Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

 
Czech Republic

Is a River Cruise vacation for you ?  We sure hope so !

 
“Blue sky, shorts, river floating. Happiness is finally leaving the shore” - Anonymous

Obviously, our first response would be YES, since that’ i what we hope to have you purchase from us.  So, why do we think so? Here’s the company line: We think a River Cruise is today’s best international vacation value & provides both couples & "single travelers” with the most rewarding, most luxurious, hassle-free & relaxing way to experience many of the most beautiful & storied regions of the world. And, did we mention that it is almost impossible to get sea sick on a river cruise - yes, just about impossible!

We understand if you are not totally sold yet & need a bit of convincing… We have some very good reasons why a river cruise is the best vacation, and we’ve outlined them here. 

That said, we’re probably much like you: enjoy travel, enjoy learning as much as we can about a region, its people and their culture rather than struggle through a, “if it’s Tuesday it must be Belgium”-type of vacation. Sure we still want to experience it all, but would prefer to do it with people “like me” who share similar interests, are fun, enjoy exploring & learning, and want a bit of pampering along the way… you know, by day you want to interact with the people & places you visit & by night you want a fine Cabernet, a poached fresh salmon with asparagus & great accommodations for the night - right? Yep.

River cruising was an entirely new concept to Europe when it was introduced in the mid-1970s: a floating hotel that journeys between destinations. In its simplest form, a river cruiser is nothing more than a barge with a hotel on top. For many travelers, the slow chug along the river is just the right pace for getting the lay of the land. Sitting on the top deck of a ship under brilliant blue skies, you gaze on fabled landscapes dotted with castles, villages, and vineyards. A flight of stairs down you have all the amenities of a modern hotel - restaurants, bars, lounges, fitness facilities, spas, Internet access & comfortable staterooms.

Maybe you, too, have been on one of the newer generation of mega-cruise ships, you know the ones we mean, those that you share with 3500-5000 of your “best friends,” the crew never knows your name, you wait in line for almost everything, and it can take up to two hours to disembark the ship, only to wait in yet another line to get on a shore excursion bus so you can "enjoy" an over-priced tour - who enjoys that, no matter how “cool” the ship is.

I also would prefer not to think about the rigors of a traditional bus tour with 50 or so folks, making a stop every two hours for a look at another curio shop, one more church or to allow someone yet another “restroom” break!

And, do you really want to spend 13-15 nights in hotels you didn’t choose, packing and unpacking each day of the journey, eating from very selective menus in restaurants you don’t know, and complaining that everything costs too much? I wouldn’t and don’t think you would either.

River cruises offer opportunities to step ashore in fairy-tale towns & major European capitals & lately emerging destinations in Asia & Africa, that can’t be reached on a traditional cruise ship. Most river cruisers take these trips to immerse themselves in contemporary cultures in a way they can when traveling between a different port every day and to learn something about the history of the towns along the Continents greatest rivers.

So why not do what so many experienced travelers are doing? Choose a destination from your personal “bucket list”, book a very affordable river cruise vacation and leave the driving to the ship’s captain. Meander along stunning rivers whose banks and hillsides are lined with medieval castles & vineyards in Europe, visit ancient and mystical places along the Nile River in Egypt, explore the alluring floating markets of the Mekong River as it winds through fascinating Indochina, or explore China’s incomparable Yangtze. Today’s luxurious river cruise ships allow you to experience any of these extraordinary places you’ve yearned to explore - in an up close and personal manner.

Today’s modern river cruise ships, operated by distinguished companies, have all the creature comforts including; gourmet food accompanied by a selection of complimentary fine regional wines and beers, very spacious and luxurious accommodations, all with a great river view [no inside cabins on river ships], many with a balcony, in cabin entertainment including first run movies, U.S. TV shows, FREE wi-fi and much more. Your value-packed price also includes a wonderful array of guided, English only sightseeing tours, and even includes free bicycles for your enjoyment.

Do you still need a bit more convincing? Just think about this… unpack and pack only once, do as much as you want or very little as you control the pace, exercise off the calories in the gym or relax in a sauna or on some ships, swim in the pool. You’ll also spend much more time seeing the places you visit because river cruise ships usually dock right in the center of town [many with overnight stops], where you are only footsteps away from the local residents, the best sights, and if you choose a great walking streets for you to sit and enjoy a pastry & espresso as the world passes before you. Oh yes, river cruise ships stay later in port and in many cases that allows you to go ashore after dinner to get a different view of the city at night.

And, one last thing… if you’re like me, I love the fact that they don’t require you to dress up each night while you are on vacation. Leave the tux and the formalwear at home, and at dinnertime dress in relaxed, casual resort attire - it’s your vacation, why not enjoy it!

Milestone Events such as a special birthday or significant anniversary? If so, there’s no better way to truly “celebrate” than on a value-packed & wonderfully rewarding river cruise. And, there’s no better way to get the most out of the celebration than by bringing a group of family or friends along with you to help celebrate

The top 10 reasons to opt for a River Cruise:

·         It’s your BEST vacation experience

·         It’s your BEST vacation value - your price includes almost everything

·         It’s your BEST way to truly see a region of the world in depth

·         Service offered by a genuinely warm, friendly and knowledgeable service staff

·         Exceptional fresh cuisine and rewarding dining experience

·         Today’s modern river cruise ship offers all the amenities of a fine 4-star resort

·         You travel with a small group of like-minded people

·         Your “included” sightseeing allows you to see more for much less

·         Your ship usually docks right in the center of town - more time in port

·         All outside river view staterooms & suites - most with balconies

·         Unpack and pack only once

·         No motion sickness, never!

·         Complimentary wine, beer & soft drinks at dinner

·         Casual dress & resort style onboard atmosphere

·         This one could be number 1 - a lifetime of unforgettable experiences and memories 

The bottom line? A River Cruise  will be your BEST vacation ever & let us have the opportunity to arrange all the details of your next one. You will not only have the benefit of our seasoned team but also the support that ensures quality control at all times prior to, during & even after your vacation. No matter what you might desire, our goal is to provide you & your family with the perfect, most memorable river cruise vacation at a great price.

Come…be inspired & discover the World with us