Experience Europe’s Magical Waterways: The Seven River Journey
River cruising is on the brain this week, as we work on various client river cruises for the rest of the year and into next, and officially launch a Danube River cruise pilgrimage this fall. An even bigger trend in river cruising has emerged, and since I like to keep you in the know, I share that info this week…
Seven River Journey Through Europe
River cruising has become increasingly popular among travelers looking for a unique and immersive way to explore Europe’s historic waterways.
However, a new travel offering has emerged that takes river cruising to a whole new level – the seven-river journey.
This epic river cruise experience travels through seven of Europe’s most picturesque rivers and offers fantastic opportunities for cultural exploration along the way.
This new type of river cruise journey had its first sailing begin two weeks ago, with more journeys later this year and in 2024.
Enjoy an Epic River Cruise Experience
The Seven River Journey is an epic river cruise experience that covers a distance of 1200 miles. One version includes the Rivers Scheldt, Maas, Waal of the Netherlands and Belgium, Rhine, Main, Moselle, and the legendary Danube. Another itinerary includes the Seine, Rhone, Saone in France, along with the Rhine, Main, Moselle, and Danube.
One of the highlights of the Seven River Journey is the chance to visit some of Europe’s most historic and culturally rich cities on a leisurely and extended vacation. The journey also takes travelers to explore picturesque villages, sample local cuisine, and experience unique local customs and traditions.
Along the River Scheldt, travelers can explore the historic cities of Antwerp and Ghent, famous for their stunning Gothic architecture, bustling markets, and delicious local specialties.
The Maas River takes travelers through the heart of the Netherlands, passing by picturesque windmills, quaint villages, and vibrant tulip fields.
The Waal River offers a chance to discover the charming city of Nijmegen, home to an array of museums and historic buildings.
The Rhine River travels through the Netherlands and winds through Germany and France past majestic castles and picturesque vineyards. Here, travelers can visit the charming city of Cologne and its iconic cathedral, stroll through the historic town of Strasbourg, and pass through the stunning Rhine Gorge.
Within France, the Seine River has Paris as a highlight visit, along with the artist inspired explorations in Monet’s Giverny, the medieval and cultural vibe of Rouen, and the historic and impressive sights of Normandy.
Cruise along the Rhone and Saone Rivers into the heart of Burgundy and Provence. Enjoy Lyon for the its gastronomic delights, discover the wine regions, and tour the quaint town of Avignon and its mix of culture and cafes.
As the journey continues along the Main River, travelers can explore the medieval towns of Bamberg, with its stunning Baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage.
The Moselle River offers a chance to discover the charming city of Trier, famous for its well-preserved Roman ruins. The river is renowned for its picturesque scenery, offering travelers the chance to visit the medieval town of Cochem, known for its castle perched high on a hill, and the charming village of Bernkastel-Kues, famous for its half-timbered houses and quaint market square.
The legendary Danube River takes travelers through some of Europe’s most iconic cities, including Vienna and Budapest. You’ll definitely want to see the House of Parliament by night, enjoy scenic views of the Wachau Valley, and visit charming villages such as Dürnstein.
Overall, the journey encompasses a multitude of destinations, ranging from the charming cities of Koblenz, Rudesheim, Melk Mainz, and Nuremberg in Germany to the captivating capitals of Bratislava Slovakia and Belgrade, Serbia.
Spanning across 15 countries, the itinerary covers an impressive range of destinations, from the lowlands of the Netherlands and Belgium to the stunning landscapes of Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova.
How does it work?
These unique sailings are planned for spring, summer, and fall, with two different types of river journeys available.
The first type is comprised of seven rivers that are not all connected, which means that travelers will change ships at some point during their journey.
This type of itinerary typically includes a mix of river and land travel to get from one river to the next, with all arrangements seamlessly coordinated so it is effortless for the traveler. This journey offers the opportunity to explore different regions, cultures, and attractions that may not be accessible from a single-ship itinerary.
The itinerary includes charming Parisian boat rides, trips to Normandy’s historic D-Day landing beaches, an exclusive tour of Germany’s stunning Lahneck Castle, and visits to lesser-known destinations in Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania, among other countries.
On the other hand, the all-connected seven-river journey that uses one ship requires unpacking once as you sail such a variety of charming towns and capital cities. You’ll explore fifteen countries from Amsterdam all the way to the Black Sea.
Both journeys offer unique and breathtaking experiences along some of Europe’s most iconic rivers. Travelers will be able to explore an assortment of UNESCO World Heritage sites and indulge in authentic local culinary experiences.
River Cruising Experiences
If you’ve never taken a river cruise before, it’s probably best to start with a one week or two week journey to experience this delightful travel style. With a river cruise, you can immerse yourself in the heart of Europe’s most stunning cities and charming towns while enjoying your floating hotel’s comfort and luxury.
Each river offers its own charms and highlights, so each of the itineraries is worth exploring, over time, or all at once on a seven river journey!
