Page 8 - AAA Shelby County – AAA Now! – July/August 2019

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River Cruising: Life in the Slow Lane
Get closer to spectacular cityscapes and charming villages, and cruise through canals and rivers with more time in port. As you journey between destinations, enjoy luxurious surroundings and attentive service as
you gaze out on the magnificent landscapes passing by.
Like an ocean cruise, all meals and entertainment onboard a riverboat are included, but what may be different is that your meals are locally sourced and representative
of the area, as well as
the entertainment.
Additionally, all staterooms feature a window; there are no inside cabins. So, you can watch the world go by from you cabin any time of day or night.
EUROPE SAILINGS
You will visit the world’s most enchanting cities, towns and villages while being surrounded by luxury and impeccable service on a Europe riverboat cruise. Meander along magnificent landscapes where with each turn of the bend yet another incredible scene unfolds. Step ashore in fairy-tale towns and grand European cities along scenic rivers including the Danube, Rhine, Main, Rhone and Duoro. Sample epicurean delights and enjoy special excursions often led by local English-speaking tour guides to sites of great historic and cultural interest, such as castles and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the holiday season, take in the heart-warming festivities of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets.
Several cruise lines, including Viking River Cruises,
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection and AmaWaterways offer unique European itineraries with superb five-star amenities. These itineraries simplify travel through Europe, yet guests sail
through the middle of the most exciting cities, connecting with these destinations on a personal journey of discovery .
In France, cruise the Seine
from Paris through the heart of Normandy, the Marne from Paris to Épernay, or the Garonne from Bordeaux to the country’s rich wine regions. Through Spain, the Garonne flows into Bordeaux’s Gironde estuary.
Winding through quaint French towns, including Pauillac, the river makes its way into Bordeaux’s wine region, along the Médoc wine route,
passing beautiful wineries and vineyards. Rhone cruises take visitors through the heart of Provence and Burgundy and into the splendor of southern France.
Enjoy a leisurely sailing through the Schelde
and Lys rivers, as well as the canals of Holland
and Belgium. Travel from Amsterdam to Antwerp, admiring the unique beauty of remote country regions with windmills, tulip fields in full bloom and magnificent medieval cities.
One of Amsterdam’s most extraordinary features is the city’s intricate canal system. Sailing through the canals is a favorite activity for visitors to the town,
as it affords a unique perspective. In Central and Eastern Europe, make the journey along the Elbe from Hamburg to Prague, through Eastern Germany and the Czech Republic, which boasts well-preserved castles and palaces. During a sailing along the Danube from Passau, which borders Austria and the Czech Republic, experience a city that dates back more than 2,500 years.
MEANDERING THROUGH ASIA
The cultures and landscapes of Asia vary greatly; therefore, cruising through the area is an excellent way to experience this enigmatic region. Travelers can enjoy all the comforts of home while exploring an array of communities, from exciting metropolises to mysterious villages. Visit pagodas, floating marketplaces and seemingly untouched beaches.
Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River – its largest – affords access to some of the country’s most fascinating regions, such as the villages of Kyun Daw, Tigyang,
Kya Hnyat and Kyauk Myaung. As visitors sail the Irrawaddy, they will spend a bit of time in these smaller villages, often arriving in the famous city of Mandalay. This city is home to the royal palace, a
site that most resembles a town whose walls create distinctive borders within Mandalay. The Swendandaw Monastery’s tale is one of resiliency, as its survival during World War II bombings made it the one significant portion from the original royal palace. The monastery is located at Mandalay Hill, which is home to monasteries, pagodas and temples.
Sailing along the longest river in Asia and third farthest-reaching river in the world reveals soaring cliffs, majestic mountains and an unmatched river cruise experience. Pouring into the East China Sea, the Yangtze River is an essential global route used for trade and tourism. The Yangtze’s Three Gorges has evolved to become a popular attraction for tourist cruising.
Stretching 75 miles, the Three Gorges region comprises Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. While each gorge offers distinctive characteristics, Qutang’s beauty sets apart this particular area from the rest.
Experienced travelers agree that a river cruise is one of the most enjoyable and hassle-free ways to explore the world’s most popular sites.
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JULY/AUGUST 2019
River cruising has taken off as a popular way to explore the heart of a destination. These smaller boats offer an intimate, casual atmosphere as you take to the waterways of the world.
Now!