For travelers who like to combine a comfortable stay and acquaintance with new interesting cities, a river cruise in Europe can become the best type of vacation. Cruise routes are selected so that in a short time on the way you can visit several countries, admire the ancient port cities and the natural beauty of the river banks.
Numerous travel agencies offer over a hundred different cruises to European cities. Of course, it is most comfortable to travel surrounded by compatriots, with a Russian group and a Russian-speaking crew of the liner.
Comfort on river cruises
Traveling on a boat is probably one of the most comfortable types of recreation. This is especially true for river cruises, because there are no strong waves on the rivers, and the very design of a squat river liner eliminates the possibility of pitching.
Another cruise on a boat helps to avoid tiresome bus journeys and stops at different hotels. On theeverything you need for a good holiday is usually provided on board the ship: cafes, restaurants, often a cinema or live music in the evenings.
And what is the opportunity to meet the sunset on the upper deck of the ship!
Cruises on the Rhine and its tributaries
Probably, one of the pleasant opportunities of this direction of a river cruise along the rivers of Europe can be considered the opportunity not only to visit the mighty Rhine River, but also to swim along its tributaries, the largest of which is considered the Moselle.
During such a tour, you can visit several European countries at once, admire the majestic medieval castles and hidden villages standing on the banks.
A cruise on the Rhine can be called a kind of journey into the past, because on its banks a huge number of knight's castles, medieval monasteries and the remains of fortress walls have been preserved. And the narrow streets of European cities, paved with paving stones, literally take you to the romantic era of chivalry.
Choosing from the variety of river cruises in Europe with a Russian group, you should pay attention to the tour under the promising name "Great Cruise on the Rhine". The total length of the route is more than 2000 km, you will spend this grandiose journey on board the comfortable German ship MS Elegant Lady.
The tour lasts 12 days, during which you can visit more than ten sceniccities in Germany. Each city will have a sightseeing tour with a visit to all the sights, and, of course, there will be free time to explore the city.
Cruise "Rhine in Light"
Amazingly vivid experience can be obtained if you travel along the banks of the Rhine from May to September, when many cities hold light shows.
"The Rhine in Light" is a unique fireworks and light show that takes place in Germany only 5 times a year. At this time, not only amazing salutes and fireworks are held, but all coastal castles, villages and parks are decorated with bright illumination. This light show is accompanied by classical music.
For the duration of this festival of light and sound, the number of boats passing along the Rhine is limited. Therefore, a cabin on such a river cruise in Europe should be booked in advance.
Don't forget that the Rhine Valley has long been famous for its local winemaking. Therefore, it is best to watch a show of spectacular fireworks with a glass of local wine on the upper deck of a comfortable motor ship.
Danube river tours
The mighty Danube is the second longest river in Europe, flowing through the territories of more than ten states. Therefore, throughout the cruise on the Danube, you can visit new cities, admire amazing landscapes and taste the delights of local cuisine.
Usually a trip along the Danube is offered to start in the capitalHungary, old Budapest. Then the route passes along the bend of the Danube, along the picturesque banks, past the famous Visegrad castles. Then travelers are given the opportunity to visit several cities in Austria (Dürnstein, Passau and Regensburg), to feel the romantic atmosphere of antiquity and the rhythm of life in modern Europe.
Most likely, such a cruise will become one of the brightest and most exciting events in life!
Cruise "Danube palette"
Unfortunately, it will not be possible to describe all possible cruises on the Danube in one small article. Therefore, we will focus on one of the most exciting river cruises in Europe from Satellite Travel - the Danube Palette tour. The duration of the cruise is 12 days and 11 nights, during which travelers will visit seven European countries.
The cruise begins with a few days spent in the capital of Austria, with a sightseeing tour and a mandatory visit to the enchanting Vienna Woods.
On the third day you will have a walk around Bratislava, a visit to the famous St. Martin's Cathedral, where the coronation of the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire took place. Then there will be a trip around Budapest, stops in the ancient Croatian city of Osijek, whose history goes back more than 2000 years, and the colorful Serbian city of Novi Sad.
Another day of the cruise will be dedicated to exploring Belgrade and the famous Kalemegdan park located in the old part of the city.
One of the most exciting moments of this European river cruise will be the passage throughthe so-called Iron Gates - a deep gorge between Serbia and Romania. The rocks here rise 400-600 meters above the seething stream of river water. Impressions guaranteed!
In a couple of days, after visiting Vidin and Turnu Magurele, the tourist program will end with an overview of Budapest with its unusual combination of old churches and buildings from the communist era.
Rhine and Danube cruises
For those travelers who like to get the most out of every trip, there are combined cruises on Europe's two largest rivers, the Rhine and the Danube, on the travel market. During such a tour, you can visit the most beautiful corners of Europe, fully experience the charm of small ancient cities.
It is preferable to choose such a large-scale cruise around Europe with Russian groups, because the trip will last at least twelve, and sometimes more than twenty days, and being among compatriots is always more comfortable.
For example, the "All Europe" cruise, in which it is planned to visit nine European countries and pass along the Danube, Rhine and Main, lasts 21 days. It is much more informative when numerous excursions are conducted in the native language, and it is always easier to get advice from a Russian-speaking guide.
Romantic Sena
Another popular destination for European river cruises is sailing on the Seine with visits to several French cities, ancient abbeys andthe charming valleys of France.
One of the river cruises in Europe offered by the Metropolis Cruise agency is the eight-day tour "Romantic Seine" on the comfortable motor ship MS Seine Comtesse. The program includes a few days spent in Paris, where the trip will end.
And the cruise will begin in the small fishing town of Honfleur, known for its picturesque rugged coastline and numerous artists' ateliers. Guests will also have to stop at the Chateau du Bray, where Calvados has been produced for a long time, and, of course, tasting this delicious drink.
Then in the program of the voyage - a one-day tour of Rouen, an ancient city sadly famous for the burning of Joan of Arc. The next morning will begin with a visit to Versailles, the favorite palace of Louis XIV, the Sun King.
The cruise will end in the city of love and romance Paris, where guests will be offered breakfast on the boat.
Winter cruises
Of course, I want to talk about the wonderful opportunity to spend the Christmas holidays, traveling around Europe on a cruise ship. It is good to go on such a trip with children, quite often travel agencies provide significant discounts for small tourists.
For example, among river cruises across Europe from Moscow, the "Danube fireworks" tour, which lasts seven days, seems attractive. You can walk around the winter snow-covered Vienna, watch the magical New Year's fireworks in Budapest and admire the old churches in Bratislava.
Ona gala dinner and a dance evening will be organized on board the five-star ship. Children will also be offered an entertaining holiday program.
One of the disadvantages of such a holiday can be considered the need to book places on a cruise in advance, because such trips are becoming increasingly popular.
