Embarking on a European cruise is an economical and convenient method of travel. Whether you choose a grand cruise ship or a scenic river cruise, you’ll only need to unpack once, yet you’ll visit some of the most stunning places on earth! This is the perfect vacation for those seeking to admire renowned artworks, breathtaking architecture, and spectacular landscapes.
Your cruise ship allows access to all the popular sites. Those not in port are readily reachable via a short bus or train journey. Onboard, you have the option to book shore excursions for guided tours or obtain information for independent exploration.
When planning your vacation, remember to consider the weather. Depending on your desired experiences, the weather could be too hot or too cold. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:
Mediterranean: The most comfortable travel times are spring and fall when temperatures are cooler. The summer can be extremely hot, perfect for those wanting to bask in the sun on beautiful beaches, but less ideal for exploring historical sites.
Scandinavia and the Baltics: Late spring temperatures in this region can be cool, making late summer the best time to visit. Travellers in July can enjoy the midnight sun with only 3 to 4 hours of darkness each night. Winter months offer visitors a chance to marvel at the Northern Lights.
Great Britain and Ireland: Be prepared for rain and cooler temperatures when travelling here, which contribute to the lush, green landscapes. The sunniest months are in late summer and early fall.
Rivers of Europe: If you choose to cruise on one of Europe’s beautiful rivers, you’ll find the best weather in the summer. However, those looking to stroll through a tulip garden will find April the optimal time. To experience magical twinkling lights, fairy tale palaces, and festive holiday fare at the enchanting Christmas markets, you’ll need to bundle up for a December visit.
Now, where would you like to go?
A cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean takes you to Greece, the Greek Isles, Venice Italy, and Croatia, where you’ll find fairy tale castles, beautiful artworks, and breathtaking ruins and scenery.
Western Mediterranean Cruises will transport you from the southern tip of Italy, France, and Spain to the straits of Gibraltar. On this cruise, you can visit Rome, Florence, Naples, Monte Carlo, Nice, and Barcelona. Enjoy the Riviera beaches and the sparkling waters of the Amalfi coast. Visit the Vatican, the ruins of Pompeii, and see the intriguing architecture of Barcelona.
A Baltic Cruise takes you to Denmark, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, St. Petersburg, Russia, Amsterdam, and Belgium. Each of these countries offers much to see, including fairy tale castles, gilded palaces, great works of art, and many fascinating sites.
On a Norwegian Fjords Cruise, you’ll find spectacular scenery and unique sights. You’ll travel over deep water fjords and through narrow inlets carved by millions of years of ancient glacier activity. This is a great trip for nature lovers, with hundreds of rare and beautiful birds and animals to see along the way.
A River Cruise will take you along the rivers of Europe. Many cities are on the banks of these rivers, making it easy to visit all the historic sites. Discover Old World and European culture as you cruise on the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Douro, and Seine. Explore Austria, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Enjoy a trip to a vineyard, visit ancient castles, and admire amazing artworks at the many museums along the way.
A British Isles Cruise takes you to England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. The lush green landscapes and remarkable historic sites make for an unforgettable vacation experience. Visit castles, churches, and taste the local fare at a pub.
Istanbul, Turkey: Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is the cultural and historical heart of the country. Its willingness to blend the old with the new has created a unique and fascinating identity. As the center of two great empires – the Ottoman and Byzantine – Istanbul is steeped in history. The modern city has a forward-looking energy, with a young population open to foreign influences and eager for change. Notable attractions include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and The Grand Bazaar Istanbul.
Kusadasi, Turkey: One of the most attractive cities of the Aegean, Kusadasi is close to important historical sites including Ephesus, Didyma, Priene, and Miletos. Kusadasi has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers, mild winters, and 300 days of sunshine a year. Its powdery, sandy beaches allow for a great variety of water and beach activities. As the day ends, friendly cafes and restaurants are great places to experience Kusadasi’s superb panoramic sunset.
Mykonos, Greece: Mykonos is an essential part of the Greek Island experience. A cubist painting of white buildings and 35 beautiful golden beaches, Mykonos is young, hip, and hedonistic. It has transitioned from sleepy fishing villages to jet set, to hipster haven, and is now settling into more mainstream tourism. Petros the Pelican, a long-time celebrity of the town’s waterfront, has been the mascot of Mykonos for over 50 years. Spending a few hours at Paradise Beach is an interesting way to pass the time.
Marmaris, Turkey: This port town along the Mediterranean coast has transformed from a prosperous fishing port a few decades ago to a vibrant tourist resort. Its Mediterranean climate and location make Marmaris ideal for sailing, diving, and pleasure boating. It still retains its quaint charm, due in large part to its exceptional location between two intersecting sets of mountains.
Rhodes, Greece: Located in the eastern Aegean Sea, and within sight of the Turkish coast, Rhodes is a blend of Turkish and Crusader influences. The city is home to numerous landmarks, some dating back to antiquity and most from the Knights’ Period. One of the largest and most fertile of the Greek Islands, Rhodes’ attractions include secluded beaches, amazing archaeological sites, and an extensive medieval heritage. It remains one of the most beautiful cities in the world and one of the most urbane and delightful cities of the Greek Islands.
Santorini, Greece: Often referred to as the diamond of the Greek Islands, Santorini is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic eruption that destroyed the earliest settlements on the island and created a geological caldera. With white sculptured villages nestled atop steep volcanic cliffs that fall sharply into the deep blue Aegean Sea, Santorini is a paradise for shoppers, photographers, artists, hikers, or anyone who just wants to sit at a cafe and soak up the sun and the magic of the Greek Islands.
Aghios Nikolaos, Greece: This inviting village in the southern Mediterranean off the coast of Greece has been portrayed by travel connoisseurs as The New Cote d’Azur. Set dramatically against a backdrop of aqua-blue waters, majestic cypress trees, wild olive groves, rolling hills and distant snow-capped mountains, Aghios Nikolaos is one of the most picturesque spots overseeing the Messinian Gulf. This hidden pearl welcomes renowned artists, musicians, philosophers, and writers looking for that ideal place to get away.
Nauplion, Greece: Nauplion is one of the most charismatic cities in the Peloponnese region of Greece, with a rich history dating back to antiquity. It has played an important role throughout history, including before and after the War of Independence, and was also the first capital of independent Greece. The city juts perfectly into the Argolic Gulf and the area of Nauplion has several historical sites of interest that reflect the many influences that this town has had over the centuries.
Piraeus, Greece: The cruise comes to an end in Piraeus, the main port of Athens, the biggest port in Greece, and one of the leading ports in the Mediterranean. If flight schedules permit a bit of time, a visit to the Maritime Museum is a worthwhile endeavor. The Maritime Exhibits cover about 3,000 years of Greek nautical history and include models of ancient and modern ships, as well as paintings by some of the greatest 19th and 20th century Greek painters of seascapes, maps, nautical instruments, etc.