Boats in Norfolk Broads, England, UK by Elliott Brown

Of course, there are a few different ways to cruise the waterways of Europe as well and these can be either an organized river cruise ship with multiple passengers and attractions, a smaller staffed river cruiser where you travel with friends and have the services of a cook and helm to do all the hard work, or a simple self drive holiday where you pick up a boat and do your own thing. Whichever you choose, you are sure to have a wonderful time; however, where you choose to take your river cruise will probably dictate what type of holiday you can book.

The UK is blessed with some amazing waterways and whether you choose to travel on a river or via canal you can visit some of Britain’s best sights and cities. Manchester, Birmingham, York and even London are easily reached by canal whereby Oxford, Cambridge and Stratford on Avon can be enjoyed from the riverbank. Or for those of you who want a real treat, why not look at the Norfolk Broads which is an area of many interconnecting rivers that covers much of the county of Norfolk. Most of these trips are for people who enjoy renting the boat and doing their own thing.

A boat on the Canal in Manchester, England, UK by oatsy40

Then we go to mainland Europe and start in France. Here you can travel through some of Europe’s best countryside and enjoy some wonderful towns and cities. France is blessed with some fantastic rivers that pass through regions that are famous for wine and food. Most of these types of river cruise offer a chef and helm for the boat so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Look for cruises on the Loire to experience some amazing Chateaus and wine tasting or the Garonne to head for Toulouse and top rated restaurants. France is the place to head for if you want the finer things that boat travel offers.

Finally, if you like to cruise in style on a large boat with other passengers, then look toward Germany and the Rhine and Danube rivers. Here you will find a river cruise that can rival any other cruise in the world. The waves are smaller for those that suffer from sea sickness and there is certainly more to see. You cruise along the beautiful rivers and stop off at some of Germany’s best cities and sights. The fact that you have your hotel room with you at all times is another massive bonus.

Boat on Danube river, Budapest, Hungary by Aapo Haapanen

So whatever you look for in a river cruise, Europe has it in spades. There really is no need to look anywhere else. Next time you are thinking about taking a river cruise, make sure you find out what Europe has to offer.

Author: Carlita Morandi who writes travel tips related articles for several websites. She recommends you for Book Airline Tickets on CheapOair. Follow her on Google+.

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Uitmarkt

Let’s all go to the Uitmarkt for free music, dance and films. This popular cultural attraction, in which theatres open their doors to the public to herald the arrival of the cultural season, takes place in late August. Artistic and musical performances range from classical ballet to hip hop; literary performances and film screenings are held in different parts of the city, including Leidseplein, Museumplein and Nieuwmarkt.

Grachtenfestival

Amsterdam’s famous canals are celebrated once a year at the Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival). This classical musical event is held during ten days in August, with musical events in venues near the canals, on canal boats, along the IJ Lake and in Amsterdam Noord. For a breathtaking sightseeing experience head to the festival to enjoy the canals at their finest. As one of the most visited events throughout the year, hotels fill up fast so book your hotel in Amsterdam well in advance.

Grachtenfestival, Amsterdam, The Netherlands by loufrances

Open Garden Days

In June some of the most beautiful privately owned homes open their doors to the public for garden viewing. Behind many canal houses in Amsterdam, are secret gardens large enough to contain a garden bungalow for residents. Most gardens adjoin their neighbors’ creating a block long park. This is a “can’t miss” for garden lovers and a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle on the city streets.

Queen’s Day Festival

Koninginnedag, a Dutch national holiday, is held annually on or around April 30th and celebrates the Queen’s Birthday. This party festival is known throughout Holland as the “second New Year”. Dress up in orange and walk in any direction in Amsterdam to find food, drink, music and fun.

Queen’s Day Festival, Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Sean Rowe

Amsterdam Roots Festival

For seven days in June the grounds of Oosterpark are transformed into a giant open air concert with over 50,000 visitors grooving to global and non-western music.

Holland Festival

As the oldest and largest performing arts festival in Netherlands, the Holland Festival attracts theatre, orchestra, opera and modern dance acts from around the world. Every June events including multimedia, visual arts, film, architecture and musical performances and exhibitions are held in most of the city’s famous theatres and public spaces.

ITs Festival Amsterdam

Every June for the past 22 years the students of The International Theatre School showcase their talents in front of live audiences, which includes artistic directors, casting agencies and the media for a chance to launch their careers. Performances are held in different theatres and public squares across the city.

Gay Pride Amsterdam

Gay pride attracts thousands of participants with its colourful boat celebrations along the Prinsengracht canal and the Amstel River. The party is not limited to the streets, clubs overflow and boats turn floating discos.

Gay Pride Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Alessio Milan

Sensation Innerspace

Quite possibly the world’s largest electro dance party comes to the Amsterdam ArenA in July. This high spirited, high voltage experience is part Cirque de Soleil, part Ibiza.

Imagine

Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival: Every April for 12 days film lovers are treated to a line-up of science fiction, fantasy, and horror movies courtesy of Kriterion. In total over 70 films are screened, including a children’s programme, with discussions, retrospectives and a “Night of Terror” for horror fans.

Link in text:
https://www.hotel.info/en/amsterdam/hotels-125711/

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