"Why Take
a European Cruise ?"
By John Metcalfe
Europe is one of the premier cruise destinations in the world.
Its attraction is overpowering - grand cities, relics of ancient
civilizations and breathtaking scenery await European cruise passengers
at almost every port of call. The variety is such that one visit
to this part of the world is never enough - it'll have you coming
back for more…again and again!
European cruises depart from most major seaports around Europe.
They often cover a specific region of Europe, although some companies
do offer a whirlwind tour of the major sites right around the
European coastline.
Starting in Northern Europe, cruises around Scandinavia and the
Baltic States are popular, especially those that take in the Norwegian
fjords. Here, you can delight in stunning scenery where mountains
rise up like towers in every direction, and where waterfalls and
glaciers are almost within touching distance. There are majestic
cities too. Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Helsinki, home to
the Uspenski Cathedral - the largest orthodox church in Western
Europe - can all be built into a European cruise itinerary.
Northern Europe also has its fair share of specialist cruises.
You can do a cruise of the Baltic palaces or simply enjoy Norway's
awe-inspiring craggy coastline. A very popular Northern European
cruise is a tour up the Scandinavian coastline into the Arctic
Circle to view the 'midnight sun'.
A European cruise around Western Europe embraces the British
Isles, Ireland, the Low Countries and France. Scottish castles,
the emerald green landscapes of Ireland and a visit to a French
vineyard and chateaux are just some of the highlights of a cruise
around Western Europe. You could also build in visits to historic
ports of call, such as Portsmouth in England, where Nelson's 'Victory'
can be toured.
Moving further south into the Mediterranean Sea, a European cruise
takes in the glory of the historical and beautiful Mediterranean
coastline. Portugal, Spain, the French Riviera, Italy, Croatia,
Greece and Turkey all have their own attractions. The colosseum
of Rome, the birthplace of Salvador Dali, Monaco's grandiose vista
and the famous Turkish bazaars await all those who elect for a
European cruise in the Mediterranean.
There are a number of specialist tours in the Mediterranean region
too. You can enjoy the delights of classical Greece and its magnificent
islands, or discover the magic of island hopping from the Balearic
Islands in the west of the Mediterranean to Cyprus in the east.
A European cruise is a true voyage of discovery. Tour this region
and you'll unearth the very soul of Europe and uncover a past
that is rich in intrigue and drama.
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