Europe

Three’s the charm

Once only sailed by cargo ships, the waterways of Europe’s heartland have grown to become the epicentre of river cruising. Criss-crossing over borders means coming across a myriad of different landscapes and histories, each easily explored by simply disembarking on the doorstep. Like on the Rhine flowing from Switzerland to the Netherlands, passing dioramas strewn with castles and fortresses to visit. Or the river’s left tributary, the Moselle, whose Riesling vineyards tempt a tasting or two. Then there’s cruising juggernaut the Danube, running through capitals encompassing Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, as well as six UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the stunning Wachau Valley.

Romanticism reigns

Like the country itself, France’s rivers hold a heady allure that can’t be shaken. Falling in love with the rural scenes comes easy when gliding down the Rhône in Burgundy and on Provence’s Saône River. Where visits to the lavender fields make for irresistible photo-ops and medieval villages step back in time. Sailing through Bordeaux on the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde estuary means exploring pretty châteaus and visiting wineries in the coveted Médoc region. But it’s the renowned Seine that takes the crown for diversity, including stops that take in Paris’ sparkling streets, Claude Monet’s idyllic home in Giverny, and the historic site of the D-Day landings.

Voyage through the valley

The bustling Portuguese city of Porto turns heads with its busy waterfront, teeming with shops, cafés and bars (selling its most infamous export, port wine, of course). Its iconic bridge stands strong, one side graced by the Atlantic, the other, the gateway to languid leisure on the Douro Valley. Sail through the idyllic landscape, flanked by rolling green hills and prehistoric Côa rock faces. Stopping at Lamego where Baroque architecture is aplenty, the Sanctuary of our Lady of Remedies is the pinnacle. Then venturing to Vega de Terron, a clear Spanish influence takes over — cemented in a journey over the border to experience the 'Golden City’ of Salamanca.