River Cruises for 2017 with VJV

Cruise into 2017 with Voyages Jules Verne

First-ever dedicated River Cruises brochure features new journeyson the Loire, Danube and Guadalquivir

Specialist tour operator Voyages Jules Verne (VJV) has launched its first River Cruises brochure, featuring a collection of itineraries across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Covering departures until May 2018, the brochure brings together all of VJV’s dedicated river cruise arrangements for the first time, offering 26 options along more than 20 rivers that range from seven-night short-haul journeys such as Impressions of the Seine, Amsterdam to the Romantic Rhine and Russia Revealed to far-flung delights like Angkor Wat & the Mekong, The Holy Ganges and The Gift of the Nile.

NEW for 2017, Voyages Jules Verne has added:

Secret Loire – experience the scenic landscapes and elegant châteaux of France’s Western Loire Valley (the lesser-known and navigable part of the Loire River) on a seven-night cruise that visits the castles and medieval cities of this beautiful region. Departing 16 April, 30 June and 15 September 2017, the price is from £1,895 pp*.

Andaluciá from the Water – enjoy a leisurely cruise on southern Spain’s Guadalquivir river, visiting the cities of Seville, Jerez, Granada and Córdoba on a seven-night cruise that also promises wine tasting, an equestrian show and birdwatching amongst its on-shore excursions. Departing 9, 16 & 30 March, 15 & 22 June, and 9 November 2017, the price is from £1,345 pp*.

Black & Blue – beginning in Bucharest, this 12-night cruise journeys along Europe’s second longest river, the Danube, ticking off six countries (Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia & Austria), and passing through the famous Iron Gates, a spectacular gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. Departing 10 July, 21 September & 13 October 2017, the price is from £2,545 pp*.

Why River Cruises?

In Voyages Jules Verne’s view, there is no better way to discover the treasures of a chosen destination than by river cruise. Travelling in far smaller numbers compared with ocean cruises, river cruising creates a convivial, ‘house party’ ambience, following carefully planned itineraries that deliver guests effortlessly to cities, towns and villages, as well as quieter, hidden gems along the way, that would be difficult or even impossible to combine in any other way. Voyages Jules Verne also delights in finding smaller vessels for many of its itineraries, each chosen for their shallower drafts, which enable them to explore further than larger ships – for example in northern Burma on the Irrawadday and, in Europe, on the Elbe and Loire – offering an altogether more authentic and stylish cruise experience.

Unlike land-based tours, with the repetitive necessities of hotel formalities – not to mention the constant packing and unpacking of suitcases – a river cruise enables guests to relax from the moment they arrive on board. Once settled in your cabin, unwind and watch the ever-changing scenery unfold as you glide by, whilst anticipating the next shore excursion or contemplating that evening’s delicious on-board dinner. Several of Voyages Jules Verne’s river cruises also feature exclusive chartered departures, giving clients the opportunity to choose (and be assured of) their preferred cabin at the time of booking. Sailing during the most favoured times of the year for the chosen river journey, whilst maintaining regular prices during high season, exclusive VJV charter choices include:

Mekong Explorer – sailing on board the RV Laos Pandaw, this 13-night cruise sails from Chiang Rai in northern Thailand’s Golden Triangle, through Laos and along the Mekong River to Vientiane. Departing 21 October, 12 November & 26 December 2017, the price is from £3,595 pp*.

The Art of Amsterdam & The Hague – a delightful four-night springtime sojourn in the Netherlands, including Gouda and Rotterdam, that reveals Dutch masterpieces and floral delights alike, with visits to Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague and the beautiful Keukenhof gardens. Departing 6 April 2017, the price is from £975 pp*.

An Iberian River Journey – cruise the scenic Douro River across northern Portugal on this seven-night cruise, with en-route stops at rural towns, palaces and port wine quintas as well as the Spanish city of Salamanca. Departing from April to October 2017, the price is from £1,480 pp*.

Many of VJV’s exclusive chartered departures also include a Special Event: enjoy a private concert at the Baroque Boccacio ballroom in Prague (Princely Treasures on the Elbe, eight nights from £2,270 pp*), a private cocktail reception at the Old Winter Palace hotel in Luxor followed by a visit to the illuminated Luxor Temple (The Original Nile Cruise, eight nights from £1,495 pp* and The Gift of the Nile, seven nights from £1,145 pp*), and a traditional Baci ceremony, unique to Laos, with a shaman, a group of elders and traditional musicians (Mekong Explorer, 13 nights from £3,595 pp*).

Think river cruising is just for couples? Think again. Voyages Jules Verne offers single travellers a number of cruises and departures without single supplements (subject to availability), including Bordeaux & the Rivers of Wine (seven nights from £1,525 pp*), Venice from the Water (four nights from £795 pp*), From Bagan to Mandalay (nine nights from £2,245 pp*) and Along the Banks of the Hoogly (11 nights from £2,295 pp*). Whether travelling solo, or with a partner or friend, clients can be assured of the services of an attentive crew and by the presence of a Tour Manager (on European cruises) or the vessel’s Cruise Director (and local guides) on long-haul holidays, to assist as required.

Each river cruise in Voyages Jules Verne’s new brochure is described across four pages in an easy-to-read format, with essential facts – such as group size, walking content and what the price includes – displayed clearly in a fact box. There is also a handy ‘In Brief’ summary and a Customer Evaluation table that ranks each holiday in terms of the Food, Excursions, Guide & Vessel, as well as giving it an overall percentage score. For customers still undecided about which tempting itinerary to book, the brochure also contains a Cruise Calendar, setting out departures for the next 12 months. Or why not speak to one of Voyages Jules Verne’s team of River Cruise Experts, who will be only too happy to offer guidance in choosing a river cruise that is right for you? Having recently travelled on most of the itineraries themselves, they have all the latest information and can offer personal insight as well as invaluable advice.

* According to the itinerary chosen, prices are based on two sharing and include air travel (London – regional departures on request, where available), taxes, transfers, accommodation, some meals, a sightseeing programme, and the services of guides and local representatives. ‘No single supplement’ places are available on selected itineraries and departure dates.

Booking with the best

Founded in 1978, Voyages Jules Verne offers 38 years’ experience in creating classic journeys with cultural and historical interest by air, road, river and rail. Carefully planned and imaginative, Voyages Jules Verne’s itineraries cover a variety of themes and special interests, each underpinned by quality and value for money. All its arrangements are fully bonded with ABTA and ATOL, allowing clients to book with complete confidence. This is further affirmed by VJV’s Price Guarantee, which ensures that the price quoted to a client at the time of booking will be the price they pay.

In 2016, Voyages Jules Verne was named Best Escorted Tour Operator at Silver Travel Advisor’s Silver Travel Awards and Best Specialist Tour Operator at The Times, The Sunday Times & The Sunday Times Travel Magazine Awards. Voyages Jules Verne was also nominated in the prestigious Travel Brand of the Year category at the 2016 Which? Awards.

For more information on river cruising with Voyages Jules Verne, call 020 3553 3722 or visit www.vjv.com. An online copy of the new River Cruises brochure can be viewed here.