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There’s no better way to explore the wonders of Europe and take in the sights, than on board a luxury cruising vessel. If it’s your first time to the continent, you’re sure to create memories you’ll never forget. For return visitors, a European River Cruise offers the chance to literally see the sights from another point of view. All journeys offer a good balance of cruising and on-shore explorations, all in beautiful, comfortable surroundings. Here are some of our favourite European cruising itineraries –
Pay tribute to the fallen at Gallipoli
On this 24 day river cruise commencing in Istanbul, you’ll travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula, and visit Anzac Cove. Here, you’ll pay tribute to the fallen at the Anzac Day Dawn Service, a poignant, once-in-a-lifetime experience. There’s also the opportunity to embark on a walking tour of the war memorials, such as Lone Pine, Chunuk Blair, and the 57th Cemetry. The first week of this cruise is spent in Turkey, after which you’ll get to experience much more that Europe has to offer, winding through the rivers of Hungary, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands. Highlights include a private concert at the Albertina Palace in Vienna, a wine tasting tour in Kitzingen, Germany, and a special farewell cruise along the Seine with a Paris Illuminations Tour, to name but a few.
Romance on the Rhine
Wind down the romantic Rhine river on this 15 day voyage, that takes in some of the most picturesque scenery that Europe has to offer. Step back in time with a visit to the World Heritage city of Bruge, with its old-world charm and rocky cobblestone streets. Stroll along the shores of Koblenz, a 2,000 year old town on the banks of the Moselle River, or perhaps just watch the moonlight reflect on the tranquil water, from the comfort of your balcony. Marvel at the striking beauty of the Rhine Gorge, with castles perched overlooking the vine-covered lush green valleys below.
Southern France Splendour
Focussing exclusively on the south of France as well as neighbouring Monte Carlo, this 14 day journey allows you to sit back and savour the rich diversity of the region at an easy pace. Explore the opulence of Monte Carlo, playground of the rich, before heading to a leisurely few days in Nice and all the quaint village charm of the Old Town, and colourful gardens. This tour is a well-balanced mix of relaxed river cruising and activities on shore. Take in the stunning scenery along the shore, such as the glitzy Cannes, famous for its annual film festival, and step off the luxury vessel for easy strolls through the domineering Gothic architecture of the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, and a guided tour through the semi-rural region of Tain l’Hermitage, an area well-known for its gourmet delights, such as wine, cheese and chocolate.
Discover the Douro River Valley, in Portugal and Spain
The spectacular Douro River Valley is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, but it will be all yours to discover on this 11 day voyage, full of magical sights. The Douro River Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once you see for yourself the sprawling farms, vast stretches of vineyard, surrounded by deep valleys, with brightly coloured buildings dotting the hills every little while, you’ll understand why. Indeed, UNESCO sites are somewhat of a theme on this trip, with other Heritage treasures on the tour including Porto with its medieval city centre, the Palacio de Bolsa, and Salamanca in Spain. Along the way, you’ll also explore and sample the fruits of the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, and sample traditional Spanish cuisine. This exploration through some of Europe’s most unspoilt, untouched regions, is one not to be missed.
Tour amongst the tulips in Northern Holland
This cruise is perfect for those who like to take time to smell the roses while travelling…or in this case, tulips. Get acquainted with the charming natural sights of northern Holland, with this leisurely eight day trip. The sights are laid out like a picturebook of traditional Holland, with vast and abundant tulip fields spreading everywhere the eye can see, overlooked by the slow, steady spin of windmills. Further north is the Friesland region, well-known for the vast number of black and white cows. Take a while to explore the sites with guided walking tours of the small rural town of Hoorn, and later, visit larger centres such as Rotterdam, and the peaceful Keukenhof Gardens, with surrounding tulips almost every colour of the rainbow.
Start planning your trip with your local, personal travel manager. Visit http://www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm-search/
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