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You may think of summer as prime time for holidays, but why not beat the rush and book a springtime cruise? More comfortable temperatures, costs less and less crowded tourist attractions – not to mention the chance to enjoy a relaxing holiday in some of Europe’s prettiest regions during March, April and May – all make cruising in the spring a delight. Here are some of our top Springtime cruises:
Springtime Cruises - 5 Great Options
Spring Blooms along the Canal du Midi
Picturesque at any time of year, this historic French waterway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becomes especially charming as winter lets loose its grip. As the foliage lining the canal start to bud, an abundance of wildflowers burst into life, including the vibrant poppy and elegant mimosa.
In the countryside, gently rolling hills get greener as the days get longer and warmer, and the scent of almond blossoms floats on the breeze. Choose a 6-night spring cruise on the hotel barge Anjodi or Enchanté if you’re looking for a little rural French tranquility during springtime.
Sun-Kissed Countryside and Blossoms in Italy
Southern Europe can be hot in the summer, so Spring is the ideal time to visit Italy. And since the tourist season isn’t yet in full swing, crowds will be thinner and rates lower. From late March to May there are plenty of dry, temperate days, perfect for being out on the spacious sun deck of our Italian hotel barge, La Bella Vita, as she cruises from Venice to Mantua.
Like the Canal du Midi, you should expect Italy to be in full bloom, with flowers bursting from market stalls, shop windows and the gardens of Renaissance villas you will visit along the way. As you navigate through the idyllic Po Delta, expect to see the wetlands coming to life with fish and birds. You can be sure that your onboard chef will prepare gourmet meals using the bounty of local Italian produce that are in season, including artichokes, asparagus, strawberries and truffles.
Tulip Fields in Full Colour Across Holland
Spring is by far the best time to visit Holland when the country’s famous tulips are in full bloom. A springtime cruise along the delightful waterways of the western provinces aboard the Panache reveals a countryside sprinkled with windmills and striped with bulb fields of purple, yellow, red and orange.
We visit the Aalsmeer flower auction, a famous and fragrant event trading in more than 30,000 species of plants and flowers. From humble beginnings, it is now the largest flower auction in the world in one of the largest buildings in the world, an area equivalent to 200 football fields!
If you just can’t get enough of these colourful blooms, there’s much more waiting for you at Keukenhof gardens in Lisse. Open annually from mid-March to mid-May, the so-called “Garden of Europe” boasts over 7 million individual flowering bulbs – truly breathtaking!
Burgundy’s Rolling Hills Awaken in Spring
Spring in Burgundy is a season of renewal and colour. As the days grow longer, the region awakens in a spectacular display. Fields shimmer with bright yellow rapeseed, cherry trees scatter their delicate pink blossoms across the villages, and the famous vineyards begin to unfurl fresh green leaves. Life returns with vibrancy, making springtime one of the most delightful moments to experience Burgundy.
Burgundy in spring is a haven for nature lovers. The sunshine is warm enough to enjoy views from the deck of a boat, yet the air remains refreshing. As the days grow warmer, the gentle weather invites leisurely walks and cycling along the tranquil canals. Along the towpaths, birdsong fills the air, offering travellers a peaceful soundtrack to the season’s renewal.
We have not 1, or 2, but 5 hotel barges to choose from for cruising in spring in Burgundy. L’Art de Vivre and La Belle Epoque enjoy the particular beauty that is northern Burgundy on the Nivernais and Burgundy canals respectively. While L’Impressionniste cruises west of Dijon, Finesse covers the south and Renaissance cruises in western Burgundy & the Upper Loire.
Wildflowers and Misty Glens in the Scottish Highlands
Springtime cruises in Scotland will delight you. Statistically, the spring months are the driest and sunniest, with long, lingering evenings—by late May, the sun doesn’t set until nearly 10 pm! It’s also a quieter time to explore, just before the tourist season kicks in.
One of the season’s greatest charms is the explosion of colour. Daffodils, Scottish bluebells, bright yellow gorse, rhododendrons, and cherry blossoms paint the landscape in vibrant hues. Birds return from their winter migrations, including majestic birds of prey like the osprey and black grouse. Along the coast, seabirds such as puffins, gannets, and guillemots come flocking back, making spring a spectacular time for wildlife watching. (Bonus—no midges in spring!)
Spring is also a hidden gem for food lovers. The milder weather invites seasonal produce like tender leafy greens, juicy berries, and the freshest seafood. It’s the perfect season to savour Scotland’s culinary offerings alongside its natural beauty.
Join either the Scottish Highlander or her sister barge the Spirit of Scotland to enjoy spring cruises in the highlands.
Springtime Cruises are the Best!
Spring is Europe at its most enchanting—and there’s no better way to experience it than on a cruise. The weather is sunny yet fresh, the days are long. With fewer crowds than in summer, you can wander cobbled streets, enjoy a cocktail on the deck or in the spa pool, and soak in iconic sights at a peaceful pace. From stunning coastlines to vibrant culture and fresh seasonal cuisine, a springtime European cruise promises beauty, adventure and unforgettable moments at every port.
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