Cruising the Danube can make for a relaxing trip

Can you picture being on a river surrounded by castles, vineyards, old world cities and quaint towns? Behold the historic Danube, Europe’s major river and, lifeblood of its communities.

Can you imagine being docked in a city center, near a castle, or next to the cobblestone streets of an ancient village? This is riverboat cruising at its finest, an intimate look at a myriad of riverbank environments, a close encounter with native peoples and cultures.

Riverboat cruising is the fastest growing segments of travel, with annual growth in the double digits, even with the world economy suffering. It is so popular, among people of all ages, because of its relaxed pace, access to city centers, small and intimate boats, and included tours. River boating provides an easy entrée to a region’s heartland, whether that may be its small medieval villages or grand historic capitals.

Why not unpack once and watch the scenery slowly rolling by, or get on a bicycle and tour the countryside (bicycles are free for passenger’s use on some cruise lines).

Life onboard the riverboat is relaxed but filled with special amenities. The large rooms feature flat-screened TVs, in-room safes, mini-fridges, hair dryers, fluffy robes and slippers, marble baths and luxurious toiletries. AMAwaterways provides Internet access in your room, along with music, TV and movies.

Regional food and wine specialties are served in an elegant dining atmosphere. Typically wine and beer are included with the dinner meal. The most popular place on a sunny day is the sun deck, a place to rest, read, view the sights or enjoy the Jacuzzi.

After dinner entertainment showcases the local culture such as chamber music ensembles and folkloric groups. A game room provides space for friends to gather, and if you can’t be without a gym for a week there is one of those too.

River cruising, unlike most ocean line cruises, often include excursions and are a particularly good value in Europe. You pay upfront in dollars and avoid the unfavorable currency exchange.

Your only extra expenses, on the boat, are your gratuities and bar bill.

Battlefield Travel has group space on AMAwaterways Romantic Danube tour. The tour dates are April 28 to May 9, 2010, and it includes three nights in Prague and river cruise from Germany to Austria, Slovakia and ending in Budapest Hungary. Space is limited and available until Oct. 28. We would like to take some Culpeper people with us to experience this wonderful area of Europe and mode of travel.

Whether you travel on a river cruise with us in April, or on your own later in the year, please make 2010 the time to vacation on a European riverboat. You can afford it, you will enjoy it, and you will want to return for another fine river boating experience.

Melanie Chambers is a travel agent with Battlefield Travel in Culpeper.