Where To Travel On A River Cruise

Your time off the vessel can be equally as interesting as being on board the cruise itself. Each European river cruise holds its own exclusive allure. To explore Europe by traveling its great rivers is to open up new experiences for yourself. Extreme adventurers, fans of history, and individuals looking for first-hand experience in local ways of life will all appreciate the options available to them. You will have the chance to view the spectacular scenery of Europe’s most beautiful villages and countryside, visit ancient landmarks, and participate in cultural events in the largest cities on the continent. Your cruiser will be able to slip into the smaller ports due to its nimble size, presenting you the option to visit towns, villages, and sights you might otherwise not be able to see.

Famed Rivers of France

The rivers of France offer up a number of of the world’s most celebrated places. Everyone will find something to love in France: food and wine aficionados will delight in the delicacies in Lyon and Bordeaux, history buffs will be fascinated by the sights in Normandy, and absolutely everyone will appreciate the scenic beauty of Provence and Paris. Spend time in Aquitaine, once one of the richest areas of Europe, and see its lovely farms, forests, vineyards, and ports. Hunt for truffles in Périgord and craft your own individual blend of Cognac at the Camus distillery. Savor France’s very best oysters fresh from the bay at Arcachon. In Bordeaux, don’t forget the lusciously sweet wine crafted in Sauternes, or the sumptuous reds of the Médoc and Saint-Émilion. Whether you choose the Rhône River, the Seine, the Gironde, or the Dordogne, you are in for a treat with France’s culture of decadent food and wine, distinguished works of art, and fascinating history.

Historied Rivers of Central Europe

If you would like to tour the ancient fortresses and medieval towns of Germany and the Czech Republic, choose a cruise down the Elbe River. The Mosel River, called the Moselle in France, showcases the German area mostly known for its Riesling wines. In Central Europe, a Danube River cruise will pass through Vienna, Austria, where you can find out about rides learn to waltz as they did back in the days of the Austrian court; and through Budapest, Hungary, where you can delight in the celebrated thermal baths called banya locally. Foodies will love the Austro-Hungarian culinary delights, while inquisitive adventurers might choose to enjoy time in some lesser-known cities such as Passau or Bratislava.

The Waterways of the Tsars

Visit Russia as never before on waterways of the Tsars where you’ll encounter the swirling onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral and the famous towers of Moscow’s Red Square. In Russia, be sure to have some time at the gorgeous Hermitage Museum, which in addition to being an awe-inspiring edifice, is the second biggest museum in the world. The glorious Peterhof Palace will take your breath away, while the Soviet-era kommunalka will give you remarkable insight into the day-to-day lives of the many families who lived there together commune-style. And last but not least, don’t fail to sample some Russian specialties like caviar and blini pancakes, borscht, pirog, or solyanka. The the historical past of the Dnieper River was heavily affected by Ottoman, Mongol, Greek, Cossack, Tatar, Jewish, and Russian forces. From Odessa to Kiev you will notice monuments left from the region’s Soviet period, ancient monestaries and churches, and enthralling museums, and you can take in performances of traditional dance and music.

Portugal's Duoro River Valley

In Portugal you can travel the Douro River to the capital city, Lisbon, with its medieval old town and thriving newer parts with trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes. Take in a concert of traditional fado singing, then over dinner savor the local culinary delights and delectable wines, including the region’s famous Port. A designated UNESCO site, the Douro River Valley was additionally the first demarcated wine production zone in Europe and the world.

Nordic Wonders

After first visiting the beautiful Nordic region, head to the Rhine River and all it has to offer you. Start in Bergen, a historic city where the Vikings landed, then check out the charming village of Flåm and the nearby fjords, historic Kristiansand, and the more vibrant modern cities of Stavanger and Olso. From the coastal village of Skagen, Denmark, cruise the North Sea to Amsterdam, and on to check out Holland’s famous windmills in Kinderdijk.

The sights and tastes of Germany along its riverways

Admire Cologne’s renowned cathedral and walk around Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. The Middle Rhine is a spectacular historic region with ancient walled fortresses, charming medieval villages, and beautiful ancient churches, and it was selected a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Black Forest in Germany is known for its dense forests, indulgent spas, and enchanting villages; France’s Strasbourg is home to a stunning Gothic cathedral; and Basel, Switzerland is famous for having the country’s biggest fine arts museum. Simply being on board is fun and engaging, and your excursions should be the same. Dive right into the one-of-a-kind aspects of each intriguing destination along the way. Every cruise ship is created to be its own one-of-a-kind creation, just as each place along the itinerary is a unique and one-of-a-kind place.