Given how many fantastic rivers cut across the varied landscapes of Europe, it’s no wonder river cruises have proven such a popular way to explore the continent in style. Combining luxury, adventure, cultural experiences and convenience, they offer everything you might want from a summer escape while minimising the bits that could detract from your enjoyment. So, here’s why a river cruise could be exactly what you’re looking for this summer.
1. Embrace the Long, Warm Days for Scenic Delights
With summer comes even more daylight hours, meaning you can take in even more as you cruise along on a Rhine river cruise. Warmer evenings make for ideal conditions when looking to dine al fresco, watching the scenery slowly pass by as the sun sets over old towns and verdant fields. Each destination you reach will be in prime condition to explore, and then you can retreat back on board and read a good book in the sun surrounded by natural beauty.
2. Immerse Yourself in Vibrant Summer Festivals and Events
In Europe, summer signals the arrival of many cultural celebrations in many different countries - with river cruises connecting you to all manner of these experiences. Whether this is music festivals, cultural celebrations or local traditions, there’s bound to be something along each stop of your cruise. Many cruise companies plot out their summer schedules to accommodate these seasonal events, meaning passengers get the best value and can offer guided trips so you don’t miss a thing.
3. Enjoy Comfortable Temperatures and Gentle Breezes
There’s nothing worse than landing for your holiday and instantly feeling too hot and bothered. That’s where river cruises come into their own. As the ship cruises along the river, the gentle movement creates a nice breeze to enjoy. Coupled with shaded areas on board, you won’t struggle to find a spot that’s a comfortable temperature to enjoy after exploring on the shore.
4. Explore Historic Towns and Cities at Their Most Lively
Summer has a life about it that makes European riverside times even more vibrant and exciting to discover. River cruises will dock at the heart of these spots, giving you easy access to go out and find a part of them that speaks to you without needing to travel far. Then as we travel, you’ll be able to wake up in a brand new location to discover almost every day, so you’ll never be short of new experiences with a river cruise.
5. Savour Seasonal Culinary Experiences
A river cruise provides more than just a place to stay and method of transport. It’s also your portal into the culinary world you’re travelling through. The chefs on board will often buy ingredients from local markets along the route, then craft seasonal menus that highlight these delicacies. From asparagus in Germany, to fresh berries in France and newly released wines picked up along the way. Many river cruises will even feature food tours that’ll take you to the best spots on each of your stops, so you don’t miss a single local dish.
So, if you’re looking for something a bit different this summer that packages all the best bits of a holiday into a convenient package, why not see what river cruise route speaks to your tastes?
