Explore Europe In Style With TUI’s Summer River Cruises

This is a sponsored post for TUI River Cruises.

If you’re still looking for your summer getaway, I wouldn’t just recommend ocean cruises – river cruises are another fantastic option that should be in contention.

And if you’ve thought about a river cruise before but been put off by the high costs, then you need to check out TUI River Cruises for the summer months.

They offer exceptional value, letting you enjoy charming itineraries without breaking the bank and giving you an amazing experience as you travel.

In this guide, I’ll pick out some of the best itineraries you can enjoy on a TUI river cruise, and explain what makes TUI River Cruises such good value.

TUI River Cruises in Europe

Here’s a selection of (just some of) the best itineraries you can book with TUI River Cruises this summer:

Rhine Explorer

Begin your Rhine journey by exploring the historic Anne Frank House and the vibrant Flower Market in Amsterdam, with time to explore the city at night as it’s an overnight stay.

As the cruise takes you to Cologne, marvel at the imposing Cologne Cathedral and stroll through the Old Town with its quaint cobblestone streets. Explore the city’s museums, such as the Chocolate Museum or the Roman-Germanic Museum, offering a blend of history and sweetness.

Next, arrive in Koblenz, where you’ll discover the stunning Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, before continuing your journey to Mannheim, where you can visit the baroque Mannheim Palace or take a short trip to nearby Heidelberg to explore its romantic castle and charming Old Town.

In Strasbourg, savour the unique blend of French and German influences, highlighted by the iconic Strasbourg Cathedral and the charming La Petite France district.

As the cruise reaches Breisach, take a scenic excursion to the Black Forest, famous for its dense woodlands and cuckoo clocks. Conclude your journey in Basel, Switzerland, exploring the city’s Old Town, Rhine promenade, and enjoying the diverse cultural offerings at the Kunstmuseum Basel.

Danube Treasures

Set sail on a captivating river cruise along the Danube, beginning in the enchanting city of Budapest.

You’ll cruise to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, where you can wander through the charming Old Town. Discover landmarks like the St. Martin’s Cathedral and the impressive Bratislava Castle, offering insights into the city’s rich history and culture.

Next, arrive in Durnstein, a picturesque town in the Wachau Valley. Explore the medieval Durnstein Castle and enjoy the scenic vineyards surrounding the area. Cruise to Melk, where the imposing Melk Abbey stands proudly. Tour the abbey to marvel at its baroque architecture and extensive library.

Continuing along the Danube, arrive in Linz, known for its vibrant arts scene. Visit the Ars Electronica Center and explore the Lentos Art Museum, showcasing a diverse collection of contemporary art.

Sail to Vienna, the “City of Music,” where you’ll spend two days exploring its cultural riches. Visit the opulent Schönbrunn Palace, the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and attend a classical concert for a taste of Vienna’s musical legacy. Stroll through the grandeur of Belvedere Palace and Gardens, and savour the renowned Sachertorte in a traditional Viennese coffeehouse.

The river cruise concludes back in Budapest for another overnight stay. Take in the city’s thermal baths, explore the Great Market Hall, and marvel at the architectural wonders of the Hungarian Parliament Building before bidding farewell to this unforgettable experience.

East Danube Explorer

Discover the Eastern Danube on this captivating river cruise, beginning and ending in Budapest.

Start your journey in Budapest, Hungary’s stunning capital, where grand architecture, thermal baths, and vibrant cafés await.

Sail to Kalocsa, a town renowned for its rich folk traditions, paprika cultivation, and the beautifully adorned Kalocsa Cathedral. Continue to Mohács, the site of the historic 1526 battle, where you can explore local history and traditions.

Next, arrive in Novi Sad, Serbia’s cultural heart, home to the imposing Petrovaradin Fortress and a charming Old Town that reflects a blend of Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman influences.

Cruise through the awe-inspiring Iron Gates, a dramatic gorge carved by the Danube, before stopping in Donji Milanovac. This Serbian town offers access to the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, a glimpse into prehistoric European civilization.

In Belgrade, experience the energy of Serbia’s capital as you explore the historic Belgrade Fortress, wander along the lively Knez Mihailova Street, and take in the city’s dynamic café culture.

Your next stop is Vukovar, Croatia, a city with a poignant past, where you can visit the Eltz Castle and learn about its history during the Croatian War of Independence.

Finally, return to Budapest, where you can soak in the city’s lively atmosphere, admire the Parliament Building, and reflect on the unforgettable experiences from your Danube adventure.

The Moselle Valley – Vines & Views

Begin your enchanting journey through the picturesque Moselle Valley in Frankfurt. Delve into the historic charm of the city, exploring the Römer and the Palmengarten. As the cruise sets sail to Koblenz, witness the scenic beauty of the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal.

Arriving in Koblenz, embrace the convergence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers at the Deutsches Eck. You’ll then cruise to Traben-Trarbach, known for its art nouveau architecture and impressive wine cellars. Immerse yourself in the town’s viticultural heritage, perhaps with a visit to the underground wine vaults.

The journey continues to Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Marvel at the well-preserved Porta Nigra and explore the ancient Roman amphitheatre. As you cruise to Bernkastel-Kues, prepare to be captivated by the medieval charm of the twin towns on the Moselle.

In Cochem, a fairytale-like destination awaits with the iconic Reichsburg Castle overlooking the town. Breathe in the vineyard-draped hillsides as the cruise progresses to Boppard, where you can wander along the Rhine promenade, and Rudesheim, which also has attractive half-timbered houses to enjoy.

Explore the picturesque town and learn about its rich history before concluding the Moselle Valley cruise back in Frankfurt.

North Rhine & Netherlands Explorer

Embark on a delightful Rhine River cruise, beginning with an overnight stay in charming Amsterdam. You’ll be able to take in the history of Dam Square and the Royal Palace, then dive into art at the Van Gogh Museum. Cruise Amsterdam’s iconic canals or opt for a canal tour to see the city’s unique architecture.

The next day, you may wish to explore the lively Jordaan district and, in the spring, enjoy the blooming beauty of Keukenhof Gardens.

As the cruise moves to Rotterdam, you’ll be amazed by modern architecture like the Cube Houses and the famous Erasmus Bridge. Immerse yourself in the dynamic Markthal and take a harbour tour to see one of the world’s biggest ports.

Travel to Nijmegen, the Netherlands’ oldest city, where you can stroll through its historic center, visit the fascinating Valkhof Museum, and enjoy scenic riverfront views.

It’s then onto Dusseldorf, where the historic Old Town will invite you with cobblestone streets, and the Rhine Tower will provide fantastic city views. In the afternoon, you could delight in shopping on Königsallee and exploring contemporary art at Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen.

As the cruise sails to Koblenz, you’ll explore the historic Old Town and go up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for breathtaking views.

Continuing to Boppard and Rudesheim, you’ll experience medieval charm and wine-tasting in the Drosselgasse. The journey will end in Frankfurt, where you can explore the Römer and Städel Museum, wrapping up a splendid trip along the Rhine River.

Final word

There are so many itineraries you could enjoy this summer with TUI River Cruises, so you’re hardly short of choice.

These itineraries are some of the best examples, but whichever you choose you will enjoy exceptional service from a crew that cares about giving you the best experience possible.

You’ll also enjoy fantastic value – alongside your food, you’ll get drinks included with meals and a great range of entertainment each day and night, with plenty of variety during the cruise.

WiFi’s included too – something you’d often pay extra for on other cruise lines, and there are no gratuities you need to pay extra either.

Plus, all fares include direct flights and overseas transfers too, with generous hold luggage allowances as standard and TUI River Cruises reps at the airport for anything you need.

In short, everything you need is paid for! It’s just then up to you whether you explore independently when visiting ports, or you pay for shore excursions, and if you want to buy drinks outside of meal times individually or upgrade to an all-inclusive fare so that they’re all covered. That’s entirely up to you.

Just make sure you book as early as possible to help secure the best deal you can.

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