Holidays are long overdue, and we know for sure that our appetite to travel is growing while we wait for life to resume as it once was. As each month goes by, we know that we’re getting closer to a time when we can enjoy holidays again – but with lost time to make up for, deciding where to go may be the next challenge. We know that whatever you decide, your next holiday will be a good one! But with so much waiting to be explored, we thought we’d tell you more about river cruises – as they’re a great option for those who wish to see something new each day (and enjoy the finer things in life whilst onboard, we might add)!
On a river cruise, each and every day offers a new adventure. Just imagine waking up in a brand-new city or picturesque village each morning with a whole host of history, culture and architecture waiting to be discovered. And with small ships, you’ll be right in the thick of it – no need for transfers, just hop off the ship and away you go. You can often choose to join an organised day excursion as part of your river cruise package, or if you prefer, you can explore at your own leisure. What’s more, river cruise ships often dock way into the night, giving you plenty of time to get to know each port of call.
For those who enjoy a personalised service, you won’t be disappointed on a river cruise. Smaller ships mean less guests, without a compromise on staff numbers – so that glass of wine will never be empty should you wish! And with that brings evening entertainment, gala dinners and all-manner of educational activities and tours included in your cruise.
One of Europe’s best-known rivers, the Danube is a popular choice for those seeking a river cruise holiday. And flowing through ten countries, we can understand why. Not only is there a wealth of sights and cities waiting to be explored, but the scenery on route is just as exciting, making it an astonishingly beautiful trip from start to finish. Whilst the whole stretch of river is worth discovering, we’ve picked out three of our favourite stops that are worthy of a mention.
First up, Budapest. From dramatic history and its flamboyant architecture to the famous thermal baths and lively nightlife, this is a city with everything. Its treasure trove of architecture is enough to keep any visitor interested – of which you’ll get to see on your stop here. Don’t miss the Hot Springs either. Dating back to the Roman times, the thermal baths offer a unique experience any day of the year. If you choose to stay ashore for mealtimes, do try some of the local cuisine, as there’s far more to it than Hungarian Goulash, and in fact, it remains one of the most sophisticated styles of cooking Eastern and Central Europe.
Next, Vienna. Much of the city looks like a period drama, which in itself is enough reason to visit. But scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find a buzzing atmosphere, lively social scene and an array of bars and food stalls. Plus, in the winter you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas market stalls. That combined with world-class restaurants and hillside wineries, you’ll need every moment to enjoy this must-see city.
Just west of Vienna is the beautiful Wachau Valley; with rolling hills, vineyards and fortresses it’s a quaint town. The Danube winds its way through the cliffs and hills of Wachau Valley, making it an incredibly pretty place to visit – many say it’s the most scenic part of all. You can take to two wheels here, and cycling is a popular way of getting around, passing through villages and gorgeous vineyards. Hiking routes are available too, which pass through forests and climb up to peaks along the river for postcard-picture scenes.
When river cruising with Scenic, luxury comes as standard, with an award-winning service, all shore excursions included, state-of-the-art ships and an all-inclusive programme that not only includes your food and drink but provides extraordinary access to some of Europe’s most distinguished cultural hotspots. What’s more, dining is at its best, with a choice of onboard dining restaurants from casual to fine dining – and don’t forget your included mini bar for those moments of down-time. And that’s not all; you’ll have your very own private butler who can take care of anything from the complimentary laundry concierge to bringing you a light lunch on the Sun Deck. Oh, and with Scenic, the experience doesn’t just start when you board – airport transfers are also included so you can relax from the moment you leave home.
We also understand that right now, plans sometimes need to change. To recognise this, Scenic is giving you peace of mind with flexible bookings and a complimentary deposit protection plan. This means should you need to change your booking, your deposit will be transferred straight over to your amended trip, and you can defer your holiday up to 60 days prior to departure on any booking, so you can travel safely.
Scenic has a range of incredible river cruises in Europe and beyond, all offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences. With departures available into 2022, we would love to discuss one of their exciting trips with you. When you’re ready to book again, contact us today and we’ll help you find the cruise that’s right for you.
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