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T R AV E L Tour de FORCE Lisa Small discovers stunning architecture, delicious cuisine and vibrant culture on a Grand European Cruise T o get to the very heart of some of Europe's most beautiful and historic cities there is perhaps no better way to travel than by river, as I discovered with great pleasure on my glorious Grand European Cruise voyage with Viking. Just the name of the cruise was enough to stir my romantic sensibilities, conjuring up images of days gone by when wealthy young men embarked on a two-year Grand Tour of Europe in search of great enlightenment, education and inspiration. I too was hoping for all those things from my 15-day adventure exploring the cities, towns and diverse landscapes that line the banks of the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. And I wasn't disappointed. In fact, by the end of my journey I had gained so much more, including new friends, more luggage and a few extra pounds. Isn't that the mark of a good trip? PHOTOS: © ISTOCK River cruising really is a different way of seeing the world. Every day brings new scenery and exciting destinations, from ancient rural towns to thriving cosmopolitan cities; vineyard-covered hills to mountainous forests watched over by crumbling fairy-tale castles. River cruise ships are so much smaller than ocean liners, but this means they can transport you right into the very centre of the city and moor up, putting all the sights and attractions within walking distance of your floating hotel. When you're docked somewhere overnight, it makes it really easy to spend more time getting to know a place on your own – and the staff on board are great with directions, so I was never afraid of getting lost or missing out on a wonderful opportunity that came my way. e Viking Longship might have been smaller compared to its ocean-going cousins, but it SUM MER 2020 | VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK 47 T R AV E L Tour de FORCE Lisa Small discovers stunning architecture, delicious cuisine and vibrant culture on a Grand European Cruise T o get to the very heart of some of Europe's most beautiful and historic cities there is perhaps no better way to travel than by river, as I discovered with great pleasure on my glorious Grand European Cruise voyage with Viking. Just the name of the cruise was enough to stir my romantic sensibilities, conjuring up images of days gone by when wealthy young men embarked on a two-year Grand Tour of Europe in search of great enlightenment, education and inspiration. I too was hoping for all those things from my 15-day adventure exploring the cities, towns and diverse landscapes that line the banks of the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. And I wasn't disappointed. In fact, by the end of my journey I had gained so much more, including new friends, more luggage and a few extra pounds. Isn't that the mark of a good trip? PHOTOS: © ISTOCK River cruising really is a different way of seeing the world. Every day brings new scenery and exciting destinations, from ancient rural towns to thriving cosmopolitan cities; vineyard-covered hills to mountainous forests watched over by crumbling fairy-tale castles. River cruise ships are so much smaller than ocean liners, but this means they can transport you right into the very centre of the city and moor up, putting all the sights and attractions within walking distance of your floating hotel. When you're docked somewhere overnight, it makes it really easy to spend more time getting to know a place on your own – and the staff on board are great with directions, so I was never afraid of getting lost or missing out on a wonderful opportunity that came my way. e Viking Longship might have been smaller compared to its ocean-going cousins, but it viking.com 51