By Contributing Writer
Many people dream of backpacking through
Europe, and seeing the splendor of the old continent. In addition to taking trains through the countryside, and wandering through the streets of great cities, cruising down Europe's rivers and waterways can be an incredible way to spend your visit. Here are some of the best rivers to cruise, and suggestions for specific
cruises to take.
Paris Seine Cruises
Paris is defined by the Seine like no other city in France. The river banks (and two islands--the Isle de la Cite and the Isle de Saint Louis) thrive with life, culture, museums, and ancient buildings. A great way to see Paris is to take a day cruise down the Seine. You can take a day or night cruise on one of Paris' "bateaux-mouches" (pleasure boats), or you can take a lunch or dinner cruise. Dinner cruises are a more formal (and expensive) affair than the lunch cruises.
Most tour companies in Paris will offer tickets for these cruises.
Po River
Venice is famous for its canals, so there's no better way to visit and see this storied city than through a cruise through Italy's Po River Valley. Blue Water Holidays, a UK-based tour company, offers this five-night cruise from Venice to its islands.
Roman Borders
Viking River Cruises offers several trips down the former borders of the Roman Empire--the Danube and Rhine rivers. Viking's selection of Danube cruises are all eight days, and sail through Germany, Austria, and Hungary. The Rhine River cruises begin in Switzerland, and take you through Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, stopping in Amsterdam and Brugge, among many other cities.
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