Cruising to Europe is an experience of a lifetime, but it can be filled with difficult choices. With all the exotic and historic ports, including Paris, London, Moscow and Venice, how can cruisers decide which destination is right for them?Instead of scouring the Internet for information or asking every travel agent you know for advice, consider these five popular European cruise destinations to ensure you have a great time, no matter where you dock.
1. St. Petersburg, Russia
Cruising down the Volga River or though the Baltic Sea allows you to port in the historic city of St. Petersburg. The city provides a variety of distractions, both historic and modern. View magnificent works of art at The Russian Museum, or visit the summer manor built by Paul I of Russia, Pavlovsk Palace. Saunter through the park near St. Isaac’s Cathedral, a 19th century Orthodox Church that features majestic marble halls, murals and ornate pillars. St. Petersburg also features canals worthy of a comparison to the grand waterways of Venice. The list of historic destinations continues with the State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace, the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, the Mariinsky Theatre and the Nevsky Prospekt, a street that transects the heart of St Petersburg and features amazing nightlife, shopping and restaurants.
2. Bruges, Belgium
If you’ve ever seen a postcard of Europe in a shop window or tucked away in your mother’s attic, the picture featured was probably taken in Bruges. Located in the northern Belgium province of Flanders, Bruges is the ideal city to explore by train, car or foot; just make sure you bring along your sweater as the weather is always unpredictable. Many tours of Bruges begin at the Grote Market, which is located in the city’s heart and filled with several historical buildings, shops, restaurants, outdoor cafes and nightclubs. Walk or take a horse-drawn carriage to visit the sites of Bruges, including the Groeninge Museum, Brewery De Halve Maan and Choco-Story Museum, an economical destination that is an essential stop for chocolate lovers. On the subject of chocolate, stop at the specialty shops or grocery stores to purchase pounds of famous Belgian chocolate during your stay. Ask the locals where to dine or visit some of Bruges’ finest restaurants, including Bittersweet, Le Pain Quotidian and De Drie Zintuigen.
3. Paris, France
Paris is a city for lovers, families and anyone that wants to experience this capital destination’s hundreds of attractions. Your biggest issue will probably be fitting in as many sights as possible in your short stay. Start with the big names: The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. Continue your tour through this impressive city by visiting some lesser-known attractions. On Sundays, the flower markets tucked behind Notre Dame are filled with bird breeders and enthusiasts displaying their colorful animals. The Museum of Industrial Works features both inventions and industrial exhibits from across France. Indulge in the decadent restaurants and nightclubs Paris has to offer, but don’t forget to patronize the other destinations that Paris is known for: its shops. From big name designers like Chanel, Versace and Gucci to lesser-known thrift stores and consignment shops, Paris has shopping to fit almost anyone’s tastes and budget.
4. Venice, Italy
Venice is the ideal port to visit if you’re looking to explore a destination by boat or on foot, as cars are not allowed in several districts. Start your tour of Venice by taking a romantic gondola ride down its famous canals. After you jump off the boat, visit the Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the Republic of Venice’s leader that is now a thousand-year-old museum. Basilica San Marco is situated near the Doge’s Palace and filled with Byzantine architecture and glorious Italian artwork. The Rialto Bridge is situated over the Grand Canal and is the oldest of the four bridges that separate the city. Visit St. Mark’s Square as the night envelops the city to enjoy the architecture and buildings free of the tourists and crowds. If you’re at a loss or overwhelmed with all the choices to see in this historic port, just start walking in almost any direction and enjoy exploring Venice’s people, shops and restaurants.
5. Rome, Italy
You can’t throw a rock while walking down the streets of Rome without finding a historical destination or breathtaking sight. The sheer number of sites to patronize makes Rome the most exciting and rewarding European port to visit on your cruise. Visit one of the city’s famous piazzas, including the Piazza Navona or the Piazza del Popolo, to eat, drink or simply watch the people pass by. Throw a coin into the Trevi fountain, which legend holds ensures you’ll return to Rome, before seeing the Colosseum, Spanish steps and the Pantheon. Stop by the eclectic shops and cafes in Trastevere and satisfy your need for culture by taking a short trip to the Vatican and stopping by St. Peter’s Basilica.
Choosing an itinerary for a European cruise may seem like a daunting task, but as long as you include one of these top five beautiful destinations, you’re sure to have an experience you’ll never forget.
[box]This guest post was provided by Shannon Pierce, who is a freelance writer and cruise coordinator. She helps hundreds of people book great cruises, and believes that whether you are booking cruises from Galveston or visiting New York City, it is important to get out and experience the world.[/box]
