From grand châteaus to cobbled, homely streets, the waterways of France are bursting with sights of interest, and you can experience them the most relaxing way possible, on a barge cruise.

A staple of dinner parties in the 70s, Black Forest Gateau has lost none of its retro charm and is an indulgent bake that combines the timeless flavours of cherries and chocolate. You can spice this recipe up with the addition of some kirsch liqueur or keep it alcohol-free.

It’s unsurprising that a river over five million years old should have a somewhat colourful history, and the Rhine doesn’t disappoint. A nation already famous for its dark yet irresistible fairytales, compiled by the Brothers Grimm, Germany’s dense forests and snaking valleys provide the perfect backdrop to a cornucopia of myths and legends that visitors still thrill to hear about today.

Cruising like a king on the Amadeus Queen, Chris Page enjoys a first class trip to explore Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.

Nothing beats the combination of flaky pastry and spicy apple filling, but this Austrian favourite is famous world-wide for good reason. Simple ingredients deliver bold flavours, with each bite whisking you further along the glorious Danube.

Sailing along the rivers of Europe is the perfect way to enjoy a leisurely holiday and discovering the wonders of every destination at the same time.

Great Rail Journeys’ inaugural Five-Star Tulips cruise got off to a great start on Amadeus Silver II river cruise ship.

Scour the internet hard enough and you’ll find guide after guide about not only where to take your holidays.

Cruising is big business, especially now as cruise companies head into ever more unchartered waters. Once the simple statement, ‘we’re heading off on a cruise this summer’ would have evoked images of a sedate lap around the Mediterranean, but no longer! With lines such as Hurtigruten offering adventures across Scandinavia and unique experiences up for grabs in Asia - Halong Bay in Vietnam not only offers warm waters for swimming and mind-boggling geological formations, but cruising is the only way to access this island labyrinth - it’s no wonder that the demand for holidays afloat is increasing year after year.

River cruising is becoming one of the most popular holiday choices, particularly for leisurely travellers over 60, offering a scenic escape with some wonderful perks. Today we’re exploring why the river cruise has become so popular in recent years, and whether it might just be the right holiday for you.

Enjoy a relaxing river cruise with Great Rail Journeys. Travel in luxury on the great rivers of Europe and beyond, including the Rhine and Seine.

Deciding how to take your holiday can be stressful. We review the options available including air travel, train and cruise ship.