Lazy river vacations

by CAMILLE CHIN • April 2010

Cruising is the hottest travel trend this year, but not the kind you likely have in mind. Instead, it’s about easy, elegant ships of a couple hundred people rather than thousands. And, instead of charging through the ocean, it’s all about coasting down some of the loveliest rivers in the world then docking at couldn’t-be-quainter towns.

The food is generally “gourmet” and, excursions and tours included in the price. Europe’s season is from May to September, but book fast; ships are small and fill up quickly. Here are some of the more popular rivers to tour.

Danube

It begins in Germany’s Black Forest then sweeps west to Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria before becoming one with the Black Sea.

Rhine

It sets off in Switzerland then chugs northwest between the borders of France and Germany then onto the Netherlands and the North Sea.

Rhône

It starts in the Swiss Alps then trickles down to Lyon and the wine-growing Côtes du Rhône region of France before getting swallowed up by Mediterranean waters.

Seine

France’s second-longest river (after the Loire) dances through the City of Lights before getting lost in the English Channel.

For packages, try Avalon Waterways, AMA Waterways, Cruise West, Gate 1 Travel, Tauck, Uniworld, Viking River Cruises.

This article was accurate when it was published. Please confirm rates and details directly with the companies in question.