Combine With A Vacation Package
Monograms is independent travel without the hassles that typically come with “ordinary” independent travel. You’ll never have to worry about whether or not your hotel will have your reservation, how to get from here to there, or where to go once you get to your destination-it’s the perfect addition to your Avalon river cruise vacation!
Travel Styles Group Size Age Range
River cruise travel means great convenience and comfort. Only unpacking once and residing in a comfortable stateroom, you can watch the world glide by with a glass of wine in hand. This is a floating hotel but not like a monster cruise ship.
The number of passengers rarely exceeds x – meaning intimate group size for excursions and meals. Even with the small size, river cruise vessels and spacious enough to provide ample privacy and comfortable state-rooms.
Viking River Cruises are premium river cruises primarily in Europe with a luxury feel. They offer a casual and comfortable vibe, , yet still provide fine dining and high calibur food and wine.
Avalon Waterways is a part of the Globus family of brands. They offer numerous cruises on Europes rivers as well as the Irrawaddy, Mekong, and even the Galapagos.
Casual and comfortable, combining a relaxed atmosphere with a fine dining calibur food and wine, Avalon presents a quiet elegance without being stuffy.
Similarities: Rhine River Vs Rhone River
Cruises on both rivers put passengers into the hearts of the cities they visit; in many cases, you can simply step off the boat and into the town for exploration. Both offer a nice mix of larger cities and quaint villages. Along the Rhone, you’ll likely visit Lyon, Avignon and Arles, while the Rhine will take you to Cologne , Koblenz and Rudesheim. Both have seemingly endless paths that line the river, where residents walk, run and ride their bikes. Passengers can take advantage when they have free time, grabbing bikes from their ships and hitting the path.
The Rhine and Rhone rivers also are ideal for wine lovers, as they take passengers into some of the most interesting wine regions in the world. A Rhine itinerary will give passengers a chance to learn about and sample Germany’s famous Rieslings, while the Rhone allows passengers to taste a huge variety of wines, including pinot noir, chardonnay, gamay and Syrah blends from heralded regions like Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Rhone cruises take you through the Burgundy and Beaujolais;regions of wine country, both must-visits for wine lovers.
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Which Direction Does The Rhine River Flow Etfatehrannet
Aug 09, 2019;·The river Rhine in Switzerland flows in the direction of north to the North Sea. Here too the river water is hardly mixed with the lake water. The Danube d æ n. Image SourceImage SourceGetty Images The Rhine flows through Germany Austria Switzerland France the Netherlands and Liechtenstein. At Basel the Rhine changes its direction again to …
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
This global operator of 19 ships sails rivers across Europe, plus waterways in Cambodia, Egypt, India, Peru, and Vietnam. Among the newest in the fleet are the Bon Voyage, based in France, and the La Venezia, recently relaunched in Italy. And while readers certainly raved about the line’s ships, they saved their highest praise for the ask-and-you-shall-receive mentality of the Uniworld crews. “My experience exceeded all expectations,” said one traveler, who toured Europe on the Antoinette. “Staff consistently went above and beyond to ensure a pampered vacation. When one of our party asked if there was a guitar on board so we could sing in the parlor one evening, a staffer said he would arrange it and proceeded to purchase a guitar at our stop the next day!” Other respondents made note of Uniworld’s overall attention to detail, with excursions, meals, entertainment, and logistics expertly handled in just the right way. “It was among our most favorite vacations ever everything was perfect,” said one voter, who traveled on the Beatrice. “The best experience I have ever had on any ship,” said another. A third reader summed it up like this: “This was my first experience with Uniworld, and I cried when I had to leave. Everything wowed me.”
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Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Defining Feature: All-inclusive, boutique river cruises accented with classic old world European design.
Destinations:Europe , Russia, Portugal, Egypt, China, India, Cambodia & Vietnam
The striking atrium lobby aboard Uniworlds new S.S. Maria Theresa welcomes guests into a world of European opulence. Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.
Uniworlds full name might be a mouthful, but the company has been providing river cruises in its own inimitable style longer than any company on this list, save for CroisiEurope. And during the past three decades, Uniworld has learned a thing or two about how to run a successful river cruise line.
One of Uniworlds defining features is its intrinsic style. The interiors of each of Uniworlds European-based ships are entirely unique, reflecting a style that could best be described as Versailles-meets-Ritz Carlton. Its this style, coupled with the lines varied itineraries that include less-visited waterways like Italys Po River, that keep guests coming back time and time again.
Uniworld is all-inclusive and is one of only a handful of lines to offer a truly inclusive experience along the waterways of Europe.
Read more about;Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
American Queen Steamboat Company
Typical starting price: $2,199 for 7 nights
Where they sail: Mississippi, Ohio/Tennessee/Cumberland, Columbia/Snake Rivers
Duration:;7 to 15 nights
Specialty Cruises: Music festivals, music of the ’50s and ’60s, bourbon, Cajun/Creole, wine, Kentucky Derby
Amenities : Wi-Fi, bicycles for shore, library, fitness center, smoothie and juice bar, pool, sun deck, spa, fitness, hiking sticks
Inclusions: All meals, unlimited beverages , in-room dining, one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, hop on hop off buses onshore, ground transfers, Wi-Fi, daily entertainment
Pro: You’ll save money as you won’t have to pay to fly overseas.
Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows.
As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship.
Choose from a wide variety of accommodations from well-appointed suites to small no-frills single staterooms that are a mere 80 square feet. Some sailings have Loft Suites, which are two stories with floor-to-ceiling windows and have two full bathrooms, a dining area, a lounge with a Queen sofa-bed, a balcony, and an upstairs bedroom.
Notable Excursions :
COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew.;COVID-19 procedures are available here.;
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Danube Or Rhine River Cruise
My husband and I are considering taking a river cruise in 2018. A friend recommended taking Avalon River Cruises. We are in our mid 50’s. We have always been independent travelers and enjoyed spending time sight-seeing some of the main tourist attractions but then exploring some of the hidden treasures; eating at more authentic, local restaurants and watching locals. Will a river cruise be too restrictive and not allow enough time in each town? Also, will we be one of the youngest on the cruise? Any recommendations for another river cruise line?
I haven’t got a clue. I have been saving the river cruises for when I can no longer walk well. But I have always found this advertisement interesting. 2/3rds of the advertisement are in Budapest. What about the rest of the trip??
Other great rivers to cruise include the Douro in northern Portugal and the Rhone in SE France. Both cruises are as good as it gets.
River cruises are great ways to see more in depth the internal areas of Europe compared to ocean cruises. The huge benefit of visiting great places without having to change hotels frequently. Also, most river boats have from 125 to 170 passengers, which allows you to get to know many of your fellow travelers.
We have found the food and service on river cruises to be excellent as well as the tours that are provided.
Okay. I will add my insights.
Book A Cruise On Scenic
Typical starting price: $2,195 for 7 nights
Where do they sail:;Danube, Main , Rhine, Moselle, Rhône, Douro , Seine, Bordeaux, Volga , Mekong , Irrawaddy
Duration:;7 to 21 nights
Specialty cruises: National Geographic, Christmas markets
Onboard amenities :;Laundry,;wellness area, gym, massage services, hair salon, Wi-Fi, e-bikes, L’Occitane products, pillow menu, shoeshine
Inclusive: Meals, butler service, gratuities, transfers, excursions, beverages , minibar fully restocked daily, chef-prepared picnics, 24-hour in-room dining, entertainment
Pros:;Having a butler on call is a big perk. They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. Scenic also has the;Tailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system.
Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. For example, guests staying in suites enjoy exclusive dining, priority reservations, and a private Captain’s cocktail party, while those staying in standard rooms will lack many special perks.;
Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. Standard suites are sparse, small and lack balconies. A good mid-tier option is the;Royal Balcony suite, which comes with a great view and perks like daily fruit skewers, canapes, and petit fours. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge.
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Experiencing A Rhine River Cruise
Starting in the Swiss Alps and passing through five beautiful countries, from the center of Europe and towards its western side, the Rhine River has many sights up in its sleeves!
Amsterdam is special because of the 165 canals that make up the city, adding to the charm of this old city. It lends itself a character not like any other. You can find hipster cafe in one lane, and a traditional bookstore in another. There are plenty of gems in Amsterdam to uncover did you know that the narrowest house in Amsterdam is no wider than your arms extended? Isabel, Bel Around The World
Amsterdam is such a beautiful city. There is so much culture and so many things to do and see. But for me, just walking through the gorgeous streets, stopping for a coffee outside and watching the world go by. There isnt a better place in the world. Amelia, Xameliax
The wilderness of river banks contrasts with modern industrial cities such as Amsterdam, Cologne, or Strasbourg, adding both uniqueness and diversity to any river cruise on the Rhine. Landscapes which seem to be taken out of a fairytale are often dotted with modern boats, creating an enticing mix of modernity and bohemian spirit.
Dont miss the chance of visiting Anne Franks famous house in Amsterdam. It goes without saying that biking along the citys canals on one of those long and sunny afternoons is an absolute must, while a stroll through the;charming little streets of Petite France in Strasbourg, is just as mandatory.
Combine With A Globus Escorted Tour
Globus creates vacations with just the right balance of included features and free time, place you in great hotels, and tell the stories within every journey that bring your destination to life. Simply put, Globus is passionate in our belief that there’s no better way to travel. So find your dream vacation and come along with us…your story awaits.
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Where Does The Rhine River Meet The Danube
3.9/5RhineDanube RiversRhineDanube
Most lines offer seven-night cruises on the Rhine or Danube, where you catch the highlights. While the Danube is a little more scenic than the Rhine, particularly along Austria’s Wachau Valley, both rivers have relatively flat bike paths that stretch for miles. Wine lovers will also enjoy both itineraries.
Additionally, what countries does the Rhine River go through? The Rhine flows through six countries –Switzerland, Principality of Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands before flowing into the North Sea at Rotterdam.
Similarly, where does the River Danube start and finish?
Danube Delta
Why are the Danube and Rhine rivers important?
The Importance of the Main-Danube Canal. The Rhine-Main-Danube Canal runs between the German towns of Bamburg and Kelheim via the historic city of Nuremberg, transporting thousands of river cruise ship passengers every year between the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.
Viking River Cruises Vs Avalon Waterways: Routes And Destinations
Between the two of them Viking and Avalon cover almost every river in Europe and the most popular destinations around the world.
Of course the beautiful blue Danube is heavily favored among both Viking and Avalon. Fans of the BBC will immediately recognize the sight of a Viking River Cruise sailing past the quintessential Danube sight, the Hungarian parliament building, at sunset.
Viking offers 7 classic Danube river cruises, including a new religious themed cruise to see The Passion Play in Oberammergau. Avalon offers a larger collection of Danube cruises to choose from, covering a wider variety of stretches and durations.
When it comes to world river cruises, outside of Europe, the primary differences are that Viking offers Nile river cruises in Egypt while Avalon is where to go if youre interested in a South America river cruise. In Asia, both run Mekong river cruises, while only Avalon offers Irrawaddy and Ganges routes and only Viking provides a cruise along the Yangtze river cruise.
The most popular routes for both Viking and Avalon are along Europes many rivers. These include westbound and eastbound direction itineraries on the Danube, the Rhine, the Douro, the Elbe, the Main, the Moselle, the Rhone, the Saone, and the Seine.
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Viking River Cruises Vs Avalon Waterways
Viking River Cruises and Avalon Waterways are two of the leading river cruise operators, and often compared.;
River Cruising is one of the fastest growing travel options, increasingly popular among baby boomers and families. It’s a wonderful way to cover a lot of ground while still achieving an intimate feel, as river cruises are small enough to travel where larger cruises cannot.
Viking River Cruises Review Which Recommended Provider
Viking River Cruises may be the largest river cruise line in the world, but don’t assume that means large ships packed full of people. In fact, the complete opposite is true, with the self-styled ‘small ship experts’ earning full marks for its on-board passenger to space ratio. Customer service, food and drink and port excursions are also rated highly by guests, making this a great way of visiting Europe, Egypt or Asia.
, or read our full Viking review for more information.
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Upstream Or Downstream Which Direction Is Better
However, there are a few small and a few majordifferences regarding the direction which may be important to you.;The enginesSchedulesShore timeIn my opinion, river currents make a small difference in the “direction to take” decision. ;The following, ;I believe, have a bigger role:Preference;in starting and ending pointsTransportation optionsItinerary datesWhat are you waiting for?;Start planning your next dream vacation today!Call; 602.540.7338 or complete this simple form;and we will reply quickly.
Good Morning Laurie, Hope you and mom had a good time! I loved your comments about “up stream” or “down stream” travel! Never thought of that…Jim and I are off to Spain and Portugal on Sunday. Ill let you know how it goes. I will miss you however…..Hugs
The Case For The Rhine And Danube
Many river cruise operators, Uniworld included, offer week-long cruises along the Rhine and the Danube separately, but for clients that have two weeks to spare, its a real treat to sail all the way through from Amsterdam to Budapest, or vice versa, taking in both rivers, which are joined by the Main-Danube canal.
Theres plenty for culture vultures along the way, from the architecture of the Parliament Building and;the Buda Palace in Budapest to the galleries of Vienna and Amsterdam , through the heartland of some of Europes most prominent composers Liszt, Strauss, Mozart.
Its not all history either, with a visit to see the robots in action at the BMW Factory, gentle riverside bike rides, pretzel making, wine tasting, an aerial cable car journey from Koblenz to the Ehrenbreitztein Fortress and a behind-the-scenes visit to Viennas famous Spanish Riding School included en route.
The beauty of the scenery along these rivers shouldnt be underestimated. The Danube Bend, which cruisers sail through between Budapest and Vienna, is particularly;picturesque, while the atmospheric morning mist over Schlögener Schlinge, the goose neck bend between Linz and Passau, is well worth the early rise. These valleys are punctuated by numerous hilltop castles and churches such as Melk Abbey, and Esztergom, the largest Catholic church in Hungary.
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Best Season For European River Cruise
I will soon retire from teaching, so I will not be limited to summer travel. Which season is the best for a river cruise? Thanks!
We just did a Danube River cruise in May. The cruise started in Nuremburg and ended in Budapest. The weather was beautiful except for the first day in Nuremburg and it was quite warm the entire week. However, two weeks after we returned home, there was severe flooding along the Danube due to continuous torrential rains. But European weather can be unpredictable from year to year, no matter what month you choose.
Did the Danube in autumn, ending in Budapest. October weather was ideal, or late Sept. Budapest was one of my favorite stops and was the final stop. I wish I had added on a few days there. The last day involved the Captain’s dinner and packing for a 2am departure to the airport, so we had little time in Budapest. Love the river cruise. No packing/unpacking. You will enjoy it!
Hi Sharon, How exciting for you. Really any time except school holidays is a good time to be in Europe. Spring has longer days than fall. Winter has cheaper prices . After 60, there are many discounts. Don’t be shy to ask .
The best season for river cruises is the Fall. With Spring rains and snow melt, Spring has the potential problem of high water which can prevent the boats from getting under certain bridges. Mid Sep to mid October probability the best time period.