Ever come home from a long weekend away feeling like you need a couple more days to recover?
Planning a quick European getaway can involve a lot of logistics, from booking flights and hotels to arranging transfers and itineraries to fit everything into a short space of time.
A cruise, though, offers a different way to see Europe. You can visit several destinations without packing your bags or changing accommodation. It’s one of the reasons why many West Londoners are starting to trade city escapes and booking European cruises instead.
When Did Holidays Become So Much Hard Work?
A few days away in Europe might sound simple enough, but there’s plenty to organise. You need to find reasonably priced flights, book a hotel, sort airport transfers and/or car hires and figure out how to squeeze everything into a long weekend. And that’s before you even leave home.
Then there’s the pressure to do as much as possible. Visiting Rome without seeing the Colosseum might feel like a missed opportunity, but racing between tourist attractions with hundreds of other people isn’t really the idea behind a relaxing break.
This is exactly why slower holiday options are on the rise.
With a cruise, you travel with your accommodation, so there’s no constant packing, checking out of hotels or figuring out how to get to your next stop. Many itineraries include meals and guided excursions, too, although it’s worth checking what’s covered with your cruise line beforehand.
When much of your journey is organised for you, life becomes considerably easier, allowing you to travel at a pace that actually lets you enjoy the places you visit.
European Cruise Routes Worth Exploring
Europe has many cruise routes, from warm Mediterranean islands to cooler Norwegian fjords, and a whole lot in between. The only potentially tricky part of this kind of trip is deciding where to go. The right itinerary, however, depends on whether you prefer coastal cities, outdoor scenery or smaller destinations you might not otherwise visit.
The Greek Islands
Santorini gets a lot of attention, but the Greek Islands offer so much more. In Mykonos, you can wander through the lanes of Little Venice and stop for lunch by the water. In Rhodes, the medieval Old Town and the Palace of the Grand Master are worth the trip.
Some itineraries also include Crete, where you can explore Chania’s Venetian harbour or visit a local olive oil producer.
The Norwegian Fjords
For a change of scenery, Norway’s fjords are all about mountains, deep blue water, and tiny settlements tucked between cliffs.
A stop in Flåm gives you the chance to ride the famous Flåm Railway, which climbs through the mountains and passes waterfalls and valleys. It’s an unforgettable sight. In Bergen, you can enjoy all the colourful wooden buildings of Bryggen and take the Fløibanen funicular for views over the city.
The Adriatic Coast
Croatia and Montenegro make a brilliant combination if you enjoy exploring historic places on foot. Dubrovnik’s old city walls offer some of the best views of the Adriatic, while Split is home to Diocletian’s Palace.
In Kotor, Montenegro, you’ll find all of those quintessential stone streets and little squares you know and love about southeastern Europe. You can easily spend an entire afternoon walking around without much planning before boarding the ship.
The Rhine
If you’d prefer a smaller river cruise, the Rhine gives a completely different experience. One particularly scenic stretch is the Middle Rhine Valley, where medieval castles overlook vineyards and villages.
In Rüdesheim, you can stroll along the Drosselgasse, pop into a traditional wine tavern, or take the cable car to the Niederwald Monument. And further along, you’ll pass the famous Lorelei rock that’s linked to centuries of local legend.
Trade Cities for Slower, Scenic Routes
There’s still plenty to love about hopping on a plane to Europe for the weekend, but maybe not every holiday needs to include a packed schedule and a dash from the airport to the city.
For many West Londoners, the thought of a slow cruise and someone else handling the logistics sounds rather brilliant, doesn’t it?
