If you like vacations that take in lesser known sites, but also want to travel in style, a European cruise may be just right for you! The ships are smaller and more intimate, but no less luxurious than the big Caribbean lines, and a cruise on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube will take you into the very heart of some of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many companies to choose from including Viking, Avalon Waterways, and AmaWaterways. Northern Europe is the most popular region, with many routes in Germany, France, and Belgium.
However, there are also options that include other parts of Europe and some even go as far as Russia and Ukraine. No matter what you want to get out of your trip there is a perfect package available. Here are just a few things to love about river cruising through Europe:
1. Visit multiple cities and countries
Three-week voyages that cross nearly the entire continent, seven-night cruises to taste wine in Bordeaux, and everything in between allow you to select the experiences that you want to have. Some of the most beautiful cities in the world are not accessible to ocean cruise liners, but a river cruise can take you there. Bucharest, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Paris, and a multitude of smaller, lesser-trafficked cities lie right on the major waterways of Europe and there are many routes to choose from.
2. See the countryside and history
Unlike flying from city to city, a river cruise through Europe gives you a view of everything in between. Rivers were once the main mode of transportation and trade in Europe, leaving behind a legacy along the waterways that just isn’t visible any other way. Quiet villages, historic castles, and beautiful scenes of everyday life will be right there before you all along your route. You can spend your whole trip site-seeing instead of worrying about the logistics of getting from place to place.
3. Varied excursions to choose from
The route you choose will come with plenty of tours and optional excursions that allow you to be as adventurous as you want to be with none of the headache. Whether you are interested in history, food, art, music, or just about anything else, there will be more to do than you can fit into one vacation! If you’re feeling intrepid you can explore on your own or with a guide by bike or even kayak.
4. All inclusive luxury
River cruising in Europe is all-inclusive so you won’t have to worry about a thing! Ships are fully appointed with restaurants, pools, entertainment, and anything else you may need. Chefs serve up local meals as you travel and at the end of the day you can retire to your beautiful stateroom and watch the world glide by as you fall asleep. Relax on your trip knowing that everything is already taken care of.
