A Guide to European River Cruises
Visitors wanting to discover Europe often opt for either an
Escorted Tour or Rail as their primary means of transportation. Both
make for an efficient way of seeing as much of Europe in a certain
period of time as well as provide visually rewarding travel as you
criss-cross the scenic continental landscape. Guided Tours provide extra
enlightenment into your destination by using local guides to showcase
the sights, sounds, and tastes of numerous highlights on the tour while
Rail is an efficient way of getting around Europe due to the well-known
and extensive rail system throughout the continent.Perhaps not as well-known but nonetheless as impressive is the system of rivers and waterways connecting the main cities and destinations in Europe. Used for centuries as an important means of survival, trade, and transportation, these arteries cut across Europe connecting the main cities and destinations in such a way that the best way to take in the scenery and landmarks is by taking a River Cruise.
Cruising the Rivers of Europe can last as little as a few days through one country such as Paris to Normandy, or over three weeks from Amsterdam to the Black Sea and stopping at 13 Countries along the way. Although this wide selection of cruises span over numerous rivers and tributaries, a majority of the itineraries center on the Rhine and the Danube Rivers.
The Rhine River begins high in the Swiss Alps and flows northeast for 1320 km until spilling out into the North Sea in The Netherlands. It is navigable for 800 km. from Basel Switzerland to the North Sea and winds past such landmarks and Cities as the Black Forest, Strasbourg, Bonn, Dusseldorf, Cologne and finishes at Amsterdam. Along the way, you'll cruise through deep gorges and terraced vineyards that are best appreciated from the panoramic top deck of your Cruise Ship.
As a hotly contested piece of real estate for centuries, the banks and cliffs of the Rhine are dotted with ancient castles and ruins that again are best seen from the water. The area between Bingen and Koblenz has more castles than any other river valley in the world and look out over the Rhine as eerie reminders of the medieval period.
While cruising the Rhine, typical excursions include wine and beer tastings, guided tours of castles and Gothic cathedrals, and sightseeing tours of cities in Germany, France, and The Netherlands. A cruise along the Rhine will have you never leaving the deck of your Cruise Ship as the ever-changing scenery and landscape will keep you enchanted and captivated.
The Danube River is an extension of sorts of the Rhine from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea in Romania and Ukraine. At 2800 km, the Danube passes through 10 countries including Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine.
A cruise down the Danube takes you through numerous seaside villages lined with beautiful architecture as well as stops in some of the most impressive cities in all of Europe. Guided sightseeing tours in Budapest, Belgrade, Vienna and Bucharest are packed with historical and cultural landmarks as well as countless churches and museums. On the river you'll pass through numerous locks including the famous Iron Gates which are set in a narrow gorge and offer some of the most spectacular scenery on the river. Upon arrival in Romania a side trip to Transylvania and Dracula's Castle may be the perfect end to this part of Europe which is rich in legends and folklore.
Because of the smaller nature of a River Cruise, you won't get your luxury mega liners that cruise the more open waters. What you can expect though are smaller Ships of about 140 to 200 passengers making for a friendlier, more intimate voyage. You can also expect the same First Class accommodation, dining and service that you would receive on the larger ships but with an added benefit of more attention to individual needs as there are fewer passengers to cater to.
Much like Escorted Tours, these cruises are designed with stops and excursions at the usual attractions and Cities to ensure the most of your vacation. The prime appeal that sets them apart from Coach or Rail tours is that it is far easier to appreciate the beauty (and take pictures) of the surroundings from the top of a cruise ship than it is looking out the window of a bus or train crossing the countryside. It seems more relaxed and peaceful which in turn allows for more time to absorb the remarkable sights that can only be experienced on a cruise down the Rhine or Danube rivers.
As a leader in European River Cruises, Avalon Waterways offers
luxury cruising on Europe's youngest fleet. For a memorable and superior
European River Cruise, book your vacation with Globus Tours aboard Avalon Waterways.
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Category: Guide to European River Cruises, River Cruises in Europe
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