Everything you need to know about river cruising

Have you been curious about river cruise holidays and wondered if they would be the kind of holiday that would appeal to you, the budget conscious, adventurous and independent traveller? With the introduction of our five brand new river cruise itineraries, we’ve put together some essential information highlighting the many benefits of taking to the river and exploring in style.

Bordeaux River Bridge, France

The Convenience

We’ve all stayed in a wonderful hotel: a hotel with outstanding service, a fantastic restaurant, a spacious bedroom and of course, a well-stocked bar! Now imagine that hotel follows you as you travel with the additional benefit of ever changing views and the opportunity to relax as you take in the breath-taking scenery, without the hassle of unpacking and repacking every day.

With a river cruise, you can enjoy a romantic Parisian breakfast in the heart of France’s capital, marvel at scenic vistas along the Seine and stroll the manicured gardens of Claude Monet’s home in Giverny without the stress of transfers, hotel check-ins or hauling luggage from A to B.

Making Lifelong Friends

One of the many joys of travelling is the friendships made. River cruising provides ample opportunities to meet like-minded people over dinner, at the bar or when exploring your new surroundings. If however you’re in need of privacy, the spacious ships and comfortable cabins afford guests this option.

The Sights

Waterways, particularly in Europe, will offer you a unique perspective of the continent’s most spectacular villages, natural sceneries and historical treasures. River cruises often have a plentiful selection of optional excursions at an additional fee. These trips allow visitors to make the most of a stay that often includes guided city tours and a chance to sample local produce with an expert. Though an impressive array of trips are available, the ship’s knowledgeable crew will be happy to point you in the right direction to explore at your own pace.

With a new stop almost daily, river cruises are perfect for the adventurous traveller looking to take-in the many highlights of a region.

Grand Canal, Venice

The Onboard Comfort

River cruises, including our own, are often taken on an all-inclusive board basis, meaning that a large selection of drinks, snacks and your meals can be taken onboard. You will be pleasantly surprised by the high standard of the meals however, you also have the flexibility to venture within picture-postcard villages or bustling cities to sample local flavours, if you so wish.

Of an evening, onboard entertainment is also on offer to suit all tastes, ensuring that there is always something to do.

In closing…

River cruises embody the luxury of being looked after every step of the way, whilst you admire mighty landscapes that have inspired generations of great artists, stroll a cobbled maze of medieval villages and unwind at leisure upon the onboard terrace — all at an exceptional price.

A prime example of the many wonders available in river cruising is our new eight-day Italy’s Amalfi Coast & Sicily adventure, which sets sail in Naples, passing the stunning Aeolian Islands and Amalfi Coast before arriving in Sicily. Along the way, a number of optional trips are on offer including a visit to Pompeii, Taormina, Mount Etna and the picturesque town of Capri.

Amalfi Coast

Discover River Cruising

Choose from one of our brand new European River Cruises which include all flights, All-Inclusive on board dining, accommodation, transfers, full ABTA and ATOL protection.