Europe is full of fascinating history; every region boasts endless cultural details including architecture, languages, traditions, landscapes and scenery so inspiring that it compels us to stay in this romance of traveling forever. Ever wonder what it would be like to live in the Victorian Era or the Roman, Turkish, or Greek Empires? Now you can as you sail through beautiful countries where powerhouses of art and culture thrive. On the lining of one of the world’s most cherished shorelines are the Mediterranean and the Baltics. These regions rest among some of the most beautiful long standing architectural monuments. Cathedrals, fortresses and castles built for Kings and Queens dot the landscape – this is how we define Europe today.
Seek out the many extraordinary regions of Europe by visiting the quintessential ports of call during your river, Mediterranean, Baltic or Scandinavian cruise. Discover your preferred region by reading below, the famed Europe destinations at a glance. Cruising is the best way to complete relaxation, all you have to do is enjoy the gentle waves. With a delicious variety of gourmet delicacies along with consistently great service, you will be sure to give your taste buds an adventure as you enjoy yours!
Western Mediterranean
This region of Europe is a great eye opener for first time cruisers. You will experience a variety of landscapes and the beautiful cultures of Italy, France, Spain, and more. Expedia CruiseShipCenters’ Chairman & Founder, Mike Drever invites you to celebrate our 25th Anniversary this summer as we sail the Mediterranean aboard Oceania Cruises' newest ship, Riviera.
Take an endearing canal tour on the famous gondolas steered by your own serenading Italian as you get smoothly paddled through Venice. Relax as you watch the sun slowly set, casting its bright gleaming rays amongst European cottages off the coast of Monte Carlo. Take a stroll on Barcelona’s famous street La Rambla in the early afternoon and try the different tapas bars around town. Then spend time admiring one of many of Antoni Gaudi’s creations such as the Sagrada Familia or the acres of hilltop land dedicated as his creative playground known as Park Güell in Barcelona.
Been through the classic itineraries already? Why not try river cruising and enjoy the villages of the French wine country-side while sipping a glass of your favorite Bordeaux.
Eastern Europe
Feel like a Greek goddess and sink your feet in the white sandy beaches off the coast of the islands Mykonos and Santorini. Take a walk on the Greek cobblestone roads and open your eyes to the pristine cottages and houses criss-crossing each other. Explore the multi-hued bazaars of Istanbul and Kusadasi in Turkey. Enjoy some Turkish tea while the vendors at the local markets show you their hand made jewelry and art. At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey offers an ancient heritage you won’t want to miss.
Travel through one of the most beautiful cities along the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik, Croatia. This is a place full of stunning photographic opportunities for you to seize, especially the promenade along the well preserved city wall in this Old Town. Find breathtaking architecture in Prague, buildings covered in so much detail that even your 12 mega pixel camera won’t be able to truly capture what your eyes experience!
The Baltics and Scandinavia
Try and figure out the difference between Russian and Finnish vodka by tasting it in their home lands. Visit the famous Norwegian fjords and see the stretch of Arctic lands while counting the infinite amount of stars you’ll be able to gaze up to on deck. Take the Fjellheisen Cable car up the Storsteinen Mountain and see the breathtaking panoramic views over the city of Tromso, Norway. Perhaps let the astoundingly modern architecture filled and picture perfect city of Stockholm take your breath away. Walk through the winding medieval city of Gamla Stan for handicrafts, antiques and art galleries, or just take a break and bathe-in your relaxation at a local café and enjoy a kebab.
Discover all of St. Petersburg, Russia. For history buffs, stand on the grounds of where the Red Army stood once. Visit the breath taking Hermitage museum where emperors once lived. And with an ecstatic amount of monuments and architecture, St. Peter and St. Paul’s Cathedral are ones not to miss, as they are what the Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur are to France.
Find a new adventure every day on your European cruise and wind down your night by watching the city lights afar aboard your cruise. Do what appeals to you in Europe and seriously discover la joie de vie. Read about European cuisine and culture in our Body & Soul article.