RIVER CRUISING
FROM CASTLES TO COUNTRY SIDE

LISA TRAYNOR TRAVEL | LUXURY VACATION TRAVEL PLANNER

Sail into the heart of Europe, Asia, or Egypt on elegant ships that blend cultural discovery with refined comfort. River cruising isn’t about how far you travel, it’s about how deeply you experience each destination.

Why River Cruising?

River cruising is an intimate, immersive way to see the world. Unlike ocean ships, river vessels dock right in the center of storybook towns and historic cities, so you step off and begin exploring immediately. With fewer guests, personalized service, and itineraries designed around culture, history, and cuisine - every day feels both effortless and unforgettable.

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The River Cruise Experience

Immersive Exploration

One of the best parts of river cruising? You step right off the ship and you’re already in the heart of it all. Imagine strolling through medieval castles, wandering vineyard paths, or being welcomed into a centuries-old cathedral with a local guide by your side. It feels less like sightseeing and more like being invited into the story.

A Taste of Place

Dining on a river cruise isn’t just about the food. It’s about connections. One evening you might enjoy dinner paired with wines from the very vineyards you sailed past that afternoon. Another day, you could join a chef at a local market or pause for a pastry in a café that’s been serving families for generations. Every meal feels rooted in where you are.

Boutique Comfort

River ships are intentionally small, which means the atmosphere feels calm and personal. Picture waking up to castle views outside your French balcony, coffee brought just the way you like it, and evenings spent sharing stories with fellow travelers who value experiences over crowds. It’s boutique hotel comfort, with the bonus of the river always just outside.

Enrichment & Ease

Life onboard flows at your pace. You can join a guided walking tour through hidden corners of a city, bike along the riverbanks, or slip into a concert held in a historic hall. And because most of the details are already included, you can relax knowing the planning is handled — your only decision is how you’d like to enjoy the day.

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A Closer Look at
River Cruise Lines

Avalon Waterways

Avalon’s Panorama Suites open up the entire room to the river — it feels like you’re bringing the view right inside. Their itineraries balance guided sightseeing with plenty of choices, from active biking and hiking to slower-paced exploration.

AmaWaterways

Ama’s ships feel bright and modern, with dining that beautifully reflects the regions you sail through. I especially love their active excursions, like biking through vineyards or joining a small-group wine tasting that feels personal and memorable.

Viking River Cruises

Viking’s Scandinavian design creates a calm, elegant atmosphere — all light woods and clean lines. Their service is consistently polished, and their itineraries are rich with cultural depth, making them a wonderful choice for travelers who want reliability and enrichment.

Tauck

Tauck offers something truly special: experiences that feel like insider access. Think private concerts, after-hours museum visits, or small-group tours that feel carefully curated. It’s seamless luxury where every detail is thoughtfully handled.

Scenic & Emerald

Scenic is all about all-inclusive elegance; from butler service to curated excursions, everything is taken care of. Emerald, their sister brand, offers a stylish and more approachable option, still with that same sense of thoughtful design and attentive service.

Riverside Luxury Cruises

Riverside is intimate and boutique in feel, with service that feels highly personalized. Their ships are sleek and modern, designed for travelers who want a more exclusive river cruise experience.

Riviera Travel

Riviera offers excellent value while still keeping that refined European charm. Their itineraries are thoughtful, their ships polished, and they’re a lovely choice for travelers who want a relaxed, elegant experience without too many extras.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld is in a class of its own — each ship is like a floating boutique hotel, full of character and artistry. Rich fabrics, bold design, and warm service make every sailing feel distinctive and indulgent.

OUR PROCESS

If you have never worked with a professional travel advisor before (or a great one), you'll find our process effective and efficient.

01

DISCOVERY CALL

In this 15 - 30 minute virtual meeting we'll kick off the planning process. We will ask you a number of questions aimed at getting to know your travel preferences and style.

02

PLANNING

I’ll research options that match your travel style, preferences, and budget. Then, I’ll create a customized proposal for you to review online at your convenience.

03

RESEARCH, PRESENTATION AND ADJUSTMENTS

I’ll research the best options for your trip and present a proposal with choices that fit your style and needs. From there, we’ll refine and adjust together until it feels like the perfect plan for your travel plans.

04

BOOKING & CONFIRMATION

Once we have finalized your travel plans, I’ll handle making the reservations, confirming every option, and organizing the logistics. You can relax knowing the details are managed and everything will be arranged for your vacation.

05

FINAL PREPARATION

As your trip approaches, I’ll make sure every detail is in place. This includes strategizing your days, securing reservations for dining, shows, rides, or special activities, and keeping track of important dates and deadlines.