Published in Cruise World, Autumn 2008.
Travelling the great rivers of Europe is like opening a treasure chest. Each time you discover something exquisite, something even more beautiful catches your eye.
From medieval towns with cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, to hillsides lined with vineyards and castles, there is fairytale scenery at every turn. Experiencing it from a small cruise ship allows you to enjoy the comforts of a five-star hotel without having to unpack your bags at each destination.
From beautifully preserved Rothenburg to Cologne with its magnificent cathedral and the colourful canals of Amsterdam, Europe is a treat for anyone interested in history, architecture or just simply beautiful scenery.
Trafalgar Uniworld’s European Serenade, a 13-day cruise from Vienna to Amsterdam that can also be done in reverse, takes in three spectacular rivers: the Danube, Main and Rhine. Also included is the Main-Danube Canal, a feat of modern engineering. It’s fascinating to see how the ship negotiates the narrow locks.
Romantics love the Rhine, especially the section around Rüdesheim where the scenery is so spectacular it has World Heritage listing. Narrow and once quite treacherous – hence the legend of the Lorelei, about a siren luring sailors to their death – this busy working river is little challenge for the Grand River Empress (Countess???) and the Grand River Duchess.
So gentle do these long, sleek vessels cruise that you sleep like a baby, lulled along by inviting beds and down-filled pillows. All rooms have an outside window, private bathrooms stocked with aromatherapy products, flat-screen televisions and a sitting area.
The food – a blend of classic and contemporary European cuisine – is outstanding, with complimentary fine wines at dinner. Cappuccinos and lattes are available 24 hours a day, while the Captain’s welcome and farewell dinner are highlights.
One of 26 European river cruise itineraries offered by Traflagar Uniworld in 2008, the European Serenade package includes 11 complimentary shore excursions led by English-speaking local guides. State-of-the-art audio headsets are provided so that you can wander off for a closer view of some architectural gem or gorgeous shop window while still listening to every word the guide has to say.
Optional excursions include a classical music concert in Vienna, the picturesque Dutch windmill village of Zaanse Schans, and a superb dinner at Rüdesheim Schloss.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the cruise is Siegfried’s Museum in Rüdesheim, with its amazing mechanical musical instruments. Regensburg is an unspoiled gem that richly deserves its World Heritage listing. And few could fail to be impressed by Rothenburg, Germany’s best preserved medieval town.
With a maximum of 132 passengers, Trafalgar Uniworld’s boutique cruise ships have a friendly intimacy but are not so small that you are in each other’s laps. Service is attentive and personal.
Regardless of how fit you are, walking in Europe can be tiring – all those cobbled streets are hard on the legs. It’s great knowing that you can retreat to the sanctuary of your floating hotel and put your feet up while travelling to the next destination.
Fact file:
For more information about Trafalgar Uniworld’s selection of five-star European river cruises, visit www.trafalgar.net.au/RiverCruise or your local travel agent.
© Christine Salins
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