Each one of A-ROSA’s sophisticated fleet of river cruisers has been designed with Europe’s great rivers in mind. That is why all the public rooms, all of the cabins – not to mention the spacious decks – make the best of the views the travelers enjoy.
On board, the atmosphere is relaxed, congenial. Attentive staff waits at the tables and brings drinks on deck. Menus offer a mix of regional and international dishes. There are no sittings or seating plans and the dress code is informal. Most surprising of all, is the space on board, with airy lounges and restaurants, and a range of amenities you would only expect to find on much larger ships.
A Swan Hellenic river cruise takes you closer to the heart of Europe, making it easier to discover the soul of each city and landscape. Thanks to the insights of the guest speakers on board, and to expert guides ashore, the travelers have a much more rounded appreciation of the history, art and architecture that surrounds them, a more in-depth understanding of the many themes explored.
Cruises take place during April, May, June and September, to allow passengers to experience the majestic rivers at their most beautiful, when temperatures are comfortable and the cities, towns, churches, museums, vineyards and countryside visited extend a quiet welcome.
Each cruise features an experienced team, comprising an on board Cruise Director and Excursion Manager to ensure the smooth running of the cruise and the inclusive shore excursion programme.
A distinguished guest speaker accompanies each cruise, their talks exploring the history, art and architecture of each fascinating river. Guest speakers recruited for the 2012 river cruises include former senior British Diplomat Mr Graham Archer CMG and military historian Professor Ian Beckett FHistS on the Danube, eminent historian Professor Jeremy Black MBE on the Rhine, ancient historian Mr Jeremy Paterson on the Moselle and Rhine Valley and The Revd Dr Rupert Bursell QC, architectural historian Mr James Thompson and art historian Dr Cathy Oakes on the Rhône.
Examples of new itineraries for 2012 include:
The Moselle and Rhine Valley is a cruise through history, both ancient and modern. Beginning and ending in Frankfurt, this river cruise includes calls at Cochem, Bernkastel-Kues, Mehring (for Trier), Koblenz, Bonn, Rudesheim and Cologne. Exploring remains of the Roman Empire, ruined castles, former capitals and quintessential wine towns.
A selection of eight-day cruises on the Rhône in May, June and September begin and end in Lyon, cruising north to Chalon-sur-Saône before heading south to Tournus, Mâcon, Viviers, Arles, Avignon and Vienne. The Rhône flows through some of the most scenic landscapes in France from the vineyards of Burgundy to the Roman city of Arles in the South.
Discover Baroque churches, wine villages, Romanesque cathedrals, half-timbered houses and steep-sided vineyards during an eight-day cruise on the Rhine. Beginning and ending in Cologne visit Mainz, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach and Mannheim.