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7 European river cruising destinations you must see

River cruising is a fantastic way to see some of the world’s great cities. But with so many wonderful destinations and adventures to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where the knowledgeable and experienced team at helloworld can help.

From the time you first make contact until you finally step off the boat, every moment of your cruise holiday will be carefully attended to so you can get the most out of it. Relax in luxury, knowing it has all been taken care of.

Quiz the knowledgeable tour guides and tailor your experience for the perfect mix of leisure and sightseeing. Disembark daily to take in the local sights and, at the end of every day, relax in 5-star luxury accommodation.

Salzburg (Salzach), Austria

The birthplace of Mozart and home to The Sound of Music, Salzburg is a historic city full of churches, castles, exquisite food, and manicured parks.

Travelling with APT, you’ll be treated to a Royal Invitation – Travel on an exclusive private journey on the decadent Majestic Imperator Train, a replica of the Habsburg train built from the original plans.

Your helloworld expert can help you unlock the treasures of Salzburg.

Porto (Douro), Portugal

By the beautiful River Douro, the Ribeira district is the medieval riverfront quarter of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Narrow alleyways, cobbled streets, brightly coloured houses and crumbling buildings lead charmingly down towards the waterfront. Being the home of the famous fortified Port Wine, a Port Wine tour at a local port house in Gaia is a must.

Talk to your helloworld expert for insider knowledge on the best tours to book and the finest cellars to visit.

Lyon (Rhône), France

Sail into Lyon, a beautiful and dynamic French city shaped by two rivers that run through its centre, the Rhône and the Saône.

Take a culinary tour with APT’s Freedom of Choice Touring, visit fresh food markets and sample local produce to see for yourself why this town is considered the gastronomic centre of France. Ask your helloworld expert for the inside scoop on the silk workshop in the Croix-Rousse District.

At the end of the day, experience French cuisine at its finest during dinner at L’Abbaye de Collonges, owned by Michelin-starred French chef Paul Bocuse.

Nuremburg (Main), Germany

Despite the extensive damage in WWII, the ancient city of Nuremberg (Nürnberg) is an important centre for arts and culture in Germany. Many of the city’s medieval buildings have been restored to their former glory.

Highlights include Nuremberg Castle, residence of all legitimate German kings and emperors from 1050 to 1571. Nuremberg has preserved most of its old walls, with many dating from the 14th-15th century.

Explore the finest of them on the west side of the town, between the massive Spittlertor and the former Maxtor. Delve into the history of Nuremberg on a tour that includes a selection of WWII sites.

Your helloworld expert has all the information you could ever want to plan your visit and take in all the historic sites.

Budapest (Danube), Hungary

The beautiful Danube joins Budapest’s distinct halves. Around dusk, locals stroll the riverbanks as the evening light dwindles over the water. Whether from a bench or bridge, there are inspiring views everywhere.

Get treated to one of APT’s signature experiences – marvel at the State Opera House on a guided tour and enjoy a private opera recital. Finally enjoy a twilight cruise along the Danube and be enchanted by the lights of the remarkable Hungarian capital.

For all the best local knowledge and to be sure you don’t miss out on any of the attractions, look no further than your helloworld expert.

Bordeaux (Garonne), France

Culinary delights abound! Be sure to try the chevre chaud (melted goats cheese on toast), escargots and magret de Canard (duck breast). The world-famous ‘Pruneaux D’Agen’ make a great gift, if you can get them home without eating them.

With one of APT’s Signature Experiences you’ll visit the glorious Chateau Pape Clement, a Grand Cru Classe estate flanked by some of the oldest and most prestigious vineyards in the region. A helloworld expert can help you discover the unique tastes and sights of this famous place.

This article is brought to you by Helloworld and APT Luxury Cruises & Tours.

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