If you long to experience the sights and sounds of great European cities at a leisurely pace, cultural cruising may be the vacation option you’ve been dreaming of. If the very word “cruise” conjures up images of slushy drinks, sunburns and beaches packed with English-speaking tourists looking for the next party, take a deep breath: cultural cruising through Europe is like the party boat’s sophisticated, art-loving cousin.
Explore Europe at a Leisurely Pace
One of the finest features of a cultural cruise down one of Europe’s great rivers, such as the Danube or the Rhine, is that you can see a great swath of the continent without an exhausting flurry of activity or the stress of booking multiple hotel rooms and plane or train tickets. Your cabin becomes your home away from home while you absorb the changing scenery and disembark to explore world-class museums, palaces, parks and castles in your own sweet time.
Choose Your Own Adventure
When you choose a European river cruise vacation, you have the luxury of choosing as much or as little support from the crew as you wish. If you crave adventure and wish to immerse yourself in the culture of a city, simply stroll around on your own and try the language for yourself. If you prefer guided tours and structured outings to help you get your bearings or understand the local customs, you can sign up for excursions and activities tailored to your interests.
Popular European River Destinations
There’s an itinerary for every taste, so consider your interests. Some popular destinations include:
- The Danube: including stops in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania. The Danube is Europe’s second largest river at a length of 2,860km. This long river is located in Central and Eastern Europe and is sure to please a variety of tastes from the spiritual romantic to the cultural enthusiast.
- The Duoro: including stops in Spain and Portugal. The Duoro River runs through Portugal and Spain and is included as one of the five major rivers in the Liberian Peninsula. This enchanting river is a perfect blend of jaw-dropping natural beauty and cultural history, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site The Douro Vinhateiro.
- The Elbe: including stops in Germany and the Czech Republic. This beautiful river stands for unity, between the countries it travels through. Rich in history this route features endless stories of freedom and strength. As well as, landscape as dramatic as it’s past.
- The Rhine, including stops in the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. Starting in the Swiss Alps this river has become famous for it’s medieval castles and stunning architecture lining the riverbank. At 1,230km long there are multiple opportunities to breath in the fresh alpine air, as you pass through six country boarders including: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands.
- The Rhone: including stops in Switzerland and France. Travelling through these fertile lands a quick appreciation for the trade/transportation route arouses. The stunning Mediterranean scenery poses a unique opportunity to take yourself back to Greek times when this route was founded.
- The Seine: including stops in France and the English Channel. This 777km river has been deemed the river of Paris; one can only imagine the endless scenic point of interest. The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the Norte Dame cathedral line the riverbanks making this one of the most historic and scenic routes.
The length of European river cruises can vary, though most are one to two weeks long to allow travelers to take advantage of a pace of travel that allows for an in-depth look at all the art and culture that Europe has to offer.
If you are ready for a luxurious, magical experience, contact us today. We are happy to answer all of your cruising questions.