TRAVEL SPECIAL ..............RIVER CRUISES WORLD SPECIAL

RIVER CRUISES WORLD SPECIAL 

RIVER RUSH

Hop on to a luxury river cruise and explore all the fantastic destinations that come along the way

    Want to do something truly different this vacation? Take a cruise and tour the distinct Amazon and Zambezi Rivers. Nature and adventure lovers will have a good time seeing completely different landscapes. It’s mother nature at her best. While there is a sense of serenity in these tranquil waters, there’s also a sense of adventure while cruising in these regions, as you never know what surprise will be revealed to you along the way. In Zambezi, you can watch elephants bathe and even organise a whitewater rafting session with your pals. The Amazon will give you opportunities to feed dolphins and perhaps, even fish out a piranha. For something more subtle, you could opt for the Danube River cruise and explore scenic cities like Vienna, Melk and Bratislava. In Vienna, you can tour the Belvedere Palace, Butterfly House, Albertina Museum and Gallery and the Hundertwasserhaus — a rare apartment house, which shot to fame because of its structure. The roof of the house is covered with earth, grass and bushes and has large trees inside the rooms.
    The biggest advantage of a holiday on a cruise is that the fun doesn’t stop after you’ve explored the destination. The inside of the cruise is like a different world altogether and one that constantly has something new to offer. You have the option of attending live shows, hitting the bar, boogying the night away at the discotheque or watching the surroundings as you sail along.
    
DANUBE RIVER CRUISE
REGION: Eastern Europe ROUTE: Vienna to Budapest
    A vacation on Danube River Cruise is filled with a lot of fun and excitement as you can explore the best of Eastern Europe along the way. Austria’s capital, Vienna has many hotspots to keep you occupied. A must-visit here is the Schönbrunn Palace, which is a top tourist attraction and important cultural monument. The Palace is a true beauty, with a sprawling park and fountains in its midst, intricately carved statues and even a zoo inside. Vienna is fondly known as the ‘City of Music’, so catch up on an opera performance here if you get the time. From magnificent museums to quaint shopping boutiques and cute streetside
cafes to unwind in, Vienna is the perfect amalgamation of luxury and affordable and you will need about two days to experience the best of this lovely place. Once you leave from Vienna, you can enjoy views of the gorgeous Wachau Valley from the deck before you reach Melk. Here, avail of guided sightseeing tours to discover the Benedictine Abbey, and then proceed to Dürnstein for a glimpse of the Baroque Stiftskirche (tower). At the end of the journey you will get two days in Budapest; make the most of it as you see Fishermen’s Bastion and shop to your heart’s content.

DANUBE RIVER CRUISE, SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Day One: Stroll around in Vienna Day Two: Sightseeing in Vienna Day Three: Explore Melk and Dürnstein. Day Four: Spend the day in Bratislava Day Five: Budapest; guided sightseeing Day Six: Leisure day at Budapest
AMAZON RIVER CRUISE
REGION: South America
    The Brazilian Amazon rainforest is like a treasure chest of experiences and sights. Take a cruise and check out the the Amazon River and the grasslands. In Manaus, set on a Rio Negro voyage and explore the Anavilhanas Archipelago. Most cruises also head towards Igapó, a dense forest area, where you will be introduced to some rare flora and fauna. If you have been to this region before, you will be surprised to see a lot of changes in the natural environment since you visited last. The surroundings and the narrow paths are subject to constant change, making each visit seem like the first time here. Take care to cover yourself when you go for a walk in the forest to keep protected from insects and constant brushing against tree trunks. Adventure seekers could try to fish for a piranha in the Amazonian waters. Ask the local staff to help you with tips on how to catch a big fish. The right bait and technique is important to land a big catch. If you succeed, hand over the piranha to the chef on board and dinner’s taken care of (yes, you can have it served). Lago Janauari Ecological Park is famous for pretty water lillies. A little known fact is that these lillies have leaves that are about seven feet in diameter! To thoroughly explore this area, one can go on an organised trek into the forest or take a canoe ride on the streams and lakes of the park. Lago Janauaca is another highlight of the Amazon River.
AMAZON RIVER CRUISE, SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Day One: Manaus - Rio Negro - Anavilhanas Archipelago Day Two: Rio Apua - Lago Turia Day Three: Lago Buriti Day Four: Rio Jaueperi Day Five: Rio Negro (West Bank) Day Six: Novo Airao Day Seven: Lago Janauari Ecological Park - Meeting of the Waters
ZAMBEZI RIVER CRUISE
REGION: Central Africa
    Most Zambezi River cruises begin at Kasane, from where your cruiseliner will take you on a journey to witness the magnificent waters and all that they hold. The itineraries by leading cruise companies are planned in such a way that you can make the trip into an experiential one. Dedicate an entire day to game drives in Chobe National Park. You can also visit and explore the Kasenu village. To make the vacation truly memorable, interact with locals and even have a meal in their homes. Water safaris, bird watching, onshore dinners and excursions will ensure that you see and experience the region to the core.
ZAMBEZI RIVER CRUISE, SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Day One: Johannesburg. Embarkation on Chobe River Day Two: Full-day game drive in Chobe National Park Day Three: Visit Kasenu village to experience the local culture first-hand Day Four: Private boat safari, a bird watching excursion, or an expedition to catch the ferocious Tigerfish Day Five: Disembarkation. Visit the legendary Victoria Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders on earth

Compiled by Sujata Reddy ETTR130704