It's a major photo-op for anyone visiting France, but the Eiffel Tower looks evening better when seen from the Seine river. Many river cruises start off in Paris and you'll be treated to some of the best viewsaround — from the Iron Lady to Notre Dame. If you're docked in the City of Lights for the evening, you can capture some stunning photos of the illuminated icons. From Paris, the Seine flows into Normandy, before emptying into the English Channel at Le Havre.
The Rhine Gorge
You'll be transported to the age of fairy tales on this Unesco-listed section of the Rhine, which features heavily in local folklore. Among the vineyards, are many castles, medieval fortresses and palaces overlooking the river, so you'll want to be on deck with your camera ready. Also keep an eye out for the Lorelei, a steep rock associated with an old folk tale of a beautiful woman who would sit on the cliff singing, distracting shipmen and causing them to crash. Many cruises play music as you pass by.
Flowing from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea in Romania, the Danube passes through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia and Bulgaria. It's perhaps best known as the inspiration for Johann Strauss' famous waltz and you're sure to be just as enchanted by its blue waters. Austria's Wachau Valley-a Unesco World Heritage Site- is particularly picturesque stretch, with rolling hills, vineyards and old fortresses to admire and photograph.
The Elbe
One of Europe's lesser-known rivers, a cruise down the Elbe is great for history buffs- with most running between Berlin and Prague. You'll find a great photo op in Dresden, known as "Florence on the Elbe". After the area was destroyed in World War II,the city was rebuilt- one highlight is the Cathedral of Our Lady. Its distinctive bell-shaped dome has become a symbol of Dresden.
