See Europe... in the lap of luxury
GOING on a river cruise is a richly rewarding way to witness Europe’s glories, combining historic sightseeing with a decidedly contemporary little adventure on board. Sleek river ships cut a placid path past Rapunzel-like towers, fairytale fortresses, half-timbered villages and lush vineyards, while passengers savour the ever-changing view from the panoramic lounge or their cabin’s floor-to-ceiling window.
And you can always decamp to an alfresco table on the deck – perhaps to enjoy a light lunch and a crisp glass of wine, while the sun warms your face and a gentle breeze ruffles your hair.
Take advantage of brilliant late deals for 2017 and you could soon be enjoying this stylishly different way to cruise for yourself, at an unmissable price – from just £1,076 per person for a Seine cruise, for example.
BEDS FACE THE RIVER
THE new generation of river ships, such as those in the Avalon Waterways fleet, come with interiors akin to those found in stylish boutique hotels, where muted colours combine with state-of-the-art design.
So you’ll be cosseted amid luxurious surroundings all the way, with one highly trained member of staff to every three guests, making for excellent, personalised service.
In these elegant ships, floor-to-ceiling windows in the spacious staterooms open up to create a unique balcony and a magical view.
The sumptuous beds are thoughtfully positioned facing the river, so you need never miss a thing as the ship glides past chocolate-box villages and glorious pastoral scenes.
You’ll be treated to outstanding à la carte cuisine, including the new Avalon Fresh menu of healthy, mouthwatering dishes. So you can indulge without feeling guilty – and enjoy free-flowing wine, beers and soft drinks served with meals.
And you’ll be entertained each evening, as the spacious river ship ripples smoothly on its way.
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS
BEYOND the luxurious onboard experience, the chance to drop in on so many historic and cultural highlights in Europe’s heartlands makes river cruising really special.
Itineraries pack as many as four countries into a one-week cruise. And each day is enriched by guided coach and walking excursions, often included in the price. Personal headsets mean that you do not have to strain to hear the lively commentary from expert local guides, while VIP access means you won’t have to endure any monotonous queues for attractions.
So you’ll see more and do more than on most other holidays, yet with minimal effort and without having to worry about additional costs, as almost everything is taken care of, including tips and wi-fi.
The fare also includes a muchpraised private home pick-up service to get you to and from a choice of 27 UK airports or a Eurostar terminal, within a 100-mile radius (supplement for greater distances).
Small wonder so many people are smitten by this relaxing, immersive and thoroughly enjoyable form of travel that brings easy access to the many treasures that lie along the Continent’s great waterways.
Here are just a few of the Avalon itineraries offering fantastic late deals in the coming months…
LEGENDARY DANUBE
SPEND three nights in Prague, discovering the Jewish quarter, savouring Czech dumplings and exploring Wenceslas Square. Then drive to Nuremberg and set sail for medieval Regensburg, Passau, Vienna and Budapest. Attend a beertasting session, tour Melk’s great abbey and experience music, art, culture and historic sights in Vienna.
MAGNIFICENT EUROPE
EXPLORE more of the Danube, including Bratislava’s Gothic cathedral, the amazing abbey at Gottweig and Wurzburg’s Bishop’s Residenz. You’ll also cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, past the legendary Lorelei Rock.
BURGUNDY AND PROVENCE
ENJOY two nights in Paris, then head south to set sail for France’s gastronomic capital, Lyons, as well as medieval Tournon, charming Viviers, Avignon and Arles. Sail into the peaceful Camargue area and then on to the French Riviera.
PARIS TO NORMANDY
CRUISE along the Seine from Paris at festival time to see Claude Monet’s tranquil gardens at Giverny, Van Gogh landscapes at Auvers-sur-Oise, historic Rouen and the poignant Normandy landing beaches.
With amazing discounts of up to 57 per cent, this really is the ideal time to take off on a relaxing, luxurious and culturally rewarding cruise on Europe’s great waterways.