River cruising throughout the world has become the new way to be immersed in the middle of some of the oldest, most historic cities.  For centuries these were the highways that transported armies, supplies and families from country to country.  Before there were vehicles, water was the fastest way to get from one place to another.  Today, these waterways have been transformed into a luxurious way to visit historic towns and cities.  The famous rivers of the world - the Nile, Seine, Volga, Yangtze, Rhine, Danube to name a few, are being reintroduced by these beautiful cruise vessels as a means of gaining access to the cities they serve.  Each cruise experience is all-inclusive from the excursions off the ship, the traditional 3 meals a day, evening entertainment, as well as transfers and taxes make these cruises even more desirable.

Travel to a major city accessible to the river, let the river cruise company transfer you to the cruise ship, unpack one time and begin the historic journey down the river.  There will be times when merely sitting topside on this vessel will display the towns along the river of a historic nature without you ever leaving your lounge chair!  Then there are times where your vessel will dock right in the town.  Simply walk off the river vessel and you are in the middle of town!

We are featuring several unique itineraries at special prices.  The ships usually carry less than 200 passengers making the cruise very special.  The staff gets to know each person by name bringing even more intimacy to the experience.  These ships are perfect for friends who enjoy traveling together.  Small groups are a specialty for them.

Here are some suggestions that we have designed.  We can always plan something specific to you if you would like to contact us with more specific details:

CRUISE THE LEGENDARY BLUE DANUBE

Marvel at the beautiful vistas of the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia & Hungary while gliding past fairy-tale castles & captivating villages as you cruise along the Danube.  Enjoy a 2-night stay in historic Prague, “the city of a hundred spires”, and conclude your cruise with a 2-night stay in the vibrant, grand old capital of Budapest.  Admire the pastoral scenery along the river & immerse yourself in the cultural experiences your riverboat has to offer. You’ll be treated to a classical music performance while cruising through Austria as well as a night of Slovak cuisine & a performance by folkloric entertainers in traditional costumes.  Superb shore excursions will add to your in-depth experience of the local cultures, timeless beauty and rich history of this fascinating area of Eastern Europe.   
This 12-day tour includes all accommodations in Prague, Budapest & aboard the riverboat, most meals & wine with all dinners aboard ship, entertainment, shore excursions, sightseeing, all gratuities, land & cruise transportation & more.
The full tour price starts at $3,790/person based on double occupancy. Airfare is NOT included.  Departures begin in mid-May through early November 2010.  An 8-day “cruise only” price starts at $2,790/person double occupancy.

Please contact us or call 1-800-773-7930 for further information on this river cruise.

DISCOVER CAIRO AND CRUISE IN STYLE DOWN THE NILE - EGYPT

Imagine having the opportunity to experience the great land of Egypt, its culture & its ancient history as you sail down the Nile in a luxurious style once reserved only for pharaohs & their queens.  Cruising along the Nile River with its ever-changing scenery is like watching 5,000 years of culture and history unfolding before your eyes.  Captivating excursions will bring you to several impressive temple complexes, the fabled Valley of the Kings, Aswan Dam and much more!  This tour also gives you the chance to spend 4 nights in the grand city of Cairo.  During that visit, you’ll journey to sites where you will gaze in awe at the marvels and mythologies that define Egypt:  treasures recovered from King Tut’s tomb, the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx.  This adventure will amaze you every step of the way!
This 13-day tour includes accommodations in Cairo & aboard the riverboat, most meals, air transfers between Cairo & Luxor with transfers, all excursions, sightseeing, entertainment onboard and more. The price starts at $2,899/person based on double occupancy and varies primarily on when you travel and when you book.  Departures for 2010 go throughout the entire year.

Please contact us or call 1-800-773-7930 for further information on this river cruise.

13- Day River Cruise

Your 12-night river cruise on the various imperial waterways will include accommodations onboard your luxury river cruise ship; 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 12 dinners; 10 fully hosted shore excursions, local entertainment, signature lecture, Russian ballet, and welcome and farewell dinners.

Your visit to the Kremlin culminating with your visit to the incredible Hermitage in St. Petersburg will leave you with an enriched understanding of the country and its people.

Air not included but can be secured with the lowest, most direct flights.  Price $3750.00.  Proposed date is June 13, 2011.  For complete detailed itinerary contact Design Travel.

Please contact us or call 1-800-773-7930 for further information on this river cruise.

Cruising - the Small Ship Way

What a way to break in to the art of cruising!  Do away with motor coaches that have you on the highways of America unable to move from the seat.  Now, there’s a brand new way to see those cities that you put aside because of inconvenience.

Welcome a small ship cruise ship that takes away confinement and opens the freedom of choice!  These ships that have been built specifically to navigate our country’s historic waterways  in great fashion.  They stop each day in a different port, in this case, along the shoreline of the southeastern coast and gives you the opportunity to investigate the location in grand style.

The cabins are at least 220 sq ft and they carry no more than 200 passengers giving you the down-home atmosphere and the warm, friendly spirit of companionship.  Some of the exciting ports on this particular cruise include Baltimore in the far north to Jacksonville FL on the far south with 13 other ports in between.  Interested in seeing Norfolk, Kitty Hawk, Moorhead City, Wilmington NC, Savannah, GA, Jekyll Island  to name a few.  Interested?  Find out more about this cruise, cruise line and ship.  Call Design Travel for information and availability.  Hurry!

Price per person starting at $6,780.00.

Port charges, taxes, transfers are not included.  Also not included in this price is transportation to the embarkation location.

Please contact us or call 1-800-773-7930 for further information on this river cruise.