Cruises on which clients can enjoy an ever-changing panorama of destinations and indulge in a hobby or interest with like-minded people.
1 Get up and go
Hit the road with an Amsterdam running tour, cycle beside the river, take a hike into the woods… These are just some of the activities available on Avalon’s new Active Discovery on the Rhine itineraries, starting in summer 2018. Passengers can even participate in Roman games in the historic city of Xanten. After all that exercise, they can indulge in a mouthwatering visit to Cologne’s Chocolate Museum and a culinary walking tour in Duisburg. The Wiesbaden to Amsterdam cruise aboard Avalon Felicity features a range of active or more sedate shore excursions.Book it: avaloncruises.co.uk; 0800 668 1801
Book it: avaloncruises.co.uk; 0800 668 1801
2 Create a masterpiece
Families and groups of friends can create lasting memories with a six-night art cruise on the Canal du Midi aboard the 10-passenger hotel barge Athos. The cruise is available to groups that charter the barge exclusively and is suitable for accomplished artists who want to brush up on their skills or complete beginners. The stunning scenery of southern France provides plenty of inspiration and the on-board expert points out the best spots to create a masterpiece, including the four bridges of Beziers and the panoramic view over the Collegiale cathedral in Capestang.
Book it: gobarging.com; 01753 598555
3 Festive fun
Get into the Christmas spirit on a scenic four-night mini-cruise along the Danube from Engelhartszell to Vienna and back on A-Rosa Donna. The November itinerary includes a night and full-day stop in Vienna to enjoy the famous Christmas markets, plus the chance to stock up on more traditional gifts at the Christkindlmarkt in Linz. Festive cheer is guaranteed as, in addition to meals, the fare includes an open bar on board, along with flights, transfers and a VIP home pick-up service from home to airport, within a 50-mile radius.
Book it: cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk; 0800 440 2797
4 Pedal power
Rural landscapes, picturesque villages and grand chateaux are all to be discovered on CroisiEurope’s escorted Cruise & Bike itinerary. The cruise starts and finishes in Nantes, which is home to Les Machines de L’ile, a shipyard regeneration project inspired by science fiction author Jules Verne, and featuring a giant wooden elephant. The cycle route follows the curves of the Loire and includes the seaside resort of La Baule, Guerande salt marshes and Brière Regional Natural Park – just the thing to work up an appetite for all the fantastic French food served on board.
Book it: croisieurope.co.uk; 020 8328 1281
5 Tee time
Keen golfers can tee off in style on the new series of golf cruises being launched by Amadeus in 2018. The Basel-to-Amsterdam sailings feature four rounds of golf at clubs such as Le Kempferhof, one of the best in France. Fares include pre-reserved tee times, green fees, electric golf carts, transfers to and from the courses and the services of PGA golf pro Frank Adamowicz. Non-golfing partners don’t need to worry as they can head off on walking tours, and at the end of the cruise the captain will host a cocktail party and awards ceremony.
Book it: amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk; 0800 035 6411
6 Lots of bottle
Portugal’s Douro River is lined with vineyards and Porto, the country’s second city, is home to famous-name port houses. AmaWaterways’ wine itineraries include visits to producers such as Graham’s, port tastings, a guided tour around the Mateus Palace – as seen on the labels of the Portuguese rosé wine – and on-board tutored wine tastings hosted by experts. Cruises include time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto and the chance to take a trip on a traditional rabelo, one of the wooden vessels that once carried port along the river.
Book it: amawaterways.co.uk; 0800 520 2250