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.
Situated in one of Portugal’s most celebrated wine regions, and within a cork’s throw of the Douro River, is the Town of Pinhão. Considered to be part of the demarcated port area, it is a popular destination for wine themed river cruises. And with all of the great places in the area where people may kick back with a glass of the region’s famous port, who could blame them?
Scotland is a small country in the United Kingdom. But don't let the size fool you. There is plenty to see and do while visiting this majestic island that is steeped in history.
Hola! Are you thinking of traveling to Spain? Then consider visiting Madrid. Located on the river Manzanares, it has more cloudless days than most other European cities.
Nestled in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides sits the Queen. She’s a 239-square mile stretch of whisky drinkers’ nirvana, also known as the Island of Islay. Her peat filled soil and grassy covered rock outcroppings have been home to several whisky distilleries for centuries. One of them is the Ardbeg. It sits due east of the Gaelic isle’s major port, Ellen, in the diminutive town of Argyll. People have been ordering drams of its finest whiskies on and off since 1815.
