The 5 Best River Cruises to Enjoy in Spring

There’s never a bad time to explore Europe, but spring is one of the most magical seasons to experience the continent by water. A spring river cruise through Holland, Portugal, Spain, or France reveals Europe at its most vibrant — when tulip fields burst into color, riverbanks bloom with wildflowers, and open-air markets brim with fragrance and life. From the romantic canals of Amsterdam to the sun-kissed Douro Valley, spring is the perfect time to set sail on a European river cruise.

1. Bruges, Medieval Flanders, Amsterdam & The Dutch Bulbfields River Cruise

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Holland’s famous tulips in full bloom, this unforgettable Dutch Bulbfields river cruise is the perfect spring getaway. Beginning in Amsterdam, you’ll experience this dazzling city from the water, gliding along its picturesque canals lined with flower-filled window boxes and charming gabled houses.

The journey continues through Flanders in Belgium, where medieval towns, cobblestone streets, and Gothic architecture transport you back in time. Returning to Holland, you’ll visit Keukenhof Gardens, the heart of the world-famous Dutch Bulbfields. Spread across nearly 80 acres, the gardens showcase over seven million flowers, a breathtaking display of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils in every imaginable color — a highlight of any spring European river cruise.

2. Amsterdam, Kinderdijk & The Dutch Bulbfields River Cruise

Another Dutch River cruise that lets you enjoy the wonders of Amsterdam in spring and the majesty of the Bulbfields of Keukenhof, this 5-day option offers different treats, including time spent in the lovely port of Enkhuizen. You also get a day to experience the contrasting Dutch delights of the very modern Rotterdam and the very traditional array of windmills and dykes at Kinderdijk.

3. The Douro, Porto & Salamanca River Cruise

The Douro region in Portugal is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year, but there’s something extra special in spring when the temperatures are warm but not too hot, and the vineyards and hills aren’t as crowded as in the summer. This Portuguese River cruise takes in sleepy medieval villages as well as the mighty city of Porto and the historic Spanish centre of Salamanca, home to one of the oldest universities in the world.

4. Burgundy, The River Rhône & Provence River Cruise

The picturesque Provence region is even more beautiful in springtime when you get to see the landscape covered with creamy drifts of almond blossom and the blossoms of cherry and soft fruit trees. On our cruise, you will see so much of the region as well as enjoying the gastronomic treats and world-famous wines of Burgundy.

5. The Blue Danube River Cruise

For seeing the best of Europe in the spring, you can’t do much better than a cruise down the River Danube, visiting some of the loveliest medieval towns and cities of Austria, Hungary and Slovakia along the way, including Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava. You’ll see mountainsides, valleys and formal gardens all in full bloom, enjoy the best wines and cuisines as well as being treated to classical music, as befits the name of this cruise and the cultural history of the regions you’ll be visiting.

With all this to offer, it’s no surprise that our cruises make the perfect springtime vacation.

Spring is a perfect time to cruise along the rivers of Europe. We hope this has inspired you to take a river cruise on your next holiday. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.