Discovering Central Europe

• The Danube in Germany, Austria, Slovalia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.
• The Rhine in Holland, Germany, France and Switzerland.
• The Moselle, Main and The Main-Danube canal in Germany.
• The Elbe in Germany and the Czech Republic.
• The Seine, Saône and Rhône in France.
• The Douro in Portugal and Spain.
• The Nieuwe Maas, Nederrun, Waal and Schelde in Holland and Belgium.

Good reasons to take a river cruise

• Convenience - unpack once and the river boat is your floating hotel.
• Scenic cruising – Daylight cruising of the most scenic areas is a feature. Around the ships there are plenty of picture windows and open deck space for you to enjoy the passing scenery. Many cabins have large windows or French doors.
• Central locations - In most ports, river boats can dock conveniently downtown allowing passengers to step ashore in the heart of the city at their leisure.
• Outstanding excursions - Informative local guides lead sightseeing tours in each town which are included in the fare. Additional organized excursions are available for purchase. Companies are using Quietvox headsets so tour members can always hear the guide.
• English speaking staff & guides - Tour guides and staff speak English on the cruises offered by Ensemble's preferred partners, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and Viking River Cruises.
• No motion sickness - There's no problem with motion as you aren't on the open sea and boats are stable.
• Friendly companions - With under 300 passengers, there is a great camaraderie on board. These are very friendly cruises.
• Excellent Value - Packages include pre and post cruise stays in great cities, transfers, port excursions, and complimentary wine with dinner making them great value.

Life on board

Here are some other  tips to reduce stress during travel.

• Get away long enough time to let go of your daily grind.  A week is recommended.
• Watch your time zones – too many time zones actually increase your stress on your body’s natural rhythms.
• Don’t over schedule your trip – Make sure you have quiet time each day.
• Be social – making new acquaintances has a restorative power.
• Enjoy physical activity – moderate exercise like swimming and walking are great energy boosters.

How sad that a third or us do not use all our vacation days!  Hopefully this will inspire you to take some time to better your health with travel.

Ready to research a trip?

Here is our network of travel destination sites for travel planning made easy!

Africa Tours | Alaska Tours | Antarctica Tours | Asia Tours | Atlas Cruises & Tours | Australia Tours | Canada Tours | Christmas Market Tours | England Tours | Escorted Family Vacations | Fall Foliage Tours | France Tours | Greece Tours | Hawaii Tours | Ireland Tours | Italy Tours | Luxury Tour | National Parks Tours | Oberammergau | River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | South America Tours | Spain Tours

English is a widely spoken and understood as a second or third language amongst many Western Europeans, particularly those of the younger generations.

Western European Language Basics

English	French	Spanish	Italian	German	Greek	Dutch
Good Morning	Bonjour	Buenos Dias	Buongiorno	Guten Morgen	Kalimera	Goedemorgen
Good Bye	Au revoir	Adios	Arrivederci	Auf Wiedersehen	Yasou	Tot ziens
Please	S’il vous plait	Por favor	Perfavore	Bitte	Parakalo	Alstublieft
Thank You	Merci	Gracias	Grazie	Danke Schon	Effaristo	Dank u
Yes	Oui	Si	Si	Ja	Ne	Ya
No	Non	No	No	Nein	Oki	Nee
Where is?	Ou est?	Donde ésta?	Dové	Wo ist?	Poo eeneh?	Waar is?
The toilet	Les toilettes	El lavabo	Il gabinetto	Die toilette	To oahlehtes	De toilet
The bank	La banque	Banco	Banca	Die bank	Trapeze	Bank
Post office	La poste	Correos	Ufficio postale	Die post	Takedromeo	Postkantoor
How much?	Combine?	Cunato?	Quanto?	Wieviel?	Posso?	hoeveel?
The bill	L’addition	La cuenta	Il conto	Die rechnung	To loghariazmo	rekening
Ladies	Dames	Enoras	Donne	Damen	Yinekon	Dames
Gents	Messieurs	Senores	Uomini	Herren	Anthron	Heren
Stamp	Timbre	Sello	Francobollo	Briefmarke	Grammatesimo	Stamp
One/two	Un/deux	Uno/due	Uno/due	Eins/zwei	Ena/thio	Een/twee
Three/four	Trios/quatre	Tres/cuarto	Tre/Quattro	Drei/vier	Tria/tesera	Drie/vier
Five/six	Cinq/six	Cinco/seis	Cinque/sei	Funf/sechs	Pende/eksi	Vijf/zes
Seven/eight	Sept/huit	Siete/ocho	Sette/otto	Sieben/acht	Epta/okta	Zeven/acht
Nine/ten	Neuf/dix	Nueve/diez	Nove/dieci	Neun/zehn	Enea/theka	Negen/tien
Open	Overt	Abierto	Aperto	Geoffnet	Anikton	Open
Closed	Fermé	Cerrado	Chiuso	Geschlossen	Kilson	Gesloten
Hot	Chaud	Caliente	Caldo	Heiss	Zesto	Hete
Cold	Froid	Frio	Freddo	Kalt	Krio	Koude
Water	Eau	Agua	Acqua	Wasser	Nero	Water
Tea	Thé	Té	Té	Tee	Chai	Thee
Coffee	Café	Café	Caffé	Kaffee	Kafe	Koffie
Beer	Biére	Cerveza	Birra	Bier	Bira	Bier
Wine	Vin	Vino	Vino	Wein	Krasi	Wijn
Excuse me (sorry)	Excusez-moi	Perdon	Scusi	Entschuldigung	Sygnomi	Sorry
Cheers	Santé	Salut	Saluté	Prost	Yamus	Proost

These Languages are of use in….

French – France, Southern Belgium (including Brussels) parts of Switzerland

Spanish – Spain (Spanish will be understood in most parts of Spain, however Catalan and Basque are spoken in Barcelona and the North of the country)

Italian – Italy, parts of Switzerland, Albania

German – Varying dialects throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Greek – Greece

Dutch – Dialects throughout the Netherlands and Northern Belgium

Here is our network of Europe travel destination sites:

England Tours | Escorted Family Vacations | France Tours | Greece Tours| Ireland Tours | Italy Tours |  River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | Spain Tours

We also have specialty European Tour Operators sites:

Contiki Tours | Cosmos Tours |Gate 1 |General Tours | Globus Tours | Insight Tours | Tauck Tours | Trafalgar Tours

France has one of the richest and most distinct cultures in the world and is world renowned for its romance, rich world history, cuisine, and class. Even the language is carefully crafted and preserved by the French. Make sure to ask your experienced tour director about the cuisine, the romance, and the history of the French culture. 

The streets of France emit a distinct ambiance. Its people enjoy dressing well, eating well, and treating one another with grace and good manners. The French are very proud of their heritage and history, but will always be more than courteous and accepting of visitors, especially those who honor French culture by learning a few phrases of French language. It is interesting to note the discrete sound and purity of the French language is carefully preserved by the Academie francaise in effort to prevent excessive slang from entering into the language.

The cuisine of France is a blend of classic and timeless recipes coupled with cutting edge innovation. French fusion restaurants are extremely popular in France, showcasing the country’s desire to preserve their national favorites while still collaborate with new foods and other cultural dishes. Paris is famous for its array of bistros and cafes.  Meals are sumptuous, creative and often have many courses, all washed down with great French wine. Notable dishes are Beef bourguignon (beef stew with wine, herbs and vegetables) and bouillabaisse (fish stew). Be sure to indulge and enjoy the endless selection of freshly baked pastries like Croissant and Éclaire,and taste the many fantastic French cheeses.

ViaMichelin Traffic France – Includes coverage for most major cities and towns in France, and uses GPS to provide real-time traffic information. Free

French to English Phrasebook – You'll have 250+ French phrases/words at your fingertips French to English Phrasebook ($2.99) device).

French Wine Quiz - Recently launched by Katsumi, test your knowledge of French Wines and Champagne. Only .99 cents and all proceed go to will be contributed to Japanese Red Cross Society for revival of Tōhoku, Japan.

Best of French Cuisine for I-pad:  50 great French recipes FREE!

ebags Coupon Code: Buy designer handbags before you get to Paris and you'll pay a lot less! Also a great place to buy luggage and accessories to make packing for your France tour a breeze!

Paris is one of the world’s most romantic cities and elegant capitals in Europe with a wide array of things to do.  Stroll along the Champs-Elysees, see the amazing collections at the Louvre, take a cruise down the Siene River, browse for antique books on the Left Bank, explore the City of Light’s Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.

Also known as the City of Lights, one of Paris’ highlights, is certainly the Eiffel Tower. Engineered by Gusatave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower was built in 1887 as the entrance arch to the Exposition Universelle, the World’s Fair. What was considered an eyesore for the Parisians at the time of its construction, is now a monument linked to many historical events, and a structure that represents France to people around the world. It is a “must see” for anyone going to Paris.

The tower has three stories, with the first two accessible by stairs and elevator, while the top floor is accessible solely by elevator. The view is not all the Eiffel Tower offers though, there is a skating rink on the first floor during winters and the facility is free to use. Apart from the rink, there is the Altitude 95 on the first floor, a restaurant able to cater to up to 200 people. The second floor has a reservations only restaurant, with a private elevator. In addition, a post office, a photo studio, souvenir shops and beautiful gardens. The view from the top, as expected, is phenomenal. You cannot miss the Eiffel Tower at night. The “metal lady” is illuminated by 352 projectors of 1000 watts and twinkles every 30 minutes in the evening with 20.000 bulbs and 800 fairy lights.

With the popularity of the monument, you can expect to face long lines, but the end view from the top of the tower is a worthwhile experience. If you travel with a tour operator, you can typically skip the lines as they get preferred access. Packages include hotel accommodations, breakfast daily and a half day city tour with prices starting at $599 pp for 5 nights. If you don’t like the idea of being on a motorcoach the entire time, there are not “city stays” that allow flexibility, while still having the essentials taken care of. You can also combine stays with surrounding cities such as London or Nice, take a cooking class, visit a wine vineyard, stay in a luxury resort, or take a river cruise.

For more information on France tours, cruises & vacation packages, visit www.escortedfrancetours.com

• The Seine from Paris to the Normandy Beaches - Sail round-trip from Paris on this eight day cruise. Spend two nights in Paris and call at Conflans, Vernon, Rouen and Les Andelys. Excursions include Monet's home and gardens at Giverny, the famous Château Gaillard, the splendid Gothic Cathedral in Rouen and a tour of the D-Day landing beaches.
• The Rhône and Saône through Burgundy and Provence - Sail between Arles or Avignon and Chalon-sur-Saône for a delightful eight-day experience in Southern France. Call at Viviers, Tournon, Vienne and Lyon. Enjoy wine tours of the Burgundy and Beaujolais wine regions. Extend your cruise to include a land stay in Paris or the Côte d'Azur. Avalon Waterways offers a wine cruise on the October 30, 2011 departure with special lectures and tastings at no additional cost while June 26, 2011 is a Jazz theme sailing.
• Rhine River cruises call at Strasbourg - Discover the capital of the Alsace region and home of the European Parliament. Strasbourg sits on the border of France and Germany and has many points of interest. It is also a good jumping off point for visiting the Alsace wine region.
  
• Back to back and longer sailings
  • 15 or 16-day Grand France sailings combine the Seine, Rhône and Saône cruises mentioned above.
  • Add Paris to Central European river cruises with a connection between Paris and your river boat by high speed train. Examples are Budapest to Paris, for 19 Days; Prague to Paris for 12 days; Amsterdam to Paris for 12 or 13 days and the ultimate Paris to Istanbul, covering 10 countries in 31 days.
    
• Land extensions - Hotel stays in Paris, the Côte d'Azur and charming Aix-en- Provence let you enjoy more of France before or after your cruise.

The River Cruise Lifestyle

Think of river boats as floating boutique hotels and you'll have a good idea of what they are like. The interiors have grace and style while the food and service is outstanding. They offer levels of luxury in line with cruise ships. You'll certainly be pampered as you sail serenely through France seeing all the highlights along the way.

Consider the many advantages of river cruising:

• Central locations - River boats dock conveniently downtown. Step ashore in the heart of town when you're ready to explore. Cruises from Paris include two overnights on board before you sail so you can visit Paris without having to book a pre-cruise hotel.
• Outstanding excursions - Included excursions are a real plus and a major advantage of taking a river cruise. Informative local guides lead complimentary sightseeing tours in each town. Additional excursions are available for purchase. Quietvox headsets ensure tour members can always hear the guide.
• English speaking staff & guides - Tour guides and staff speak English on the cruises offered by our preferred partners, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and Viking River Cruises.
• Scenic cruising - Relax and enjoy the scenery away from busy highways and traffic noise. River boats feature plenty of picture windows in public areas and open deck space where you can sit back and take in the view. Many staterooms have picture windows while suites have French doors or wall-to-wall panoramic windows.
• No motion sickness - Since you aren't on the open sea and river boats are very stable, there's no problem with motion.
• Friendly companions - There is a great camaraderie on board these small vessels which in France carry from 132 to 150 passengers. River cruises are known for being very friendly.
• Convenience - Unpack once and the river boat is your floating hotel. This is one of the real pleasures of any type of cruising.

Excellent Value

River Cruises certainly offer excellent value with so many items included in the fare: Wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, soft drinks with lunch (new for 2011 from Uniworld), an excursion in each town and on some sailings, airport transfers on arrival and departure days. Packages can be built to include air from your closest gateway, pre and post cruise land stays and transfers making your river cruise a more all-inclusive experience.

If you're looking for an easy and convenient way to travel, away from busy highways and traffic, a river cruise could be just right for you. You'll see the region's highlights, the scenic countryside and enjoy great food, wine and pampering along the way. Sounds great doesn't it? Why not consider a France river cruise for your next vacation?

To see a complete collection of France Tours visit http://www.escortedfrancetours.com

There are several day tours you can book from Paris that include transportation and admission. If you prefer to do things on your own, you can take the RER (Reseau Express Regional) train from downtown Paris to Versailles and arrive in about 40 minutes. The train station is approximately a five minute walk from the Palace.

The beautiful Palace and Gardens of Versailles are famous as a symbol of the system of absolute monarchy in France. It was the official residence of the kings and queens from 1682 until 1790. Versailles has one of the largest formal gardens ever created, with fountains, extensive flower gardens and canals. It was designed by Andre Le Notre.

Visit the Museum of History of France to enjoy paintings and sculptures. While touring the inside of the Palace, make sure to see the Hall of Mirrors, which is a ballroom more than 230 feet long ballroom lined with 17 large mirrors. Many historical events took place in this room including the crowning of Kaiser Wilhelm I, and the signing of the Versailles Treaty that formed the League of Nations and ended World War I.

Spend time strolling through the gardens. You can also rent a row boat in mile long lake, called the Grand Canal. You can also walk in the nearby woods to visit the Grand Trianon which was home to Louis XV's favorite mistress, Madame de Maintenon, and the Petit Trianon which means home away from home for Queen Marie Antoinette the wife of Louis XVI. It is said that she would go here when she wanted to get away from royal treatment and formalities, and just be herself. Nearby you can visit the Queen's Hamlet, which was intended to be a play village where the Queen could see how it would feel to live as a peasant. This area offered cottages, a lake and watermill for her amusement. Can you imagine? Oh yes, and if the Palace and all these areas weren't enough, on the grounds there is a Royal Chapel, Royal Stables and an opera house, which is one of the largest in Europe still today.

If you visit the Palace in the summer months, make sure and enjoy the fountains. When on, the fountains are accompanied by classical music, and the water is synchronized with the tempo.

Several France tours of one week or longer include a visit to Versailles.

As part of The Signature Collection, we're excited to bring you the unique opportunity to travel with Food Network and provide exclusive access to authentic and engaging Food Network travel experiences on land and at sea. As they say..."learn it, make it, taste it and share it!"

Join these exciting food adventures that focus on food, ingredients, flavors and cooking tips from around the world. These itineraries offer By Invitation Only events such as one-of-a-kind classes led by Chefs from Food Network Kitchens, lively cooking demonstrations by Food Network stars, private parties and VIP opportunities to explore local culinary scenes around the world, and much more.

In 2012 Food Network Travel will offer 3 tour vacations.

Food Network Travel Flavors of France

Food Network Travel Flavors of Italy

Food Network Travel Flavors of San Fransisco and Wine Country

France is a western European country stretching from the Mediterranean to the North Sea, from the Rhine River to the Atlantic Ocean. It borders Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Andorra and Spain. The Rhône, Saône, Seine, and Rhine Rivers also flow through the country, giving visitors many opportunities to enjoy a relaxing France river cruise. Few countries can rival France for its contributions to world history, culture, language, literature, cinema, cuisine and viticulture. There are many reasons why the country is the #1 tourist destination in the world

A river cruise along one of the country’s rivers will allow visitors to experience the varied landscape, cities, and towns that make this area so special. A cruise along the Rhône River or the Saône River will bring cruise travelers through the heart of Burgundy and Provence, which features delicious food and wine, as well as beautiful scenery along the river. A popular Uniworld river cruise visits this region is the 8 day Burgundy and Provence

France’s Seine River will bring cruise visitors through Normandy, where grand monuments of established cities and medieval centers of bustling market towns and sleepy river villages await them. A wonderful itinerary for this region is Avalon Waterways Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches.

If you prefer staying in one place, we urge you to consider ‘all-inclusive’ resort stays. You can have all of the features of a resort, great food, delectable drinks and unlimited activities, all included in the price. That gives the entire family the freedom to experience an amazing array of activities without stress or hassle. We love Club Med’s “Most Inclusive” family plan programs at resorts like the Cancun Yucatan, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and the recently renovated Sandpiper Resort in Florida. These are places that really know how to manage the diverse needs of family groups, from tots to teens to adults of all ages.

Q: I want to take my two older sons on a ‘sporty’ vacation (and not just golf!). Any suggestions?

A: There’s really nothing like fishing and hiking in the Canadian Rockies. The scenery is spectacular and the angling is world-class. We recommend the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Fairmont Banff Springs. But caution: this trip can be very habit-forming! Hiking and river rafting in the National Parks is another great vacation.

We already mentioned Royal Caribbean cruise line with a number of sports activities onboard, but they aren't the only cruise line.  Consider Norwegian Cruise Line, specifically their new ship, the Norwegian Epic.  Here they'll find a sports deck with a repelling wall, extreme rock climbing wall, bowling alley, full size basketball court, volleyball, soccer, dodge ball, a batting cage, bungee trampoline, rope adventure course and a 24 ft. tall enclosed climbing cage called the spider web.  Then they can cool off in the first ever Aqua Park that offers 3 waterslides. The Epic Plunge, the only tube slide at sea, has a thrilling drop through a 200 ft. long tube. How that for a variety of "sport activities?"

Q: We’re having a tough time deciding which U.S. National Park to visit this year. Any clues?

A: Yellowstone is great for kids, with all the animals and geysers. Yosemite is good for older kids and adults, who can climb Half Dome and appreciate the waterfalls and wildflowers. For a little more adventure, how about hiking the Appalachian Trail or camping in Maine’s stunningly beautiful Acadia National Park?

Q: We’re planning a big family reunion getaway. Do you have any suggestions?

A: We keep getting rave reviews from large reunion groups that cruise together. There’s loads to do, both aboard and on shore, great accommodations for group activities and staff that really know how to entertain and satisfy the needs of several generations in one party. Depending on your time and interests, consider a family cruise to Alaska or the Mediterranean.

Q: We want to start planning our next great family adventure. What are the hottest “long-haul” destinations right now?

A: Australia and South Africa are at the top of our list of favorites. We can take you to both places, from azure oceans to cosmopolitan cities to the wild outback. Take a fabulous safari to South Africa and travel to Cape Town and the Kapame Game Reserve. Discover Down Under with a grand journey to the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock and Sydney. Whether you want an experienced guide to help you navigate the new terrain or would rather venture on your own, we’ll help you choose a guided vacation or craft a tailor-made independent journey just for you.

Q: My husband and my kids and my parents want to go to Hawaii. Help!

A: Hawaii is the perfect multi-generation family destination. From lounging at the pool to hiking, surfing, shopping, golf, spa treatments, etc., there’s truly something for everyone. Consider Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, where children 18 and younger stay free. Or how about the new Aulani Disney Resort & Spa on Oahu? It’s the first Disney resort not attached to a theme park…and sure to be a big hit!

Q: Any last-minute packing tips for traveling with families?
A: Limit each person to one wheeled suitcase and one carry-on backpack or shoulder bag (keep one hand free to hold onto your child). Make a packing checklist for each person and let older kids be responsible for their packing. Pack several days before you leave so you have time to remember those last-minute items. Pack each day’s clothing together in outfits. Choose washable clothes that can be mixed and matched and dressed up with a jacket or shawl, and make sure shoes are comfortable and broken in before your trip! Visit our Travel Advice section on our blog for more travel tips. If you are looking for a new luggage set or carry on bag, take advantage of this ebags coupon code. 

Q: Any recommendations for a family getaway at the end of the year?

A: For a really ‘magical’ holiday, the dazzling Christmas markets in Europe will please all the family. Or, for an off-the-beaten-path holiday and an escape into warm weather, take a Paul Gauguin Cruise to Tahiti or enjoy a relaxed resort experience on Fiji. But plan ahead! Resorts sell out in the summer for the holidays and family suites tend to sell out first.

Q: We’d like to take our kids on a guided vacation as a graduation gift for our daughter. What do you suggest that would appeal to both the young people and the adults?

A: For starters, here are two very different suggestions: Costa Rica and Italy tours. Both of these remarkable places are packed with scenery, colorful culture, fantastic food and warm, welcoming people. There are plenty of other options across the globe, so give us a a call and we’ll help you craft the experience that fits your preferences and your budget.

Q: I’m worried about what will happen if someone gets sick when we’re on our trip.

A: Being sick on a trip is never fun, but you can protect yourself against some of the anxiety and inconvenience with travel insurance. There are many options and we’d be happy to talk with you and help you choose the best plan for your family.

This was not our first cruise, but it was our first river cruising experience – and it will not be our last! From the moment we settled into our stateroom, we began to feel less like tourists and more like extremely fortunate residents of the City of Light. When the ship was in port, we strolled on and off as if we had our own pied à terre; when the ship was underway, we had more fascinating views than we could possibly enjoy from a taxi. And the service…no detail was overlooked.

That first full day in Paris, we re-discovered old friends – Notre Dame Cathedral, the jewel-like Sainte Chapelle, the Musée de la Conciergerie – and, Gerry’s passion, the wonderful bridges of Paris.

Following the meandering loops of the Seine approximately northwest, our next stop was the village of Les Andelys. All the way, we had seen signs of Christmas – lights and decorations and other river boats decked out in holiday cheer. After the cosmopolitan hubbub of Paris, Les Andelys seemed to transport us to another age and culture. Gerry read me passages from Ivanhoe as we explored the fascinating fortress and castle of Richard the Lionheart. Narrow streets and half-timbered houses invite strolling in this green river-side town.

Then it was on to Rouen, an exquisitely preserved medieval city, where the highlights of our stay were a holiday choir recital in the gothic magnificence of Rouen Cathedral and, not to be missed, the Marché de Nöel, Christmas Market, in the Place de la Cathedrale. Beneath a galaxy of twinkling lights, stalls offer an array of trinkets, handmade goods and signature edibles, such as roasted chestnuts, crêpes and the spiced wine known as vin chaud. Returning to the ship carrying bags of treasures, Gerry felt like Père Noël himself!

On our return journey, we disembarked at Conflans Sainte Honorine to tour the incomparable Palace of Versailles, with its Hall of Mirrors and wall-to-wall opulence. Finally we returned to Paris, feeling enriched and fulfilled, calmed by our stately progression up- and down-river and excited to share the city’s dazzling display of holiday lights and to open presents with Julia, Paul and 3-year-old Cammy, whose welcoming “Joyeux Noël, grand-maman!” was truly a grandmother’s delight.

This is just a sample of the hundreds of river cruises we can offer to fit your preferences. Call us today.

Planning a trip to France with the kids? Why not select from our list of France family tours?  Family tour itineraries are chocked full of sightseeing, learning activities and fun. In addition to these tours being family oriented, they’re some of the most proficiently planned and guided vacations ever seen!

Hands down, our most popular selling family tour this year has been Globus Tours' From the Colosseum to the Eiffel Tower. Start in Rome with a welcome dinner and guided sightseeing that features visits to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum, where you get a family picture with a gladiator (if available). On to Pisa to see its Leaning Tower, then to the spa resort of Montecatini. In Florence, visit the Academy of Fine Arts with Michelangelo’s celebrated David and admire the cathedral and sculpture-studded Signoria Square. Enjoy a pizza party lunch at a local restaurant and see how they are made! Enter Venice in style by private boat, savor an authentic pasta dinner at a local restaurant, create your own Venetian mask, and follow your Local Guide for a visit to St. Mark’s Square, Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. On to charming Lake Maggiore, then cross Simplon Pass, ride a mountain train, and arrive in Zermatt for free time at the base of the Matterhorn. Continue to Montreux at Lake Geneva. From Lausanne, ride the high-speed TGV train to Paris for included visits to Notre Dame Cathedral and to the top of the Eiffel Tower. A farewell dinner at a local restaurant celebrates the success of an unforgettable vacation!

Other popular family tours in Europe include London & Paris: A Tale of Two Cities. The price includes 6 nights hotel accomodations at superior first class hotels, full breakfast daily, 2 three-course dinners and some sightseeing.  Spend a magnificent week in London and Pairs with prices for the adults from $1,669 pp and children $1,500 each.

Trafalgar Tours offers a similar trip with 4 nights in London and 3 in Paris on their Magic and Make Believe tour. If you have two weeks, Trafalgar tours has a vacation called European Wonderland where you begin in Rome and visit Florence, Venice, Lucerne, Paris and end in London.

Why not browse our full selection of family tours that include Europe, the United States, Canada and South America?

One of Italy's most romantic cities is Florence-the home of poets and painters and the spawning ground of what must be much of the world's great art. Even today, it's a city where art and creativity are in the forefront of everyday life, a city of timeless beauty tailor-made for lovers. So, imagine honeymooning or sharing a lovers' tryst in the stunning 400-year-old Grand Hotel Villa Medici, an historical residence located in the center of Florence within walking distance of all major art sites and shopping locations. Here, the high-quality service meets the elegance of the interior's historical furnishings, with each of its 88 rooms and 15 suites showcasing original antique furnishings and tapestries. Wide windows frame Florence and the Tuscany landscape, while the rooms on the top floor-which have private terraces and are a must for honeymooners and lovers-overlook the captivating cityscape. Or, there's the Il Magnifico Suite, which has a large terrace and jacuzzi. The hotel's Sina Fitness Club is the perfect place for couples to relax, enjoy a sauna, a Turkish bath or work out in the gym, while the restaurant Lorenzo de Medici with its Tuscan cuisine, provides an excellent and romantic Florentine dining experience. The restaurant abuts the Conservatory, another dining experience with a modern interior and verandah leading to the garden and pool. Clients of both restaurants can enjoy warm summer nights listening to live music and tasting exquisite wines.

Venice, too, of course, ranks right up there as a city for lovers. It's here, after all, where you'll find the famous Bridge of Sighs where, local legend says, lovers will be assured eternal love if they kiss on a gondola at sunset under the bridge. Unfortunately, the name really came from the fact that this was a passageway that took prisoners into the palace prisons from which few returned and where the hapless victims looked out onto freedom for the last time with a sigh. Except for one, the famous Casanova who was arrested in 1755 for spreading antireligious sentiment and escaped 15 months after he crossed the Bridge of Sighs-now that's romance. Nearby, overlooking the Riva degli Shiavoni, just steps from Piazza San Marco, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, the restored and romantic Hotel Danieli is made up of three interconnecting palaces. The main building, the 14th century Dandolo Palace, is Venetian gothic lavishly appointed with pink marble, stained glass, gold-leaf decorated ceilings, Murano glass chandeliers and antiques. The adjacent Casa Nuova building is a 19th century palace whose decor reflects a rich, Venetian baroque style. The building to the right of the central Dandolo Palace is the Danielino, dating back to 1948 with decor focusing on Old World charm. But it's the lagoon-view rooms-some of which have a balcony-that are beautifully decorated in Empire or Venetian style with romantic views of the Venice lagoon, another must for honeymooners and lovers. Directly overlooking the Grand Canal with an incomparable view of Venice and just a short stroll from the Piazza San Marco, the Hotel Gritti Palace has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most romantic hotels in the world, attracting elite guests such as the British royal family, the Duke of Windsor, the Princess of Monaco and a bevy of Hollywood stars all the way up to today's most popular celebrities. And it's not like this is a new thing for the property, considering it was commissioned in 1525 as the residence of the Doge of Venice-Doge Andrea Gritti-and was later used as the official residence of the Vatican's ambassadors to Venice. As one of the most celebrated hotels in the world, there's no better place to take advantage of a honeymoon program-what the hotel describes as, "a fairy tale honeymoon in magical, dreamy Venice." Couples are welcomed with a bottle of wine and a bouquet of flowers in their hotel room where they'll spend a memorable night in the intimacy of a richly decorated double room or luxurious jr. suite or suite. The next morning, they're awakened leisurely to a daily breakfast served-at their discretion-in room or in the Club Del Doge restaurant. Various tours-individual, group, walking, boat, guided-may be organized through the hotel concierge. Tour guides are available upon request and honeymooners can arrange for a late check-out at 4:30 p.m.

It wouldn't be right to exclude Rome, the Eternal City, in a Europe honeymoon review and we would certainly be remiss not to mention the Hotel Hassler, which has been recognized as one of the prime hotels in Europe for more than 100 years. With an unbeatable location atop the Spanish Steps, it's one of Italy's most luxurious with 82 rooms and 13 suites, all of which are elegantly furnished with antiques while equipped with modern leisure. The suites feature exquisite boiserie and frescoes, original paintings by the Titian and Tintoretto schools and the furniture is in original 18th century Louis XV style. The large bathrooms are finished in precious Italian marble and 23-carat gold-plated faucets. Fine Italian cuisine is available at Imago, the Salone Eva Restaurant & Bar, and the Palm Court Garden Restaurant & Bar during the warmer weather seasons. Beauty and wellness treatments are also available at Amorvero SPA. The Honeymoon package includes four nights in a luxury deluxe accommodation, daily buffet breakfast or room service, continental breakfast, a bottle of Prosecco (Italian sparkling white wine) in room upon arrival, daily fresh fruit in room, a special gift from the hotel's management from the Amorvero Home Collection, a romantic dinner at panoramic, Michelin-starred Imago, with Rome's most breathtaking views and creative Italian cuisine, plus guaranteed upgrade from deluxe to an exclusive grand deluxe double room.

Despite its recent financial woes, there's no place like Greece and the Greek Islands for a truly classic honeymoon experience and indeed, many of its island resorts were built primarily with romance in mind. At Cavo Tagoo Resort on Mykonos, for example, the overall seductive design screams romance and intimacy-everything from the infinity pool overlooking the blue Aegean Sea, to the chic, luxurious and comfortable rooms and suites, all designed to embody a contemporary minimalist island aesthetic while remaining true to the traditional character and architecture of the Cycladic Islands. All modern amenities and conveniences are provided to ensure an experience of utter comfort in an elegantly minimalist and relaxed chic setting, while excellent touches of luxury are added such as jacuzzi tubs and private pools. The Cavo Tagoo Spa is also designed with a focus on classic Greek beliefs and legends and has been ideally placed in a unique location immersed in Cycladean light, facing Delos, the birthplace of the mythical God of the sun, Apollo. Its mission, they say, "...is to fuse the latest in international spa trends with a simultaneous, traditional Greek approach to wellness and beauty in our award-winning treatments and products. The Cavo Tagoo Spa Experience is an indigenous journey of the six senses-see, smell, touch, hear, feel, and experience." Couples can also take tours to Delos, charter boats or rent cars for trips to the Mykonos town.

On Santorini, honeymoon and lovers will be mesmerized by the Andronis Luxury Suites, a breathtaking all-suite boutique hotel that sits high above the sea with panoramic views of a volcano or caldera soaring into the sky across the water. The property offers five different suite categories with the first three offering spacious living areas, separate bedrooms and private, seaview verandahs, while the exceptional suite category offers a jacuzzi and a jet pool, while the pool suite offers an infinity pool overlooking the sea. Needless to say, there's plenty of 21st century comforts and amenities including satellite TV, CD player, wireless internet and international telephony-all offered in a classical but timeless island setting. The onsite restaurant serves local cuisine with traditional recipes that include virgin olive oil, fresh vegetables, Greek herbs and succulent meats, blended with organic ingredients and elements of nouvelle cuisine to create a superlative menu-all washed down with some of Santorini's famous local wines, cultivated from the island's very own vineyards. There is also a special selection of international wines. Mare Et Sanus Spa, inspired by Greek nature and the healing power of the gods, offers massages and body treatments or even a complete Day Spa Program. Local ingredients such as propolis, tomato, cucumber, orange, fig, cinnamon and almond are all part of the spa's unique, different treatments that relax, rejuvenate and revitalize.

It's not possible to list European honeymoon and romance choices without mentioning Paris, the City of Light and Love, where romance fuses with culture. Which is why couples will enjoy celebrating the centennial of the Hotel Lutetia-a property that calls itself a "...modern-day reflection of the belle epoque and Art Deco periods; the embodiment of contemporary, stylish Parisian living." Nestled in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, it's within walking distance of the Seine, the Musee d'Orsay, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the boutiques and designers' studios on the Left Bank. Views of the nearby Eiffel Tower can be enjoyed from many of the rooms and suites where the classic styling of the 1930s is combined with all the modern amenities. In fact, the sculpted Art Deco facade and welcoming statue of Gustave Eiffel, along with pictures of artists who once lived here, attest to the fact the hotel is full of artistic surprises. But while it's not a honeymoon or romance spot for everyone, it's ideal for couples who enjoy the arts. Even today, it's a meeting place for artists, writers and politicians, with the lobby boasting a lively edginess with displayed works of art by renowned contemporary artists such as Arman, Cesar, Philippe Hiquily, Perrin and Thierry Bisch. Surrounded by Art Deco architecture, period furniture, crystal chandeliers and the sounds of jazz music drifting through from the highly popular Lutetia Bar, this is a place truly immersed in a lively Parisian atmosphere.

But for those who want to honeymoon outside of the City of Light, there's a great option in sunny St. Tropez-the Chateau de la Messardiere, the 75-room and 6-suite Leading Hotels of the World property with a history that goes all the way back to the seventh century. Today, it's a beautifully restored, five-star beauty that sits near the beautiful French Riviera and combines traditional beauty with contemporary flair. It's a great honeymoon spot and for couples who want to combine a lovers' solitude with a little seaside fun. The different room categories offer a variety of views, but for the best romantic experience, book either the deluxe room with views from the terrace or the balcony to the countryside and the gardens, or even better, the Prestige Room with large private terraces and breathtaking views of the sea from the room and the terrace. The Chateaux spa offers a variety of body treatments and fitness equipment, but the truly pampering experience here is the gourmet restaurant Les Trois Saisons, reputed to be one of St. Tropez's best dining addresses and open evenings only. The hotel claims that the restaurant is "...the perfect venue for a romantic dinner for two or with friends," because Les Trois Saisons serves refined and creative Mediterranean-style cuisine in a truly exceptional ambiance. The restaurant's huge terrace offers sweeping views over the beaches of Pampelonne. The wine selection, by the way, is as sweeping as the panorama with over 400 wines and champagnes from France and the world over, with new wines being added every year.

There's still another take on a resort stay on the French Riviera with a relatively new property near St. Tropez-La Reserve Ramatuelle, a 23-room and -suite boutique hotel with an additional 12, 4- and 5-bedroom rental villas on site. It's the boutique aspect, of course, that lends itself to honeymooners or lovers, with each of the rooms and suites enjoying their own private garden or terrace. All of the modern amenities are included, of course, with drop-dead gorgeous views of the Mediterranean thrown in for free. The hotel's restaurant and bar promises "...meticulously flavored tastes of the south, that are subtly combined for pleasure, as well as health." But it's the spa here that's the real spoiler. It even includes a 6-day program designed to focus on the personal health objectives of the guest with the goal of achieving long-term health improvement and "...maximize the future life potential of each participant." Still another program is called Discovery Day, where guests get to sample the unique spa offerings, such as baleneotherapy, of their choice, exfoliant or wrap, a 50-minute body treatment, jet shower and lunch. Then there's the Creme de la Mere, which they say is exclusive skin care with the goal of relaxation and pure pleasure and includes two regenerating facials and body treatments.

For a truly fairy tale honeymoon, look no further than Europe's own fairy tale city-the beautiful and wonderfully preserved city of Prague in the Czech Republic. This is a city, in fact, that stands for many things-music and theater, Kafka and Mozart, beer and dumplings-but especially for its romantic, charming and unforgettable atmosphere. So what could be more romantic for your couples than booking into The Iron Gate Hotel & Suites, set in a 14th century building located in the heart of Prague's Old Town, in a picturesque, cobbled side street just steps from the famous Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square-the perfect choice for enjoying the wonders of Prague, in spacious, elegant and historical surroundings. The Iron Gate Hotel & Suites offers 43 unique rooms and suites, each with a different layout, view and decor. This beautiful landmark, set in the privacy of an inner courtyard with unforgettable atmosphere, is certainly one of the hidden gems in Prague. Most rooms and suites are decorated with original 14th to 18th century frescoes or painted ceilings and some Royal Suites even offer two bathrooms and a jacuzzi. Room and suite amenities include DVD player with a selection of over 80 DVD movies available free of charge, in-room Internet connection, minibar, alarm/clock radio, satellite and cable on 28-inch large-screen TV, ETRO Designer toiletries and luxury linens. The hotel has a 2-night Romantic & Honeymoon stay in one of its luxurious jr. suites or 1-bedroom Royal Suites. The program includes Mercedes car transfer from and to the airport or railway station, welcome drink, full buffet breakfast or breakfast served in the room, flower arrangements in the room, a bottle of Bohemian sparkling wine, coffee and tea service, as well as a romantic 3-course candlelight dinner.

Talk to Atlas Cruises & Tours at 800-942-3301 to set up a honeymoon or romantic escape to Italy, France or Greece.

By: Rick Shively
Brought to you by Recommend Magazine and Atlas Cruises & Tours

Avalon Waterways is pleased to announce the marriage of worldclass river cruising with themed & specialty cruises, such as President’s, Christmastime, wine, and music river cruises!

Expand your horizons on these marvelous wine-themed river cruises. Learn the differences between an Austrian Grüner Veltliner and a French Sauvignon Blanc. A distinguished wine authority explains how various grape varieties are cultivated, and teaches you what to look for in a good wine. Visit a wine village and taste the wines to test your newfound talent. An adventure Bacchus himself would enjoy!

Only 4 dates offer this unique themed river cruise.

Windmills, Vineyards & Paris Wine River Cruise

Amsterdam to Paris – October 2, 2011

Vineyards, vintages, varietals, and some very fine wines are the focus of our exciting “Windmills, Vineyards & Paris” Wine river cruise. As you leisurely float past the legendary vineyards along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, a distinguished wine authority will describe how various grape varieties are cultivated, and will teach you what to look for in a good wine. On board your ship, the luxurious Avalon Luminary, participate in onboard tastings of regional wines, attend fascinating lectures on French and German wines, and be pamperedata food and wine pairing gala dinner.

Blue Danube Discovery Wine River Cruise

Budapest to Prague – July 14, 2011

Enhance your knowledge and love of European wines on our exhilarating “The Blue Danube Discovery” Wine river cruise. Learn the differences between an Austrian Grüner Veltliner and a German Riesling Spätlese—and a whole lot more! A distinguished wine authority will describe how various grape varieties are cultivated, and will teach you what to look for in a good wine. Marvel at Austria’s legendary Wachau Wine Valley, and consider visiting the Wine Academy or a typical Wachau wine cellar in Melk. Participate in a wine tasting excursion in Prague, On board your ship, the splendid Avalon Tranquility, attend an Austrian sweet wine lecture and tasting, and be pamperedata food and wine pairing gala dinner.

Burgundy & Provence Wine River Cruise

Côte d’Azur to Paris – October 30, 2011

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just an enthusiast, you’ll expand your horizons on our exciting “Burgundy & Provence” Wine river cruise. As you leisurely float by the legendary vineyards along the Saône and Rhône Rivers, a distinguished wine authority will describe how various grape varieties are cultivated, and will teach you what to look for in a good wine. Visit a wine cellar in Beaune, and participate in tasting excursions of France’s famed Burgundy, Chardonnay, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. On board your ship, the magnificent Avalon Scenery, attend a Beaujolais wine tasting, a food and wine pairing gala dinner, and a scrumptious wine and chocolate tasting. An adventure Bacchus himself would enjoy!

The Legendary Danube Wine River Cruise

Prague to Budapest – October 26, 2011

Enhance your knowledge and love of European wines on our exhilarating “The Legendary Danube” Wine river cruise. Learn the differences between an Austrian Grüner Veltliner and a German Riesling Spätlese—and a whole lot more! A distinguished wine authority will describe how various grape varieties are cultivated, and will teach you what to look for in a good wine. Participate in a wine tasting excursion in Prague, marvel at Austria’s legendary Wachau Wine Valley, and consider visiting the Wine Academy or a typical Wachau wine cellar in Melk. On board your ship, the splendid Avalon Tranquility, attend an Austrian sweet wine lecture and tasting, and be pamperedata food and wine pairing gala dinner.

What a Stress Free, Hassle Free way to travel to Europe? 

Leave all of the travel details to a tour operator. They provide you with comfortable transportation, several meals, a rich sightseeing program and much more.

Traveling can be stressful, especially if you are traveling to a country where English is not their first language. Something amazing happens when you feel comfortable.  Your senses have the luxury to stray from the detail and worry, finding in their place anticipation and wonder.  You'll feel comfortable staying in first class hotels located in clean, safe areas.

Save time and money. Spending hours in line to get into major attractions such as the Louvre or Vatican Museums can take all day. Groups have a separate entrance, and get to go in with little or no wait so that you have more time to enjoy the sites, and more free time in the city.

Nothing introduces you to the true flavors of your destination like fine local cuisine.  Included three course dinners are carefully planned to avoid the repetition of entrees.  From the tapas bars of Spain to the vineyards of Italy and France, the tour operator will include on your trip optional specialty dinners and plenty of free time to venture out on your own. For the evenings when dinners are not included, your tour director will have a number of suggestions for favorite nearby restaurants. After all, one of the best ways to learn about a foreign culture is to eat like the local do!

The tour buses are air conditioned are are equipped with emergency washrooms.  The bus normally accommodates 53 seats, but they install fewer seats (44) for extra leg room.

If buses are not for you, tour operators have many other options including city stays, rail packages and river cruises through Europe.

There are hundreds of tour operators you can choose from, however some have been in the business for over 50 years and have proven over time that they offer consumers the best value and service. Check with a travel agent if you need assistance finding a reputable operator.

Here is our network of Europe travel destination sites:

| England Tours | France Tours | Greece Tours| Ireland Tours | Italy Tours | River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | Spain Tours

We also have specialty European Tour Operators sites:

Contiki Tours | Cosmos Tours | General Tours| Gate 1| Globus Tours | Insight Tours | Tauck Tours | Trafalgar Tours

In Germanic cities, towns and villages you will find all kinds of Christmas merchandise and gifts, whilst in France's Alsace region villages are glittering with Christmas lights and timbered fairy-tale buildings decked for the season.

Smell the air filled with aromas of roasting chestnuts, exotic warm spices of mulled wine, freshly baked mince pies and warm continental bread. Savour hot espresso coffee as you welcome the day. The crisp fresh air of winter makes every smell a memory.

Escape the festive madness at home and enjoy shopping for traditional gifts at the markets of Europe, at the same time giving you the ultimate Christmas gift - an amazing winter vacation.

Europe's Christmas Markets featuring Austria, Germany, France and Switzerland: 
8 days from $1,249 pp

Christmastime in Bavaria and Alsace:
8 days from $1,499 pp

Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland:
7 days from $1,385 pp

Vienna, Prague and Budapest w/ Christmas Markets: 
7 days from $1,175 pp

Christmastime in Munich & Eastern Europe:
9 days from $1,329 pp 

There are also wonderful Christmas market river cruises available. Here is a short video from Uniworld's Rhine & Holiday markets river cruise.