RIVER CRUISES
If you love the idea of discovering more of Europe, then a river cruise could be the perfect holiday...
THROUGHOUT our lives, the nature of our holidays is often shaped by circumstance: as young adults, starting out in our careers and saving for a home, we might head off on a low-budget trip with friends in search of fun in the sun. With young families, a staycation is often the escape of choice; then we might head off to resorts that cater for all ages, and perhaps the odd long-haul trip to show them the world. Once our children have flown the nest, we again enjoy the freedom to choose our holidays based on our own interests and aspirations.
If you’ve long held an ambition to discover the diverse cities, towns, landscapes and cultures that make up the fabric of the Continent, then why not consider a river cruise along one of Europe’s great waterways? Meandering along the likes of the Danube, Rhône, Rhine and more, you’ll see spectacular scenery, with the chance to explore a variety of charming destinations, taking in world-famous sights and little-known gems, all without the need to unpack and repack.
GROWING APPEAL
TRAVELLING in comfort and style, often on an all-inclusive package with guided tours and fascinating excursions ashore, it’s easy to see why a growing number of us are embracing river cruising. Last year alone, 166,900 Britons took a river cruise, an 11 per cent increase on 2015, with 87 per cent of them travelling on a European itinerary.
Explaining the rise in river passenger numbers, Andy Harmer of the Cruise Line Industry Association says: ‘We have seen significant investment by companies in new, innovative ships with greater amenities on board and a wide variety of excursions included in the package. This, coupled with an ever-increasing choice and diversity of itineraries in Europe and further afield, has led to more UK passengers opting for a river cruise holiday.’
As the market grows, the bar is continually raised, with state-of-the-art ships featuring spas, a choice of restaurants and even heated indoor pools on some vessels. With accommodation that resembles the style of contemporary boutique hotel rooms, most river cruise ship cabins incorporate all your home comforts and more, with full-size bathrooms, hairdryers, Wi-Fi and floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the panoramic views as you carve your way through tranquil waters.
Most itineraries feature a range of excursions, so you can choose ones that appeal to your interests, from history to music, art, regional food and wine, and more. And, there are other ways to tailor your trip to your preferences. Indeed, operators such as Shearings offer the convenience of travelling to your embarkation point however you choose – by coach, North Sea ferry, rail or air – meaning your holiday can begin and end with your preferred transport. We’ve highlighted some of the most popular European rivers for holidays, but there are a growing number of cruises on other Continental waterways, such as the Douro, Po, Guadiana and Guadalquivir, or the Adriatic coast – and many with special themes, such as visits to Christmas markets, culinary cruises and classical music-themed itineraries.
THE DANUBE
EUROPE’S longest river is one of the most popular waterways for cruising, wending its way through ten countries from its source in Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea, allowing itineraries to incorporate cities such as Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Salzburg, and Munich. Passengers have the chance to visit castles, monasteries and palaces, enjoying classical music recitals, art tours, wine tastings and local fare, as they discover more about the mighty river’s rich history and culture.
THE RHINE
THE Rhinelands offer some of the Continent’s most spectacular scenery, as you sail through gorges, past ancient vineyards, deep forests and dramatic mountain ranges. The river flows through Switzerland, Germany, France and Holland, so cruises can take in Cologne, Strasbourg,