Castles and Vineyards on a European River Cruise

Taking a cruise ship down the rivers of Europe brings you to some of the loveliest parts of the world in a pleasant and relaxed vacation. Drift past towering cliffs topped with watchful castles, hillsides verdant with grapes for local wines and medieval monasteries on your European river cruise.

The Delights of a European River Cruise

Waterways have always been an attractive place for people to settle. The rivers of Europe provided life-giving water and food to the settlements that sprang up along their banks. They were also a vital means of transportation and commerce. Because of this historical development at the rivers' edges, a European river cruise takes you past the most picturesque villages, medieval cities, imperial palaces and haunting ruins in the world.

Of course, rivers supported agriculture as well, meaning that in between the settled areas are wide swatches of verdant farmland. Vineyards green with grape vines, long hops vines staked to telephone-poles, thick forests and golden wheat fields augment the natural sights along your cruise.

Churches of the loveliest of architecture for thousands of years cluster along the river's route. From towering cathedrals and medieval monasteries to the clean white or onion-shaped steeples found in nearly every small village, stunningly beautiful churches will inspire you with their centuries old tradition of faith.

River cruise packages are also the best way to get a taste of different cultures and heritages in an easy, trouble-free manner. Your ship functions as a floating hotel that carries you through one gorgeous country after another. Taste German beer and sausage, dance to an Austrian waltz, visit an open-air market in Slovakia, and see the ancient churches of Budapest, all without repacking your bags.

The River Cruises Nearly every major river in Europe offers some kind of cruise package. Here are a few of the most popular European cruise vacations:

The Danube - Although the Danube is not as blue as Strauss claims, it still makes a beautiful place for a cruise vacation. A popular cruise package choice sails the Danube from Nuremberg through Passau into Austria. It stops at Vienna and then moves on into Slovakia, finally arriving in Budapest.

The Rhine - The Rhine starts in the Swiss Alps, making its way to the ocean near the Netherlands. One popular cruise vacation is a trip down the section of the Rhine between Germany and France. This middle section of the Rhine is known as the setting for Wagner's Ring operas and is the home of Riesling wine. The river is studded with castles nestled atop of lofty cliffs, making it one of the most beautiful trips in Europe.

The Rhone - France offers a variety of lovely river cruises on the Rhone and Saone Rivers through Province, including the "Popes' City" of Avignon and the chance to see the magnificent Gothic architecture in Lyon.

Scottish Waterways - See sights like Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye from aboard a luxurious cruise ship. Scotland is full of waterways, and cruising them gives you a unique perspective on the country.

Whatever river you chose explore, European river cruises supply an easy way to see a country without having to worry about finding a hotel for the night or an interpreter who knows your language. Cruise ships provide the comforts of home, even when you're on the go. ...