You can cruise the Danube River from Budapest, Hungary to Vienna, Austria for four or five days. The boat docks in Wachau Valley, home of Austrian wines, as well as Bratislava, Slovakia at the base of the Carpathian Mountains. Rhine River cruises range from two to 28 nights. Seven-night cruises begin in Amsterdam and end in Basel, Switzerland, while 28-night tours begin in Istanbul and end in Paris. Spain offers seven-night tours on both the Guadalquivir and Guadiana Rivers.
Since the fall of the Iron Curtain -- the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Berlin Wall in 1989 -- Eastern Europe has become a popular travel destination. For example, Bucharest, Romania, as well as picturesque Brasov and Cluj-Napoca in Transylvania, and Sibiu, once the Saxon's capital in Romania, are all popular destinations. You may wish to visit Poland and the ancient, fabled cities of Warsaw and Cracow. For over 500 years, Cracow was Poland's capital and now teems with historic sights, 6,000 memorials and 40 museums. Warsaw, the Polish capital since 1611, sits on the Vistula River and is home to St. John's Cathedral, the Royal Palace and other buildings rebuilt after being razed during World War II.
England is perhaps the most popular European destination for Americans. The two countries share a rich cultural history, as well as a common language. Most Americans arrive in London, an expensive city with a rich history and filled with historic places, monuments and sights. Outside the city is a beautiful and thriving countryside with excellent highways and railroads. Rural areas are dotted with ancient ruins of monasteries, churches and castles. You can drive a car, join a bus tour or select an intimate group tour with a customized itinerary.
If you visit France, it's best to choose a specific region. There's so much to see and experience that attempting to tour the entire country could prove overwhelming. In Northeastern France, visit Alsace along the German border, as well as Champagne Ardenne, which -- according to the French -- is home of the only true champagne. You can also visit Franche Comte, a region of lakes, rivers and forests. In Northwestern France, you'll find Normandy above the English Channel, along with Brittany with its beaches and picturesque fishing villages. A visit to Southeastern France affords a chance to see Cote d' Azur, the French Rivera and the Rhone Alps. While in Central France, take in unspoiled Limousin and Burgandy, home of Fontenay Abbey, or the isolated, rugged beauty of Auvergne.
