River Cruising

An Introduction to the Rivers of Europe

The Danube

The Danube's importance as the major waterway running south east from Germany's Black Forest through Austria and the Eastern European countries of Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania before reaching the Black Sea cannot be disputed.

Let the architectural opulence of riverside cities such as Imperial Vienna and Budapest ignite the senses, or just simply relax and marvel at the scenic richness of Austria's Wachau and Altmuhl Valleys.

Travel between Passau and Budapest or embark on a 'Grand Tour' cruising from Amsterdam to Vienna and Budapest or journey as far as the Black Sea on a once in a lifetime epic journey. For a river cruise of contrasts look no further.

The Rhine

Threading its way down on a 900 mile journey from the Alps through the four European countries of Switzerland, France, Germany and Holland before running into the North Sea, the Rhine is Europe's main arterial waterway.

It's not surprising that this mighty river remains one of the most popular for cruising, offering a kaleidoscopic mix of awe-inspiring scenery, history, art and culture.

Childhood memories will be rekindled with the storybook scenery of medieval castles and quaint villages along the route. You can savour the delights of Rheingau, Germany's famous wine growing area, explore cities old and new or simply relax and enjoy the spectacular passing scenery.

The Elbe

One of Europe's still undiscovered waterways is the mighty Elbe, on which some of the most architecturally renowned cities stand.

Baroque Dresden and Prague, the golden capital of the Czech Republic are two essential ports of call on any Elbe river cruise.

Rising in the Riesengebirge - Giant Mountains, the river flows through the Erzgenberge, in an impressive gorge on its 724 mile journey to its conclusion in Hamburg. The ever- changing scenery unfolds before you to reveal breathtaking vistas. The impressive Elbe Sandstone Mountains known locally as Saxon Switzerland, and palaces which line the route such as Pillnitz Palace, built to rival Buckingham Palace and Versailles, add to the spectacle of a cruise on the Elbe

The Seine

The River Seine and Paris are inextricably linked, but journey beyond to enjoy the many other treasures the river reveals as it meanders through the heart of France.

As you travel through this enchanting area of orchards and pastures, you'll see scenes that inspired some of the world's most renowned artists and which gave birth to the Impressionist movement.

The light where the rivers Seine, Epte and Oise come together is what attracted Claude Monet to his beautiful and beloved home at Giverny, a highlight of any river journey and the inspiration for so many of his works of art.  Majestic Rouen set amongst the Seine's chalk cliffs and dominated by its famous gothic cathedral and the breathtaking Chateau of Versailles, provide a dramatic contrast to the smaller towns of Les Andelys and Vernon.

The Rhone

Immortalised by artists and writers and a paradise for lovers of good food and excellent wine, the Rhone Valley provides a relaxing and tranquil setting for a river cruise.

Rising in Switzerland and fed by the Rhone Glacier north east of Valais, the 500 mile long river winds its way through enchanting landscapes, linking two of France's most beautiful regions, the idyllic vineyards of Burgundy and the lavender-scented hills of Provence.
Soak up the ancient charm of unspoilt towns and villages such as Arles, Tournon and Vienne, gateway to the Lyon countryside and experience first hand some of the regions finest wines and gastronomic delights.

The Douro

Northern Portugal's Douro Valley is one of Europe's best kept secrets. Where once vessels laden with barrels of port drifted downstream to Porto, river cruise ships now offer passengers a unique taste of this unspoilt area of the country.

The full length of the River Douro has only been made navigable to the larger passenger vessels in the last 20 years following the construction of a series of five impressive dams and locks.

As the world's first demarcated wine region with more than 13% of the region under vine, terraces covered with vineyards dominate the route and 'quintas' (wine estates) dot the landscape, providing the venue for an enjoyable interlude on each of our cruises.  For scenic splendour and a truly relaxing experience, the Douro will not disappoint.

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