Next year is shaping up to be a fantastic time to cruise the waterways of Europe. Between April and October, one of the world’s most sought-after expositions will return to the region for the first time in a decade.
The Floriade Exposition, which takes place in the Dutch city of Venlo, is the one of the world’s largest horticultural shows, featuring more than 100 exhibitors from across the globe. Often referred to as the “Theatre of Nature,” the exposition revolves around five unique “worlds,” each offering their own décor and cultural programs that allow visitors to interact with the beauty and majesty of nature in an ever-changing fashion.
Of course, river cruising and the Floriade Exposition go hand-in-hand. In order to properly showcase this one-of-a-kind event, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has gone all-out, crafting two specially planned itineraries for 2012 departing aboard the intimate River Ambassador: the seven-night Gems of Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands with Floriade and the more in-depth 14-night Grand Treasures of Europe.
Not a horticulture nut? Don’t worry; these itineraries offer a compelling mix of historical appeal, scenic cruising, and plenty of time sailing the breathtakingly beautiful waterways of Europe.
The full Gems of Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands with Floriade itinerary, from Brussels to Cologne:
| DAY | PORT | ACTIVITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Brussels | Arrival and transfer to River Ambassador |
| Day 2 | Brussels | City tour and exclusive chocolate demonstration and tasting at Planet Chocolate |
| Day 3 | Antwerp | Antwerp walking tour and exclusive Belgian brewery with beer tasting |
| Day 4 | Maastricht | Maastricht walking tour |
| Day 5 | Venlo (Floriade or Venlo) | Choice of Floriade 2012 Excursion or Venlo walking tour |
| Day 6 | Cologne | Crusing the romantic Rhine River; Choice of Cologne walking tour with cathedral or Roman-Germanic Museum and exclusive Kölsch beer tasting |
| Day 7 | Königswinter | Exclusive Castle Drachenfels by cogwheel rail tour |
| Day 8 | Cologne | Depart River Ambassador and transfer to Düsseldorf airport |
If you’re looking for something a little more in-depth, you’ll surely love Uniworld’s 14-night Treasures of Europe itinerary, which includes an additional two night stay at the gorgeous Art Deco Imperial Hotel in Prague; a fitting way to top off your river cruise.
For those who haven’t been river cruising before, it’s tough to resist the uniqueness of these 2012 sailings. A river cruise can also be a great value; something that is increasingly important to travelers – and for good reason. Aboard the River Ambassador, most beverages, including fine wines, beer and soft drinks are complimentary during lunch and dinner, as are all transfers on arrival and departure days and a whole host of guided shore excursions when in port.
It also helps that Uniworld is no stranger to these waters. In fact, the company operates more than 500 departures sailing on 13 rivers in some 20 countries. While the line earned its stellar reputation on the waterways of Europe, Uniworld also operates in Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Floriade will run from April 5 to October 7, 2012. The popularity of the exposition coupled with the increasing demand for river cruises could make these itineraries some of the most sought-after in years.
For more information on Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, be sure to check out our line and fleet overviews right here on River Cruise Advisor.
