International river cruises
River cruises are not restricted to the UK and groups can embark on one in other parts of the world, enjoying sightseeing in comfort and without the crowds. Kerry Bailey takes a look at what’s on offer for groups.
Groups need not feel confined to the UK when planning a river cruise. The world’s rivers are easily accessible with several tour operators offering worldwide river cruising itineraries that have been tailor-made for groups. Combining all of the facilities usually found in a modern hotel with a gentle method of travel and endless sightseeing opportunities, an international river cruise is certainly something to consider.
Varied European destinations
Not too far from home, the River Seine is the second largest river in France and runs directly through the centre of Paris. It was the inspiration for several of Claude Monet’s best known works of art and many of the city’s famous landmarks can be found on its banks including Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, providing groups with the ideal location for sightseeing.
To see the slightly more glamorous side of France, groups can take a cruise on the River Rhone, taking in destinations such as Nice and Avignon in addition to the very glitzy St. Tropez and Monaco.
Forming in the south-eastern mountains of Switzerland is the Rhine, which continues to run directly north through western Germany. Travelling through stunning urban and rural scenery alike, most operators offer groups the option of a cruise through both Switzerland and Germany or a shorter cruise through Germany alone with highlights including the city of Cologne and the Black Forest.
Also in this part of the country is the River Elbe, which flows from the Czech Republic through rugged mountains and picturesque riverside towns to Germany. The winding course of the river allows groups to experience the sights of Prague in addition to various historic German cities such as Dresden and Berlin.
Originating in the Black Forest, meanwhile, is the Danube, one of the most popular European rivers for cruising amongst groups. Although the river starts in Germany, it runs its course through Hungary, Austria and Slovakia, allowing groups to enjoy quaint medieval villages, wooded valleys and great bustling cities such as Budapest, Belgrade and Vienna, all of which line its banks.
Staying in Europe, groups can choose from a wealth of rivers and canals when planning a cruise through Holland. These include the River Ijssel, with destinations such as Deventer – founded in the 8th century and one of Holland’s oldest cities – and the 13th century town of Kampen on its banks. Also, the River Meuse, which runs through historic and modern cities alike including Maastricht and Rotterdam is an option.
Groups can also cruise into the heart of Italy and discover the historic sights of Venice with a trip on the River Po. Also situated further along the River are Chioggia with its traditional weekly market, Mantova and Verona.
Something exotic
For more adventurous groups who do not mind travelling further afield, there are plenty of exotic offerings to choose from.
Groups travelling along the Volga, the waterway that links Moscow and St Petersburg in Russia, will find a wealth of attractions to uncover including the historic Red Square and the iconic St Basil’s Cathedral in the capital city. Proceeding on to the Moscow Canal, which is connected to the Moskva River, groups will come to the White Lake, once known at the Tsar’s Fishing Grounds, and eventually to St. Petersburg, where passengers can uncover attractions such as the ornate Palace Square and the Yusopov Palace, where the infamous royal advisor Rasputin met his grisly end.
Moving to the Far East, a trip down the Yangtze River in China allows groups to experience the beauty of the Parrot and Dragon Boat Gorges as well as to infiltrate various aspects of Chinese culture with the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors at Xian amongst the landmarks to discover when disembarking.
The River Nile, meanwhile, has been Egypt’s lifeline for thousands of years and, today, provides a good way to see the country. Operators’ cruises usually travel between Aswan and Luxor, which encompasses the capital city of Cairo and sights such as the Valley of the Kings and the Pyramids of Giza.