The Rhone and the Danube are two of the most popular destinations for river cruises in Europe. The Rhone is located mainly in France, while the Danube passes through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine. Cruising the Rhone will provide you with impressive views of the Swiss Alps while cruising the Danube is a great way to discover some of the most fascinating European countries out there. Both should be considered can’t miss experiences!
| Rhone | Danube | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 813 km | 2,860 km |
| Main Attraction | Provence | Vienna |
| Weather | 3-21 °C | 5-20 °C |
Rhone VS Danube River Cruises: Pros and Cons
Pros Rhone Cruise
- Includes Provence, one of the most fascinating regions in France (and in Europe!)
- Includes Camargue, which has plenty to offer wildlife enthusiasts (birdwatching, but also horse riding)
- In summer, you can enjoy the Mediterranean temperatures
- You’ll travel through only one country, which is much easier in terms of border controls, currency exchange, etc.
- The French cuisine is world-class
- You’ll discover some sites off the beaten path as well
Cons Rhone Cruise
- In summer, the Mediterranean warmth can be TOO warm
- You don’t have the chance to discover other European countries beyond France
Pros Danube Cruise
- Docks are near the cities
- Runs through different countries and cities (Vienna and Budapest among them)
- Provides the chance to discover a unique European area
- Many cities on the cruise path are cheaper than the European average (but not less fascinating)
- Many scenic landscapes
Cons Danube Cruise
- Some smaller cities can seem too similar
- Chance of bad weather, including being too hot
- Doesn’t give you the chance to discover a single country or city really in depth
Companies and Tours
Companies and Tours for a Rhone Cruise
The companies providing river cruises in Rhone river are: Avalon, CroisiEurope, Lueftner, Scenic, Uniworld .
Generally speaking the river cruises last one or two weeks.
Here some of the most popular tours in Rhone river: Grand France – Cruise Only Northbound, Burgundy & Provence – Cruise Only Northbound, Treasures of Burgundy and Provence, The Magic of the Provençal Rhône and the Camargue, Burgundy & Provence – Avignon to Lyon.
Companies and Tours for a Danube Cruise
The companies providing river cruises in Danube river are: Avalon, CroisiEurope, Lueftner, Scenic, Uniworld.
Generally speaking the river cruises last at least two weeks.
Here some of the most popular tours in Danube river: Magnificent Europe – Eastbound, The Legendary Danube, The Blue Danube Discovery, The Beautiful Blue Danube, Jewels of Europe.
Rhone VS Danube River Cruises: Attractions
Attractions on a Rhone Cruise
- Provence
- the more colorful and romantic region in France
- Camargue
- the wild side of France
- Lyon
- the second biggest French city, charming and culturally rich
- Avignon
- a city that every Middle Age aficionado can’t miss
Attractions on a Danube Cruise
- Vienna
- a fascinating city, as well as the cultural and historical centre of the Mitteleurope
- Budapest
- the charming capital of Hungary with its grand architecture
- Countryside
- between the major cities
- Belgrade
- one of the most interesting Balkan cities
So which is best?
The Rhone runs through the South of France, an enchanting area full of history and natural attractions like Avignon and Camargue.
- The Danube is a river that passes through different countries and cities. This provides you with a general idea of the Mitteleurope, the heart of the Old Continent. On the other hand, you won’t enjoy the warm Mediterranean weather while on this cruise.
