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Grand European Tours Adds Four New River Cruises for 2007
Demand for a more intimate way to cruise Europe is growing rapidly
Lake Oswego, Ore., March 6, 2007 – Travelers looking for a new kind of vacation
experience are discovering river cruising in Europe, especially as an alternative to big ocean
liners. In just one year, Grand European Tours, specialists in escorted tours to Europe and
beyond, has seen demand for their river cruise offerings double. To help meet the needs of these
travelers, Grand European Tours has added four new river cruise trips to their lineup of 40 coach
tour itineraries and now six river cruise offerings.
“We are seeing a growing number of boomer-aged travelers who want to take a trip that
is relaxing, but they’re looking for the unique,” says Hans Sohlstrom, president of Grand
European Tours. “Gliding through Europe on its legendary waterways offers them a perspective
that is hard to attain otherwise.”
Sohlstrom also sees many travelers booking a river cruise back to back with one of his
company’s coach tours. “Traveling by both land and water is a wonderful way to get a full view of
Europe’s best destinations,” he says.
River cruises carry no more than 140 guests, which is 20 times less than that of an ocean
liner. This makes for a more intimate experience among the tour passengers and staff, and it
allows easier access to the sights.
Similar to a coach tour, travelers have a chance to pull right into preserved medieval
towns and explore hidden villages full of old-world charm. And in a smaller group, they can learn
much more from their guides. Ocean-going ships have to dock hours away from these nooks and
crannies and they may only offer a chance to visit the biggest cities as a pricey optional
excursion.
The river boats offer the convenience of visiting many locations without having to pack
and unpack along the way. And with meals and entertainment on board, it is easy to settle in and
feel relaxed.
River cruises also boast many features that make them a great value. Since the trips
marketed to Americans are paid upfront in U.S. dollars at negotiated rates, travelers are not
affected as much by fluctuations in the Euro.
Grand European Tours has a 28-year tradition of offering their customers a price
guarantee that locks in the price of a tour upon booking, and the tour price will not change for any
reason.
To follow are the four new river cruises from Grand European Tours. Every river cruise
includes a professional cruise director, local expert guides, city tours and cultural experiences,
enriching onboard lectures and demonstrations, local entertainment, meals served onboard three
times a day, first class cabins with private baths, and amenities that include an onboard fitness
center and beauty shop. The cruises also feature an all English-speaking staff. And airfare from
most major cities is also included in the price.
New River Cruises from Grand European Tours
Enchanting Danube River Cruise – 9 days
Passau to Budapest
Throughout the centuries, the Danube has inspired countless musicians, composers, artists
and poets. And with this journey, you’ll discover the same inspiration with a backdrop of the
Austrian Alps, lush vineyards, ancient castles and hilltop villages. Travel from one captivating
city to the next – Passau with Europe’s largest pipe organ located in its grand cathedral, the
medieval town of Linz, the charming village of Durnstein located in Austria’s lush vineyardrich
Wachau Valley, and breathtaking Vienna, the “Waltz Capital of the World.” After a stop in
Bratislava, the “Coronation City of Kings,” the trip ends in Budapest, the beautiful “Queen of
the Danube.”
Departures are available April through November. Prices start at $2174, including 20
meals and airfare from most major airports.
Castles Along the Rhine River Cruise – 9 days
Basel to Amsterdam
Gracing the shores of the Rhine are more medieval castles than in any river valley in the
world. The fairytale castles, combined with the breathtaking landscape of rolling carpets of
terraced vineyards and old-world towns, create a dreamlike setting. Artists, musicians, writers
and poets from all over Europe immortalized the Rhine’s natural beauty in their songs, art,
stories and poetry. And even today, the Rhine continues to inspire those who visit. As you
travel along the Rhine, each bend and twist affords new surprises.
Departures are available May through November. Prices start at $1904, including 20
meals and airfare from most major airports.
European Serenade River Cruise – 14 days
Vienna to Amsterdam
This journey allows you to indulge your passion for timeless, awe-inspiring art and
architecture, and for places where history is not just recounted, but is an essential part of
daily life. Travel from the elegant city of Vienna along the Danube and through the vineterraced
and castle-clad hills of the Rhine River Valley to the colorful canals of Amsterdam.
All along the way, step back in time as you visit towns right out of the pages of German
fairytales – Miltenberg with its crooked streets and leaning houses; Rothenburg with its city
walls still standing protecting the charming core of Gothic churches and gabled houses from
intruders; Bamberg, an architectural gem boasting Renaissance palaces, Baroque houses
and a breathtaking cathedral; and Nuremberg, the quintessential example of medieval
culture.
Departures are available April through November. Prices start at $3044, including 35
meals and airfare from most major airports.
Normandy and Paris River Cruise – 9 days
Northern France offers a wealth of experiences for art and history lovers. Artists throughout
the centuries have found inspiration in these regions, from the suburbs of Paris to the fishing
villages of Normandy. You’ll see many favorite impressionist works come to life as you visit
Giverny, Honfleur and Auvers-sur-Oise. Then imagine walking the beaches where the Allied
forces landed during the World War II D-Day invasion; seeing the site where Joan of Arc was
martyred; or visiting Versailles, the cradle of the French Revolution. You’ll also explore Paris,
the grand “City of Light.”
Departures are available April through November. Prices start at $2044, including 20
meals and airfare from most major airports.
For more information about on these four new river cruises from Grand European Tours
and to request a free 108-page catalog containing a complete listing of all tours, departure dates
and prices, call 1-888-522-3950 or visit www.getours.com. The Web site features a handy travel
planner and you can sign up for a free monthly newsletter that provides valuable travel tips,
profiles on destinations and authentic recipes to try at home.
Grand European Tours
For over 28 years, Grand European Tours has provided travelers with an easy and enriching way
to travel through their escorted tours. With over 40 itineraries to Europe and beyond, every trip
includes a team of travel experts to guide your journey and help you discover the gems of each
destination. Grand European Tours even offers an unconditional price guarantee that keeps tour
prices low, even if exchange rates and fuel costs change. For more information, visit
www.getours.com or call 1-888-522-3950.
For more information contact
Lisa Scholin, bluefly PR
503-977-0483 (Office)
503-320-9379 (Mobile)
lisa@blueflypr.com