Articles

Get An Inside Look At Europe Through
Exciting River Cruises
by Roy Witman © 2008

When you say the word “cruise,” most people automatically think of massive, ocean-going party ships with formal dinners and Broadway-style shows. However, for those who love to travel by water, there's an alternate type of cruising that unlocks the culture, history and people of each region like you've never imagined. River cruising through Europe and other areas gives an exotic voyage with an entirely different appeal.

Because tours journey through the inside waterways of European cities and towns, you get the advantage of gorgeous scenery for the duration of your cruise. Let's look at a typical river cruise and see what you can expect.

From Paris to Prague - A Wine-Lovers Dream

Traveling through three countries (France, Germany and Czech Republic), your 12-day journey begins at the embarkation point: Paris, France. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel after which time you'll have the rest of the afternoon to explore on your own. The next day your adventure begins!

You'll find each day offers the best of both worlds: Planned, guided tours and excursions (included in the cruise price) as well as ample times of discovery at your own pace. While in Paris, your guide will escort you to the Eiffel Tower, Latin Quarter and the Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame, three of the city's most famous sights.

From motor coach tours to wine tasting parties, you'll find a world of interesting and unusual attractions during your visit.

Walk the quaint cobblestone streets of Kernkastel, explore the Moselle River Valley and meander through the local marketplaces for treasures and bargains. Delight in organ concerts at local monasteries, plunder through castles and palaces, and enjoy countless other outings not found on traditional cruises.

Amsterdam to Budapest - A Grand Tour

Take in the majesty and fascination of the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Hungary with a grand 15-day tour from Amsterdam to Budapest. From gorgeous fields bursting with tulips to legendary windmills to the magic and beauty of regal Budapest, you'll get up close and personal with the area, the culture and the people of these lands.

Whether you choose to tour the world-famous Van Gogh Museum, walk the Cologne or become enthralled with glassblowing or Hungarian folk dancing: you'll cherish this trip for years to come.

The Onboard Experience

While onboard, you'll be catered to by European chefs who create delightful regional favorites for you to try. For those who prefer; steak, chicken and salads are usually available. With plenty of opportunities to learn about your destinations of choice, you can take advantage of lectures, demonstrations and local entertainment, which is brought onboard as available.

A completely different experience than a mainstream cruise, river cruises offer a more intense ability to saturate yourself in the experience of each port you visit. If you're looking for a unique vacation that lets you indulge in local food, customs and sights, ask your travel agent about river cruises to Europe.