2009 European River Cruises

Trafalgar, in partnership with Uniworld presents an unrivalled River Cruise program with unique itineraries and superb five-star inclusions. You’ll travel in comfort and style onboard our luxurious ships and uncover treasures you find straight out of history books and fairytales: magnificent cathedrals, bustling marketplaces and historic castles – all from the comfort of your stateroom.

2009 European River Cruise program has now been released and includes the following exciting new cruises:

Paris & European River Romance: 11 days. Paris - Nuremberg

Paris & The heart of Europe: 18 daysParis - Vienna

Paris & Grand European Waterways: 32 daysParis - Bucharest

Rhine & Main Holiday Markets: 9 daysNuremberg - Cologne

Parisian Winter Holiday: 9 days Paris - Paris

Egyptian Voyager: 10 daysCairo - Cario

Why a River Cruise?

There is no finer way to explore the beauty of Europe than by going on Europe River cruises. European River cruises are a perfect way to discover the unmatched splendor of Europe. Europe's majestic streams will take you to the many glorious cities in the heart of the land. Not just this, you will have a tête-à-tête with the wonderful cultures that are flourishing beside these inland waterways. The views are lovely and will be etched in your mind. Why restrict yourself just to the coastal areas? Why limit your travel just to the big cruise ships?

Instead sail in the small rivers and explore the inner edges of the land also. European river cruises will take you to some of the most appealing and enticing sites of the world. River cruises to Europe will take you to the lavish landscape, vibrant vistas, furious forests and what not. You can explore the unmatched beauty of the place by going on a European river cruise.

River cruises to Europe will take the travelers to the land that enthused Van Gogh along the Rhone. Europe is also the place where the philosophical thought of Impressionism developed. This happened in the land where the serene Seine flows.

Experience the magic of the meandering Danube, which is flowing through Germany, Hungary and Austria. Indulge in the charismatic aura of the Po River in Italy. No matter which trip you choose for yourself, a European river cruise will no doubt take you to some of the most fantastic places in Europe.

One question that might be haunting you is that - why should one see the sights of Europe on a river cruise? The answer to this question is simple.

In a river cruise:

• You will get your own cabin, which is the hotel for you.
• You will get to travel from one place to another in style.
• You don't have to drive yourself.
• No hassles of early morning train departures or overcrowded motor coaches.
• You have to pack and unpack your belongings only once.
• Marvelous meals, great company and comfy accommodation.
• Not very high prices.

River cruises are very popular in many countries, especially in Europe. One chief advantage of river cruising in Europe is that you can enjoy an exciting evening out on the river cruise and can come home the very same day. Not just this, there are many other benefits that you can enjoy like casinos, spas, pools, fitness centers, recreation centers, gym, dining places, bars, lounges, salons, restaurants, games and night clubs. These facilities are available on the ship itself that makes the trip all the more exhilarating.

Click here to see the original article on Travel Maps of the World.

River Cruise - Burgundy & Provence

Sail past quaint hilltop cities and lively towns, lush vineyards, fields of flowers, and sun-drenched vistas made famous by the likes of Van Gogh and Cezanne. Add in full-bodied wines, gourmet dishes, art and history for the journey of a lifetime.

Rates from R 22 650.00 per person

that is R 2835.00 per day - including meals, transport, sightseeing and 5* Cruise Treatment!

Day 1 - Transfer to Arles (embark)
Day 2 - Arles, Avignon
Day 3 - Avignon
Day 4 - Viviers, Tournon
Day 5 - Tournon, Tain l’Hermitage, Lyon
Day 6 - Lyon
Day 7 - Châlon-sur-Saône (Beaune)
Day 8 - Chalon-sur-Saône (disembark), transfer to Lyon airport

Cruise Ships operating this itinerary: River Royale

Sightseeing Highlights

Arles:Visit this friendly Mediterranean town, see the Roman Amphitheater and museum Espace Van Gogh.

Avignon:A walking tour including the Clocktower Square, Pope’s Palace Square with a visit into the Papal Palace.

Viviers:Visit Old Town, viewing medieval streets of this charming town.
Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage:See the twin cities nestled among the famous vineyards. Visit Tournons famous castle

Lyon:Founded by Julius Caesar about 2000 years ago, see the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière church and view the Beaujolais mountains.

Complimentary Transfers:

Important Note:Complimentary transfers will vary on certain tours especially if a Land portion is included on the tour. Please contact Trafalgar or your Travel Agent at time of booking to confirm the Complimentary transfer status on your selected tour.
Arrival Transfers:Flights must arrive between 0700 and 1400 on the day the cruise departs, or on the day any included land program begins in order to receive airport to ship transfers. These transfers are group transfers and passengers may experience a waiting period of up to 2 hours or more between transfers.
Passengers will need to make their way to the meet and greet area where they will be met by a representative holding a TRAFALGAR UNIWORLD sign. Passengers arriving outside the official dates of arrival shown in the brochure will need to make their own arrangements or purchase a private transfer.
Departure Transfers:Flights must depart between 0700 and 1700 on the day that the cruise or the included land package ends in order to receive the ship to airport transfer. Passengers departing later than this must make their own arrangements or purchase private transfers.

New for 2009! Epicurean Adventurer Program:

Private wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, and a special wine and food pairing dinner make your trip extra special.
Route to Beaune or Arles with shopping at an open-air food market.
Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage wine tasting and onboard chocolate sampling.
Chocolate crêpe-making demonstration and tasting.
Wine and food pairing dinner.

First Class Travel Highlights:

7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the breathtaking River Royale
6 shore excursions with all-English speaking guides
An experienced Cruise Manager and an attentive all English-speaking crew
All transfers on arrival and departure days
Complimentary use of bicycles
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions

Dining Highlights:

Captain’s Welcome & Farewell Dinners
All meals on board ship: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Complimentary fine wine during dinner, bottled water in your stateroom, and 24-hour specialty coffee
Classical European cuisine with a twist of contemporary elegance