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5 Must Do European River Cruise Itineraries
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Michael Rockwell
Aventura, FL Travel Agent· 16 Years of Experience
An independent agent with Avoya Travel, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(27)
100% Recommended
Our agent, Michael was very personable and helpful. He arranged our cruise details, helped us with applying a military discount and helped make our pre-trip hotel... Read More >
DESTINATIONS VISITED:France, Netherlands, On the River, Portugal
PLACES VISITED:Amsterdam, Danube, Rhine River
SUGGESTED DURATION:5 Days
Europe has so much history, beauty and diversity. Where the rivers run through it, river cruising has to be the best option.
Enjoy two or three nights and tours of the towns of embarkation and disembarkation. In-between, enjoy a river cruise where everything is catered for you. A gorgeous unpretentious little ship with a lovely homey feeling about it, one beautiful appointed room to unpack and enjoy for the next 7 days, a wonderful selection of excursions guided by hand picked locals included at every port of call, nightly presentations about tomorrows destinations, pre-dinner complimentary happy hour, gourmet cuisine, fine wines and craft beers included, after dinner entertainment often provided by local artists, a helpful and friendly cruise and tour director ready to advise and a welcoming attentive staff ready to help upon your request.
Below are brief overviews of five itineraries (instead of 5 days) my customers request about the most.
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DAY1
Danube
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Austria, Germany, Hungary, Czech Republic
Delve into Europe’s history starting in fairytale Prague and concluding in Budapest. In between, cruise through the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal, across the Continental Divide and through the Wachau Valley. Explore perfectly preserved medieval cities, such as Nuremberg and Regensburg, and visit Vienna where imperial dynasties built a harmonious blend of architectural wonders. Throughout your journey, get a feel for the land by biking and hiking, and sampling delicate wines and hearty beers.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Adding the three night tour of Prague will perfect this river cruise
DAY2
Rhine River
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Netherlands, Germany, France And an optional tour of Switzerland
Grand Cities Blend In Perfect Harmony With Their Historic Past And Their Progressive Future. Inspirational Towns Have Given Way To Great Stories, Poetry And Music, Like Heidelberg, Where Mark Twain Wrote A Tramp Abroad. Timeless Traditions Remain. From The Brewing Of Germany’s Legendary Beers, To The Making Of Rüdesheimer Coffee. Take A Front-Row Seat On An Enchanting Journey That Takes You Along The Rhine And Through Its Designated UNESCO World Heritage Site With Its 40 Castles Strung Like Pearls On Its River Banks And To Magnificent Cities And Charming Villages Alike.
Enjoy 4 Wonderful Days In Switzerland Touring The Exciting City Of Modern And Old Town Zurich With The Famous Banhoff Strasse And The Charging Town Of Lucerne Both On Picturesque Lakes With Breathtaking Alpine Scenery.
HIGHLIGHTS:
If you have even more time The Glacier Express across the Alps will perfect your Switzerland visit
DAY3
Amsterdam
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Tulips Time in Netherlands and Belgium
Celebrate spring in the Netherlands and Belgium when the Keukenhof Gardens and Floralia come alive. Experience the whimsical Kinderdijk windmills. Discover the timeless traditions of Delft porcelain and revel in the medieval architectural treasures of Bruges or Ghent. Throughout your journey indulge in Belgian chocolates, warm waffles and delicious cheeses—all while savoring the storybook atmosphere of the region.
Bike tour through fields or Windmills,Visiting the flower sorting warehouse is like watching a real life cartoon. Wonderful walking tours through town centers and beautiful residential areas.
Unforgettable.
Two additional nights in Amsterdam in my secret hotel is well advised.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Two additional days in Amsterdam in my secret hotel is well advised
DAY4
Portugal
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7 night Douro River Cruise plus a 3 night stay in Lisbon
Rambling vineyards and charming native farms cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions and to Port country— the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Sail roundtrip from Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges”; visit Regua, the ‘capital’ of the Douro Valley; and marvel at Salamanca, the UNESCO-designated “Golden City.” Taste wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most unadulterated landscapes.
Extend your journey into Lisbon on our optional land package as part of your Portugal river cruise. Modern-day Lisbon is a gorgeous blend of colorful old quarters, lively squares and cafés, cobblestone streets and chic boutiques and galleries
HIGHLIGHTS:
Enjoy a tour of the fairy tail town of Sintra during your stay in Lisbon
DAY5
France
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7 night Rhone River Cruise from Lyon to Arles with 3 nights in Paris & 3 nights in Barcelona Tours
From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this itinerary enlivens all your senses. Enjoy three nights pre-cruise in romantic Paris.
Transfer to Lyon, France’s culinary capital, and savor the beauty of legendary vineyards and imbibe in local vintages like Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. You can even become an expert in all things culinary: go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles and learn how to pair chocolate with wine. Explore Avignon, a sprawling commune with an overwhelming array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, intriguing art museums and historic charm. Lower the drawbridge of your fantasies in Arles, Trace the steps of famous artists there.
After your cruise, spend three nights in Barcelona taking in the top sites, as well as views of the mountains of Montserrat.
HIGHLIGHTS:
One of the best cruises for scenery, authentic cuisine and fine wines
FINAL THOUGHTS