Danube River Cruises In A Nutshell
The inspiration behind the famous waltz by Johann Strauss, the Danube is an enchanting river. A Danube river cruise is also a history lesson about the days when Vienna ruled an empire and, more recently, an Iron Curtain divided Europe.
What Does a Danube River Itinerary Look Like?
The Danube flows from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea in Romania, passing through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia and Bulgaria on the way.
The most popular itineraries are one-week sailings between Budapest in Hungary and Passau, situated in Germany and close to the Austrian border, or weeklong round trips from Passau. The Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located between the Austrian towns of Krems and Melk, is particularly stunning. City highlights include elegant Vienna, with its grand palaces such as Hofburg from which the Habsburgs ruled Austria for 700 years. You can also see the gorgeous white Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School. Although it can be hard to plan a cruise to coincide with one of the evening dressage displays, there are daily stable tours and visitors can sit in on the morning exercise sessions to music, which take place in the ornate, chandeliered riding school.
How Do I get to the Danube River?
Is There Anything I Should Watch Out For When Choosing a Danube River Cruise?
Moorings in Vienna and Budapest are beside busy roads, and due to the number of ships of the river, you might find yourself moored alongside another vessel.
Pay Attention To Details In Your River Cruise Documentation
Read all the emails and documentation the cruise line sends you before traveling.
Do not miss out on filling in all the necessary forms, ensuring you have all your travel documents, a valid passport, etc. Entry rules to different countries can change , so read and re-read everything. Know how to check in online and what documentation you will need at the airport, your hotel, and finally, to get you on board your river cruise ship.
Soak In The Scenery Along The Seine
Best for countrysideThere are many reasons to cruise the Seine, not least the glorious countryside of Normandy, with apple orchards, weeping willows and thatched cottages lining the banks. Youll call at historic Rouen, and have a chance to visit the poignant D-Day landing beaches and cemeteries. Cruises also take in the Palace of Versailles and, in season, Monets house and garden at Giverny.
Best of all, though, youre usually docked close to the centre of Paris at the beginning and the end of the cruise, with all its magnificent sights a stroll away, from the Champs Elysées and Montmartre to the Louvre, the Musée dOrsay and the Eiffel Tower. Add this altogether and a voyage on the Seine has to be one of the loveliest cruises in Europe in terms of scenery and history and the most effortless way to enjoy Paris and the surrounding countryside.
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Best River Cruises In Europe
Travel, like art, is viewed differently by everyone. Chances are youve found yourself in a gallery staring blankly at a painting, your head on a slight angle, trying to see what all the fuss is about. The person next to you may have been in complete awe. Travel is no different. Best is admittedly a little subjective, but while we dont claim to know art, we do know a thing or two about river cruising. So here are our suggestions for some of the best river cruises in Europe.
River Cruises Are Busy
Unlike ocean cruises that offer “sea days” with plenty of time to relax, river cruises on European waterways include a stop each day with a busy — albeit completely optional — sightseeing program. So if you want to make the most of your trip, there isn’t always as much time to chill out onboard as you might think.
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Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours Which Recommended Provider
Scenic specialises in luxury river cruises in Europe and Asia. It’s not cheap, but there are no nasty surprises because everything’s included in the initial price, including gratuities, 24-hour room service, private butlers and a concierge laundry service. As a result, the company still earns four start out of five for value for money.
As a WRP, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has committed to promptly refunding customers for cancelled cruises and offering alternatives, including a refund, if itineraries change due to travel restrictions.
You have a choice of at least two excursions at every stop. And while on board, you’ll be treated to high-quality cabins, excellent food and friendly and helpful staff. Customers told us that ‘being looked after from start to finish made the holiday care-free’.
Passengers also raved about the five-star passenger-to-space ratio, so you’ll never feel cramped on board
Should I book with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours? Yes. Fantastic staff, food and just about everything else add up to a brilliant cruise, if you’re willing to pay.
The Main River Cruises
The Main River winds through terrains of enhancing appeal and character, with interesting towns and notable miracles distant from the customary vacationer trail. Connecting the Rhine to the Danube, the waterway presents the absolute best in Germanic legacy from the archaic quality of Bavaria to the early stage excellence of the supernatural Black Forest.
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River Cruises In Holland And Belgium
A cruise through Holland and Belgium will take you through the vast network of scenic canals and rivers. You will visit some of the most beautiful European cities and towns and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Netherlands iconic windmills and tulips.
A Tulips & Windmills tour gives you the opportunity to easily explore some of Europes most dynamic and culturally rich cities from the luxury of the cruise ship. Indulge in cosmopolitan Amsterdam on an Amsterdam day trip and see world-renowned paintings and magnificent Gothic churches in Belgium.
Eight different destinations, spanning ten days, a Holland and Belgium cruise is not to be missed.
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S Away From One Of Germanys Most Visited Landmarks
Your AmaMora floating hotel docks just 10 minutes worth of walking away from Colognes city center and the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, which ranks as one of Germanys most visited landmarks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe. Its impressive square attracts locals on family outings, as well as visitors from around the world.
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Best Cruise Deals And Discounts Sorted By Your Dream Destination
Sometimes it’s all about the destination and that is certainly true of cruise destinations. The cruise port you depart from and the amazing cruise ports you visit define your experience as much as what cruise line or cruise ship you sail on. At CruiseExperts.com we understand that and have sorted these cruises by the places you’ll visit on your cruise vacation. So whether it’s a cruise to Alaska, a Caribbean cruise, cruises to Hawaii, a cruise to the Bahamas or Bermuda or a cruise to Mexico you’ll find it easily with the help of our destination wizard. Maybe you’re looking for a cruise vacation that’s just a little different like a Panama Canal cruise, a Transatlantic cruise, cruises to Europe, a Tahiti cruise with a tour of the South Pacific, a down under adventure with an Australia / New Zealand cruise or even a fall foliage cruise through Canada and New England. Whatever floats your boat get started by selecting your dream destination on our cruise search page.
Best And Worst River Cruise Lines
Our river cruise ratings reveal a gulf in the quality of the cruise experience, and Covid flexibility between the best and worst companies. If you’re thinking of booking one for later in 2022 or beyond, it’s essential you do your research.
Its important to know which river ships have cramped decks and which give you space away from other passengers. And its vital that you choose the company offering the best value for money, with no hidden costs.
To help you find the best one for your budget we ask hundreds of customers about their booking and on-board experiences in our annual survey. That way, we can be sure that Which? Recommended Providers are the very best on the water. Our survey doesnt just uncover the companies offering great cuisine, varied facilities and good value for money, it also highlights the brands with lacklustre cabins, unimaginative excursions and overpriced packages. Based on real experiences, we can reveal what customers really think of each brand.
The pandemic has also shown us just how important it is to book with a cruise company with a fair refund policy, in case something should go wrong. WRPs aren’t just those companies rated highly, they have also committed to refunding your money within 14 days if the cruise is cancelled.
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Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Whilst you may not have heard of this much awarded company , you should certainly add it to yourroster of the best river cruise vessels in the world.
When you step on one of their vessels, you immediately start toappreciate the Uniworld difference. The concept is all aboutrecreating the feel of a small boutique hotel on board anall-inclusive river vessel, and every ship is different, personallydesigned by members of the Tollman family who own Uniworld’sparent, TravCorp.
If you’ve seen pictures of Uniworld’s ships then you’ll probablyhave been struck by the slightly garish interiors depicted in theofficial photography but in reality, the decor is a lot moresubtle than it appears in the oversaturated promo shots. Quirky,yes, but elegant and tasteful with it.
In design terms, it is all about the detail – depending on thevessel, you will find hand crafted mirrors, lavish staircases,original collections of antique oil paintings, hand-painted trompel’oeil ceilings, faux marble columns and ornate murals, all bearingtribute to the skills of artisans from all over Europe. Within thestaterooms and suites, the lavish décor is enhanced by the latesttechnology.
To match the décor, attention to detail is the watchwordthroughout the vessel: charming and attentive service by stafftrained to Uniworld’s exacting standards, gourmet dining, exclusiveshore excursions included in the fare, all combine to make aUniworld river cruise something quite different from the norm.
The Rhine And Moselle Rivers
The Rhine River flows from Amsterdam to Basel, gliding past the gothic architecture of Cologne, the ancient castles perched atop Rhine Gorge, the ancient murals of Strasbourg and the vineyards of Alsace’s wine country. Avalons 8 Day Romantic Rhine cruises from Amsterdam to Basel and is a huge hit with our travellers. Feedback from over 100 clients highlights the personalised service, variety of shore excursions and enjoyable entertainment on this itinerary. The food also gets plenty of mentions for its quality, creative presentation, and reflection of the regions travelled.
The Moselle peels off the Rhine at Koblenz and you can add the castle ruins near Bernkastel, the vineyards of the Moselle Valley, and the historic sites around Thionville to your itinerary by combining the Moselle River into your cruise holiday. Consider the 13 Day Rhine and Moselle cruise to get the best of both these stunning European waterways.
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Into An Impressionist Painting France
Set sail for a culture-lovers cruise on Taucks 12-day Cruising the Seine Plus Paris and London itinerary. Gain artistic inspiration on a tour of the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his last days. You can also visit his room, No.5 at the Auberge Ravoux, which has remained the same since he died in 1890. Then visit the home of Impressionist painter Claude Monet in Giverny, and marvel at the real-life scenes he painted. Theres also the opportunity to visit Givernys Impressionism museum and discover why Honfleur, a picturesque port on the Normandy Coast, was such a magnet for painters.
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Rhone & Saone River Cruises In A Nutshell
If you like food and wine, this is the river cruise region for you, as it sails through Provence and Burgundy, the gastronomic heartland of France and two of the countrys top wine-making regions. Youll cruise past acres of vineyards and have ample opportunities to taste the local grapes.
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What Does a River Rhone Itinerary Look Like?
The 505-mile Rhone flows from the Swiss Alps through southern France and into the Mediterranean Sea, west of Marseille. Rising in France, the Saone is the chief tributary of the Rhone and the two converge at Lyon, where the Saone becomes the Rhone.
Once an important trading route for the Greeks and Romans, todays cruises run along the southernmost stretch. The main itinerary is a seven-night cruise from Lyon to Arles or nearby Avignon, or the reverse. Some cruises also depart from Chalon-sur-Saone, just north of Lyon.
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Passengers are transported through medieval cities such as Avignon and Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy.
How Do I get to the River Rhone?
If youre cruising from Lyon, youll fly into Lyon airport, from which its a short transfer to your vessel, and out of Marseilles, which is just over an hour by road from Arles. Some operators fly passengers in and out of Lyon, with a coach trip between Avignon and Lyon at the start or end of the cruise.
Is There Anything I Should Watch Out For When Choosing a Rhone River Cruise?
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Explore France Germany And More On These European River Cruises
Much of the appeal of European river cruises, especially as we emerge from the pandemic with pent-up travel demand, is the small size of the ships, casual atmosphere, and accessibility. Unlike oceangoing ships that carry as many as 5,000 passengers, most river cruise ships accommodate around 150 guests, for a more intimate experience. Balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-air viewing are features of most river cruise ships, and some offer pools, spas, fitness areas, and jogging tracks.
Guests are kept busy with daily shore excursions, and most cruises offer several options depending on interests and activity levels. Bikes and walking tours are available in most ports, or guests can choose a leisurely day in a comfortable lounge enjoying the passing scenery.
“River cruises offer opportunities to step ashore in fairy-tale towns and fabled cities. You can immerse yourself in contemporary culture and learn something about the history of the towns along the continent’s greatest rivers,” according to Ralph Grizzle of River Cruise Advisor. “Sitting on the top deck of a ship under brilliant blue skies, you can gaze on fabled landscapes dotted with castles, villages, and vineyards. A flight of stairs down, and you have all the amenities of a modern hotelrestaurants, bars, fitness facilities, spas, internet access, and comfortable staterooms.”
River Cruise Refunds And Cancellations
All river cruises booked in the UK and lasting more than 24 hours are protected by the Package Travel Regulations. So, if your provider cancels your cruise, whether that’s due to coronavirus or for any other reason, you’re entitled to a full cash refund within 14 days.
However, not all river cruise operators have been meeting their legal obligations on refunds, so if you’re thinking of booking a river cruise, it pays to do your research. Thankfully, all our WRP river cruise providers are refunding promptly and also put on exceptional cruises, so that’s where you should start.
But the Package Travel Regulations don’t protect you if you decide to cancel the cruise, so only book if you’re sure you’ll want to travel when the time comes. And always take out travel insurance as soon as making any travel booking.
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The Rhone River: France
TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre
France also has river cruises in the southern part of the country. One of these is a Rhone River cruise in the Provence region between Lyon and Arles or Avignon. The 500-mile Rhone River has 13 locks, and 12 of these are between Lyon and where the Rhone empties into the Mediterranean Sea. The source of the Rhone River is the Rhone Glacier in Switzerland.
Some Rhone River cruise tours begin with a few days at a hotel in Paris and then include a transfer to Lyon to begin their cruise. It’s not a surprise that many of the highlights of one of these cruises include food or drink. Wine and cheeses abound, and a tour of the Valrhona chocolate factory in Tournon is an unforgettable experience for all chocolate lovers. History buffs will love Avignon and its importance to the Catholic Church, and they’ll also love exploring the walled-city of Viviers and the Roman Pont du Gard near Avignon.
Most river cruise lines have combination tours that include Rhone River cruises along with one on the Saone, Seine, or Bordeaux region of France. Extensions to Paris, Nice, or other cities in Provence or the French Riviera are also easily done.
Discover Medieval Villages On The Main
Best for a Christmas cruiseWhile many European cruises sail from Amsterdam to Basel along the Rhine, others leave the river near Mainz and sail the navigable stretch of the Main. This takes you as far as Bamberg, where the Main-Danube canal begins. The river flows through forested hills and past lush water meadows. In between Frankfurt and Würzburg, youll visit medieval Miltenberg, its crooked, half-timbered houses straight out of a Grimms Fairytale. A cruise in winter is particularly scenic, the banks cloaked in snow and the Christmas markets in full swing.
Frankfurt, Germanys financial centre , is a largely modern city with a sensitively restored medieval heart and lively pubs lining the riverbank. In the elegant university town of Würzburg, meanwhile, youll visit the Residenz, one of Europes most opulent Baroque palaces.
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