Europe contains some of the world’s most prominent wine producing regions, with beautiful and vast vineyards located across France, Spain, Portugal and Germany. If you have a love for a good vintage, then why not visit one of these wonderful areas on a wine-themed river cruise getaway. Wine cruises are a fabulous way to experience local wine culture, learn about the history and techniques of the industry and even sample a drop for yourself. Read on to learn more about the wine cruises currently available through RiverVoyages.com.
The Rhine
Wine cruises along the River Rhine are a great way to learn more about German wine culture and production, voyaging through scenic valleys to tranquil vineyards. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley – or Rhine Gorge as it is commonly known – is one of the most prominent wine making regions along the river. This scenic stretch of waterway runs through idyllic ports such as Koblenz and Rüdesheim, famous for their Riesling grapes used to make the local wine.
A wide range of river cruises travel along the Rhine, visiting the stunning vineyards along its banks. You could opt for a five night Rhine Discovery river cruise with the River Cruise Line, sailing from Andernach to Cologne from just £399 per person. Or you could experience a dedicated wine-themed voyage by booking a Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle river cruise with AMA Waterways from £1669 per person, voyaging from Luxembourg to Amsterdam and enjoy excursions to quaint vineyard along the Rhine as well as the Moselle.
The Danube
The Danube River boasts a number of wine producing regions along its verdant and scenic banks, perhaps the most famous and popular of which is the Wachau Valley located in Austria between the charming towns of Melk and Krems. This stunning valley was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical and agricultural significance and local people here have been producing high quality white wines for generations.
A number of wine focused river cruise pass through this gorgeous stretch of the Danube, offering day trips to explore the lush vineyards of the Wachau Valley. You could embark on an eight day Taste of the Danube river cruise from Vienna to Budapest with Avalon Waterways from £1019 per person – exploring the valley from the port of Melk. Alternatively, a Romantic Danube river cruise passes through the valley as well as Melk, whilst also focusing on other historic areas, and is available from £1089 per person with Viking River Cruises.
The Douro
The River Douro flows through Portugal and Spain in southern Europe and is flanked in parts by the spectacular Douro Valley, the region’s main area of port wine production. Classified as a World Heritage Site due to its significance within the local culture, the Douro Valley offer plenty of opportunities for immersive wine-themed excursions, on which guests can visit local vineyards and learn more about the area’s rich traditions of wine production and even try a nice port vintage for themselves.
To experience the wine culture of the Douro at the quaint port of Pinhao, as well as visiting other fascinating historic regions, you could consider booking a ten night Douro River of Gold cruise with Viking from just £1229 per person. For a more wine-focused voyage however, AMA Waterways’ Port Wine and Flamenco cruise is available from £1719 per person, sailing from Vega Terron to Porto and offering the chance to visit a number of vineyards along the Douro whilst also enjoying authentic local cultural experiences.
The Rhone
The River Rhone stretches across southern France, flowing through some of the country’s most famous and popular wine regions. Burgundy, Provence and Bordeaux are all well-known for producing some of the finest wines in the world and all of these marvellous destinations are available on wine cruises along the Rhone. Travel to the heart of southern France aboard an elegant vessel and truly experience the wonderful wine culture and beautiful climate of this splendid corner of Europe.
There are several ways to enjoy the vineyards of the Rhone on a river cruise. You could choose to embark on an eight day Provence cruise with AMA Waterways from £1749 per person, calling in Vienne, where vineyard tours and wine tasting sessions are always on the agenda. Otherwise, you could also set sail with Viking River Cruises on a Heart of Bordeaux voyage from £1229 per person for eight nights, spending time in charming wine producing communities such as Pauillac, Saint-Emilion and Sauternes.
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