As its River Cruise Wednesday we thought we would take a look at some of more unusual River Cruises available to explain a little more about the great sights you can see whilst away. Not all River Cruises simply tour up and down the Rhine and the Moselle, there is plenty more alternative itineraries which stop at some of the best cities in Europe.
Romantic Danube Cruise – Passau, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest
This 12 day cruise down the Danube is a great way to see some of the best cities in Europe including Vienna. On route to the Austrian Capital you’ll cruise past Greinburg Castle and the ruins of Kunringer Castle which are both visible from the river below. Following a leisurely stop in Vienna you’ll continue on to Budapest with a sightseeing tour of the city included, before re-boarding your boat to continue down to Bratislava. You’ll arrive in the Slovakian capital in the early afternoon and join an optional guided tour. The next port of call on your journey will be Durnstein, it was here that Richard the Lionheart was kept imprisoned in Castle Durnstein. You’ll continue on to Melk and Linz before reboarding your coach to commence your journey home.
A Spectacular Cruise from Cologne to Switzerland and Return to Koblenz
This wonderful 10 day cruise starts in the cosmopolitan city of Cologne which stands on the banks of the River Rhine. On day 2 of your trip you’ll cruise toward Andernach before continuing on to popular river cruise stop Rudesheim with its stunning scenery. Next stop will be Mannheim where you can disembark to take an optional excursion to Heidelberg with its famous castle set atop the edge of the river bank. On day 5 you will cruise to Strasbourg, the beautiful French City is a charming part of the Alsace region. View the impressive architecture and amble across the numerous bridges which dot across the river. The next stop on your relaxing river cruise is Lucerne via a coach journey, with its pretty squares and wooden bridge it is a real picture-postcard location. The following day you can enjoy another included excursion to the Black Forest to explore the lush meadows, forested hills and home of the Cuckoo clock. Your cruise will continue on to Mainz and Koblenz before you begin your journey home.
Dutch Bulbfields Cruise and Highlights of Holland
Shorter than many other river cruises, the Dutch Bulbfields cruises offer a great opportunity to combine the laid-back style of cruising the waterways with the splendours of Holland’s blooming bulbfields. You’ll begin your journey by joining the cruise ship in Amsterdam before setting sail to Volendam, here you’ll catch a coach to Keukenhof Park. Famous for its breathtaking horticultural displays each year, this is a great attraction to visit when in bloom. The next stop is Hoorn with some free time to explore before rejoining the ship to sail back to Amsterdam.
Germany and Poland’s Baltic Isles Cruise, Berlin & the Harz Mountains
For something a little different combine a river cruise with a coach holiday to explore more, this break provides a chance to see different locations not often discovered on river cruises. You’ll start your journey with visits to Hannover and Berlin before joining the cruise ship. You’ll spend a full day cruising along the waters of the Peene River and Stettin Lagoon to visit Stettin a lively Polish City. You’ll sail onwards towards Wolin and the Isle of Usedom, one of Germany’s most popular holiday resorts. Next stop you can visit the Island of Rugen and take any optional excursion before continuing on to the Islands of Hiddensee.