Visiting Litomerice in Czech and Saxon Switzerland, the Elbe river cruise shows you parts of Europe that other tours may miss. This university town is lively, and the city has a marvelous castle. Along the cruise, youll see medieval architecture, monasteries, and the famous Douro vineyards. Read More. 1. Both itineraries have been modified and feature destinations the whole family can enjoy. New ships debut each year, and the spacious AmaMagna, launched in 2019, is nearly twice the width of traditional European cruise ships. Rhone and Saone river cruises typically sail between Lyon and Arles or Avignon, and are top-loaded with such non-wine attractions as the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and the Roman Arles Amphitheater, and the massive Palais des Papes (Papal Palace) in Avignon plus the lavender fields, haystacks and other scenes that inspired painters such as Paul Cezanne and Vincent Van Gogh. After being almost completely destroyed during World War II and now rebuilt, Dresden is a marvelous city to visit, with one of the world's great museums. The 10-day itinerary features visits to the Taj Mahal,Rajbari temple complex, and Mother Tereseas home. Scenic offers both ocean and river cruises, all with emphasis on its fleet of "Space-Ships" and their meticulous design and spacious quarters. Most cruise lines spend one or two nights in one of these two cities, which allows their guests to have a day on the Normandy beachesand to explore the charming coastal town of Honfleur. Here's what you need to know. Most beautiful European river cruise The Most Beautiful European River Cruise: Exploring the Gems of Europe's Waterways Voting rules: Choose the Cruise you think is the most beautiful! Tiber River. It is no wonder it is on our list of The 5 Most Beautiful rivers in Europe to explore. The Loreley (Lorelei) Rock is also found along this section of the river. A highlight ofCochem is itsspectacular castle, and cruise ship guests all love the views of the river from its towers. Since river ships can only sail about 80 miles upstream from Lyon through Macon up toChalon-sur-Saone, cruises usually include time on the Rhone River also. In . Beauty can be seen from your balcony on the Lower Danube. This Danube River cruise covers some of central Europe's most gorgeous river scenery in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wachau Valley, plus it stops in three of the continent's most fascinating capital citiesVienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. The Douro River in Portugal is one of Europe's most magical cruises, with destinations up and down its shores that are perfect for lovers of charming towns, bustling cities, history and -- of . Aqua Expeditions. Delve into the history of those that called Cairo home, built the Pyramids, and looked upon the great Sphinx. Many American travelers have heard of river cruise lines like Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon -- and you can find more about them below. The ship passes through the Main-Danube Canal that connects the Black Sea and the North Sea. A Tulips & Windmills tour allows you to easily explore some of Europes most dynamic and culturally rich cities from the luxury of the cruise ship. If your ship passes the Hungarian Parliament building at night you are in for a treat; magnificently lit, it's one of the most photographed sights on the river. Europe's 11 most beautiful rivers 26 April 2018 6:00am We round up 11 of the most spectacular rivers in Europe you must explore in your lifetime. The one-week route doesn't take you far but does include the walled city of Padua, the charming fishing village of Chioggia, and the culinary mecca of Bologna. The longships are light-filled floating boutique hotels with a Scandinavian-design aesthetic, indoor and outdoor dining, and herb gardens up on top. These are the major companies offering the best European river cruises along with examples of their itineraries. Booking your first river cruise? The river flows from Spain tothe Northern Portuguese countryside, which is known for its wine production. Ships visit such cultural hubs as Vienna, with its opera and art museums and elaborate royal palaces, and Budapest, Hungary, with its magnificent architecture and modern vibe. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. The 11 Most Scenic Spots on a Rhine River Cruise | Culture Trip Related: Booking your first river cruise? The World's Best River Cruises | Travel Channel Who cares when you are in the epicenter of French culture, in one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world? Ships visit such cultural hubs as Vienna, with its opera and art museums and elaborate royal palaces, and Budapest, Hungary, with its magnificent architecture and modern vibe. Disclaimer: Our articles may contain affiliate links. "The itinerary was thoughtful as well as instructive," wrote one reader who traveled on the Joy. For example, if someone has about 3 to 4 weeks of vacation time and enough money, they can sail all the way between Amsterdam and the Black Sea on the same ship. 10. The 300-mile long Saone River is a tributary of the Rhone River, merging in Lyon. Discover the history of Joan of Arc in Rouen and Normandys American Military Cemetery and World War II beaches. On a typical seven-night cruise from Amsterdam, ports and excursions include Basel, Cologne, Koblenz, the Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim . This year, the river cruise market has been anticipating more travel, so consider booking these once-in-a-lifetime voyages as early as you can. Cruises on the blue Danube river start from various points such as Passau, Vienna, and Budapest, so take the opportunity to explore these great cities before you start your cruise. A list of the most important and most beautiful rivers in the world is given below. Ukraine war latest: Russia 'likely' being attacked from within amid Breathtaking River Cruises to Explore Europe's Natural Beauty When it comes to the best river cruises in Europe, the Rhine River is often what people imagine. The Moselle: Europe's Most Beautiful River - At Least During The Fall November 11, 2019 By Ralph Grizzle 7 Comments If I were to choose the perfect river for autumn, it would be the Moselle. These are the top 10 we can't stop looking at. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Sounds impressive, right? Although each river is discussed individually, note that many river cruise itineraries cover more than one river. After a morning cruise, the ship will ride on the Scharnebeck twin ship lift, one of the highest in Europe, with a vertical lift of 125 feet. It has many hydroelectric dams and is very important to the Ukraine economy. Viking River Cruises is one of the few lines that visits (another is the French line CroisiEurope), with 10-day itineraries that combine hotel stays in the cities of Berlin and Prague with a stretch of river between Prague and Wittenburg, Germany. Lazy afternoons on the ship afford the time to sit in a lounge chair and watch the world go by kids swimming from the riverbanks, farmers tending their crops, river birds flapping their wings as you glide to your next destination. However, the best times to take a river cruise in Europe are the shoulder season months April/May and September/October. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in UmbriaThe 'Green Heart of Italy'. The most picturesque river in Europe flows through six countries - Austria, Germany, France, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, and Switzerland. Sail Date: August . For a slightly different river cruise experience, consider a cruise out of Bordeaux, France, along the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Only a few small towns are visible, although vineyards fill the slopes. France also has river cruises in the southern part of the country. Other treasures exist along the Seine, not the least of which is Giverny, the home and gardens of impressionist artist Claude Monet. What Is the Most Beautiful River Cruise in Europe? The price differential between the river cruise lines is usually due to the level of service, cabin size, and onboard amenities. The Danube River Cruise is a scenic and enchanting river journey that takes travelers along the majestic Danube River in Europe. Many visitors find Strasbourg particularly interesting since part of the city is in France and the other (across the Rhine) is in Germany. In historic Rouen, where Joan of Arc was martyred in the Middle Ages, stop by the Rouen Cathedral (another subject of Monet), before getting lost on cobblestone streets with wonderful cafes. Immerse yourself in Indias Golden TriangleDelhi, Jaipur, and Agra. The ship stops in Luxembourg and then continues to Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet, before returning to Cologne. Salamanca is one of the most popular day trips from Madrid. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Top 10 Most Beautiful Rivers in the World | Amazing Rivers - Traveloompa All you need to do is sit back, relax, and indulge as you experience the sights, sounds, and cultures along the shorelines of Europes most beautiful rivers. The 500-mile Rhone River has 13 locks, and 12 of these are between Lyon and where the Rhone empties into the Mediterranean Sea. "Sitting on the top deck of a ship under brilliant blue skies, you can gaze on fabled landscapes dotted with castles, villages, and vineyards. 5 Most Beautiful Rivers In Europe To Explore | Save A Train The Elbe River is often shallow, so cruise lines sailing the Elbe use smaller ships with a shallower draft for these cruises. You really cant go wrong with any of these river cruises. Journeying through the Amazon's small channel of the Boca dos Botos, Seabourn's expedition team, will immerse you in the region's one-of-a-kind ecosystem. Options include a bus tour, canal tour, pedal boats, or private auto tour, each at an additional cost. River Cruises are Busy Unlike ocean cruises that offer "sea days" with plenty of time to relax, river cruises on European waterways include a stop each day with a busy -- albeit. All rights reserved. Wine and cheeses abound, and a tour of the Valrhona chocolate factory in Tournon is an unforgettable experience for all chocolate lovers. Related: 5 cruise lines to try if you just can't stand being around kids on vacation. Indulge in cosmopolitan Amsterdam on a, Burgundy, Rhone River, and Provence River Cruise, Opening up some of Europes lesser-known waterways, the Elbe river cruise is ideal for history lovers. The Main River is 327 miles long, but only 246 miles are open to traffic, and this navigable section of the river has 34 locks. The Most Beautiful River Cruise: Discovering Nature's S. - StrawPoll.com Rankings Travel Most beautiful river cruise The Most Beautiful River Cruise: Discovering Nature's Serenity Voting rules: Choose the cruise you think is the most beautiful! These two cities are so important over half of an 11-day cruise is spent there. The river cruises typically include a visit to the university town of Salamanca in northern Spain. The 10 Top River Cruise Lines - U.S. News Travel The eight-day Danube River Cruise starts in Budapest where excursions include a horse show at an equestrian park and a goulash-making competition for Adventurers. The locks of the Main-Danube Canal (and elsewhere on the Danube and Main Rivers) are important to cruise travelers because the size of the locks dictates the size of river ships. Started as a New England motor coach tour company, Tauck is a family-owned global travel firm offering tours and cruises to a wide range of destinations around the world. 2-5 Cruises Age 50s. The Best Luxury River Cruises - Elite Traveler Seeing the improvements in these eastern German cities since the reunification of the country in 1990 is impressive. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Viking's carefully crafted itineraries and "good value" also received praise from readers. River cruising here is a rare experience. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. How to Choose a Europe River Cruise - Cruise Critic Imagine kayaking to floating villages, watching silk weavers at work, and biking to village markets. The Danube River . Visiting Berlin and Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires, and immerse yourselfin culture while enjoying incredible landscapes as you traveldown the Elbe. Most carry bicycles, and all staterooms are equipped with hiking poles. The best river cruises have always had a mystique to draw travelers ineven those who are new to cruising. Wine lovers will enjoy tasting locally produced wine in Beaune and Burgundy, and food lovers will delight in the local cuisine offered in Lyon, France. Ad Choices. Since the cruise is only in one country, the entire focus can be on Russian food, drink, clothing, schools, churches, politics, and everyday life. Ships offer a wellness area, massage services, gym, e-bikes, and onboard entertainment. The Rhine has 12 locks, 10 of which are downstream from Basel. Five different tours are being offered with stops in Lisbon, Porto, Madrid, andSalamanca. You'll visit vineyards and gorgeous chateaus. Their cruise in northern Italy along the Po River, "From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua," is a seven-day excursion starting in Venice where guests can discover St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace. Ports of call include Cochem, Bernkastel, and Koblenz. Check here before booking an award fare. Explore the world along its rivers instead. Without further ado, let's explore the most beautiful river cruise in Europe. The journey from Arles to Lyon will include stops in Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, and Vienne. The Rhine and Danube Rivers are the most popular rivers to cruise in Germany, but those who are fascinated by 20th-century history or by Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation will love an Elbe River cruise between Prague and Berlin. Your cruise line may even host a wine dinner at a wine estate one evening. Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. After pandemic-related challenges at the beginning of last year, river ships got back to what they do best: exploring inland waterways in Europe, the United States, and select other destinations around the world. The Danube River is Europes second-longest river, spanning over 1,700 miles and touching 10 European countries. The "Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle" begins with arrival in Frankfurt and transfer to Mainz for boarding. Follow in the footsteps of the Impressionists cruising the Seine between the Norman Coast and Paris. Spotlight on: Budapest. Region and destination are key The region, destinations, and itineraries are the most important factors when choosing a European river cruise. Day four is spent in Verona, with its ancient amphitheater and Giusti Gardens. The eight-day "Traveling on the Elbe and Havel" cruise covers Germany's north on rivers and canals aboard the Frederick Chopin. Guests are kept busy (if they wish to be) with daily shore excursions, and most cruises offer several options depending on interests and activity levels. Other highlights include a guided visit to Versailles, Louis XIV's magnificent palace and gardens, the Cathedrale de Rouen, and Joan of Arc Square. While you may not hear as much about the Douro River as other scenic river cruises in Europe, it doesnt mean its any less stunning. 2 spot. This may be one of the best European river cruises because of its variety. Others go 27 miles further downstream toCaudebec-en-Caux. A cruise through Holland and Belgium will take you through the vast network of scenic canals and rivers. No. Insightful port talks provide information on the next day's program that cover all questions, such as how much walking is involved and difficulty levels. The Gros Ventre River (USA) The Gros Ventre River is the most gorgeous river in the United States, which is featured with a length of about 120 km. Excursions include the EmeraldPLUS program of special experiences to connect with their destinations, and EmeraldACTIVE offers faster-paced guided tours, bike rides, hikes, and activities. The Douro River has 15 dams that generate hydroelectric power, but only five are on the navigable section, and all of these also have locks to enable ships to go up and down the river. The next day, there's a tour of Magdeburg, known for its fascinating architecture and culture. However, there are also other lesser-known cruise lines to choose from that are contenders for the best river cruise line in Europe, depending on your travel style. Odessasits on the northern shore of the Black Sea, not far from where the Dnieper River enters the Sea. Here's the latest on Russia's war in Ukraine. Family-friendly amenities include a kids club, heated outdoor pools, and free passage for children ages 15 and under. The 1,333-mile Dnieper River is Europe's fourth longest and sails from Russia through Belarus and Ukraine before flowing into the Black Sea. Travel + Leisure readers enthusiastically returned, setting out on voyages both classic and new. Indulge in cosmopolitan Amsterdam on a day trip and see world-renowned paintings and magnificent Gothic churches in Belgium. If you are a fan of his art, much of the grounds may seem familiar. Celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2022, this family-owned and operated cruise company focuses on excellent food and wine, tasteful dcor, stateroom views, and innovation in their luxurious fleet. Experience the past and present of Portugal as you travel through the Douro River Valley. Try to catch a flamenco show in Salamanca and enjoy all the incredible food both countries offer. Bordeaux is a gorgeous French city and is fun to explore, even for those who don't like wine. The Danube River is the second longest river in Europe and flows through ten countries. In partnership with CroisiEurope aboard the MS Michelangelo, the ship heads west to Vicenza and then on to Chioggia. Emerald offers both yacht and river cruises, with a range of cruises on the rivers in Europe. Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for. Some of these travelers want to learn more about Russia, and this river cruise itinerary fits the bill. The world's largest river cruise line offers a well-tested river cruise recipe on its fleet of identical Scandinavian-style longships. The source of the Rhone River is the Rhone Glacier in Switzerland. The tour guides on this river cruise recognize that travelers are very interested about their lives in Russia, so they feature many lectures and free-flowing discussions on different topics while the ship is sailing. Almost all Seine Rivercruises sail roundtrip from Paris, heading downstream and north towards Le Havre and Honfleur, where it enters theEnglish Channel. This allows you so much more flexibility to see and experience more. Plus, every stateroom aboard Scenic's ship comes with private butler service to ensure the journey is truly stress free. American Cruise Lines. Courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, 5. A spring tulip time cruise in the Netherlands and Belgium is a marvelous cruise for flower lovers, but also for those who appreciate quiet villages, windmills, and history. The ship docks in Koblenz and takes a daytime cruise through the Rhine Gorge before landing in Miltenberg for a guided tour of the city. The Most Beautiful River Cruise: Discovering Nature's Serenity Perhaps the best known of the river cruise companies, Viking promotes their "longships," which include large suites and inviting verandas for outdoor dining. (Courtesy of Viking River Cruises) If you'd like to take a cruise but aren't. A river cruise in the Netherlands and Belgium encompasses parts of well-known rivers like the Rhine and lesser-known rivers such as the Issel, Nedderrijn, and Schelde (or Scheldt).
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