Five romantic rivers
With Valentine’s Day having just slipped by, we’re willing to bet that there are more than a few couples out there who have raised the idea of a romantic getaway.
It’s your job to make them realise that a river cruise can offer them everything they want and more.
The slow pace, intimate setting and locations in the heart of historical cities and regions make it the ideal break for couples wanting nothing more than to gaze into each other’s eyes… need we say more?
The River Seine
The River Seine flows right from the English Channel for 776km but it’s one specific section that starry-eyed lovers will be interested in: Paris.
The City of Love is a destination on the lists of many. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Champs Elysee. Need we say more? However, all of that romance doesn’t come cheap. Especially where hotel rooms and restaurants are concerned. Why not board a river ship in the heart of the city with a price that includes meals?
Avalon Waterways offers an 8-day cruise from Paris to Rouen with excursions to Napoleon’s château and an entire day to yourself in the capital.
The Elbe
Elbe cruises can cover a huge amount of both East Germany and the Czech Republic meaning that cruises often start in Berlin and end in Prague.
The beautiful region will also see couples tour the castles of Saxon monarchs and the lush valleys of Saxon Switzerland as well the cities of Dresden and Meissen.
Viking River Cruises offers a 10-day Elbe cruise that does exactly the above – giving plenty of time for couples to enjoy the delights that East Germany and the Czech Republic has to offer.
The Po
The waterways of Venice are a must for any romantically inclined traveller. From the lagoon itself to St. Mark’s Basilica and the intricate inner canals of Italy’s floating city.
However, Venice has become as famous for its prices as it has for its passion, and for those who want to enjoy the city but not pay over the odds, Shearings has the answer.
The operator is taking bookings on six-day stays onboard the Michelangelo and running coach trips to nearby UNESCO site Ferrara as well as Verona, made famous by Romeo and Juliet. What better way to spend time with the one you love?
The Douro
Lisbon is often seen as a surprising – albeit ever-present – contender in the lists of most romantic cities in the world but its place on our list is well deserved.
The Douro River, which starts in Portugal’s other city, Porto, snakes its way inland towards the Spanish border, taking in some great wine country in the Douro Valley.
Think Portugal and think wine, history and probably more wine.
Uniworld has an 11-day offering which starts with two days in Lisbon and includes a transfer to Porto where the cruise begins. Passengers will be treated to flamenco in Salamanca, dinner in a private vineyard and walking tours of UNESCO heritage sites.
Prices from £2,649 per person
The Danube
With so much choice on the Danube it’s hard to know which cruise is right for you. The mighty river packs a real punch and can include a list of countries that seemingly goes on forever.
One thing to make sure of when taking a Danube cruise though – make sure you get at least one evening in Vienna.
Austria’s capital is a magical city and often said to be at its best during the evening; when its elegant riverbank is at its best.
This 12-day AmaWaterways voyage includes an overnight stay in Vienna with optional evening concert. It also calls at Budapest, Bratislava and Prague – making it a heavyweight contender for one of the most romantic cruises on the market today.
Have we missed any? Let us know below…
[…] With Valentine’s Day having slipped by, we’re betting that there are more than a few couples out there who have raised the idea of a romantic getaway… […]