The affordable inland cruises across Europe this summer – with onboard cheese tastings and buzzing nightlife
TAKE to the rivers of Europe this summer.
Inland cruising can take you to the heart of ancient towns and cities, with time to enjoy the joys of stunning countryside as, for example, you sail from the dramatic scenery of the Rhine Gorge to the splendour of the Danube’s Wachau Valley.
Lisa Minot suggests some great summer cruises for value and sunshine.
FAB FOR FOODIES
EMERALD Cruises’ eight-day Sensations of Lyon and Provence is a foodie’s dream along the Rhône and Saône rivers.
The tour begins with a visit to the Hospices de Beaune, home to the biggest wine auction in Burgundy.
You’ll also enjoy cheese and olive tasting on board the luxurious Emerald Liberté.
Sample traditional Lyonnaise cuisine in Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, and digest your lunch on a guided walk or bike ride through the city.
In Avignon, enjoy a Provençal dining experienceFem on board, expertly prepared by French TV chef Fabien Morreale.
The cruise starts from £1,699 per person — down from £3,485, representing savings of £1,786 — based on June 22 departure.
Includes flights, transfers, meals, wifi and active excursions. For details see emeraldcruises.co.uk.
TEMPTING TRIO
VISIT three countries in eight days on Avalon Waterways’ The Rhine & Moselle for Wine Lovers: Canals, Vineyards and Castles cruise.
Sailing from Luxembourg on Avalon Imagery II, you’ll explore the waterways, wine regions and historic hills in the company of a Master of Wine who will host lectures and tastings, and give tips on food pairings.
You’ll make your way through Germany along the Moselle to Cochem and visit the Reichsburg Castle before sailing through the dramatic Rhine Gorge.
With stops in Rudesheim and Engers, your final German city is Cologne before you sail onwards to Amsterdam.
The cruise begins on October 10.
Prices are from £1,500pp including complimentary wine and beer with meals as well as shore excursions and premium tea and coffee.
See avalonwaterways.co.uk or call 0330 058 8243.
DELICIOUS DANUBE
CRUISE through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia on board the Tui Skyla’s Danube Treasures seven-night sailing.
Departing from Budapest, highlights include the chance to explore Vienna’s extravagant palaces, enjoy the Hungarian capital’s buzzing nightlife and a trio of Austrian treasures including Linz, Durnstein and Melk with its imposing abbey.
The Skyla has two restaurants and bars as well as an expansive top deck for sunbathing and even al-fresco dining.
Leaving the UK on July 8, the all-inclusive cruise costs from just £1,275pp including drinks and meals, flights from Gatwick, 20kg of luggage, transfers and tips.
PARIS SO PERFECT
SAIL from Paris on the Seine with CroisiEurope next month as the city prepares to host the Olympic Games.
This five-night round trip on board the MS Botticelli from the French capital sails through to the Normandy coast with stops in Poissy for a visit to the magnificent Palace of Versailles as well as the coastal gem of Honfleur and medieval architecture of Rouen.
The ship’s upper deck is home to the restaurant and lounge bar with dancefloor, while the sun deck has a large shaded area for relaxing on as the miles drift by.
Five nights’ all-inclusive, departing Paris on July 21, is from £686pp including all meals, drinks and port fees.
Travel to Paris is extra.
To book, see croisieurope.co.uk or call 01756 691 269.
VALLEY OF DELIGHTS
DISCOVER Portugal’s Alto-Douro Valley on a seven-night cruise on board the A-Rosa Alva.
Beginning in Porto, the sailing laces its way across the Spain-Portugal border, stopping off to explore verdant vineyards, walled villages and olive groves.
Also calls at the ancient Spanish city of Salamanca.
Prices for the August 14 sailing are from £2,029pp including return flights from Luton, transfers to the ship, seven nights’ premium all-inclusive plus a dinner and tastings at Quinta da Avessada and Quinta da Roeda.
For details see justgoholidays.com.