5 UNESCO Heritage Sites in Europe You Must Visit by River Cruise

From Stonehenge to the Acropolis of Athens and Pompeii, Europe boasts an impressive collection of over 400 protected UNESCO World Heritage sites. You could practically encounter history on a simple coffee run, especially in places like Rome, which is also a UNESCO site. According to UNESCO, these landmarks are "so exceptional that they transcend national boundaries and hold significance for current and future generations of humanity." That's quite a statement!

What’s the best way to explore multiple UNESCO sites in a single journey? By river cruise! With over 150 rivers weaving through the continent, Europe's waterways serve as natural highways. Guests aboard popular Dinogo river-cruise lines—like AmaWaterways, Uniworld, and Viking—can indulge in a wealth of history while enjoying luxury accommodations and only needing to unpack once.

Here are five of the most thrilling UNESCO sites that travelers can explore from the comfort of a river cruise.

Budapest, which includes the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, and Andrássy Avenue

Location: Budapest, Hungary
Recommended cruise line: Uniworld’s Enchanting Danube

Often referred to as the “Queen of the Danube,” Budapest stands out as one of the most captivating European capitals. Its eclectic architecture features medieval, Romanesque, Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical styles, alongside a vibrant bath culture. In 1987, the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter—home to the baroque-style Buda Castle, which houses the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum—and Andrássy Avenue, known for its impressive mansions and townhouses, were all designated UNESCO World Heritage sites.

To immerse yourself in Budapest’s rich history, stunning architecture, and dynamic future, consider booking Uniworld’s eight-day Enchanting Danube itinerary, which sails from Budapest to Passau. This cruise package includes two excursion options: a guided tour showcasing the architectural wonders of Andrassy Avenue and the Hungarian Parliament, or a culinary walk through Budapest featuring stops at local delights like the First Strudel House of Pest and the Great Market Hall, famous for its diverse selection of sausages, cheeses, and salami.

For an additional charge, guests can opt for two exclusive “Masterpiece Tours”: one offers a guided exploration of Budapest’s historic Jewish Quarter, featuring kosher Hungarian eateries, ancient pubs, and the world’s second-largest synagogue, while the other takes visitors to the Budapest Retro Museum, which commemorates Hungarian life from 1960 to 1990. Cruises are offered from April to October, with prices starting at $3,400.

Grande-Île de Strasbourg

Location: Strasbourg, France
Recommended cruise line: Viking River Cruises’ Lyon, Provence, and the Rhineland

Strasbourg is one of four European Union Institutional Seats, serving as the capital of Alsace, a region that lies on the border of eastern France and western Germany. In Strasbourg, visitors can enjoy a unique blend of German and French architectural styles, along with Alsatian specialties like tarte flambée (a dish similar to pizza), a diverse selection of cheeses, and numerous types of pork sausages. The city's historic core is located on the “Grand-Île” or “large island,” encircled by the Ill River. In 1988, this area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique Alsatian and Rhineland-style structures and charming canals. On the Grand-Île, travelers can explore the Petite France neighborhood, which housed millers, tanners, and fishermen during the Middle Ages, as well as stunning ancient places of worship such as the Gothic Strasbourg Cathédrale de Notre Dame (the fourth tallest church in the world), St. Étienne, St. Pierre-le-Vieux, St. Thomas, and St. Pierre-le-Jeune.

On the Viking River Cruises’ Lyon, Provence, and the Rhineland itinerary, travelers will have plenty of opportunities to explore Strasbourg. The 15-day cruise includes five unique shore excursions, from guided walks around the city to Alsatian wine tastings (the region is famous for its sweet and vibrant rieslings). Cruises typically run from March to early October, with fares starting at $4,900 per person.

The Historic Center of Prague

Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Best cruise line to experience it on: Viking River Cruises’ Elegant Elbe River

Prague has long been celebrated as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, thanks to its picturesque location along the Vltava River and its impressive collection of medieval architecture that has largely survived both conflict and demolition. The Historic Center of Prague comprises three areas: Old Town, Lesser Town, and New Town. Buildings in Old Town span from the 11th to the 18th century and include everything from ancient town halls to majestic cathedrals. In 1992, Prague’s historic center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

On Viking River Cruises’ Elegant Elbe River itinerary, travelers can immerse themselves in Prague for three entire days. Guests have the opportunity to engage in activities such as touring the Jewish Quarter, indulging in Czech dishes during a folk-themed dinner, visiting Lobkowicz Palace (one of the few privately owned structures within the Prague Castle complex that also features the Lobkowicz Palace Museum), or embarking on a night tour of medieval Prague. Cruises typically operate from March through November, excluding August, with prices starting at $3,300 per person.

Loreley Valley

Location: The Middle Rhine Valley, Germany
Best cruise line to experience it on: AmaWaterways Captivating Rhine River Cruise

The Loreley Valley is steeped in Romantic lore—akin to the literary movement, and it’s the perfect spot to steal a kiss with your loved one against a backdrop of dramatic hills. Nestled in the Middle Rhine Valley, known as the most picturesque stretch of the Rhine, this enchanting area between Bingen and Bonn has inspired a multitude of operas, songs, and poems, famously captured in paintings by J.M.W. Turner in the late 18th century. Named after the Loreley Rock, which juts out from the river at a bend reputed to be haunted by a beautiful maiden who took her own life after being rejected by her lover, the rock is said to have continued luring sailors to their doom. Many local fishermen and sailors, mesmerized by her beauty, failed to notice the perilous rocks and swift currents, leading to their demise. Besides its natural splendor and haunting legends, the valley is also adorned with over 40 medieval castles, many of which can be glimpsed from passing cruise ships.

One of the premier ways to experience the Loreley Valley is through AmaWaterways’ Captivating Rhine Cruise, which travels from Amsterdam to Basel. (Alternatively, the Enchanting Rhine Cruise offers the same route but in reverse; both are available year-round.) The itinerary includes several stops in historic towns along the Middle Rhine, such as Ludwigshafen, the enchanting city of Heidelberg—once favored by German royalty—and the fairy-tale town of Rüdesheim, renowned for its expansive riesling vineyards. Guests can choose from a range of onshore activities, including a cycling tour in Heidelberg and a scenic hike through the winding vineyards of Rüdesheim. Cruises operate from February to November and start at $2,400 per person.

Paris, along the Banks of the Seine

Location: Paris, France
Best cruise line to experience it on: AmaWaterways’ Soulful Epicurean Experience

In 1991, approximately 900 acres of Paris were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, safeguarding some of the city’s most iconic sights, such as the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées, and Place de la Concorde. One of the most thrilling new river cruise itineraries introduced recently is AmaWaterways’ Soulful Epicurean Experience. This seven-night journey, commencing in Arles and concluding in Paris, explores France through the contributions of Black artists, writers, and entertainers who have left an indelible mark on the nation. In Paris, travelers can anticipate an excursion centered around the life of the famous dancer and WWII spy Josephine Baker, along with a Black history tour that sheds light on the city’s jazz scene and Little Africa. This 11-day voyage is set to launch on June 13, with staterooms starting at $4,500 per person.