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The Wachau is the landscape in and around the Danube valley between Melk and Krems an der Donau in Lower Austria, about 80 kilometers west of the federal capital Vienna. In 2000 it was added to the list of UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage as the Wachau cultural landscape with the Melk and Göttweig monasteries and the old town of Krems.
River Cruise

Europe

Explore The Best Europe River Cruises Has To Offer

Discover the best of Europe’s riverways with APT Europe River Cruises, where each curve of the river reveals captivating landscapes—from the rolling vineyards of Portugal’s Douro Valley to the majestic gothic spires along the Danube. These journeys open doors to Europe’s heart and soul, leading you through its central arteries to explore the continent’s rich history, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

With APT and Travelmarvel, your European river cruise ventures beyond the ordinary, taking you into unique and unforgettable experiences. Picture starting your day with views of castle-dotted hillsides, exploring quaint villages in the afternoon, and ending your evening with a private classical concert under the stars. Our luxurious river ships are your home on the water, featuring spacious suites, gourmet dining, and panoramic views from the sun deck. Whether navigating the Rhine, Main, and Danube through Central Europe or discovering the serene Douro River in Portugal, every day promises new adventures and relaxation.

Your Floating Hotel

Relax in your stylish and comfortable room or suite

All Taken Care Of

From overseas transfers and luggage porterage to port charges and tipping

Luxury Service

Our Cruise and Tour Directors have built a reputation as the best in the business

Our Europe River Cruise Tours

Tour Highlights

Set off on a European river adventure with APT and experience the iconic waterways that have shaped history. Sail along the renowned Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers in Central Europe, or navigate the sunny Douro River in Portugal. Each route offers a seamless blend of scenic beauty, cultural encounters, and history. Drift past charming villages and grand castles, making stops that transform each day, from wine tastings in Europe’s famed vineyards to exploring timeless architectural masterpieces.

Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers

Explore stunning central Europe aboard a luxury European river cruise, discovering five countries between Amsterdam and Budapest on our most popular river cruise. You'll discover a host of charming towns and villages, and enjoy exclusive experiences at Vienna's City Palace and a 'Sound of Music' show.

Porto also known as Oporto. the second-largest city in Portugal.Southern Europe. Located along the Douro river estuary in northern Portugal. Porto is one of the oldest European centres, and registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. One of Portugal's internationally famous exports, port wine, is named for Porto, since the metropolitan area, and in particular the adegas of Vila Nova de Gaia

Douro River

On a Douro River Cruise, sail from Porto to Barca d'Alva aboard the band-new MS Estrela. Discover the Douro Valley's picturesque countryside, decorated with green vinyards, castle ruins, unforgettable gorges, small villages and quaint quintas. Complement your cruise in Portugal with a tour in SPain, visiting Barcelona, Cordoba, Madrid, Seville and more.

Vienna's City Palace

Be welcomed into Vienna’s City Palace for a cocktail party. Then, enjoy a private concert of a full orchestra performing classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss, complete with an operatic recital.

Namedy Castle

Princess Heide von Hohenzollern graciously welcomes APT guests into her home, Namedy Castle, a royal escape set near the Rhine River in Germany. After wandering through the castle and its manicured gardens, you’ll attend a cocktail party or morning tea, accompanied by a classical piano recital.

Fado at Palacio Da Bolsa

Why not experience Palacio da Bolsa in ceremonial style? Attend a cocktail reception in this beautiful 18th-century palace, before enjoying a traditional fado performance in the Arabian Hall.

Incredible Experiences

An APT European river cruise offers a passport to exclusive and enriching experiences that celebrate Europe’s cultural richness. Attend a private classical concert in Vienna’s stunning City Palace, witness the charm of a ‘Sound of Music’ show in Salzburg, or take in the soulful notes of a Fado performance at Porto’s Palacio da Bolsa. Explore Namedy Castle for a glimpse of Europe’s regal past and participate in APT’s Signature Experiences—curated to connect you with each destination’s unique history and beauty. These moments turn your journey into a deep dive into Europe’s culture, ensuring that your trip is as enlightening as it is luxurious.

From the sun-drenched vineyards of the Douro to the grand capitals of the Danube, each APT cruise is meticulously crafted to offer an immersive journey into the heart of each region you visit. Set sail with APT on a European River Cruise and discover a world where each river tells its own story, every turn reveals a new sight, and each moment aboard is an invitation to savour the extraordinary.

Our Favourite Countries

Amazing panorama view from Schafberg by Sankt Wolfgang im Salzkammergut on Haus house Schafbergspitze, lake Mondsee (moonlake, moon), Attersee. Blue sky, alps mountains. Upper Austria, Salzburg

Austria

Embark on an Austria tour that goes beyond the typical tourist paths to immerse you in the deep cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of this majestic country.

Passau skyline during sunset, Bavaria, Germany. The towers of St Stephen's Cathedral behind the clock tower of the Old Town Hall.

Germany

Germany, a land of fairy-tale castles like Neuschwanstein, vibrant cities such as Berlin and Munich, and lush, rolling hills, offers a diverse tapestry of experiences that cater to every traveller's fantasy.

Hungary

From the iconic spires of Budapest's Fisherman's Bastion to the serene waters of Lake Balaton, Hungary offers a stunning array of experiences that blend tradition with modern allure.

Europe's Newest River Ship Fleet

Experience river cruising at its finest aboard APT’s newest fleet of luxury river ships, including the APT Solara, APT Ostara, and the elegant MS Estrela. Each ship sets the bar for luxury with beautifully designed suites, world-class dining, and state-of-the-art amenities. Enjoy spacious rooms with panoramic views, open-air balconies, and inviting lounges, each designed to enhance your journey. Unpack once and settle into comfort as you sail past Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes and historic cities.

What's On Board

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Label images as (Artist's Impression)
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Come aboard the APT Solara and APT Ostara

With a host of alluring features, our brand-new, ultra-modern river ships, APT Solara and APT Ostara, offer unmatched opulence and style when travelling along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. Whether enjoying a cocktail up on the Sun Deck or retreating to your spacious, light-filled suite, there is so much to discover on board.

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2023 Photoshoot aboard the AmaReina.
New ship build design process for MS Ostara & Solara with Lou Tandy, Paul Hecker and Hamish Guthrie

Purpose-built for European Rivers

Crafted in Melbourne by the globally acclaimed Hecker Guthrie design team, our brand-new vessels seamlessly blend contemporary elegance with timeless allure, drawing inspiration from Europe's waterways, seasons, and locales.

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The Wachau is the landscape in and around the Danube valley between Melk and Krems an der Donau in Lower Austria, about 80 kilometers west of the federal capital Vienna. In 2000 it was added to the list of UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage as the Wachau cultural landscape with the Melk and Göttweig monasteries and the old town of Krems.

Sustainability Initiatives

Our ships utilise the most advanced and environmentally friendly technology currently available, which has earned us Green Award ‘Gold’ status. We champion eco-conscious best practices with no single-use plastics, and menus that minimise food waste.

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Personalised Service

A high crew-to-guest ratio offers impeccable onboard service and all suite categories feature indulgent in-suite dining. Your ship will have a dedicated Cruise Director on board, superb entertainment and a wellness host.

Beautiful Europe River Cruises Are Waiting

Uncover the timeless charm and natural beauty of Europe’s iconic rivers—from the scenic Rhine to the serene Douro. Each river offers a window into Europe’s heart and culture. Relax in luxury suites, delight in gourmet cuisine, and explore hidden gems and cultural landmarks. With APT and Travelmarvel, this is more than just a trip; it’s an unforgettable journey woven with history, adventure, and the picturesque beauty of Europe’s waterways. Join us to experience a world where each bend in the river reveals new tales waiting to be told.

Tour Highlights

Each APT Europe River Cruise is designed to connect you deeply with the culture, history, and natural beauty of the regions you visit:

Cultural Immersion

Experience local traditions, from exclusive vineyard tours and tastings along the Douro to private classical concerts in Vienna’s City Palace.

Historical Exploration

Dive into Europe’s history with guided tours of medieval castles, ancient fortresses, and significant World War landmarks that span centuries.

Gutenfels Castle also known as Caub Castle,  sits above the town of Kaub in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.

Natural Wonders

Glide past Europe’s diverse ecosystems, from the lush landscapes of the Netherlands to the dramatic Rhine gorges and the rolling hills of Portugal.

Adventure and Activity

For those seeking activity, engage in guided mountain treks in Germany, cycling through French vineyards, or kayaking excursions along the Danube.

Also known as the Garden of Europe, is one of the world's largest flower gardens, situated in Lisse, Netherlands.

Seasonal Experiences

Travel during special seasons to witness unique events like the vibrant Keukenhof tulip festival in Amsterdam or Germany’s festive Christmas markets.

Local Connections

Local Connections: Meet with artisans, chefs, and historians who bring a personal perspective to their homelands, enriching your understanding of each destination.

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