lif …in time for cocktails, of course. But not much time to spare. 

Not-to-Miss Evening in Vienna

I had signed up for the optional ($) Viking excursion tour to a concert hall for a Mozart and Strauss concert. Every river cruise line offers this but I had never done it. There would be an early dinner on board and then leave on the motor coaches before 7pm for the concert hall.

The concert hall was beautifully Baroque. We were all packed in on folding chairs like sardines in a tin though not as smelly. The performances were excellent with most of the music and singing were familiar classical pieces. 

If you have a chance to book a shore excursion that includes a concert in Vienna, I highly recommend it.

Afterwards, everyone was really quiet on the motor coach back to the ship. It had been a busy, long day from one end of the city to another.

When we arrived back to the ship, we were greeted with a special Viking Grand European bedtime treat: goulash soup in Aquavit Restaurant. The gorgeous bowl of soup and a fresh-baked crunchy roll accompanied me back to my cabin. Within an hour, I was asleep. One more port in Austria tomorrow.

Day 5:  Melk, Austria

All that glitters is mostly gold.

Melk is a curiously monastic community with the resplendent gold Melk Abbey high on a hill overlooking the Danube. Cobblestone street wind through town, leading to the Abbey’s grand entrance. Monks from the Abbey stroll through town and work in the Abbey as they have for more than 900 years.

Plan to spend about an hour inside the Abbey. You can walk up to the entrance or take a motor coach to the top of the hill.

The baroque interior is dazzling, the library has over 80,000 medieval manuscripts and several hidden doors. Leave time to step outside for a sweeping view of the city and Danube below. 

It’s a pleasant stroll over a little bridge back to the river ship, or take the motor coach again. The town is lovely with cafés and small boutique shops.

With a “Be back on board” at 3:45pm, we were welcomed with an Austrian apple strudel-making demonstration. Then the habitual cocktail hour, daily port briefing and the slow walk into the dining room. Another satisfying multi-course dinner and off to bed.

Every night on the river cruise there’s entertainment in the lounge. So far, we’ve had the onboard musician at the keyboard and dancing, Slovakian folk dancing show and the goulash event. With days so busy, evening entertainment has been kept to a minimum. I think Viking knows that we’d be exhausted.

READ NEXT:  Viking Adds New Pre- and Post-River Cruise Options

Day 6:  Passau, Engine Issues and a Slight Detour

Surprise! We were informed last night that Viking Lif was having engine trouble and we’d not make it to dock in Passau. Instead, Viking Lif would tie up in Linz. So at 8:15am, (it was a really early wake-up!) passengers boarded Viking’s motor coach for a full-day nine-hour tour.

Sadly, one man had to see a doctor in the nearest town so he and his wife had to stay in Linz. I was working under deadline to file a story, so a 9-hour day in motion put me into panic. 

Viking’s Program Director, Lee, made similar arrangements for me so that I could spend the day writing instead of touring. I was so incredibly happy when I found out I would have a hotel room for the day in Linz and would get a full day’s writing done.

Even the light drizzle didn’t stop anyone from walking in the city center. After my friend’s doctor appointment, the three of us met for lunch and a walk through town. Linz is one of the most non-touristic larger cities I’ve visited in Europe. It’s very charming. And I’ll bet it’s even lovelier during the holiday/Christmas market season.

At 5:00PM, a white minivan arrived and the three of us were off to meet Viking Lif , fully repaired at the shipyard in Linz. All the other passengers were on their way back from Passau. And we all arrived in time for cocktail hour, daily briefing and another very nice dinner in the dining room.

Onward to Straubing, Germany! Almost halfway through our Viking Grand European Tour. Tempus Fugit.

Day 7:  Regensburg, Bavaria – Germany

This was one of those years in central Europe when the rain seems to never stop. Germany and France had seen flooding at the end of summer and rivers were swollen and overflowing their banks. 

As we made our way up the Danube, I started to watch the water’s edge. I knew from past river cruises, if I saw tree trunks submerged and debris quickly flowing past us, it meant trouble.

With high water, river ships cannot fit under the dozens of ancient bridges. Locks get stuck. But Viking Lif made its way to Straubing and by 2:00pm, we boarded the motor coach for the short ride to beautiful medieval Regensburg.

I was so glad Regensburg was included on this Viking Grand European Tour. It’s among my favorite places in Europe. This is the oldest city on the Danube and dates back to the year 179.

While the Dom St. Peter Gothic Cathedral is one of the grandest in all Bavaria and worth a visit, I always head to the Alte Würstküche, meaning, “Old Sausage Kitchen”, it’s the oldest restaurant in Germany.

The restaurant is usually packed with tourists throughout the summer but this rainy October day, I had no problem getting my own indoor table. Once you’ve finished your beer and extras, take a walk across the Old Stone Bridge. Built between 1135 and 1146, it was the bridge used by the knights on the second and third Crusades to the Holy Land.

Danube Begins to Look a Little Ominous

What I saw from Regensburg Old Bridge didn’t look too good. I’d been on enough floods on the rivers in Europe to recognize the inevitable.

The Danube was rushing past us downstream heading towards the Black Sea, its terminus. Trees were submerged. The water was creeping up to the lower levels of the medieval buildings.

While we were in Regensburg, Viking Lif sailed from Straubing to Regensburg to meet us. This was a chance for passengers who simply yearned for a quiet day onboard to just cruise.

Back onboard with time to freshen up before the daily briefing. But tonight, the meeting took a sudden twist. The Program Director proceeded with an (un)expected announcement.

To paraphrase, Lee said, “Pack your bags, we’re changing river ships in the morning”. It was a very busy evening for everyone. 

We would disembark with our carry-on luggage the next morning at 8:30 AM in Deggendorf, then board a bus to meet sister ship, Viking Skadi, in Nuremberg. Our Viking Grand European Tour was about to take a twist.

Day 8:  Changing Ships and a Detour

A visit to an extraordinarily bizarre monument.

With our luggage taken off the ship and loaded onto buses, we only had to bring along our carry-on bags. 

I had been through this river ship shuffle three times in the last few years so I knew what to expect. River cruisers seem to roll with the punches. There’s nothing you can do when there’s a flood or a drought except board a bus and change ships.

Viking had a really good plan on the way to Nuremberg. Driving through Bavaria en route to Nuremberg, we stopped at Walhalla, Germany’s monument to its native Germanic language politicians, scientists, artists and other distinguished people over the centuries. 

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Danube river, Walhalla looms on the horizon bearing a striking resemblance to the Parthenon in Greece.

By 11 AM we were back on the bus leaving Walhalla, heading to our next ship. 

How River Cruise Ships Deal With Floods

To explain how this ship shuffle works, our original river ship, Viking Lif, couldn’t go any further upriver – the water was too high to let Viking Lif go under the next bridge. Viking Skad i, on its way south from Amsterdam, couldn’t get past Nuremberg for the same reason. 

Thus, each ship would swap passengers and bus everyone to the other ship. Then the ships do a U-turn and continue on the route of the original river ship. Everyone would end up at their scheduled port. Viking had this ship exchange experience down to a science.

We had reached the half-way point of our Grand European Tour. Where did that first week go?

READ MORE ABOUT:  What exactly happened on this ship-shuffle day

I divided my Viking Grand European Tour river cruise into two parts. 

This is part one; Budapest to Nuremberg. Click the link below to continue onto our  second week; Nuremberg to Amsterdam.

CONTINUE READING : WEEK 2 ABOARD VIKING SKADI – NUREMBERG TO AMSTERDAM

Thank you for reading the first half of my Viking Grand European Tour. Spoiler alert:  Seven more days of cruising, castles, culture and cuisine.

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I'm the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world on waves and wheels, collecting recipes along the way. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breath...stop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.

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April 2, 2022 at 12:03 pm

Hi Gary, Thank you for your comment and for reading my article. I think I did this cruise in 2018. The last two years were a wash for sure. Nothing has changed with the itinerary, unless it is a last minute decision. Viking still advertises for their Grand European Tour so I think my article is very reliable to help readers decide to try this amazing trip. Viking did a great job, especially when you consider the unexpected ship change. Thank you again for taking the time to write. I hope you have the opportunity to try this cruise.

April 2, 2022 at 11:47 am

Hi Ruth, Thank you for writing and taking the time to read my post. As you saw, this river cruise was with Viking and it was wonderful. I also recommend AmaWaterways, Avalon and Uniworld for these longer cruises – they also carry fewer passengers.

While a suite isn’t necessary, it does give you more space. But similar to ocean cruising, in my opinion, as long as I can open a door for fresh air, a balcony or french balcony on a river cruise is fine…and less expensive. Whichever line you choose, have a wonderful river cruise. Thanks again for your comment.

April 2, 2022 at 10:48 am

When did you take this cruise? It looks like a great cruise.

March 19, 2022 at 12:52 pm

This is the River cruise I’ve been wanting to do..I’m just undecided which company to go with. This seems very busy to get everything in. I also wanted a suite room but maybe that’s not necessary. Your article is very informative especially about the changing of boats due to water issues..I’ve always wondered how that would work.

February 15, 2022 at 1:30 pm

Hi Terry, Thank you, too, for reading my article and your comment. Much appreciated!

February 15, 2022 at 1:11 pm

Most interesting thank you

My Viking Grand European Tour Continues Post-Flood and Ship Swap

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6 Best River Cruises in Europe for Families in 2024

O nce upon a time, river cruising was mostly considered an “adults only” experience. That story is being rewritten, though, as river cruise lines continue to expand on their family itineraries, add kids-sail-free discounts, and up the ‘cool’ factor on ships. On European river cruises for families these days, expect to find kids’ clubs, swimming pools, family cabins, and shore excursions that are equal parts fun and educational, plus plenty more perks.

If excursions like an apple streusel-baking workshop, art museum scavenger hunt, and a day spent on a local farm are your vibe, then consider one of these six river cruise lines for your next adventure. Did I mention you only have to unpack once?

How we chose these European river cruise companies:  Read our methodology for selecting family cruises . 

1. Tauck Bridges

• Minimum Age for Europe River Cruises:  4 years old (although the line recommends 8)

Since pioneering family river cruises in 2010, Tauck Bridges has grown to offer arguably the most robust and thoughtfully designed, kid-friendly trips across Europe’s waterways.

Each itinerary begins as a blank canvas—and every shore excursion, onboard activity, menu, and other detail is curated specifically for youngsters and their parents or caregivers. Shore excursions include exclusive access passes and pre-opening visits, and are further embellished with on-land activities intended to make history and culture fun for all kids (think a scavenger hunt in the Louvre, medieval games at a Slovakian castle, and a baking workshop in Germany). Bicycles are also available for use.

CRUISE DEALS: Kids Sail Free on These 7 Cruise Lines

Back on the ship, you can engage in games and activities inspired by the destinations along your itinerary. Exercise those vocal cords at “The Sound of Music” karaoke, for example, before you visit locations from the movie along the Danube River. Or celebrate “Carnival Night” the German way on a Rhine River itinerary. 

When it comes to resting up for the next day’s adventures, the ships’ 300-square-foot suites are a sought-after option as they can comfortably sleep a family of four. These accommodations—and the cruises themselves—come at a pretty penny. However, they deliver an excellent value for the money, and families can still save with discounts like $500 off for children 12 and under. The line also waives single supplement fees on Category 1 cabins (psst: you should totally invite one of your parents or in-laws on the cruise to help out with the kids).

All ships come with a putting green and either a plunge pool or hot tub, except for the line’s Douro River-based ship. That one flaunts a large, infinity-style pool and more deck space with Balinese day beds that allow you to take full advantage of Portugal’s Mediterranean climate.

2. Adventures by Disney

• Age Minimum for Europe River Cruises:  5 years old

You won’t find any theme park rides or character appearances on Adventures by Disney’s river cruises . Families instead enjoy an adventurous vacation, underpinned by the peace of mind that comes from the brand’s reputation for high-quality service and programming. 

Adventures by Disney, one of the company’s travel arms, collaborates with AmaWaterways for its river cruise itineraries. The chartered ships are then sprinkled with Disney magic, thanks to Adventure Guides (rocking Mickey ears) who provide hands-on concierge service as well as design and lead activities onboard and on land. 

FROM OUR SISTER SITE TOURSCOOP: Everything You Need to Know About Adventures by Disney

Onboard activities on ABD’s family friendly river cruises are tailored to the guests on a given cruise and offer something for every member of the family, with everything from movie nights, trivia and other games to crafts inspired by destinations along the itinerary. All shore excursions cater to families, too, even those that might sound more alluring to parents. When I traveled with Adventures by Disney in Spain, for example, a flamenco performance treated parents to a sangria tasting and kiddos to cute mocktails prepared just for them, while everyone was encouraged to get up and dance.

Other special family perks range from immersive storytelling to occasional Mickey-shaped foods that complement daily menus of fine dining and kid-friendly cuisine. A Junior Adventurer Dinner onboard is one of a handful of activities that take place on select nights and treat kids. (Note: This activity is not a childcare service, but it does give you a chance to sneak away for a little date night on the ship.) The ships also have pools on the top deck, for an extra dose of fun on warm, sunny days.

3. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

• Minimum Age on Europe River Cruises:  4 years old

Step foot onto a Uniworld Boutique River Cruises ship, and you might feel like you’ve entered a luxurious doll house. The cruise line undoubtedly boasts the prettiest ships, but it’s the fun-filled activities and exclusive excursions on Generations Collection itineraries that will get the biggest reaction from your discerning, little travel companions.

Imaginative play comes easy with excursions like the “Schloss Schonbrunn Experience” Children’s Museum in Vienna, on the line’s Authentic Danube itinerary. Here, kids can learn more about the everyday life of the imperial family while dressing up as a prince or princess, playing with imperial toys, and more. Adventure seekers on Uniworld’s Castles Along the Rhine itinerary, meanwhile, can climb trees and platforms at Speyer’s Climbing Forest, choosing among 24 different outdoor courses. 

While the options on land are bountiful, Uniworld excels when it comes to keeping kids entertained onboard. A Young Travelers’ Lounge and game room with PlayStation, games, movies, and local treats for snacking mean little ones never get bored onboard while the ship makes its way from one port to another. 

SET SAIL: 12 Best Family Cruises and Ships in the World

Two dedicated family hosts onboard offer family friendly movie nights and other kid-approved activities, as well as special menus for every meal to satisfy young palates. A supervised kids’ table is a fun change of pace (and an excuse for you to snag a romantic dinner with your other half). More culturally immersive activities are also available onboard—like dessert making with the onboard pastry chef, crafts, local language classes, and a ship tour.

Generations Collection sailings aren’t offered year-round, but they are scheduled over school breaks and available on select Rhine and Danube River itineraries. S.S. Victoria and S.S. Antoinette are the only ships with a pool onboard that offer these itineraries.

4. CroisiEurope

• Minimum Age for Europe River Cruises:  None

Nobody puts baby in a corner on a CroisiEurope sailing. That’s because all ages are welcome on this French river cruise line, which offers a “kids sail free” program that makes exploring Europe’s waterways accessible to a diverse range of families. Just take it from the company’s General Manager of North America, Michael Da Costa:

“Being a family-owned company, CroisiEurope has created a river cruise experience with something for every age. Our Family Club program also allows kids to sail free on select itineraries, further expanding the options for those traveling as a family or multi-generational group.”

Kids 16 and under sail for free in Southern Spain, Italy, and Portugal through the Family Club program. (CroisiEurope is the only river cruise line that offers dedicated family cruises on Italy’s Po River.) Regardless of the destination, passengers ages 10 and under always enjoy 20 percent off, while little ones two and under cruise for free.

BEST TRIP EVER: 50 Best Family Vacation Ideas for All Ages

In addition to price incentives, CroisiEurope takes the cake (gateau) when it comes to accommodations. A number of ships offer triple- and quadruple-occupancy cabins. Bigger families and multigenerational groups can easily book adjacent cabins for convenient proximity. Babies and toddlers are pampered with comfy digs, too, courtesy of pack-and-plays available upon request.

Many of the ships that offer Family Club river cruises have swimming pools on their top decks. (Note: The first language onboard is French; however, crewmembers also speak English, and announcements are translated in all languages spoken by the passengers on a given sailing.)

5. Avalon Waterways

• Minimum Age for Europe River Cruises:  8 years old (although the line recommends teens)

Kids as young as 8 are welcome onboard Avalon Waterways ’ ships. But to fully experience what the line does best—hands-on, culturally enriching activities and rugged adventures—families should zero in on its Active and Discovery cruises . These itineraries take absorbing the history and culture of a place one step further by allowing you to be a part of it. 

Learn how to cook a dish passed down through generations—and if you’re like me, you’ll continue to apply the locals’ “secret” preparation methods in your own kitchen for years to come. (Heck, I’ve saved so much time peeling garlic cloves since learning a hack during a past Avalon Waterways’ cruise.) Take a painting class in the South of France, where famous artists flocked for inspiration, or enjoy a fresh catch at a family-owned oyster farm in The Netherlands. 

Craving more of the outdoors? Active and Discovery cruise itineraries also offer a handful of outdoor adventures that run the gamut from hiking and biking to kayaking and canoeing through picture-perfect scenery. While some river cruise lines include only a select few excursions in the fare, Avalon Waterways provides more “bang for your buck” with an average of 22 tours covered in each itinerary. This added value is particularly attractive for multigenerational groups who want to stick together for most of their activities. 

Families also will appreciate Avalon Waterways’ roomy standard cabins with beds facing a wall of windows and open-air balconies, so you never miss a view. Suites with even more space are ideal for larger groups. On the top deck, families can enjoy a hot tub, putting green, and games such as cornhole.   

6. A-Rosa 

If your kiddos are 15 and under, A-Rosa will let them hitch a free cruise (or, at the very least, take 30 percent off their fare) depending on which deck your cabin is located. But there’s much more to this German cruise line designed for families of all ages. 

Spacious family cabins; family tables at mealtime; special menus for picky little eaters; a youth club and childcare on select cruises (an amenity you won’t find on other river cruise ships); and a lively top deck with a swimming pool and putting green and other games round out the other perquisites. 

A-Rosa also gets major kudos for debuting the first-ever, family river cruise ship in Europe. A-Rosa Sena , which focuses on Rhine River itineraries, takes it up a notch with more family cabins and larger cabins altogether, a dedicated kids’ club room, and a separate children’s pool in addition to the main pool. Activities for youngsters vary by ship, space, how many are onboard, and other factors. Examples include designing your own t-shirt, a treasure hunt on the ship, face painting, and theme days. 

Don’t worry: All the fun onboard is balanced out by even more to do off the ship. Dedicated family excursions include trips to places kids want to go, such as Comics Station Antwerp, an indoor theme park inspired by Belgian comic heroes. Family port guides are also on the ship to ensure families make the most of their time on shore. (Note: English is one of the main languages used onboard.)

Why a European River Cruise with Kids?

European river cruises allow you and your family to experience a destination authentically and mindfully. They also make it easy to explore big cities and smaller, fairytale villages throughout countries like France, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Belgium, The Netherlands, Slovakia, and Italy. Lower passenger capacities onboard mean more time to connect, and get to know other passengers and crew members.

More from FamilyVacationist:

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The post 6 Best River Cruises in Europe for Families in 2024 appeared first on FamilyVacationist .

9 best river cruises in Europe

River cruising in Europe is one of those delightfully slow and easy modes of travel. You're in a small floating hotel, exploring calm inland waters, gliding past castles and vineyards and scenery that changes by the hour.

Daily escorted walking tours and other excursions provided by the river line take you to key UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other city and village attractions you've come to see. Or you can choose to explore on your own, which is easy since your ship often will dock right in town.

Lazy afternoons on the ship afford the time to sit in a lounge chair and watch the world go by — kids swimming from the riverbanks, farmers tending their crops, river birds flapping their wings — as you glide to your next destination.

Which European river should you explore? The choices are broader than you might expect.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The main rivers in Europe are the Danube and the Rhine and their tributaries. They are, by far, the most popular, doable either on one-week segments or longer itineraries that combine areas and sometimes combine rivers. Even if your cruise is only a week, don't underestimate the allure of relaxing for seven days on a river in France or on the dreamy Douro in Portugal.

Here are the best river cruises in Europe.

Upper Danube

When it comes to Europe river cruises, a perfect seven-night starter sailing is the Upper Danube, which takes you through centuries of history as you explore Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

Ships visit such cultural hubs as Vienna, with its opera and art museums and elaborate royal palaces, and Budapest, Hungary, with its magnificent architecture and modern vibe. If your ship passes the Hungarian Parliament building at night, you're in for a treat; magnificently lit, it's one of the most photographed sights on the river.

Along the route, between Melk and Krems in Austria, you cruise through the Wachau Valley, a key wine-growing region producing rieslings and gruner veltliners, with sipping opportunities available. It's also a great place to bike, which is why it's nice to sail with lines, such as AmaWaterways , that carry bikes on board for passengers to use.

You might also have the option of a side trip to Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart — and also where several scenes for the movie "Sound of Music" were filmed. A surprise for many is Old Town Bratislava, Slovakia, which might not have been on your must-do list but which charms with its beer culture and castles.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know.

Lower Danube

For a deep dive into Eastern Europe's past and present, the fascinating Lower Danube route between Budapest and Bucharest, Romania, explores history from the medieval times and Victorian era of Dracula to the rise of communism and the Bosnian War.

The seven-night river cruise takes you through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. The most beautiful stretch of the river is a 62-mile passage through a gorge between the Balkan and Carpathian Mountains. It's also one of the deepest stretches of river in the world.

Other sights accessed on shore excursions via bus include Bulgaria's Belogradchik Rocks, which are naturally carved towering red rock pinnacles that appear to take forms such as "Madonna with child," and Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's stunning medieval capital.

When it comes to top cruising rivers in Europe, the Rhine wins for natural beauty and fairytale landscapes. A cruise on the river between Amsterdam in The Netherlands, and Basel, Switzerland — a typical one-week route — takes you past expanses of slope-side vineyards, forests and mountains, historic cities and medieval half-timbered villages.

That's even before you get to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 40-mile stretch of river, between Rudesheim and Koblenz, Germany, has castles galore — you might imagine Rapunzel letting down her hair — and Lorelei Rock, the legendary cliff said to distract sailors with the mesmerizing song of a maiden.

The French city of Strasbourg, with its famous Gothic cathedral and robust Alsatian culinary scene, is often a favorite stop on Rhine itineraries, with other highlights including Heidelberg, Germany, and its imposing castle.

Related: Christmas market river cruises: What to expect on a holiday sailing

Sure, you can catch sight of the Eiffel Tower when boarding a river ship in Paris, but you can do that while staying in a hotel, too. The real attractions of a Seine River cruise are sailing on the river outside the city toward the English Channel and a visit to the beaches in Normandy for a perspective on World War II.

Your visit there and to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, as well as other memorials and monuments to the fallen, is a poignant experience (one that requires a two-hour bus ride from your ship, however). Avalon Waterways brings a World War II expert on board to add insight on select sailings.

Other treasures exist along the Seine, not the least of which is Giverny, the home and gardens of impressionist artist Claude Monet. If you are a fan of his art, much of the property might seem familiar.

In historic Rouen, where Joan of Arc was martyred in the Middle Ages, stop by the Rouen Cathedral (another subject of Monet) before losing yourself on cobblestone streets with wonderful cafes.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Bordeaux river cruises are different from other water routes because you explore two short waterways — the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers — and the Gironde Estuary in Southwest France.

You'll spend more time ashore than floating down the river on this itinerary, with your ship docked for two nights in the city of Bordeaux, a mini-Paris with grand 18th-century buildings. Who cares when you are in the epicenter of French culture, in one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world?

Bordeaux serves up the opportunity to sip Medoc, Margaux, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and Sauternes wines as you expand your wine education. You'll visit vineyards and gorgeous chateaus. Your cruise line might even host a dinner at a wine estate one evening. If you plan your cruise for September or October, you'll be able to admire the grape harvest.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for solo travelers

Rhone and Saone

Another must for wine-lovers is exploring the interior of France, sipping Cotes du Rhone in such famous winemaking regions as Hermitage and Chateauneuf-du-Pape in Provence and Beaune in Burgundy.

Rhone and Saone River cruises typically sail between Lyon and Arles or Avignon, and they're top-loaded with such non-wine attractions as the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and the Roman Arles Amphitheater, as well as the massive Palais des Papes (Papal Palace) in Avignon. You'll also be able to take in the lavender fields, haystacks and other scenes that inspired painters like Paul Cezanne and Vincent Van Gogh.

For a lazy, dreamy, wonderful river cruise experience, nothing quite beats exploring the wine regions of Portugal on the Douro, one of the major rivers through the Iberian Peninsula. The home base for these river cruises is Porto, Portugal, with its historic city center, spectacular bridges and port houses.

On one-week cruises, you'll follow the river 130 miles past green hillside vineyards in the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO-recognized destination, before turning around at the Spanish border. The river cruises typically include a visit to the university town of Salamanca in northern Spain. Viticulture is very much the lesson en route, as you learn about port production on the "River of Gold."

Related: 5 cruise lines to try if you just can't stand being around kids on vacation

Due to fluctuating water levels and narrow passages, the Elbe is a challenging river that runs 680 miles between the Czech Republic and Germany. Historically, it formed part of the border between East Germany and West Germany.

River cruising here is a rare experience. Viking River Cruises is one of the few lines that visits (another is the French line CroisiEurope), offering 10-day itineraries that combine hotel stays in the cities of Berlin and Prague with a stretch of river between Prague and Wittenburg, Germany.

The cruises are on ships built specifically for the Elbe route. They stop in places such as resurgent Dresden, heavily bombed during World War II but expertly rebuilt; the Saxon Switzerland region of Germany with its striking sandstone rock formations; and the spa town of Bad Schandau.

The Po River in northern Italy is tidal, making it another challenging waterway. However, it affords the opportunity to combine a visit to Venice with a river cruise. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises does the Po in high style with its 126-passenger S.S. La Venizia, completely decked out with a sense of place, from Fortuny fabrics and Murano glass to its gilded accents.

The one-week route doesn't take you far but does include the walled city of Padua, the charming fishing village of Chioggia, and the culinary mecca of Bologna.

For those looking for a longer experience, Uniworld cleverly combines a Po cruise with luxury rail journeys to places like Istanbul, Switzerland and beyond.

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Prague (Czechia)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Europe Rivers

Local Time 2024-03-17 15:04

Port Prague cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Prague, Czechia. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Prague is a Vltava River cruise port, the Czechia's capital and biggest city. By population (nearly 1,3 million, metro around 2,16 million)), it is the EU's / European Union's 14th-largest. The city once was also the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. After WW2 (1939-45) it became Czechoslovakia's capital city.

Danube River cruises from Prague actually start/end in Nuremberg Germany , as the deals are inclusive of the bus travel between Prague and Nuremberg (as embarkation / disembarkation port).

The city is home to numerous cultural events. Signature landmarks and shore excursion destinations are Charles Bridge, Jewish Quarter, Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Petrín Hill, Vysehrad. Its extensive historic center was included in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites list since 1992. The city has 10 large museums, numerous galleries, theatres, historical exhibits, renowned schools (including Charles University).

Prague receives around 6,4 million international visitors annually, ranking it Europe's 5th most visited city - after London , Paris , Istanbul and Rome . Among the most popular tours offered from Prague is Pilsen. The distance is approx 95 km (60 mi) - bus travel time around 1 hour 20 min.

Pilsen (Plzeň) is a city located in Czech Republic's western Bohemia, with population around 170,000 (the country's 4th largest). The city is located approx 90 km (56 mi) west of the capital Prague . It is famous worldwide for the Pilsner beer - pale lager created in 1842 by the Bavarian brewer Josef Groll (1813-1887).

• The most prominent city sights are the St Bartholomew's Cathedral (late 13th century, its tower is the country's highest - at 102 m / 335 ft), the Town Hall, the Moorish Revival Great Synagogue (Europea's 2nd largest - after Dohany Street Synagogue in Budapest ).
• Pilsen has a 20 km (12 mi) long historic underground tunnel. Part of this cellar network is open to the public for tours.
• Pilsen is well known for its breweries Pilsner Urquell (1842) and Gambrinus (1869), which are currently owned by SAB (South African Breweries). The Plzeňský Prazdroj brewery tour is a popular tourist attraction.

In 2015 Pilsen was the European Capital Of Culture, along with Mons (Belgium).

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