Your chance to f loat through history
THERE can be few holidays more romantic than meandering down a great waterway on a river cruise ship, passing gorgeous castles, medieval monasteries, luscious vineyards and tranquil villages.
Rather than pointing a camera at a famous sight and quickly moving on, a river cruise gives you time to explore the culture, history and cuisine along the banks.
Days are filled with these rewarding explorations, as new discoveries, and friends, are made. Nights offer the opportunity to stroll straight into the heart of cities illuminated by twinkling lights – and usher in relaxed entertainment, tantalising dining, freeflowing drinks and conversation.
It’s an exciting, enlightening journey, where the experiences keep coming and memories are built.
And it all takes place in considerable comfort on board a warm and welcoming ship, which is much like a boutique hotel, with the emphasis on comfort, service and space. Most of these stylish ships accommodate fewer than 200 guests, so whether you are lounging on the deck or chatting in the panoramic lounge, the atmosphere is friendly and informal and you can feel completely at home.
The river-view staterooms are perfect vantage points and feature king-size or twin beds, a flatscreen TV, free wi-fi and walk-in shower.
And the wide range of additional inclusions just add to the general air of indulgence. All meals are included in the price, including a daily fouror five-course dinner in the restaurant or enjoyed al fresco on the terrace against the shimmering backdrop of the river. And free-flowing wine and beer is served with lunch and dinner.
Free excursions led by expert guides take place on most days, including visits to Unesco sites and unique cultural experiences, such as concerts or visits to local families. Scheduled flights will often be included, too, and there are no-fly options.
So, whichever river you choose to cruise on, you can look forward to a journey that is excellent value, as well as being unique, exciting and truly memorable.
GOLDEN DOURO
SAIL the enchanting Douro, Portugal’s River of Gold, through an ancient land of villages clustered around historic churches, monasteries and castles. River cruising here reveals baroque palaces and resplendent manor houses, tranquil landscapes with vineyards stacked up the hillsides on narrow terraces, and rabelo boats laden with casks of port. In Porto you’ll wander from one 18th Century square to the next. Away from the river, in Lisbon, you’ll gaze across the ocean, just like explorers of old.
ELEGANT ELBE
BERLIN impresses, Dresden dazzles, Meissen enchants and Prague astounds. And as you sail into Wittenberg, the distant church towers rise above the water and the woods, and the time between the centuries dissolves while you step into a medieval dream. When the lamp-lit cobbled streets and opulent baroque palaces beckon you ashore along the River Elbe, winding through former East Germany and the Czech Republic, their light really is irresistible.
ROMANTIC DANUBE
HISTORY echoes around every bend of the Danube, which is lined with grand cities, medieval towns and baroque abbeys. Look down on Budapest from Castle Hill, as the Transdanubian Mountains shimmer in the distance.
Sail a placid path through the peaceful Wachau Valley in Austria, where ancient vines tumble down to the river. And visit Mozart’s house before sitting down to a concert in a grand Viennese palace.
A journey along the romantic Danube is one that you are sure to fall in love with.
LEGENDARY RHINE
HISTORY and myths abound on this great river that invites river cruisers to lie back on the sundeck and dream of the medieval fairytale castles that top the wooded hills, the Romans, for whom the river marked the edge of their empire, and those who laboured to create Cologne’s vast cathedral.
From the canals of Amsterdam, to the dramatic ruined castle of Heidelberg, half-timbered old Strasbourg and the enchanting Black Forest, the magical Rhine transports you to another world.