River cruises are rapidly gaining prominence as an option to travel through Europe, giving travelers an opportunity to journey on some of Europe's great waterways. But of course, we'd be remiss to talk about river cruises without mentioning wine. Some of the best river cruises go straight through some of the world's most famous wine regions, offering wine tastings and vineyard explorations as part of their itineraries. A cruise from Lyon to Arles on the Rhône River is the perfect river cruise for wine lovers.
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Taking a river cruise on the Douro River provides a comfortable and exciting experience. You can view and explore spectacular scenery and interesting historic medieval hilltop villages that have barely changed over the centuries. The entire valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The steep hillsides are filled with carefully patterned terraces of vineyards, olive trees and almond trees. You can sample many wines including vintage port, and learn about Portuguese wine making in one of the oldest wine regions in the world.
Any conversation about European river cruises has to include the Rhine, one of the largest rivers in Europe that flows through Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands. And any conversation about the river at some point lands on the section known as the Romantic Rhine.
To any wine lover, Portugal is a paradise. The banks of the Duoro River offer some of the most beautiful and lush vineyards in the content, and the wide variety of grapes and wines make visiting the country a must for anyone appreciating a good vintage. What makes Portugal such an important country for wine? Let's examine.
Tourists flock to Europe for many reasons. The cities are majestic and romantic, the history is rich, and the food is outstanding. But come December, a singular purpose drives tourists to the Old World: The Christmas Markets. And taking them in from the Danube is one of the best ways to experience them.
So you've decided to go on a river cruise. Great choice! It's a perfect way to explore larger areas in Europe while still being able to enjoy each stop, intimately getting to know its culture, people and wine.
But next come the logistics. Where should I go? What should I see? Who should I take? How far in advance should you book? While there are many possible and great answers to the first three, let us give you our take on how far in advance you should book a river cruise.
Did you know that the venerable Cunard Line once started out as a mail carriage ship? The history of Cunard starts with its founding in 1840 as The Cunard Shipping Line under the name of The British and North American Royal Mail Steam-Packet Company. Samuel Cunard inaugurated the line to provide mail carriage from Britain to North America via steamships.
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and is the largest city and the capital of Portugal. It is also continental Europe’s westernmost large city, is the European Union’s eleventh most populous urban area with 27% of the country’s population living in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, and is the tenth richest metropolitan area in Europe. Lisbon lies on the Atlantic Ocean and the River Tagus in the western Iberian Peninsula and has the nicknames of “Queen of the Sea” and “The City of Seven Hills”.
The Douro River is nestled between steep mountainsides and is the second largest river in Portugal. If you are looking for a unique trip that combines beautiful scenery, plenty to do, and wine tasting, then maybe a visit to the Douro River Valley is right for you.
If you are thinking about touring whisky distilleries in Scotland, don’t forget about Moray Speyside. Located near the River Spey, it has long been known as the Mecca of the country’s single malt whisky industry. And there is a very good reason for that designation. Its home to more than 45 distilleries and host to one of the world’s most beloved homage to malted barley, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
