Sign up for the paNOW newsletter

Cruise the Legendary Waterways of Europe – Part II

Mar 1, 2014 | 8:10 AM

Are you ready to cruise down the many different waterways in Europe?

Experience this unique form of cruising with its vibrant lifestyle that is elegant and exceptionally comfortable. These “Longships” are state-of-the-art and hold up to 190 passengers. You have your choice of a suite or standard staterooms. All staterooms have windows, which give you a river view. Where can you cruise that dining, wine, entertainment and day tours are included! Are you ready to cruise down the many different rivers in Europe?

The Grand European Cruise is fifteen days duration and five Countries, beginning in Amsterdam and ending in Budapest. Amsterdam is a great city to plan on staying a few days prior to your River Cruise. Stroll through this unique city which boasts art, architecture, canals, museums and great shopping off the many side streets. During the flowering season (April to Mid-May) visit Keukenhof where several million bulbs are planted across a 70-acre site. It is truly a sight to behold.

Board the ship and cruise through the countryside of Holland and into Germany. Take in the breathtaking scenery of the famous Rhine River with its many castles and incredible landscapes. Continue on the River Danube through the Wachau Valley in Austria. This area is blanketed with rolling vineyards, and ornamented with cute villages.

Stop in Vienna for a City Tour with free time to just sit and observe the culture in one of the many Cafes’. The final stop is Budapest, Hungary. Plan to stay a few days to experience the vibrancy of Budapest. Visit the Castle Hill district and Fisherman’s Bastion. Budapest is known for its restaurants and incredible nightlife.

Cruise Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland is eight days duration and includes four countries. Many tours are included along the way. See Gothic Cathedrals, a local brewery in Cologne, Marksburg and Heidelberg Castles. Wander the cobbled streets of Speyer, Germany. Try some of their decadent pastries while sitting in the many outdoor cafes. Explore the Black Forest region and view the many vineyards and explore the Cuckoo Clock Factory.

Basel is your final port on this River Cruise. It is billed as Switzerland’s “cultural city”. It has over 30 museums and home to one of the oldest Universities in Europe. Take a few days to unwind and stroll through the streets of this medieval city. Basel has great shopping and many outdoor restaurants.

Cruise Chalon to Avilnon in Southern France on an eight day tour. Sailing on the Saone and Rhone Rivers, will give you the opportunity to see many of the fabulous vistas scattered throughout the French Countryside. Tour the famed wine region of Burgundy. Stay a few days in Marseille before your flight home. Marseille is the oldest city in France with its terracotta-roofed buildings overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The lively waterfront is ringed with tempting terrace restaurants and bars. Sit with a cool glass of chardonnay and watch the fishing boats and pleasure yachts pull into the colourful Vieux Port.

Cruise the Waterways of the Czar. A very intriguing thirteen day cruise from St Petersburg to Moscow via the waterways of Russia. Stay three nights in St Petersburg to experience the culture. Beautiful theatres offer evenings of ballet or opera and is an experience of a lifetime. There is a Canal City Tour plus visits to the famous Palaces of Catherine’s and Peterof. It is a city of amazing ancient history.

Begin your cruise on the Neva River, moving into the Volga-Baltic Waterway. Discover fortified monasteries, opulent palaces and tour beautiful ancient Cathedrals. In Moscow, visit the historic fortified complex of the famous Klemlin and Red Square. It is located in the heart of the city. This Complex is also the home to the President of Russia.

Put this idea on your “Bucket List” and take in one of the many Waterways cruises of Europe. River cruising is no longer a “best-kept-secret” amongst the most discerning travelers.

Lynda Spriggs/ Lobstick Travel & Tours
Lobstick Travel and Tours.