Since the days when a trip from America to Europe took months at a time, travelers have flocked to the European continent. Luckily for today's travelers, the journey is much easier and less time-consuming, making it an attainable dream for many. But if you're eager to see Europe from a different perspective, European river cruises are an unbeatable choice.
While land trips to Europe mostly take in the capitals and big cities, taking a river cruise gives you the opportunity to experience life in small towns and villages. And as you float between the destinations on the itinerary, you'll be able to relax and revel in the beauty of the scenery slowly passing by. But that's not the only allure of all-inclusive European river cruises offered by Tauck, where virtually every river cruise expense is included in one up-front price and every detail on your cruise is handled for you. It's easy to argue that eliminating the stress of planning is valuable in its own right, as is the ability to simply sit back and enjoy your trip.
The European landscape is crisscrossed by a number of legendary waterways as well as hidden gems that wind through unspoiled villages and countryside. Whether travelers want to focus their journeys on a specific country or visit a few, Tauck's European river cruises have something to interest everyone. From the Netherlands in the north to Bulgaria in the south, France in the west to Hungary in the east, there are almost countless ways to enjoy Europe's diverse cultures and stunning landscapes.
If you're curious about exploring your options for European river cruises, consider these itinerary possibilities:
* Belgium and Holland: Spring is one of the best times to visit the low countries, and Tauck's river cruises show you the very best the region has to offer. From the fairytale beauty of cities like Brugges to the hip urban center of Amsterdam, a European river cruise will take you to historic landmarks as well as cultural touchstones, like the flower-growing fields of Keukenhof.
* Germany: Cruises along the Rhine and Moselle rivers take you through some of Germany's most dramatic landscapes, and give you the chance to see charming medieval villages as well as imposing riverside castle complexes. The region has added attraction for wine connoisseurs as some of the best white wines in the world are grown and produced on the area's slate-rich hillsides.
* Eastern Europe: For those interested in slightly more unconventional European river cruises, Tauck offers a Budapest-to-Black Sea itinerary that will pique the interest of those looking for something different. The handsome architecture of Budapest and Bucharest contrasts with the modest villages of the countryside, where history feels very much alive in the present day. Tour ancient castles, dine on regional specialties and experience a surprising side of Europe.
Cruising Europe's rivers makes it easy to get close to the rhythm of day-to-day life in the Old World while still seeing the monuments and capital cities that draw crowds year after year. For more information or to download an e-brochure about European river cruises, visit Tauck online.
