European Cruises

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No self respecting flower child, who backpacked through Europe in the late 60′s and early 70′s, would be caught dead on a multi-day motor coach tour. The memory of the 1969 movie "If it’s Tuesday, it must be Belgium" is still all too real. "No way", they say "That’s not for me."

Now, all these baby boomers are in their late 50′s and 60′s. They still feel the allure of European travel, but how to do it?

Many have discovered what the Europeans have known for years, a river cruise is a hassle free, non-regimented way to travel. The travelers only job is to stow their suitcases and show up for meals. What could be easier?

There are numerous choices. Short cruises are available from 3 – 6 nights on the Rhine, Rhone, Seine and Danube. Longer cruises range from 7 to 28 nights and will take you from Amsterdam to the Black Sea and almost everywhere in between.

Think of a country in Europe and there is probably a navigable river or canal within its borders. Aside from the obvious programs on the Rhine and Danube, there are cruises on Elbe connecting Europe’s two hottest cities: Berlin & Prague.

Portugal, Spain, Hungary and Italy have river cruises. France is served by 3 major rivers including the Rhine, Rhone and Seine, as well as numerous canals that crisscross Burgundy, Provence, the Loire, Alsace and the Aquitaine. There are even barge canals in England, Scotland, Sweden and Ireland.

River cruising was getting its start when those very same backpackers were getting their first taste of the continent. The first river cruise ships in Europe were converted cargo barges. But, times have changed. Now they are ships, specially designed to move passengers in comfort offering fine dining, great scenery and interesting ports.

What makes the river cruise so attractive? Unlike ocean cruises, where the ship is almost always docked in some awkward or sketchy part of town, a river cruise ship is more like a nice hotel that moves from one central location to another. With very few exceptions, Europe’s main cities grew up around the river and the old town is never more than a short stroll away from the river pier.

Another of the attractive features of the river cruise is that the voyage is as important as the destination. Scenery along the way ranges from pastoral to breathtaking. Dine or have a drink while you float past castles, monasteries, towering cliffs and small villages.

Free time in port is totally flexible. Join one of the excursions (often walking tours through the old town), go off on your own with your guide book, enjoy a beer or some shopping on your own or just stay on the ship and read a book. You’re in the heart of town, so it’s easy to disembark after dinner for a walk or in the morning for a run.

The largest river cruise ship holds 200 passengers; the average ship has 70 cabins that accommodate 140 guests. Barges are more intimate with 3 – 10 cabins. If you take a barge cruise, it’s a good idea to bring your fellow passengers with you. They are ideal for small groups of family and friends.

Virtually all river cruise cabins are outside, affording large windows to enjoy the scenery and provide lots of light. Air conditioned, with TV, radio and hair dryers, these are very pleasant "hotel rooms." Each cabin has its own facilities including shower, sink and toilet. They are small but are very functional.

The cabins, while comfortable, are not the best places for viewing the scenery. The cabin only has views out one side and that’s just half the scenery. The lounge or the sun deck is the best locations for enjoying the scenery.

Meals are included and arrangements vary by cruise companies but breakfast is usually buffet style. Lunch can be buffet or served. Dinner will be several courses but unlike ocean cruises, river cruises are not completely focused on eating every 2 hours.

The guest determines the pace of the cruise. Sit with a good book on deck, explore every back alley in each port of call or just sit with a beer in an outdoor caf.

To re-explore Europe without the headaches, give a river cruise a try.

Author: John McGlade

John McGlade The author has been traveling to Europe for over 40 years. He is the director of Euro River Cruises, a pioneer in the European River Cruise business. Visit his website for more information. http://eurorivercruises.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_McGlade

Technorati Tags: cruise, cruises, european cruises, European River Cruises

 A smooth Italian vacation involves a lot of planning before packing your bags and buying your tickets. You may want to consider going for a European river cruise where you can go on a very romantic get away. The cruise can be on a small yacht with all its simplicity or you can ride a big cruise line and enjoy the view with the entire hotel like comforts. If you want to explore the islands and inlands, you can choose from Italy tours that offer a combination of sea and land travel. Photographs of the sceneries of Italy will definitely convince any one that going there will mean memories to treasure for a lifetime.

The season for a European river cruise is usually between May to August when the weather is ideal to see the soul of Italia. You and your loved one will be in awe of the heavenly islands, wonderful cities, and astonishing villages. You can surf the internet to find a perfect package to suit your desires and budget. A week or two week- tour package may range from less than $2000 to around $3000 per person depending on the hotel, mode of travel, and of course the length of the vacation. You can opt to go for a guided tour in groups or you may want to explore some sites by yourselves. Everything can be arranged for a perfect Italian vacation.

Italy tours are not considered without dropping by Rome. It is a must to see St. Peters Basilica, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain in their pure elegance and grandeur. A European river cruise can help those who fear the waters, and discover the calm travel going to the pretty island of Sicily. You can walk the rustic roads of Palermo and enjoy the excellent food Italy offers. Catch a cruise going to Cafalu to enjoy the waters and the sandy shores. Off the coast of the island will be a perfect and romantic destination for couples-Italy’s Aeolian Islands. Enjoy the cafes of the biggest island of Lipari. Panarea is the smallest of the islands present to you heavenly flora. Stromboli will lead you to black sand beaches attributed to its famous 100,00 year-old volcano.

An Italian vacation will not be complete without seeing Venice. People fall in love while exploring the romanticism of its winding canals. Venice enchants tourists with the secrets of there world renowned glass-works and other local crafts. Italian get-away spices up ones love for life. Italy tours are a highly recommended vacation for tourists the world over.

Author: Caitlina Fuller

Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. The season for a European river cruise is usually between May to August when the weather is ideal to see the soul of Italia. You and your loved one will be in awe of the heavenly islands, wonderful cities, and astonishing villages. Everything can be arranged for a perfect Italian vacation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caitlina_Fuller

Technorati Tags: cruise, cruises, european cruises, European River Cruises