Experience the timeless allure of the Old World that spans rivers, seas, and oceans. From the Mediterranean’s sun-drenched shores to the romantic seascapes and fairytale cities of Scandinavia and the medieval villages along the storied Danube and Rhine rivers, a European cruise evokes exquisite journeys.

Small Ship Luxury Cruises helps to pair you with the perfect small ship or river cruise destination. With our extensive knowledge and experience traveling around the globe, we categorize the best in cruises by season as well as popularity. While we may recommend peak travel opportunities, our team can accommodate any request to travel abroad year-round.

Europe

Luxury European Small Ship Cruises

Explore Europe’s heartland with beautiful scenery and unique itineraries. Sail the Danube from Vienna to Budapest to explore Roman ruins and modern art. Spend the day on Greek isles or Croatian castles and palaces. Along Europe’s Atlantic coast, enjoy UNESCO treasures, maritime heritage, beaches, coves, and coastal trails.

Recommended Luxury Europe Small Cruise Ships

We have hand-selected only the finest Europe cruise ships with the highest standards of personalized service as the basis for crafting your custom-designed European experience.

Explore Europe in Style

Choose your European Cruise

Ancient ruins like Rome’s Colosseum and the medieval walls of Dubrovnik, as well as contemporary hot spots like Barcelona, can all be found on a Mediterranean cruise. Fresh seafood and excellent wine are served up every day amid breathtaking views of historic cities and landmarks, dunes, and little fishing villages. Explore the Ionian Islands of Greece or Croatia’s Adriatic castles and palaces. A cruise to the Mediterranean is the best way to discover everything this magnificent region has to offer.

The colorful capitals of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway provide the perfect backdrop for your next luxury European getaway. After arriving in Copenhagen, you’ll visit Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, as well as Rosenborg Palace and Amalienborg Palace. Explore Ålesund in Norway, one of the most beautiful towns in Scandinavia with its Art Nouveau architecture and towers backed by the Sunnmøre Alps. Tour the beautiful city center of Stockholm and walk through its narrow, cobblestone streets lined with palaces and mansions that are hundreds of years old.

Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia encircle the Baltic Sea and are among the most beautiful countries in the world. Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is located in the Baltic Sea’s Bay of Finland. It has a bustling port with ferry links to Finland and Sweden, as well as bus and train connections to St. Petersburg. Tallinn, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vilnius has 65 churches, the oldest of which is St. Casimir’s. Riga’s Art Nouveau architecture is said to be the world’s largest collection.

The Douro River, which originates in Spain and travels through the entire Douro River Valley in Northern Portugal, is a prominent waterway. Winemaking in Portugal’s verdant Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a 2,000-year history. There is also the city of Porto, which is known for its Port wine, which is transported in barrels down the Douro River in traditional Rabelo boats, cruising past whitewashed Quintas and vineyards.

A voyage through the tulip fields on one of Europe’s most popular river cruises is an experience you won’t forget. You will sail through Antwerp, Arnhem, and Ghent in Belgium, as well as Rotterdam in the Netherlands. This cruise follows the Dutch Waterways, which include canals along the route. Take a tour to discover Keukenhof Gardens, one of the world’s largest floral parks!

Best times to visit Europe

Europe, with its four distinct seasons, has a lot to offer all year round. However, spring (May to early June) and fall (September to October) are the best months to explore most of Europe. Days are moderate to temperate for outdoor activities in both spring and fall, with fewer crowds than in the summer.

Europe in winter is beautiful if you can withstand the cold and short days. Even if you’re from a warmer climate, experiencing a Finnish sauna or seeing the Aurora Borealis in Norway is one of the most unique travel experiences you can have.

During the summer, Europe is a popular tourist destination. While it might get hot and crowded, travelers can take advantage of the long daylight hours and pleasant weather when visiting during this time of year.

Europe’s Top Cruising Regions

The Mediterranean

River Cruises on the Danube and Rhine

The Atlantic, British Isles, Scandinavia, the Arctic.

Why cruise Europe with Small Ship Luxury Cruises?

We get to know you on a personal level so that we can accommodate your preferences, needs, and expectations before we begin planning your ideal European experience.

We work with only the finest European river ships with the highest levels of personalized service. From there, we listen to what you desire and use our insider knowledge to make the best fit for you and your guests.

Our experienced travel concierges plan your European trip from beginning to end, eliminating the time investment and stress so often associated with planning a vacation to a destination as complicated as Europe.

Just tell our Europe concierges about your dream trip to the region and they will assist you with planning every detail of the process.

While Small Ship Luxury Cruises helps you discover the best cruise destinations, our team of travel concierges can coordinate a completely customized itinerary to Europe to accommodate any request. If you don’t see a particular destination or activity highlighted on our website, don’t worry! We would be happy to work with you in curating your one-of-a-kind travel experience.

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