Romantic
River Cruises

© Traveling Times, Inc.

In centuries past, Europe's web of waterways served as flowing highways for kings and queens, a pleasant alternative to crude cross-country travel on primitive roads. Today, these rivers meandering through the heart of the continent, flanked by picture postcard scenery, offer travelers a leisurely, romantic way to see Europe.

     From April to November, boats ply the rivers of many countries, including the British Isles, France, Holland, Belgium, Russia, Germany, Austria and Hungary, providing passengers with an up-close view of the rural countryside as well as the major ports and cultural centers.

Some of the most scenic routes are taken by KD River Cruises of Europe, which has been cruising the Rhine for nearly 170 years. The Rhine river, the historic main artery of Europe, flows from Switzerland through France and Germany to Holland, meandering from the snowy Alps to countryside hills crowned with storybook castles, and windmills in the lowlands of Holland.

     Just as enchanting is a KD River Cruises Danube voyage from Nuremberg to Vienna and Budapest, stopping in the picturesque city of Passau. The historic Main-Danube Canal winds through the beautiful Franconian and Bavarian countryside and the picturesque Atmuhl Valley.

     Also cruising through this passage is the luxurious River Cloud, which features moorings and touring in Regensburg, a 2,000-year-old monument to European culture and history; Passau, situated at the confluence of three rivers; Melk; Durnstein; Vienna; Esztergom; and Budapest, one of Europe's most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities.

     Among its many itineraries, EuropAmerica Cruises features seven-day sailings through the Dutch and Belgian canals as well the Danube, Rhine, Rhone, Moselle, Saone and Elbe rivers.

     The Rivers Seine, Rhone and Soane offer another inviting excursion. What better way to explore France's landscape, medieval castles and magnificent cathedrals. Passengers onboard French Cruise Line's M.S. Normandie and M.S. Arlene travel along forests and vineyards, cruise leisurely through locks and canals, and discover the charming chateaux and villages, as well as world-renowned wineries.

     In Russia, Leisure Cruises' M.V. Kirov sails on the Waterways of the Tsars between St. Petersburg and Moscow. The 425-foot, Swiss-managed vessel stops at Uglitsch, Yaroslavl, Goritsky and Kizhi Island. There is, of course, plenty of time to visit the famous Pushkin, Hermitage, Red Square and other historic sites while in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

     At each stop along a European riverboat cruise, passengers can enjoy guided walking tours or excursions to nearby points of special interest by private motorcoach, accompanied by English speaking guides. The excursion may include a visit to a castle or cathedral, a quaint village, museum, chateaux, or even a regional winery.

     Intimate, yet luxuriously spacious, the riverboats plying Europe's waterways truly offer a unique cruise experience. The large stateroom accommodations are comfortable, and the cuisine, prepared by accomplished international chefs, reflects impeccable culinary standards.

     This is the ultimate pleasure trip.
-Judie Karhan