Selena Jones
Reasons Behind the Rising Popularity of River Cruising:
A Room With A View
River cruising allows you to Dock in the Heart of each city and you are always close to shore. Forget about indoor cabins. When river cruising, every room has a view. Relax and enjoy the ever-changing
scenery as you sail to your next destination.
All-Inclusive
Most food and beverages and often excursions are included in the overall price, allowing travellers to enjoy a decadent holiday without the stress of planning every detail and pinching every penny.
Floating, Luxury Boutique Hotels
Each year there are ships which completely raise the bar once again and passengers are treated to some of the most luxurious floating hotels on the planet. Each ship has a range of suites and cabin types
which now can include full balconies. For those who want this extra special level of indulgence, river cruising will exceed your expectations.
One-of-A Kind Experiences
With access to narrow ports and through shallow waterways, river cruising offers a cruise for travellers who love to experience new cultures, visit historical sites and relax in cruise luxury. If you love
engaging and informative excursions, you’ll be pleased to know that cultural tours are typically included in your river cruise price. Whether it’s a city walk, a village stroll or a guided tour around a famous gallery, iconic landmark, castle or vineyard.
Explore Europe’s River Cruises
European river cruising has experienced an extraordinary surge in popularity over the last few years, with an ever more varied range of ships, holiday styles and cruise lines to choose from. Here is your ultimate European river cruise guide.
The Rhine
A cruise on the majestic Rhine takes you through the heart of Europe in comfort—and at a leisurely pace. You will have the chance to see enhanced castles, lush forests and terraced vineyards, pretty villages, atmospheric cobbled streets, ancient towns and more treasures at every turn. Some itineraries may take you all the way to Basel with the opportunity to extend your stay in the scenic Swiss Alps. Others start in Amsterdam, the perfect city to explore on foot or by water. The picturesque Moselle River might be included – don’t miss the opportunity to sample the wines, the quality will amaze you. Other key tributaries are the Neckar and the Main. Early in the year you might be looking out for the ‘tulip time’ cruises.
The Danube
The Danube is arguably the most popular river cruise and navigates its way through 10 countries- this alone makes it unique as no other river in the world runs through as many countries. Coursing through Germany, Austria, Hungary and seven other countries all the way to the Black Sea,
the Danube is the soul of Central Europe. The middle stretch of the Danube (between Passau and Budapest) offers everything: extraordinary capital cities including Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava, pretty villages, great music, art and architecture, and delicious food and drink. Relive the magic and the dark undertones – of The Sound of Music. Roam the lands of the Habsburgs and feel the long arm of history stretch through the former Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The Douro
At the mouth of the river is the lovely blue and white tiled city of Porto, the capital of northern Portugal and home to port wine. It has a fascinating regenerated area on the riverfront. Exploring with its hilly streets and lanes is wonderful, enabling you to quickly get lost as you soak up the atmosphere. As soon as you set sail, you reach a region largely untouched by tourism, visiting unspoilt villages and places you have never heard of in a beautiful scenic setting. Along the way, your experience will be enhanced by wine and port tastings and the opportunity to sample locally grown produce, delicious hams, and traditional specialities of the region.
The Seine
Immerse yourself in the charm and romance of Paris with an unforgettable Seine River cruise. Glide along the iconic Seine River and take in the breathtaking views of the City of Light from a new angle. See the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Louvre Museum from the water. The Seine has inspired countless artists and writers, and today it remains a popular tourist attraction with river cruises offering unique views of Parisian landmarks. Those with an affinity for French history may want to visit nearby Château de Malmaison, the elaborately decorated estate of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte. Further downstream, the riverside town of Vernon
features the magnificent Bizy Castle and the immaculate gardens at Claude Monet’s country house.
