The romance of Europe
River cruises past castles and vineyards, sun-washed Greek islands, Norway's fjords and the great capitals, planned by an advisor who has walked the streets herself.
Choosing how to see Europe
The first decision is not where to go but how. A river cruise on the Rhine, the Danube or the Seine lets you unpack once while the ship docks right in the heart of a new town each day. An ocean cruise strings together the Mediterranean, the Greek Isles or the fjords of Norway. An escorted tour with Collette or Globus takes care of hotels, transfers and expert local guides, a wonderful choice for a first visit.
Then comes the where. Italy pairs Rome, Florence and Venice with the Amalfi Coast and the Cinque Terre. Central Europe links Vienna, Budapest, Prague and Salzburg. France offers Paris, Provence and Normandy's beaches. Greece brings Athens and the islands, and Scandinavia the fjords, Copenhagen and Stockholm. My advice: fewer places, more time in each.
Late spring and early fall are the sweet spots, with mild weather and fewer crowds than midsummer. December brings the Christmas market river cruises. Plan on a passport valid at least six months beyond your return: most cruise lines require it, even where a country asks for less. Europe is phasing in new electronic entry requirements, so I'll keep you current on what's needed before you go.
Europe at a glance
Things to do, places to go, things to see
Not an exhaustive list, just the experiences my travelers come home talking about.
Things to do
- Take a river cruiseSail the Rhine past hilltop castles, or the Danube from Germany through Austria into Hungary, with a guided walk in every port.
- Cruise the Norwegian fjordsGlide between waterfalls and sheer cliffs in Geirangerfjord, one of the most beautiful sailings anywhere.
- Cook in TuscanyA cooking class, a winery lunch in Chianti and an afternoon in a medieval hill town.
- Shop the Christmas marketsFrom late November, Vienna, Nuremberg and towns along the Rhine glow with stalls, lights and mulled wine.
- Island-hop the Greek IslesSunsets in Santorini, windmills on Mykonos and long lunches by the water.
Places to go
- ItalyRome, Florence and Venice for a first visit, then the Amalfi Coast, the lakes and Tuscany.
- Central EuropeVienna's palaces, Budapest on the Danube, Prague's Old Town and Salzburg beneath the Alps.
- FranceParis, Provence's lavender fields, the châteaux of the Loire and the beaches of Normandy.
- GreeceAthens and its ancient sites, then the islands: Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and Rhodes.
- Scandinavia & the BalticThe Norwegian fjords, Copenhagen, Stockholm and the Baltic capitals by ship.
Things to see
- The Colosseum & the VaticanAncient Rome and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. Early-entry tickets make all the difference.
- The Eiffel Tower & the LouvreParis at its most iconic, best seen with a skip-the-line guide.
- Budapest's ParliamentThe neo-Gothic landmark on the Danube is breathtaking when it's lit up at night.
- The AcropolisThe Parthenon above Athens, ideally first thing in the morning before the heat and the crowds.
- GeirangerfjordA UNESCO World Heritage fjord framed by the Seven Sisters waterfall.
A taste of Europe
Dishes to order
- Fresh pastaCacio e pepe in Rome, pesto in Liguria and ragù in Bologna. Every region has its own.
- GoulashHungary's paprika-rich stew, perfect after a chilly afternoon on the Danube.
- Croissants & cheeseA Parisian bakery breakfast, then a cheese course you won't forget.
- Greek mezeTzatziki, grilled octopus and warm pita, shared at a harborside taverna.
Where to eat
- Trattorias & tavernasFamily-run spots with short menus and daily specials. Lunch is often the best value of the day.
- Riverside wine tavernsAustria's Heurigen and the Rhine's wine villages pour what they grow.
- Onboard specialty diningRiver ships source regional dishes from the towns you visit.
What to drink
- Wine where it's grownChianti in Tuscany, Riesling on the Rhine and crisp whites from Austria's Wachau Valley.
- Espresso at the barDo as Italians do: order at the counter and drink it standing up.
- GlühweinMulled wine in a souvenir mug, the official drink of the Christmas markets.
Romantic Danube & Prague
Budapest, Vienna and the Wachau Valley by river ship, then two nights in Prague. See how the trip could flow, day by day, with advice on when to go.
Let's plan your Europe getaway
Europe is where I've traveled most, from Norway's fjords to Budapest and Positano. Tell me when you'd like to travel and I'll come back with options and current pricing.
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