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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

Experience Europe’s Iconic Rivers with APT Luxury Travel

Discover the beauty and allure of Europe’s legendary rivers with APT Luxury Travel’s exclusive river cruises, where each journey weaves together culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Sail past storybook castles along the Rhine, marvel at the vineyard-clad banks of Portugal’s Douro, or drift through the gothic cities along the Danube—all from the comfort of our luxury river ships. Each cruise with APT goes beyond ordinary travel, delivering intimate encounters with Europe’s most captivating destinations and immersing you in the soul of the continent.

Our thoughtfully curated itineraries bring you directly to the heart of each region. Imagine waking up to misty mornings over the Moselle Valley, exploring medieval villages along the Main, or enjoying an evening concert in a Viennese palace. APT’s state-of-the-art river ships are designed for comfort and elegance, featuring spacious suites, panoramic views, and gourmet dining, all crafted to make your river cruise an experience you’ll cherish forever. Whether you’re traveling through the romantic canals of Amsterdam, the historic wine regions of France, or the grand capitals along the Danube, each day offers something unforgettable.

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

A European river cruise with APT offers an array of exciting destinations and sights, journeying along Europe’s most unforgettable waterways: the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers in Central Europe and the Douro River in Portugal. Wherever you go, you will explore charming villages and magnificent countryside; and enjoy an array of tantalising experiences.

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.

Private Events

Enjoy a private classical concert at Vienna’s City Palace, savor an intimate Fado performance at the Palacio da Bolsa in Porto, or experience a special ‘Sound of Music’ show in Salzburg.

Signature Experiences

Visit the historic Namedy Castle for a glimpse into Europe’s regal history, or enjoy a wine tasting in the heart of Portugal’s celebrated wine regions.

Authentic Cultural Encounters

Engage with local artisans, chefs, and historians, whose stories provide a unique glimpse into the heritage of each destination.

Unforgettable Experiences with APT River Cruises

Our Signature Experiences bring each destination to life, offering a more profound connection to Europe’s history, culture, and beauty. From exploring medieval towns to discovering centuries-old traditions, every day on an APT cruise is filled with unforgettable moments.

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.

View of Budapest landmarks at beautiful sunset

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.

APT’s Newest Fleet: Luxury and Innovation on the Water

Our fleet of luxury river ships—including the APT Solara, APT Ostara, and the brand-new MS Estrela—has been crafted to enhance your river cruising experience. With panoramic suites, open-air balconies, and elegant dining rooms, each ship is designed for both comfort and immersion. Unpack just once, settle into your spacious suite, and enjoy world-class amenities as you glide through Europe’s picturesque landscapes and storied 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.

Ready to Explore Europe’s Rivers?

An APT European river cruise is your gateway to the timeless charm and iconic beauty of Europe’s rivers. From the Rhine to the Danube, and the scenic Douro, each route promises its own unique wonders. Discover quaint towns, historic landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes, all while enjoying the luxury of our suites, world-class cuisine, and curated excursions. With APT, you’re not just taking a trip—you’re creating a journey filled with memories, adventure, and a deeper understanding of Europe’s rich heritage.

Set sail with APT Luxury Travel and uncover a world where each river has a story, each destination is a discovery, and every experience becomes a cherished memory.

Why Choose APT for Your European River Cruise?

When you cruise with APT, every detail is designed to provide a seamless and immersive experience that goes beyond the usual sightseeing:

Cultural Immersion

Engage with local traditions through exclusive experiences, such as wine tastings at vineyards along the Douro and attending private classical music concerts in grand European settings.

Historical Exploration

From medieval castles and ancient ruins to sites that bear witness to centuries of history, our guided tours offer a unique perspective on Europe’s storied past.

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

Scenic Marvels

Cruise through stunning natural landscapes, from the dramatic cliffs and gorges of the Rhine to the peaceful meadows and tulip fields of the Netherlands

Adventurous Exploration

For the active traveler, APT offers cycling tours in the French countryside, mountain treks in Germany, and even 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 Highlights

Experience Europe’s rivers at their most magical times—witness Amsterdam’s famous tulip blooms in spring or explore festive holiday markets along the Rhine during the winter months.

Local Connections

Meet with artisans, chefs, and historians who provide an intimate look into their hometowns, bringing the destinations to life in ways few travelers experience.

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