Evergreen River Cruise - June 2015
Europe is a destination that beckons for so many reasons. Travellers flock to this cradle of history, culture and royalty, to surround themselves in Baroque palaces, museums, Gothic cathedrals and medieval castles. There are many ways to experience the diversities of Europe, but River cruising is one of the most relaxed and enjoyable ways to journey into its heart.
Docking right in the centre of towns, cities and villages dotted along the continent's many rivers - you are a short walk away from everything. You unpack once, your "hotel" moves with you and your food and entertainment are waiting for you at the end of a busy day. Bliss!
A few weeks ago, I embarked on a 7 night Danube cruise from Nuremburg to Budapest aboard Evergreen's Emerald Sky to test the waters, as it were, for myself.
Evergreen's mantra is relaxed, comprehensive and sophisticated cruising, with included meals, shore excursions and onboard entertainment, plus ample free time to explore on your own. Some of my favourite moments were those spent discovering hidden lane ways and quaint coffee shops on my own. Wandering through the picturesque cobbled streets of Durnstein, cycling through the Vineyards of the Wachau valley and a full afternoon to catch up with my extended family who live in Vienna. To me, the perfect balance for a holiday.
Morning walking tours, conducted with local guides are all included. The pace is gentle, most of it is very level and they advised well in advance if stairs were involved. Our local guides were brilliant. Wonderful knowledge and delightful senses of humour - every single one. They made us learn and laugh at the same time and this is a real shining point for doing a cruise of this nature. There is no substitute for learning from a local.
In addition to these walking tours, I decided on a few optional extra activities to complement what I had already seen and learnt. The Tour to Weltenburg Abbey involved a gentle stroll along the river bank to the Abbey, a functioning Benedictine Monastery and surrounding gardens and small shops. We sampled some locally brewed beer and giant salted pretzels before a leisurely ferry ride through the Danube gorge back to our ship. A wonderful afternoon out in the sunshine.
Cesky Krumlov, a medieval city located in the southern part of the Czech Republic is a UNESCO World Heritage site; with over 300 restored and protected buildings and a remarkable castle complex dating back to the 13th century. The Old town is completely pedestrianised which makes for easy ambling, shopping and finding a good pub for a drink of the original Budweiser! A visit to the castle complex is a must, with its resident bears, historical displays and beautiful gardens. It was definitely one of my highlights of the trip.
A 32km bike ride (and no the bikes were not electric!) through the Wachau valley from Melk to Durnstein was next on my list. The path follows the river and travels through vineyards and quaint towns with castles looming on hilltops and churches tucked into tiny courtyards. We enjoyed a picnic lunch en-route and then kept cycling to catch up to the ship! I loved the fresh air & seeing everyday life along the river. Plus when we arrived back at the ship, a sumptuous afternoon tea (the most divine lemon cake I have ever tasted) and a refreshing swim were waiting for us.
On our evening in Vienna we dressed up for a special Viennese concert for Evergreen guests at the Vienna concert hall- it was quite simply superb. Hungarian Rhapsodies, Austrian Waltzes, Strauss, Mozart and more. An evening of culture in one of Europe's most beautiful cities.
Now the other important bit - the food! Anyone who complains about the quality, quantity or choice on this cruise needs to be made to swim across the Danube.
Full buffet breakfasts, with your complete continental range, cooked breakfasts and eggs made to order - or a lighter breakfast served in the lounge with pastries, cereals, fruit and usually scrambled eggs, toast and bacon. The Coffee to me was heaven, but traditionally European and very strong.
Lunch was buffet style as well and usually reflected the cuisine of the country you were travelling through. I love this idea and tried as many traditional dishes as I could fit in!
Dinners are silver service, 4 course and although dress was smart casual, most people dressed up a little a night, which was lovely. The chef details his menu of the day in the pre -dinner port talk and again, reflects the cuisine of where you are on that particular day.
The after dinner entertainment is light and obviously on a much smaller scale to ocean cruises. No broadway style productions and trapeze artists hanging from the ceiling. More German Oompah bands, Hungarian folk dancing, and music quizzes. Of course if none of that appeals, the beautiful sundeck is open for a night cap under the stars.
A magical way to embrace all Europe has to offer.