Elegant river cruises in Europe

Connections, the specialist independent travel division of Titan Travel, has launched a comprehensive brochure of Elegant River Cruises for 2009. This enticing range of luxurious itineraries – previously sold under the name of Grand River Cruises – features some spectacular voyages of discovery on Europe’s grandest and most scenic waterways, including the Rhone, the Rhine, the Douro and the legendary Danube.

Every itinerary featured in the brochure is aboard a first-class river cruiser offering lavishly-appointed, outside-facing staterooms (with en suite facilities), sumptuous cuisine, evening entertainment and all shore excursions included within the cost of the holiday.

“Re-branding the programme under the name ‘Elegant River Cruises’ is a reflection of the quality and grandeur of both the boats and the itineraries”, says Hugh Clayson, Marketing Director for Connections: “The decision was based on feedback from our many satisfied customers who appreciate the refined comforts and exceptional levels of service offered on board these elegant, five-star river cruise ships”.

Clayson continued: “In addition, clients can remain secure in the knowledge that Connections will continue its policy of no fuel surcharges whatsoever, once the client has paid their deposit, and we guarantee that the price of the holiday will remain no matter how much the price of oil should rise, which is a great comfort for many of our clients wishing to book well in advance, especially in this current uncertain economic climate”.

New for 2009 is the European River Romance itinerary, a 10-day odyssey from Paris to Nuremburg that takes in vineyards, castles and medieval cities. Journeying along three separate rivers (the Moselle, Rhine and Main), the cruise presents an opportunity to explore fairytale castles, baroque palaces and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in an exciting programme of shore excursions.

This cruise – along with five other itineraries in the brochure – is included in the ‘Epicurean Adventure Programme’, which allows customers to discover the wines and other gourmet specialities of the regions through which they are passing. Departures are available from late March to mid-October, with prices from £1,545 per person (to include VIP Home Departure Service, flights, in-resort transfers, full-board accommodation on the River Princess and a full range of shore excursions with use of Quietvox portable audio headsets).

The brochure also includes cruises aboard a new ship to the Uniworld fleet, the River Beatrice; which will ply the waters of the Danube on such itineraries as the Enchanting Danube. This 8-day adventure costs from £1,295 per person and takes in the soaring mountains, forested hills and fertile farmlands of Central Europe along with the capital cities of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. The price includes VIP Home Departure Service; flights; in-resort transfers; full-board accommodation on the River Beatrice; and a full range of shore excursions with use of Quietvox portable audio headsets. Departures are scheduled from late March all the way through to mid-November.

Holiday prices lead in at £1,195 per person for the 10-day Tulips & Windmills cruise, which is timed to take in the incredible sight of the Dutch bulb fields at their springtime best. A particular highlight of this peaceful journey along rivers and canals is the visit to Keukenhof Gardens, a 70-acre showcase of literally millions of flowers in a breathtaking array of vibrant colours. The cruise operates from mid-March to mid-April, with the price including VIP Home Departure Service; flights; in-resort transfers; full-board accommodation on the elegant River Duchess, River Queen or River Empress; and admission to Keukenhof among various other shore excursions (with use of state-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headsets that ensure passengers can clearly hear the tour guides’ commentaries, even in crowded places).

Another highlight of the new brochure is the exciting range of cruises over the festive period. Touring in the comfort and style of a luxurious river cruiser adds an unusual and appealing element to visiting Europe’s famous Christmas markets, filled as they are with a cornucopia of gifts, ornaments and foodstuffs set against a backdrop of fairy lights and wintry skies. With options to take in a number of colourful markets, vibrant festivities and romantic riverside cities in all their seasonal splendour, the range of festive cruises presents a fresh and innovative take on these annual spectacles.

For details or to book log on to Elegantrivercruises.co.uk.