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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Marc Shoffman

8 of the best European river cruises for 2026 and 2027, from the enchanting Rhine to the magical Danube

The rolling vineyards of Portugal’s Douro Valley - (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The choice of river cruises is on the rise, getting guests closer to a range of destinations that larger ocean-going ships can’t reach.

Typically setting sail on smaller vessels – with capacity ranging from around 100 to 250 guests – river cruises can often dock right in the centre of a town or city where they may stay late into the evening and even overnight, providing more time to enjoy and explore an area.

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