Destination of the Month European River Cruises

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EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISE EXPERIENCES 

Rivers have throughout time served as the world’s natural highways, facilitating trade and travel, connecting people and cultures. As civilizations developed along riverbanks, history’s footprints have remained along their shores, making a river journey simply one of the most culturally enriching and rewarding travel experiences you can have.

Europe is a perfect blend of the ancient and the modern. Enjoy the timeless beauty and grace of the Old World with European river cruises along the Rhine, the Dordogne, the Danube, the Douro, the Seine & the  Saône and Rhône Rivers amongst others. These cruises will provide you with an unforgettable journey along great European waterways.

The RHINE  - Visit the highlights of the legendary Rhine. In Germany, see the many charming castles commanding the riverbanks as you sail by, tour Marksburg Castle and the ruins of Heidelberg Castle. Admire Cologne, the jewel of the Rhine, with its awe-inspiring Dom, and experience the lush landscape of the Black Forest region. Also, explore Holland’s famous windmills and waterworks, encounter multicultural Strasbourg in France, and enjoy the nightlife in Rüdesheim’s Drosselgasse.

EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS: Select a cruise during the festive season to include various Christmas markets. Here, the spirit and romance of the holiday season comes alive with the scent of gingerbread and the tunes of traditional carols. Whichever Christmas markets you visit, there will be a feast of tasty treats as well as chalet stalls brimming with unique and inspiring handcrafted gifts.

The DANUBE -  Encounter the grand cities and quaint villages situated along the celebrated Danube River. Explore both sides of Hungary’s capital, traditional ‘Buda’ and the more cosmopolitan ‘Pest’. From the Fishermen’s Bastion, a perfect vantage point, see how the river divides this fascinating city. Experience Vienna’s imperial architecture and gracious culture, and tour riverside towns in Austria’s Wachau Valley. Explore a baroque cathedral and stroll cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. Savour the tastes of authentic dishes, learn about local legends, and understand why Strauss immortalized the “Blue Danube” in his famous melody.

The DOURO - Discover one of Europe’s most pristine destinations, Portugal. This cruise takes you on a winding easterly course between steeply terraced vineyards, stopping at ports of call largely unchanged for centuries with charming town squares, colourful castles, baroque mansions and historic monasteries. At the Spanish border you can indulge in a scenic ride into Spain to visit the medieval city of Salamanca before your leisurely voyage back to Porto. See unspoiled vistas and sample Portuguese specialties, not to mention the region’s sensational ruby and tawny ports. Begin a cruise with an overnight in a hotel exploring the fascinating capital city of Lisbon before traveling to Porto at the mouth of the Douro River, to embark your cruise ship.

The SEINE - Combine the magic of Paris with the beauty of the Normandy countryside. Experience history first hand at the Normandy beaches, the site of the famous Allied invasion on D-Day in 1944. Delight in the Gothic architecture of Rouen and see where Joan of Arc was tried and executed. Lose yourself in the exquisite gardens of Giverny, whose rich palette inspired Impressionist Claude Monet. Walk the cobblestone streets of provincial Vernon and share the splendour of Paris, the world’s most romantic city. This is a cruise that has something for everyone. 

THE DORDOGNE, GARONNE & GIRONDE - Caressed by Atlantic breezes, the vineyards which cover the rolling hills along the rivers of Aquitaine have for centuries produced France’s most remarkable wines: Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Sauternes, Médoc and Margaux are amongst the appellations that make Bordeaux wines world-famous. At the region’s heart, the city of Bordeaux stretches along the river bank, inviting visitors to savour its grand architecture, tempting cafés and superb museums. Celebrate joie de vivre in this land of wine and oysters, truffles and cognac, as you enjoy an in-depth view of this region and cruise the three rivers. Please Note: The Garonne, Gironde and Dordogne Rivers are part of a tidal river system which results in changing water levels in the region.

The SAONE & RHONE - Sail along France’s scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers past some of the most beautiful vistas the French countryside has to offer. During this cruise, explore the famed region of Burgundy and the colourful fields of Provence. Visit Gallo-Roman ruins in Vienne and Arles, walk the cobbled streets of Arles to see how it inspired Vincent van Gogh, and visit the historic Papal Palace in Avignon, “City of Popes.” Learn about the region’s time-honoured winemaking traditions, sample Burgundy wines and try the world-famous regional cuisine in Lyon.

For further information on these or any other river or canal cruise, contact our team to discuss your group’s requirements.