9 best river cruises to take from Amsterdam

If you're thinking of starting your fairy tale European river cruise in Amsterdam, here are the best ones to take.

Want to see all the historic towns? Point your camera at all the historic sites? Feast your eyes on France, Germany and the Netherlands without having to unpack more than once? 

It's time to take a river cruise from Amsterdam. Let's dive on in.

From Basel to Budapest (to German gems like Cochem), there are untold places you can cruise to from Amsterdam

Why choose Amsterdam as your departure point?

Amsterdam is more than just a beautiful city with history, canals, art, fine-dining and nightlife. It's also a hub for some of Europe's most fascinating river cruises, from springtime romps through Holland and Belgium to romantic excursions to Budapest and Basel.

From the Rhine Gorge to more remote regions of Europe, there are a heap of destinations and towns you can see on an Amsterdam river cruise

Sitting pretty on the banks of the beautiful Rhine, the city of Amsterdam is often the starting or ending point for some of Europe's most popular river journeys.

Best river cruises from Amsterdam

Holland and Belgium springtime river cruise, Collette

On this cruise, after seeing Amsterdam's sloping bridges and colourful Dutch houses by canal you then have time to hop off and explore the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens before jumping back on the boat and heading for Arnhem, Middelburg, Bruges and Kinderdijk, before finishing once again in Amsterdam.

Whether you're keen to see Germany and France or Belgium and Holland, there's a something for you

Activities include seeing the favorite summer retreat of the Dutch royal family, Medieval towers, baroque architecture and Holland's iconic 18th century windmills.

Classical Rhine Cruise, Lueftner Cruises

This magical Rhine cruise take you all the way down to Basel, Switzerland, ticking off Cologne, Cochem, Koblenz, Hennheim and Strasbourg along your way.

See also: 13 best things to do in Europe – the ultimate bucket list

Highlights include exploring Cologne Cathedral, enjoying a Kölsch beer, sailing through the scenic Upper Middle Rhine Valley, touring Heidelberg Castle, tasting local pretzels and relaxing on a boat trip through Strasbourg's canals.

Is there a better place to end a cruise than Basel?

Amsterdam to Antwerp, Viking

On this cruise you'll waltz through the inland waterways of Holland and Belgium, swash-buckling through through a maze of canals and rivers and slurping up a heap of Dutch, German and Flemish culture.

Highlights include seeing wild feats of Dutch engineering, feasting your eyes on modern Rotterdam, gawking at the windmills of Kinderdijk, and seeing the glittering jewels of Antwerp, Europe’s diamond capital. Oh and of course, in the spring, visit Keukenhof Gardens in bright bloom.

Experience the low countries in full flower on this cruise. Whether you're into wine or art, there's all sorts to keep you entertained

Romantic Rhine and Moselle, Scenic

Fairy tale moments jump out from every riverbend on this river cruise. This Scenic journey stays true to its name, with super scenic views of everything from Amsterdam to Basel, passing through the likes of Antwerp, Nijmegen, Utrecht, Dusseldorf, Mannheim, Strasbourg and Breisach as you switch from cruising the Rhine to heading down its idyllic tributary river the Moselle. If you like castles and black forests, it's the tour for you.

Where the Rhine and Moselle river converge is an amazing place. And that's before we even mention the forests you'll see on this trip

'Tulips and Windmills' roundtrip Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with Viking

This 10 day journey through the lowlands includes 8 guided tours and takes you through two countries (Holland and Belgium). Highlights include exploring Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, experiencing Enkhuizen’s seafaring heritage, learning about Dutch World War II history and drinking in Antwerp’s Renaissance splendor.

You can also see tulips in bloom, try Belgian beers (and chocolates), see medieval buildings in Middelburg and stroll around the world’s largest floral park (Keukenhof Gardens). Spring is the best time to book and is the time of year these two countries shine brightest.

Sail through history on this cruise that's full of culture and isn't averse to a city stop off

European Sojourn, Amsterdam to Bucharest, Viking

Explore three rivers (Rhine, Main and Danube) and 8 countries on this epic 23 day journey through West, Central and Eastern Europe from Amsterdam to Bucharest seeing castles, the awesome architecture of Vienna, folk traditions in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.

Sussing out river cruises? If you're after a 23 day journey, this could work

Christmas on the Rhine, Amsterdam to Basel with Viking

If you want to feel like you're a character in a Christmas story book, this is the cruise for you. This Amsterdam to Basel cruise sees you eat tasty yuletide treats and regional delicacies as well as browsing colourful stalls for handcrafted ornaments and cool presents for your friends.

Throw in the lights of Cologne, which twinkle against the dark sky like stars, and the merry revelry of the Rhine Valley (think: storefront displays, wine cellars and Christmas markets) and you'll be feeling as merry as Santa after one-too-many-brandies on this eight day voyage.

Do Christmas markets get more Christmassy than this?

Jewels of Europe, Scenic, Amsterdam to Budapest

Want to imagine feudal knights clashing and land barons guffawing? This could be the cruise for you. Step on board this Scenic ship and you'll be sipping cocktails and enjoying on-board activities in a region of ancient trade routes.

See also: 10 river cruises to book if you’re obsessed with Europe

This cruise meanders through the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers past hills, forests, vineyards and swoon-worthily romantic towns.

This cruise will dock at all sorts of places along Europe's big rivers, and has an excellent dining experience too

Splendours of Europe, Emerald Cruises, Amsterdam to Budapest

Enabling you to experience the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary (and more) while showcasing Europe's natural beauty, medieval towns and hilltop fortresses, this cruise gives you a glimpse at Europe's past, present and future.

If you've ever hungered after a holiday that starts in the canals of Amsterdam and ends at the city of thermal baths and amazing architecture (Budapest), this is for you

Originally published as 9 best river cruises to take from Amsterdam