Rural Australia to Central Europe June
After finishing seeding on the farm, we had a rare three-week window of opportunity to travel. We decided on a European river cruise, and after searching for last-minute departures, we managed to secure a spot on a French cruise with CroisiEurope, thanks to a cancellation. I can wholeheartedly recommend CroisiEurope for their exceptional service and the overall experience of fine French dining.
We flew from Perth to Amsterdam with Singapore Airlines, a city we’re quite familiar with. It’s a wonderful place to start a European adventure, especially since we have relatives in the Netherlands. Travelling by train is the norm there, and it made exploring so much easier. During our stay, we enjoyed a day trip to Haarlem and spent a night in Groningen, a charming city in the north.
Our itinerary was packed with cultural experiences and scenic views. We stayed at the Hotel Prins Hendrik in Amsterdam, a convenient base for visiting museums, gardens, and galleries. Accommodation was expensive in and around the city centre. Three-star hotel rooms cost us between $350-400 per night.
Our visit to Haarlem included its beautiful beaches, which provided a refreshing break. From Amsterdam, we took a train to Groningen, where we stayed with family friends, Rachael and Mans. Groningen offered a mix of city exploration and outdoor activities, including hiking and riding in a nearby national park. It was a delightful mix of urban and natural beauty.
The highlight of our trip was the river cruise. Boarding the boat in Amsterdam, we journeyed through some of Europe’s most picturesque cities and towns, including Nijmegen, Cologne, Koblenz, Mainz, Strasbourg, and Breisach, before finally disembarking in Basel. Each stop offered its unique charm, from historical architecture to vibrant local cultures.
After the cruise, we travelled to Luxembourg by FlixBus, where we stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Luxembourg’s quaint and scenic landscapes were a pleasant surprise. From there, we took a train to Brussels, enjoying a walking tour of the city and an overnight stay at the Yadoya Hotel.
Our European adventure concluded with a final night in Amsterdam before returning home to Perth. This trip was a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural enrichment, leaving us with memories to cherish for a lifetime. Whether you’re planning a short holiday or a longer journey, a river cruise in Europe is an experience not to be missed.
