Page 5 - Travel Advisors of Los Gatos – Summer 2016

E RIVER CRUISE
By
Frances O’Keefe
ER 2016
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, al fresco dining American Queen Steamboat Company, American Queen
personal journey of discovery through Europe. In France, cruise the Seine from Paris through
the heart of Normandy, the Marne from Paris to Épernay, or the Garonne from Bordeaux to the country’s lush wine regions. The Garonne River
was once known as an essential inland shipping
route used to transport many goods, including the region’s wine. Through Spain, the Garonne flows into Bordeaux’s Gironde estuary. Winding through quaint French towns, including Pauillac, the river makes its way into Bordeaux’s wine region, along the Médoc wine route, passing exquisite wineries and vineyards, such as Châteaux d’Arsac. Rhone cruises take visitors through the heart of Provence and Burgundy and into the splendor of southern France.
Enjoy a leisurely sailing through the Schelde and Lys rivers, as well as the canals of Holland and Belgium. Travel from Amsterdam to Antwerp, admiring the unique beauty of remote country regions with windmills, tulip fields in full bloom and grand medieval cities. One of Amsterdam’s most extraordinary features is the city’s intricate canal system. Designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2010, construction on the first of the canal’s concentric routes began in the early 17th century. Sailing through the canals is a popular activity
for visitors to the city, as it affords an incredible perspective, not available when exploring most cities.
In Central and Eastern Europe, make the journey along the Elbe from Hamburg to Prague, through Eastern Germany and the Czech Republic, which boasts exquisitely preserved castles and palaces. During a sailing along the Danube from Passau, which borders Austria and the Czech Republic, experience a city that dates back more than
2,500 years.
European river cruising is unlike the large-ship experiences of trans-oceanic sailing through the Atlantic or Pacific. The intimacy and luxury of these experiences complements the rich cultures and fantastic historical tales of Europe’s most alluring regions.
THE AMERICAN WATERWAY
As European river cruising has remained popular, many travelers have overlooked the proud heritage linked to river cruising within the United States.
In recent years, this trend has shifted as American river cruise companies improved their offerings by reviving the traditional charm of Americana.
The American Queen Steamboat Company’s American Queen boasts Victorian-style staterooms that include superior and deluxe suites or budget- friendly quarters. Staterooms offer period-style bathrooms with modern amenities, and most include a shower and bathtub.
American Queen voyages take passengers along the Mississippi River to towns that capture the
As European river cruising
has remained popular, many travelers have overlooked the proud heritage linked to river cruising within the United States.
essence of Southern hospitality and traditional Americana. Choosing American river cruising allows travelers to tap into the culture that influenced the country’s development.
Journeys on the American Queen include ports of call in popular cities and smaller, hidden American towns. The ship sails year round, yet the holidays provide an atmosphere that is incomparable to sailings during any other season. Prior to sailing, a stay at Nashville’s Opryland Hotel, where each year they celebrate A Country Christmas by decorating the property with more than two million lights, horse- drawn carriage rides, an outdoor nativity display and visits with Santa Claus, sets the ideal holiday tone.
In large cities, such as Memphis and Baton Rouge, guests can venture out to experience the values and pride that allowed these cities to develop their strong roots of American heritage. Visiting heritage sites including old plantations, museums and areas of historic importance allows travelers to understand the components of American history.
The American Queen’s final stop in New Orleans
is an exciting end to this Mississippi River adventure. Though passengers disembark in this city, there is no reason to end the journey. The historic French Quarter can be toured with a group or enjoyed by walking through the neighborhood to see attractions such as Gallier House, Le Petit Theatre, French market, or learn to create regional specialties at the New Orleans School of Cooking.
Sailing on a river cruise affords experiences that aren’t possible on a land-only tour. The slow pace of travel aboard a ship allows travelers to slow down and fully enjoy the entire adventure, while still experiencing all the popular sites and attractions of port cities.
56 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030 • (408) 354-6531 • (800) 446-8644 • FAX: (408) 354-3871
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