Top Europe On the Water

Bask in the sun and sea of Madeira, one of the world’s tallest oceanside cliffs, on this catamaran excursion from the Funchal Marina. After boarding, find a nice spot on the deck or one of the four trampoline nets for spotting whales and dolphins. Your crew highlights landmarks and wildlife plus you have a choice of a morning or afternoon departure time.

View Budapest’s floodlit landmarks by boat on a Danube River evening cruise. Settle on the glass-enclosed vessel, and admire the cityscapes as you cruise by the UNESCO-listed riverbanks, glass in hand. Admire the Hungarian Parliament and Buda Castle district twinkling with lights, and sail under the illuminated Chain Bridge and other bridges. Your choice of Champagne, wine, beer, soda, or mineral water, Wi-Fi, and commentary included.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Portugal's stunning coastline on this 2.5-hour Benagil Cave kayak tour. Your paddleboarding journey begins at Carvalho Beach, which is tucked away in a hidden oasis protected by limestone cliffs and only accessible through an enchanting tunnel. Guides will lead you around gorgeous caves, altars, and natural formations while keeping everyone safe along with any fun that comes your way.

If you’ve spent enough time lying on Lagos’ beautiful beaches, get out and explore the coastline on a kayak tour of Ponta da Piedade from Lagos Marina. Get closer to the caves, cliffs, and grottoes of the Algarve coastline than you could in a larger boat. Plus, enjoy time to swim, relax, or use the onboard slide to dive into the sea and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife such as dolphins.

Iconic Paris landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower, line the Seine River, but trying to see them all takes time—and leads to sore feet. Admire the city’s world-famous monuments while resting your legs during this express river cruise. Ride during the day, or choose an evening departure time to float through the enchanting city at night.

Search for whales and dolphins along the southern coast of the Azores on this wildlife watching trip from Ponta Delgada. Traveling in a nimble, open boat with an experienced captain, you’ll have the best chance of spotting the bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, sei whales, bearded whales, and blue whales that flock to the islands. This whale and dolphin tour is a fun, family-friendly way to see the coast, and both morning and afternoon departures are available.

Ensure a memorable night out in Paris—and combine your sightseeing with a gourmet meal—aboard a luxurious dinner cruise along the Seine River. Float past the city’s famed monuments, such as the Louvre and Notre Dame, and admire the beauty of the Seine's UNESCO-listed riverbanks. Meanwhile, enjoy a gourmet, 3-4-course meal (depending on the menu selected), plus live musical entertainment.

Skip your usual land-lubber evening drink with this River Seine sunset cruise with an aperitif. Meet near Pont Neuf just before sunset and hop aboard a river boat with a terrace—take a seat and cruise past Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower with a glass of organic wine, local beer, or champagne, accompanied by background music for a relaxed atmosphere.

Skip the crowded river cruises and opt for a more intimate, luxury experience on the Douro River. Join a small group and board your yacht for a leisurely sail towards the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy stunning views of the port wine cellars, the UNESCO-listed Ribeira district, fishing villages, and more from a vantage point you won’t find anywhere else. Upgrade to a private cruise exclusively for your group.

Glide by a host of London’s must-see landmarks on a sightseeing cruise from Westminster to Greenwich on the Thames River. Step aboard your comfortable cruise boat at Westminster Pier and listen to the live commentary as you pass sights such as Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Drink in the views from the open or indoor deck, and at Greenwich, step ashore to visit attractions (own expense) such as the Cutty Sark or National Maritime Museum.

Glide down the River Seine while enjoying a gourmet 3-course lunch aboard a Paris river cruise. Soak up views of riverside attractions including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and Musée d'Orsay as you dine on seasonal selections from an à la carte menu, accompanied by wine. Enjoy a glass of aperitif and a refined dining experience on a modern glass-canopy boat.

Elevate your Amsterdam canal cruise when you book this experience aboard a fully covered, 19th-century wooden saloon boat. Cruise along the UNESCO-listed canals and see bucket-list sights like the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the picturesque Jordaan district while listening to commentary from your onboard guide—you get the stories behind the sights that you'd easily miss if you explored alone.

Seeing Paris from the river offers a different perspective on the city’s landmarks without navigating busy streets. This Seine cruise departs from Pont Neuf, the city’s oldest bridge, and follows a central route along the river. Glide past highlights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and Notre Dame Cathedral, with live commentary providing context along the way.

Visit Our Lady of the Rock island and church with ease on a speedboat tour. Depart from Kotor to the old town of Perast. Admire the panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor as you cruise on the boat. Explore the church and small island. Afterwards, stroll through Perast’s old town.

Lisbon's riverside landmarks look markedly different from the water, and timing a sailing tour to coincide with sunset adds a scenic reason to be on the Tagus River in the early evening. This small-group sailing tour passes Belem Tower and the National Museum of Ancient Art, with a guide covering local culture and heritage along the route. Portuguese Vinho Verde (green wine), iced tea, bottled water, and blankets are all included on board.

Discover a brand-new perspective on Seville—and float along in style and comfort—aboard this river cruise. Sail along the Guadalquivir River to enjoy uncrowded views of the city, and enjoy a relaxed alternative to hours of walking between sights. Admire the city skyline from multiple viewing areas, enjoy a tapa (appetizer-size snack), and spot San Telmo Palace, Torre del Oro, Triana Bridge, and more.

Escape the urban energy of Athens for the day and set sail for the Saronic Islands aboard a spacious Greek sailing ship. Find your favorite spot on deck to soak up the Mediterranean sun while island-hopping to Agistri, Moni, and Aegina. Swim and snorkel right off the boat, and indulge in a delicious Greek lunch onboard during this luxury island adventure.

Discover the Swiss—Italian Lake District in just one day, with this well-crafted day trip from Milan. Led by a local guide, the excursion includes a Lake Como cruise on a private boat that sails past celebrity and luxury villas—such as Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello—to Bellagio, known as the "Pearl of Lake Como." Spend free time in Lugano, Switzerland, admiring lakeside views, boutique shopping, and Swiss chocolate, and then relax on the return to Milan.

Enjoy a romantic evening with a cruise down the Seine and see the City of Light at its most magical. Dine on a decadent multi-course dinner, accompanied by live music on board, as you float past illuminated landmarks such as the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower.

Seeing Amsterdam’s canal-side sights on foot means plenty of walking and crowded bridges. A small electric boat glides quietly through the city’s waterways as a live host shares stories about the Jordaan, the Prinsengracht, and the Rijksmuseum. An onboard bar serves drinks, and an open boat in summer gives way to a warm saloon boat in cooler weather

Nothing takes the shine off a gondola ride more than standing in line. Say goodbye to long waits as you cruise the Grand Canal aboard a shared gondola. As you glide past churches, bridges, and canals. Learn about the sights using an app or brochure in your choice of nine languages. Lastly, experience a ride in a unique virtual reality as you glide over the Grand Canal's tranquil waters at sunset, and then discover the craftsmanship and secrets behind Venice's iconic boats with an up-close look at a sectioned model.

Escape the crowds on land and admire Mykonos from the water on a luxury catamaran cruise that takes you off the beaten path to Rhenia, an uninhabited island surrounded by crystalline waters and home to ancient Greek ruins. Enjoy free time to relax as you wish—swim in the crystal-clear waters, soak up the sun, and enjoy refreshing drinks on board. Note: the itinerary is subject to weather conditions and might be adjusted to explore the southern coast of Mykonos.

Experience the tranquility of a Norwegian fjord, without the noise of boat engines, on this silent cruise down the Oslo Fjord. Glide along the calm, deep waters and see look out for wildlife among the natural landscapes on either side of the fjord—and spot surrounding islands too.