River Cruises that Will Fascinate You

The phrase "relaxed happiness" sounds like something straight from an ad for a dreamy Mediterranean island, doesn't it? It's actually a term researchers use to describe what happens when you spend time doing something that fascinates you, like a hobby or passion.

Relaxed happiness is a great thing to strive for when planning your vacation, and it's achievable even on an ambitious itinerary. Can you imagine returning home from a tour of 5 cities in Europe feeling rested and renewed?

This magic combination of fascination and relaxing travel happens on a river cruise. You unpack once then effortlessly travel from one captivating destination to the next, taking in all the sites that interest you, from a single floating boutique hotel.

On the other hand, a 10-day land tour through Europe's historic cities and picturesque countryside can be mesmerizing ... and exhausting. From airports to train stations to ferry terminals—you navigate them all, usually at a hectic pace, as you tick off your Must Sees.

River cruises often travel overnight, so you awaken each morning in a new port with a full day to explore. Instead of racing from place to place and repacking your bags every other day, you'll relax on the sundeck with your favorite beverage watching spectacular scenery roll past.

Here are a few more reasons to consider river cruising when you are planning your next vacation:

Safety Measures

River cruise lines have been preparing to keep you safe once travel resumes. The ships are much smaller (120-170 passengers) than their ocean-cruising cousins and have implemented extensive health and wellness measures. Some river cruise lines operated successfully during 2020 with enhanced protocols and no outbreaks.

Small Ships, Big Benefits

These nimble vessels dock in the heart of the city center, so you simply step off the ship in each port and begin exploring. Because of the small passenger count, you'll enjoy the absence of long lines getting on and off the ship and in destination.

Dive Into the Local Culture

Civilization grew up alongside the rivers of the world, creating richly historic cities and towns. Excursions are designed to immerse travelers in the region's heritage, arts, and cuisine. Take a walking tour with a historian, a guided hike to a castle perched on the riverbank, or visit a market with a local chef.

No Need to Rush Back to the Ship

River cruise port departures are often set for late afternoon or evening, giving you the chance to sample the nightlife in select ports of call. Whether you choose an evening walk through cobblestone streets, a local show or performance, or a glass of wine and live music after dinner, immersing yourself in the evening culture together with the locals is a unique experience.

Your Onboard Experience is Equally Immersive

Your meals will reflect local flavors and regional specialties. Chefs stock up on produce and ingredients at the ship's different ports, so you sample the best of local cuisine and wine.

Explore What Fascinates You

Explore your passions on a specialty river cruise, whether they be golf, wine, genealogy, or art.

Do you love gardens and nature? Explore Keukenhof Gardens to see more than a thousand varieties of tulips and hyacinth in bloom. On certain 2022 Rhine itineraries, you can visit the magnificent Floriade Expo in Amsterdam, one of the world's major horticulture shows held once every ten years.

Are you a gastronome? The lush landscapes of Burgundy and Provence are a foodie's paradise. On a Rhône and Saône itinerary, you'll visit Lyon's food market, enjoy a pastry demonstration by a French chef, take cooking classes, and learn the art of pairing wine and food.

History buffs can dig deep into the past in almost every port around the world. From ancient sites along the Nile to the monarchies of Europe to World War II, step into the past with the help of historians and expert guides.

If you have a passion for art and architecture, cruise the Seine. Begin in Paris, where you have access to some of the world's best museums, including the Louvre, the d'Orsay and the Pompidou Center. Spend a day exploring the extensive palace and gardens of Versailles, including the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors where the Treaty of Versailles was signed. You'll also stop in Giverney, the small Normandy town where Claude Monet lived and painted.

Wine lover? Sip and sail your way through acclaimed vineyards in Burgundy or the Wachau Valley. Select sailings are hosted by either a US winemaker or regional wine expert. With them, you'll tour vineyards, meet winemakers in their cellars, and learn to perfectly pair wines with cheeses, chocolates, and dinner.

So if a relaxing, immersive travel experience appeals to you, reach out and we will help match you to the perfect experience. I predict you'll be one of the 96% of first-time River Cruisers who say they would recommend the experience to a friend!