River Cruise Newsletter

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Dear Vacations To Go Customer,

Today, I'd like to highlight a few of the grand castles and palaces that you can see while cruising along Europe's famed rivers. Each of these photogenic sights has a fascinating story to tell.

To see photos of these attractions, click the castle or palace name below.

Castles are common along the Rhine River -- a stretch known as the Upper Middle Rhine is home to more than 40 fortifications. Many Rhine itineraries include an excursion to the German city of Heidelberg, where the red sandstone Heidelberg Castle looms over the old town center. Once a grand Renaissance palace, the castle was destroyed during the Nine Years' War of the late 17th century. Partial rebuilding followed, but lightning strikes in 1764 caused further damage. The ruins caught the attention of 19th-century poets and artists and soon came to symbolize German Romanticism. Click here for Rhine River cruises that visit Heidelberg.

On the Mosel River, travelers can explore Cochem Castle, or Reichsburg, in Cochem, Germany. In 1294, King Adolf of Nassau pawned the castle and about 50 surrounding villages on royal land to the archbishop of Trier in order to finance his coronation. Neither the king nor his heir could come up with the funds to reclaim the castle, and it remained with the Trier archbishops until 1794. The original structure was destroyed by French troops in 1689, but in 1868, Berlin businessman Louis Ravene bought the site and rebuilt the castle around its Gothic foundations. Click here for Mosel River cruises that visit Cochem.

Climb up to the Imperial Castle for splendid views of Nuremberg, Germany, featured on Danube River sailings. It was one of the most important castles of the Holy Roman Empire during the Middle Ages. One of its oldest remaining parts is the double chapel -- two chapels with the same floor plan, one sitting atop the other. They are connected by an opening in the middle that allowed the congregation in either chapel to hear the service in the other one. Click here for Danube River cruises that visit Nuremberg.

Danube and Rhine river itineraries that include a stay in Munich also can provide an opportunity to visit the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps. Ludwig II, sometimes called "Mad King Ludwig," began building it on its mountain perch in 1869. After losing sovereignty in his kingdom, Ludwig withdrew into his own world of myths and legends and built elaborate royal residences where he could feel like a true king. Neuschwanstein is the most famous, and among its highlights are the Byzantine-style throne room, with frescoes and cobalt-blue columns, and a grotto built to resemble a natural cave. Click here for itineraries that include a visit to Neuschwanstein.

A stay in Prague is included on many departures on the Danube, Rhine and Elbe. Prague Castle is one of the world's largest castle complexes and the official seat of the president of the Czech Republic. Also called Hradcany Castle, after the neighborhood that surrounds it, it comprises palaces, churches, towers and gardens. The Bohemian Crown Jewels are housed here, though they're rarely displayed. These treasures are stored in what's been called the least accessible place in the castle -- a chamber secured by seven locks. To open it, all seven keyholders, including the president and prime minister, must be present. Click here for Danube, Rhine and Elbe trips that include a stop in Prague.

On Douro River cruises in Portugal, passengers usually head to Casa de Mateus during port calls in Regua. Built near the town of Vila Real in the first half of the 18th century, the palace is a fine example of Baroque architecture. Some might recognize it from the label on flask-shaped bottles of Mateus rosé, a popular wine in the early 1970s. The estate is most famous for its formal gardens, an elaborate display of topiaries, manicured hedges, tiered pools and a path shaded by a cypress tunnel. Click here for itineraries that visit Regua.

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In case you missed any of our recent river cruise newsletters, I've provided links below for the last 10 topics we've covered. Click any link to read more.

Limited-Time River Cruise Deals -- Take advantage of fantastic offers for Vacations To Go customers.

Riviera River Cruises -- Learn about new itineraries and exclusive experiences from this company.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Themed Sailings and More -- Get a few ideas that may help you plan your next vacation.

River Cruising in Germany -- Experience the country's unique culture and history via its rivers.

AmaWaterways -- Receive special access to deals from one of the industry's most experienced river cruise operators.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours -- View special savings on the all-inclusive cruises offered by this line.

France River Cruises -- Read about top sights along the Seine, Rhone, Saone and other rivers.

Brand-New River Cruises -- Check out several brand-new itineraries debuting next year.

Trafalgar River Cruises -- Browse new river itineraries from this trusted tour operator.

Unique Ship Design Features -- Discover special ship amenities like onboard herb gardens and innovative layouts for private balconies.

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Here are this week's Top 10 River Cruises. All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability.

1) Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle, 8 days with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. Travels between Basel or Zurich and Frankfurt. Save up to 71%. Starting at $3,544. Departures from April 28, 2027 through October 6, 2027.

2) Timeless Venice, 6 days with CroisiEurope. Begins and ends in Venice. Save 15%. Starting at $1,167. Departures from May 7, 2027 through October 20, 2027.

3) Rhine River Cruise, 9 days with Gate 1 Travel. Travels between Amsterdam and Basel. Save up to 30%. Starting at $1,749. Departures from June 3, 2027 through August 19, 2027.

4) Melodies of the Danube, 8 days with AmaWaterways. Begins in Budapest and ends in Vilshofen. Save up to 47%. Starting at $2,030. Departures from March 15, 2027 through December 20, 2028.

5) The Douro, Porto & Salamanca, 8 days with Riviera Travel. Begins and ends in Porto. Save up to 55%. Plus, the deposit amount required to book has been reduced by 50%. Starting at $2,199. Departures from March 18, 2027 through November 16, 2028.

6) Lyon & Provence, 8 days with Viking. Travels between Avignon and Lyon. Save with discounted cruise fares and incredible air offers. Starting at $2,199. Departures from March 17, 2027 through November 15, 2028.

7) Romantic Rhine, 8 days with Avalon Waterways. Travels between Amsterdam and Basel. Save up to 50%. Starting at $2,277. Departures from December 15, 2026 through November 25, 2028.

8) Sensations of the Seine & Normandy, 8 days with Emerald Cruises & Tours. Begins and ends in Paris. Save up to 70%. Starting at $2,834. Departures from March 27, 2027 through October 28, 2028.

9) Columbia & Snake Rivers, 9 days with American Cruise Lines. Travels between Clarkston and Portland. Save up to 14%. Starting at $5,055. Departures from March 30, 2027 through November 5, 2027.

10) Holland & Belgium in Spring, 9 days with Tauck. Travels between Amsterdam and Brussels. Starting at $5,790. Departures from March 26, 2027 through May 2, 2027.

Customers in the US and Canada can call us toll-free at 800-510-4002. For a list of our other toll-free numbers worldwide, click here.

Please e-mail me your comments, suggestions and questions at alanfox@rivercruise.com and I will respond the same day.

Sincerely,

Alan Fox
Executive Chairman
Vacations To Go