Delve into the heart of Europe as part of the culture club
A RIVER cruise is a delightful way to get to the very heart of Europe, exploring wonderful cities and sights along the banks of the Continent’s waterways. Fabulous views are guaranteed throughout your voyage and there are some brilliant deals to be had if you book well ahead.
ONE big saving comes with APT on a 15-day journey of a lifetime, sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest.
Highlights of a Magnificent Europe cruise include a trip on the Grand Empress steam train in Hungary, a cocktail party in the ballroom at Namedy Castle in Germany and a concert of waltzes, opera and the voices of the Mozart Boys’ Choir in Vienna’s opulent Liechtenstein Palace.
This luxury cruise (which is all-inclusive from the moment your chauffeur collects you from home) runs from April to September 2023, with savings of up to £1,500pp.
The cost for departure on May 24, 2023, is now from £4,795pp, down from £6,295pp (aptouring.co.uk).
Or for a shorter trip with equally great savings, choose an eight-day Gems Of The Danube cruise with Scenic. You’ll be served Bavarian beer in a cellar cut into the rock beneath Nuremberg, sail (or cycle) through the beautiful Wachau Valley with visits to baroque Melk Abbey and pretty Durnstein, renowned for its apricot brandy.
You’ll also see three stunning capital cities – Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.
All-Inclusive prices for departure on April 11, 2022, start from £2,395pp (a saving of £800pp) when booked by October 15 (scenic.co.uk).
Emerald Cruises is offering a discount of £1,400 per couple for a Sensations Of Lyon & Provence cruise on the Rhone and Saone rivers in spring 2023. Follow the Van Gogh trail in Arles, take a guided bike ride through vineyards in Tournon, visit the Palace of the Popes in Avignon and enjoy cheese, wine and olive tastings on board.
Book by the end of this month to save £700pp for departure on April 8, 2023. Fares start at £1,895pp and include excursions, tips and flights (emeraldcruises.co.uk).
If it’s a short break you’re after, then CroisiEurope has a new selection of autumn cruises for next year, sailing between Strasbourg and Stuttgart.
The four-night Romantic German Sites
& The Charming Neckar Valley will take you to historic Heidelberg, Eberbach, Heilbronn and Ludwigsburg.
Departures are on September 22, October 4, 21 and 25, with cruise-only fares starting at £765pp (croisieurope.co.uk).