The Rhine and the Seine are two very popular destinations for river cruises in Europe. The Rhine begins in Switzerland and passes through Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and ends in the Netherlands. Instead, the Seine is located in France and it passes through Paris, the most romantic city in the world. Cruising the Rhine is a great way to discover some of the most fascinating European countries out there in one easy trip while the Seine is tailored to fit those passionate about France. Both should be considered can’t miss experiences!
| Rhine | Seine | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1,230 km | 777 km |
| Main Attraction | Cologne Cathedral | Eiffel Tower |
| Weather | 0-25 °C | 5-20 °C |
Rhine VS Seine River Cruises: Pros and Cons
Pros Rhine Cruise
- You’ll visit some typically European landmarks and cities as Strasbourg, Frankfurt and Cologne
- You’ll be touring the Alps, some of the most impressive mountains in the world
- The temperatures are mild during summer
- You’ll be touring the very heart of Europe, a charming experience
- You will discover multiple European countries in only one trip
- You’ll discover sites different from the “classic” Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe
Cons Rhine Cruise
- In winter the Rhine area can be frustratingly cold
- If you’re looking for a wildlife-focused river cruise, this isn’t your best choice
Pros Seine Cruise
- You’ll enjoy impressive views of Paris and Rouen
- It’s different way to discover Paris and France as a whole
- You can add other rivers to your journey (i.e. Rhône)
- You’ll stay in only one country, making your trip easier in terms of currency exchange, border controls, etc.
- France is one of the most beloved European destinations
- The country is easily reachable via many different ways
Cons Seine Cruise
- You have to be ready for the heat
- You don’t have the chance to discover different countries
Companies and Tours
Companies and Tours for a Rhine Cruise
The companies providing river cruises in Rhine river are: Avalon, CroisiEurope, Lueftner, Scenic, Uniworld .
Generally speaking the river cruises last 10 days.
Here some of the most popular tours in Rhine river: Romantic Rhine – Southbound, Romantic Rhine – Northbound, Jewels of Europe (from Budapest to Amsterdam), From Amsterdam to Basel: The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River, Jewels of Europe (from Amsterdam to Budapest).
Companies and Tours for a Seine Cruise
The companies providing river cruises in Seine river are: Avalon, CroisiEurope, Lueftner, Scenic, Uniworld .
Generally speaking the river cruises last a couple of weeks.
Here some of the most popular tours in Seine river: Paris Normandy, Grand France – Cruise Only Northbound, A Portrait of Majestic France – Paris to Bordeaux, From the Côte Fleurie beaches to Paris, Gems of the Seine & Unforgettable Douro (from Paris to Porto).
Attractions on a Rhine Cruise
- Basel
- and its alpine atmosphere
- Frankfurt
- the economic center of Germany
- Cologne
- and its world famous cathedral
- Amsterdam
- and its canals, one of the most famous European attractions
Attractions on a Seine Cruise
- Paris
- the capital of France, also known as “the City of Love”
- Eiffel Tower
- the world famous French monument
- Notre Dame
- one of the most famous and iconic churches in Europe
- Rouen
- where you can visit the famous cathedral, depicted by artist Claude Monet
So which is best?
A Rhine river cruise gives you the chance to get under the skin of not only one country but Europe as a whole. Cruising down the Rhine is a trip that’s better to take during warmer seasons, in order to enjoy the region at its best.
The Seine, however, runs only through France and so you can get to know Paris, its amazing capital, in a more personal way. As a rule of thumb, if you want to discover a typically European area, the Rhine is the river that you’ll love. If you are more fascinated by Paris and its landmarks, go for a Seine cruise.
