your river cruise guide It was our first river cruise and it certainly lived up Welcome a to all of our expectations… a wonderful experience Picture yourself waking up to a different view each morning (a hillside vineyard one day, a cathedral- crowned town the next) or sitting up on deck as you round a river bend to reveal a fairytale castle. And imagine stepping off your ship straight into the heart of your destination - no need for tender transfers or lengthy shuttle services.
River cruising is a fantastic way to experience a region. Generally you’ll moor up in or close to the centre of towns, meaning more time exploring and less time travelling to and from the ship. Contents The scenery is constantly changing too, with the An interactive guide to explore. Where will you go next? most stunning stretches of waterway usually sailed • during daylight hours so you The Danube 4 Which style • can fully appreciate them. of river cruise? 16 The Rhine • 6 I hope we’ll be welcoming Luxury you aboard one of our river • • river cruise 17 cruises soon! The Douro 8 Exclusive Dutch Titan river cruises • 18 Waterways • 10 Something Andy Squirrell More different • 20 Managing Director European rivers • 12 Ready to plan Further afield • 14 your river cruise? • 22 a
It was our first river cruise and it certainly lived up
to all of our expectations… a wonderful experience Paul, Titan customer The Danube
It seems that the Danube is the river everyone What we love about wants to cruise – it took the number 1 spot when Danube cruises… we asked Titan travellers to name the river at the top of their wishlist. • Sipping wine from a Wachau The Danube rises in Germany’s Black Forest and Valley vineyard flows almost 1,900 miles to the Black Sea. It winds • Indulging in a slice of chocolatey through ten countries, including Austria, Hungary, Austrian sachertorte Serbia and Slovakia, whose elegant capital cities stand on its banks. • Listening to a classical concert in a Viennese palace • Culture-filled capitals Stepping into Melk’s glorious baroque abbey The Danube flows through four capital cities: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade. Cruises often call at two or three in one sailing, so you could be touring Vienna’s opulent Schönbrunn Palace one morning and gliding past Budapest’s illuminated Parliament Building a couple of evenings later.
Scenic sailing River cruises are the perfect way to see some of the Danube’s most beautiful scenery. Sail through the Wachau Valley, where rolling hills are neatly laid out with riesling vines; or the rugged Iron Gates gorge, with its forest-cloaked cliffs. At the eastern end of the river is the Danube Delta, a UNESCO-protected wetland that’s home to more than 300 bird species.
History and heritage The smaller towns and cities lining the Danube are rich in history. There’s baroque architecture in Passau, a ruined hilltop castle in Dürnstein, an imposing palace-turned- Benedictine abbey in Melk – and much more besides.
4 What to see in Budapest
Highlights come thick and fast on a Danube river cruise. There’s opulent Vienna, with its palaces and coffee houses; sleepy Melk, home to a Benedictine abbey and baroque monastery; pretty Linz, where you can sip local wines and sample rich Linzer torte. But one of the most special stops is Budapest. The Hungarian capital is a joy to explore – so we include a day here on the majority of our Danube cruises. While it might not be long enough to see everything the city has to offer, it’s perfect for ticking off a few of Budapest’s best bits.
Hungarian Parliament Building Shoes on the Danube The Parliament Building is one of Budapest’s most This poignant World War II memorial is incredibly moving, and recognisable sights. This neo-Gothic building sits right highlights a dark time in Budapest’s history. Between 1944 and on the eastern (Pest) bank of the Danube, squeezed 1945, many of the city’s Jewish residents were lined up on the between the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and Margaret banks of the river and shot by firing squad. ‘Shoes on the Danube’ Bridge. Its striking architecture is even more impressive is a collection of 60 pairs of cast-iron shoes, depicting all ages after dark, when spotlights illuminate the arches and and occupations, scattered along the riverbank in memory of spired towers. If you’re lucky, your captain might treat those who died. You’ll find them in between the Parliament you to an evening ‘sail by’ so you can see it in all its glory. Building and Széchenyi Chain Bridge.
State Opera House Another example of Budapest’s spectacular architecture is the State Opera House. Built in the late 1800s, its neo- Renaissance exterior features limestone arches, marble carvings and statues of 16 composers. Step inside and you’ll discover grand staircases, frescoed ceilings, chandeliers and plenty of glittering gold detail.
Buda Castle Buda is the hilly side of the city, climbing up from the west bank of the Danube. It’s crowned by Buda Castle, an opulent castle and palace complex that sprawls across the hilltop. The castle and surrounding area (known as Castle Hill or the Castle Quarter) are part of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, and are full of history and character. Wander through the Castle Quarter and you’ll find quaint cobbled streets, baroque buildings and Gothic arches galore – plus, perfect views back down the hill and across the river to the Parliament Building.
This was my first river cruise but it won’t be my last. The route along the Danube was delightful and the concert in Vienna was a highlight. Joy, Leicestershire
5 The Rhine
Coursing along the borders of four countries, What we love about the Rhine twists and turns past fairytale castles and half-timbered towns. Its middle section, Rhine river cruises… known as the Rhine Gorge, has been awarded World Heritage Site status for its natural • Watching castles come into view beauty and fascinating history. while sailing through the Rhine Gorge • Trying a traditional (and boozy) A historical holiday to remember Rüdesheim coffee Castles, churches and medieval towns are a staple • Gazing up at the spires of along the Rhine. Each cruise is a chance to explore Cologne’s cathedral these ancient attractions and gaze back in time to a period of glorious European history. Highlights include • Warming up with glühwein on the imposing Ehrenbreitstein Fortress at Koblenz, the a Christmas markets cruise 18th-century Würzburg Residenz and the Romanesque cathedral at Speyer.
Cities of culture The cities you’ll visit depend on the itinerary you choose, but popular ports of call include Cologne, with its captivating skyline of modern skyscrapers and Gothic spires; Strasbourg, with its quaint canals and soaring cathedral; and Basel, home to a cluster of museums and galleries.
Christmas cruises No mention of the Rhine could be complete without talking about Christmas. From around mid-November, the towns and cities along the river’s banks light up with festivities. Snow-capped roofs, wooden market stalls and the smell of cinnamon and glühwein – the Christmas markets along the Rhine are a festive pleasure not to be missed.
The castles on the Rhine were my highlight. It was so relaxing being on the sun deck, noting all the castles with different architecture. Janet, Lincolnshire
6 Following in the Footsteps of Turner
Joseph Mallord William Turner is considered one of Britain’s greatest landscape artists. The flow of his brush leant perfectly to Europe’s meandering rivers and ports, often lit by a glowing sun hovering above the horizon. It’s his use of light that brought him fame, with paintings like ‘The Fighting Temeraire’, a tribute to the tall-masted warship. He is also considered a father of Impressionism and Rhine Romanticism. The talents of this London born artist (he never lost his cockney accent!) were noted early by his father who encouraged him. Turner studied art in academy schools, supplemented by working with architects and painting stage scenery. His interests gradually drew him out of London to take trips across Britain, before finally crossing the seas as an already established painter.
Turner & the Rhine On 19 August 1817, Turner spent his first day on the Rhine, committing sketches of the riverbanks to his books. It was the first of many days he spent enjoying this beautiful waterway, capturing sights including the legendary Lorelei Rock. During his time here, he would sketch in pencil or paint in watercolours from sunrise to sunset. He would sit on the banks to paint views of the castles already crumbling in the 19th century, and perfectly complementing the natural colours and ruggedness of their surrounds. Or he would climb the banks to capture boats sailing by, or people working in the vineyards and lazing by the riverside. Turner’s romantic images drew tourists to the Rhine in the 1800s, and still do today! While many of his views now have additional trees or buildings, or have weathered and aged, some of his views still exist. Some of his paintings, however, were created with a touch of artistic licence - changing the position of a castle or narrowing the banks.
Retrace Turner’s steps
A Rhine river cruise offers a great chance to see the subjects that inspired Turner. View Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz, which he sketched in 1817 and reproduced in watercolours in 1841. Admire castles that captured his attention such as Rheinfels, Katz and Schönburg. And walk through beautiful towns including Rüdesheim, where he painted ‘View of the Binger Loch’. Its central point, Maus Tower, can still be seen on its tiny island in the Rhine.
Sail through the Rhine Gorge, a beautiful area which inspired many of Turner’s works. And in Cologne, stroll along riverbanks which inspired ‘The Arrival of the Packet Boat’ – his first oil painting of the Rhine. Look for the Church of Gross St Martin which sits just off-centre in his large, sunset-hued composition.
7 The Douro
The Douro carves a route past postcard-pretty What we love about villages, terraced vineyards and family-run quintas. Douro cruises… Dramatic panoramas unfold at every turn as the river travels from the sun-drenched heart of Iberia • The endless views of vine-striped hills to coastal Porto. • Tasting rich ports and young vinho verde A treat for wine connoisseurs (‘green wines’) Following the river north, the Upper Douro region • Photographing Porto’s picture-perfect is a paradise for wine lovers. Enjoy Portugal’s finest old town wines (and ports, of course!), either on board or at one of the quintas (country estates) and wineries dotting the river banks. Culture and history Taking part in the grape On a Douro cruise, you’ll have the chance to visit towns harvest was an unexpected and cities on or near the river – places like Castelo highlight - picking and Rodrigo, a medieval hilltop town, or historic Salamanca, tramping the grapes, just across the border in Spain. On some itineraries, followed by a fabulous you can combine your cruise with time in Lisbon, too. four-course lunch. The wine Foodie favourite flowed throughout the day! Terence, Cambridgeshire The Douro region is known for its delicious cuisine, from fresh seafood and hearty meat dishes, to home- grown fruit and vegetables bursting with flavour.
8 A Cruise Down the Douro by Robert Hardman
Hundreds of millions admired this elegant small cruise ship from afar during one of the most memorable occasions in recent royal history – the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant of June 2012. This was the vessel which carried Elizabeth II on that day. Few, though, have had the pleasure of stepping on board the Spirit of Chartwell since. And those who have done so will have enjoyed rather better weather than the tempest which greeted the Monarch back then.
They will also have understood why the organisers chose this vessel for the Queen. This was the perfect way for the Monarch and her family to travel down the Thames thanks to the Spirit of Chartwell’s very generous upper deck. It gave millions of people a perfect view of the Queen – and it gave her a great view in return. Fast forward by a few years and here I am with my wife sitting on teak sunloungers on the same deck on a perfect autumn afternoon. We are on a Titan river cruise, making our way down the Douro river through the astonishingly varied terrain which borders of one of Europe’s most fascinating rivers. These days, the Spirit of Chartwell is based in Porto, Portugal’s majestic second city (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on the Atlantic coast. It is from here that she sails up through the historic wine-growing hinterland of the Douro Valley. Nothing symbolises the bond between Britain and its oldest ally quite like a glass of rich, ruby port. This noble fortified wine has only ever come from these parts and British names like Taylor and Cockburn are among the oldest brands in Portugal. Yet port is only a part of the story…
Robert is a bestselling author and leading writer on the monarchy. His books include ‘Our Queen’ and ‘Queen of the World’, and he’s also written and co-produced a number of TV documentaries on the Royal family. He travelled on ‘A Celebration of Lisbon and the Douro’.
9 Dutch
Waterways What we love about Dutch Waterways cruises… The Netherlands is ideal for river cruising, with plenty of highlights packed into a relatively compact • Seeing the colourful spring flowers area. Explore Amsterdam and Rotterdam, discover at Keukenhof Gardens quaint windmills and countryside villages, and • perhaps view the springtime tulips at the famous Painting miniature clogs to take home Keukenhof Gardens. as quirky souvenirs • Gliding past Amsterdam’s famously Dutch traditions wonky canal houses The village of Zaanse Schans offers a glimpse into • Peeking inside a historic windmill traditional Dutch life. As well as half-a-dozen historic at Zaanse Schans windmills (carefully relocated here from around the • Learning more about the history of tulips country), you’ll find 18th- and 19th-century barns, in the Netherlands from our onboard plus museums where you can watch crafts like clog- and cheese-making. guest speaker
Springtime sights Our springtime cruises on the Dutch Waterways are timed to try and coincide with tulip-flowering season. Each one includes a visit to the famous Keukenhof Gardens, where you’ll be able to see some of the most spectacular tulip fields in the world – millions of bulbs are hand-planted here every year.
Glorious Amsterdam The Netherlands’ capital is a real highlight of any cruise along the Dutch Waterways. Swap your ship for a canal boat and admire its famously wonky merchants’ houses from the water, before delving into the treasures of the Rijksmuseum or the boutique-lined lanes of the Nine Streets.
10 Tulip Fever: Holland’s Fabulous Flower Fields
Our highlight was definitely the Keukenhof Gardens visit. Such wonderful displays of many different flowers, the scents of which were amazing. Christine, London
The Netherlands in the springtime is glorious. Canals are speckled with blossom. City squares buzz with al fresco diners enjoying the sunshine. And, of course, the tulips are out. Tulips and the Netherlands have had a long love affair. The first bulbs were brought over from the Ottoman Empire in the 1500s. Less than a century later, the country was in the midst of ‘Tulip Mania’, where prized bulbs were selling for as much as a small house. Nowadays, with prices a little more reasonable, the Netherlands is the world’s biggest tulip producer, exporting billions of bulbs and flowers each year.
Keukenhof Gardens One of the best places to see tulips is Keukenhof Gardens, in the town of Lisse in South Holland. These world-famous gardens are planted with around seven million tulip bulbs each autumn, creating spectacular displays of colours when they burst into flower the following spring.
There are tulip fields, where blooms are planted in neat rows according to colour. A traditional windmill looks over the fields, providing a great vantage point for photos. And throughout the rest of the garden, thousands more flowers (including tulips, hyacinths and daffodils) are planted alongside winding paths, lakes and tree-shaded streams.
When to visit the tulip fields Normally, the flowering season begins at the end of March and runs until mid-May, with peak blooming time in mid-late April.
Tulip timings are weather dependent, of course, so they can vary slightly from year to year. Time your trip for early April to see the daffodils and hyacinths in bloom as well, or go later in the month for peak tulip flowering and warmer weather.
11 More European rivers
These scenic waterways don’t see quite as many river cruises as the bigger names – but in our eyes, that only adds to their charm.
12 13
The Nile When it comes to experiencing Egypt’s wonders, a Nile cruise is ideal. You’ll glide past palm-dotted banks and white-sailed feluccas, stopping off to explore incredible ancient temples and tombs. Back on board, you can expect swimming pools for cooling dips and shaded decks for drinks (or afternoon snoozing).
The Ganges This sacred river flows more than 2,500 kilometres from the western Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. Sail a section and you’ll discover temple cities and beautiful palaces often missed by overland travellers.
The Mississippi Sailing along the Mississippi is like stepping back in time. Sugar cane fields give way to elegant 19th-century mansions. Civil War memorials hide behind centuries-old oak trees. And jazz and blues rhythms peel out of the old clubs of Memphis and New Orleans.
The Yangtze The Yangtze flows right across China, from the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea. The ‘Middle Reaches’ is where you’ll find the real picture-postcard landscapes - think canyon-like gorges cloaked in misty, bottle-green forest.
15 Which style of river cruise?
There are plenty of different options when it comes to river cruising, so we like to offer ships and styles to suit all tastes and budgets.
Feeling adventurous? For something a little different, you might like to sail on an authentic paddle-wheel steamer on the Mississippi, a traditional teak ship on the Douro or an intimate 11-cabin barge on the canals of France.
Our exclusive river cruises (on board MS Serenade 1 and MS River Discovery II) are designed specifically for our customers, with every aspect tailored to create a distinctly ‘Titan’ experience. They’re great for solo travellers, with no or low single supplement on the majority of sailings.
No matter which cruise you choose, you’ll enjoy our award-winning VIP door-to-door travel service - so your holiday starts and ends at your own front door.
16 Luxury river cruise
Spirit of Chartwell The Spirit of Chartwell carried Queen Elizabeth II during her Diamond Jubilee pageant – and it definitely has an air of regal grandeur about it. This luxurious great for liner (which exclusively sails the Douro) almost doubles as a museum of • marine history, with genuine pieces from great ocean liners on display. An intimate atmosphere • Royal heritage Lavishly decorated with mahogany finishes, each cabin features air conditioning and a private en suite bathroom. The saloon deck is where you’ll enjoy fine cuisine and an evening night cap at the George Bradshaw restaurant not great for and adjoining Somerset Maugham Piano Bar. Upstairs on the sun deck, the Charles Dickens Solarium and elegant teak sun loungers allow for al fresco • Those who prefer a contemporary dining and wonderful views of the Douro Valley. style – Spirit of Chartwell is all about antiques and vintage details
17 Exclusive Titan river cruises
The Netherlands’ windmill-lined waterways. The castle-dotted banks of the Rhine. The mighty Danube, edged by grand cities and quiet wine regions. Our exclusive river cruises take you along the most scenic waterways in Europe - and offer a uniquely ‘Titan’ experience every step of the way.
You’ll travel on one of our two exclusive river cruise ships, MS River Discovery II and MS Serenade 1. By chartering these ships just for our customers, we’re able to tailor every aspect to ensure you have a seamless holiday experience from start to finish. Everything - food, excursions, entertainment - has been carefully thought-out by our team specifically to suit our customers.
18 MS Serenade 1
MS Serenade 1 is our original river cruise ship - she’s been welcoming Titan guests on board since 2017. We recently treated her to a makeover, adding plush new furnishings, beautiful What’s included? artwork and stylish design touches. Cabins are especially • spacious by river cruise standards (bathrooms even come with Door-to-door transfers to take you from home separate showers and bathtubs), and with a lounge/bar, mini- to your departure airport/port and back again gym, sauna and large sun deck, there’s plenty of room to relax. • Return flights or Channel crossings from the UK
• All meals on board
• Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks and mineral water with lunch and dinner
• Six-course captain’s gala dinner
• 24-hour complimentary tea and coffee
• Bottled water in your cabin, replenished daily
• Wi-Fi on board
• Excursions as detailed in the itinerary
• VOX portable audio headsets for excursions
• Titan tour manager and cruise director on MS River Discovery II board to provide information and assistance • All airport/port taxes and duties Glide serenely along the Danube on our newest addition – the spacious MS River Discovery II. Guests can marvel at the views from the comfort of their elegant superior cabins that feature floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies. Enjoy a sundowner in not one but two stylish lounges, and in the great for Captain’s Club on the upper deck, the roof also slides back, giving passengers a scenic alfresco experience. • Value for money • Spacious cabins (among the biggest on European river cruise ships)
not great for
• Exotic voyages – we currently stick to the Rhine, Danube and Dutch Waterways.
19 Something different
CroisiEurope canal barges
CroisiEurope’s converted freight barges are spot on for relaxed cruises through Provence and the Loire Valley. Drift along serene waterways, stopping every so often to potter around medieval towns and fill up on fresh bread, creamy cheeses and lavender-infused honey. Tour wine estates and historic cities in central France, spot flamingos and herons in the Camargue, and delve into scenes from a Van Gogh painting in Arles.
Back on board, dine on French cuisine, swap stories over a glass of wine on the terrace, and take in the countryside views as you soak in the al fresco Jacuzzi. Each barge has just 11 cabins, so they’re great if you think you’ll prefer a more intimate cruise experience.
great for
• Foodies and wine lovers • A friendly, personal feel (there’s a maximum of 22 guests) not great for
• Lots of onboard activities and entertainment
20 American Queen Steamboat Company great for
• Old-fashioned Southern charm The largest steamboat ever built, American Queen is packed full of traditional riverboat charm, from the lacy filigree detail and scrolling • Complimentary shore woodwork to the carefully curated selection of antiques on board. excursions in every port
Entertainment ranges from daily lectures in the majestic grand saloon, to evening performances of jazz and blues from acclaimed musicians. not great for A fabulous way to travel along the mighty Mississippi River. • Early nights – the evening entertainment is too good to miss
21 Ready to plan your river cruise?
River cruises: a first-timer’s perspective
Still not sure if a river cruise will be your cup of tea? We sent a group of Titan travellers – all of whom had said they wouldn’t consider a river cruise – to join one of our voyages along the Rhine and Dutch Waterways. Click the video below to see how they found their Titan river cruise experience.
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