River Cruises – Best Way to Explore Europe

Until now, you must have been hearing about sea cruises, I am not exception. Today, while exploring the options of Europe tour, I realized that there is more than what I could think of.

I have been contacted by Viking River Cruises for their all-inclusive river cruise vacations along the great rivers of Europe. I was excited to explore this option and from the information they shared with me, I am all set to give it a try.

What makes the river cruise so attractive to me?

River cruises would be like a nice hotel that moves from one central location to another in each city. In Europe, if you observe, almost all the cities are grown up around rivers. The town is almost at 5-10 min walk from the river pier most of the times. Now just compare this with Sea / Ocean cruises. The ship would be probably docked at the same awkward part of town specially designated as pier. I am not saying sea cruises are not good, but river cruises have distinct difference which is nice.

It just sounds exciting to wine and dine while we float past small villages around the river, castles, enjoying breathtaking scenery etc. Here your voyage becomes lovely and you don’t care about the destination.

Think of any country in Europe and there is probably a river or canal within its borders ready for river cruises. There are cruises connecting Europe’s two hottest cities: Berlin & Prague. I never had been to both, and have high desire to visit them.

Portugal, Spain, Hungary and Italy have river cruises as well. One of the countries I always wanted to visit, France, has three major rivers including the Rhine, Rhone and Seine that crisscross Burgundy, Provence, the Loire, Alsace and the Aquitaine.

Viking river cruises, with whom I discussed this about told me that river cruises can offer cabin with large windows to enjoy the scenery providing lots of light, air conditioned, with TV, radio and hair dryers, just like expensive “hotel rooms.” Each cabin has its own facilities including shower, sink and toilet. They are small but very functional cabins. Does not it sound exciting?

On a side note, they also have vacation packages the great rivers of Russia & China along with all Europe. I think it’s good enough information for you to choose your river cruise. I am going to choose mine with Viking for upcoming season.

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