Call for Information: 1-800-221-2610
  • Free Catalog
  • Grand Circle Foundation
  • Contact
Grand Circle Travel
Worldwide discovery at extraordinary value Since 1958
MyGCT
Join our Community, create an account.
Need Help?
  • River Cruises
    • River Cruises
        • European River Cruises:

        • The Great Rivers of Europe 2012
        • The Great Rivers of Europe - President's River Cruise 2012
        • Romance of the Rhine & Mosel 2012
        • Russia Revealed: Moscow to St. Petersburg 2012
        • Eastern Europe to the Black Sea 2012
        • The Seine: Paris to Normandy 2012
        • Old World Prague & the Blue Danube 2012
        • Essence of the Elbe: Hamburg to Prague 2012
        • Holland & Belgium in Springtime 2012
        • Cruising Burgundy & Provence to the Cote d’Azur 2012
        • Grand European Cruise 2012
        • Christmas Markets Along the Danube 2012
        • Christmas Markets Along the Rhine 2012
        • Christmastime on the Seine 2012
        • Asian River Cruises:

        • China & the Yangtze River 2012
    • Mediterranean Small Ships
      • Mediterranean Small Ships:

      • NEW! Treasures of the Aegean: Greek Island Cruise, Athens & Istanbul 2012
      • NEW! Hidden Gems of the Dalmatian Coast & Greece 2012
      • NEW! Cruising the Adriatic: Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia, & Herzegovina 2012
    • Why River Cruising?
      • Grand Circle Cruise Line Best Price Guarantee
      • True Choice
      • Award Winning Fleet
      • Get the Insiders view
      • Travel by Ship
      • Explore by Land
      • Savor the Experience of Shipboard Dining
      • Leader in Solo Friendly Travel: Guaranteed
      • Our Fleet
      • Airport transfers for land only travelers
    • Our Fleet
      • Our Fleet

        Our worldwide fleet of private river ships—many of which are award-winning—was custom-built especially to meet the needs of our travelers. Whether you’re in Europe or Russia, you’ll travel exclusively with other Americans—for the ultimate in camaraderie.

        » Learn More

    • Program Directors
      • Program Directors

        No matter where in the world you venture with Grand Circle, you'll have one of our resident, expert Program Directors by your side, every step of the way. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching vacation.

        » Learn More

    • Video Highlights
      • The Great Rivers of Europe (2012)
      • Romance of the Rhine & Mosel (2012)
      • Russia Revealed: Moscow to St. Petersburg (2012)
      • Eastern Europe & the Black Sea (2012)
      • The Seine: Paris to Normandy (2012)
      • Old World Prague & the Blue Danube (2012)
      • Essence of the Elbe: Hamburg to Prague(2012)
      • Holland and Belgium in Springtime (2012)
      • Cruising Burgundy & Provence to the Cote d'Azur (2012)
      • China & the Yangtze River (2012)
      • Grand European Cruise (2012)
    • Awards
      • Condé Nast Traveler's 2011 Top 80 Cruise Ships
      • Condé Nast Traveler's 2011 Gold List
      • Travel + Leisure Magazine's 2010 World's Best List
      • Travel + Leisure Magazine's 2010 Global Vision Award
      • Condé Nast Traveler's 2010 Reader's Choice Awards
  • Our Trips
    • Africa
      • Escorted Trips:

      • Highlights of South Africa 2012
    • Asia
      • River Cruises:

      • China & the Yangtze River 2012 
    • Central America
      • Escorted Trips:

      • NEW! Costa Rican Treasures: Coast to Coast 2012
    • Europe
        • River Cruises:

        • The Great Rivers of Europe 2012
        • The Great Rivers of Europe - President's River Cruise 2012
        • Romance of the Rhine & Mosel 2012
        • Russia Revealed: Moscow to St. Petersburg 2012
        • Eastern Europe to the Black Sea 2012
        • The Seine: Paris to Normandy 2012
        • Old World Prague & the Blue Danube 2012
        • Essence of the Elbe: Hamburg to Prague 2012
        • Holland & Belgium in Springtime 2012
        • Cruising Burgundy & Provence to the Cote d’Azur 2012
        • Grand European Cruise 2012
        • Christmas Markets Along the Danube 2012
        • Christmas Markets Along the Rhine 2012
        • Christmastime on the Seine 2012
        • Mediterranean Small Ships:

        • NEW! Treasures of the Aegean: Greek Island Cruise, Athens & Istanbul 2012
        • NEW! Hidden Gems of the Dalmatian Coast & Greece 2012
        • NEW! Cruising the Adriatic: Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia, & Herzegovina 2012
        • Escorted Trips:

        • Tuscany & the Amalfi Coast 2012
        • Ireland in Depth 2012
        • Norwegian Coastal Voyage & Lapland 2012
        • Spain & Portugal in Depth 2012
        • The Best of Eastern Europe 2012
        • England, Scotland & Wales 2012
        • Sicily 2012
        • Dubrovnik & Beyond: From the Adriatic to the Alps 2012
        • NEW! Italy: Tuscany, the Alps & the Riviera 2012
    • North America
      • Escorted Trips:

      • America’s Majestic National Parks 2012
      • Nova Scotia & the Canadian Maritimes 2012
      • Northwest National Parks 2012
    • South America
      • Escorted Trips:

      • Discover South America: Chile & Argentina 2012
    • South Pacific
      • Escorted Trips:

      • Australia, New Zealand & Fiji 2012
    • New Trips
      • Escorted Trips:

      • NEW! Italy: Tuscany, the Alps & the Riviera 2012
      • NEW! Costa Rican Treasures: Coast to Coast 2012
      • Mediterranean Small Ships:

      • NEW! Treasures of the Aegean: Greek Island Cruise, Athens & Istanbul 2012
      • NEW! Hidden Gems of the Dalmatian Coast & Greece 2012
      • NEW! Cruising the Adriatic: Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia, & Herzegovina 2012
  • Ways to Save
    • Solo Friendly Travel
      • 10 Reasons to Travel Solo With Grand Circle
      • The Lowest Solo Traveler Prices in the Industry: Guaranteed
      • Solo Traveler Challenge
      • Find a Roommate
      • What Solo Travelers Have to Say About Grand Circle
      • Top Solo Vacations
    • Refer and Earn
      • Refer and Earn

        When you refer new travelers to Grand Circle through our Vacation Ambassador Referral Program, you’ll earn $100 per person in CASH or credit—and the more travelers you refer, the greater the rewards. New travelers you refer enjoy instant savings of $100 per person off their first vacation.

        » Learn More

    • Group Leader Program
      • Group Leader Offers
      • Meet the Group Sales Team
      • FAQs
      • Group Leader Spotlight
      • Popular Group Vacations
    • Good Buy Plan
      • Good Buy Plan

        Guarantee your trip price—and save up to 10%—with Grand Circle’s exclusive Good Buy Plan.

        » Learn More

    • Frequent Traveler Credits
      • Frequent Traveler Credits

        Every time you travel with Grand Circle and OAT, you'll receive a Frequent Traveler Credit worth 5% of the advertised cost of your trip, applicable toward your next Grand Circle or OAT vacation you take within one year.

        » Learn More

    • Travel Protection Plan
      • Travel Protection Plan

        When you purchase Grand Circle's Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel your Grand Circle vacation at any time—up to the day of your departure, and for any reason—and retain the FULL value of your trip, including your deposit.

        » Learn More

    • Last Minute Travel Deals
      • Last Minute Travel Deals

        Our exclusive Last Minute Travel Deals offer terrific savings on last-minute departures, and are available exclusively online through My Account. Sign in now, and you could find yourself making unforgettable discoveries—at an unbeatable value—in just a few short weeks.

        » Learn More

    • Maximize Your Savings
      • Maximize Your Savings

        Travelers love the value we provide—and we’re proud to offer discovery-rich vacations and the lowest prices in the industry. Learn how you can save even more, whether you’re traveling with a companion or solo.

        » Learn More

    • Best Price Guarantee
      • Best Price Guarantee

        With Grand Circle Cruise Line's Best Price Guarantee, you can enjoy the best value in the industry.

        » Learn More

  • Grand Circle Difference
    • Worldwide Discovery
      • Worldwide Discovery

        Traveling with Grand Circle is about more than sightseeing. It’s about immersing yourself in other cultures, sharing the warm camaraderie of like-minded American travelers, and feeling comfortable, safe, and well-cared for every step of the way....

        » Learn More

    • Grand Circle Advantages
      • Grand Circle Advantages

        Grand Circle invites you to travel with the leader in worldwide learning and discovery and bring your travel dreams to life, thanks to the principles that ground every one of our vacations: value, choice, discovery, and careful pacing.

        » Learn More

    • Program Directors
      • Program Directors

        No matter where in the world you venture with Grand Circle, you'll have one of our resident, expert Program Directors by your side, every step of the way. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching vacation.

        » Learn More

    • True Choice
      • New for 2012, you can customize your trip, creating the Grand Circle vacation that's right for you.

        » Learn More

    • Inner Circle Club
      • Inner Circle Club

        Many Grand Circle travelers return to discover the world with us time and time again, and to show our appreciation, we've created the Inner Circle, a membership rewards program for travelers who've joined us on three or more vacations.

        » Learn More

    • Awards
      • Just Announced: Condé Nast Traveler’s 2012 Gold List and Platinum Circle
      • Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards
      • Condé Nast Traveler's 2011 Top 80 Cruise Ship
      • Condé Nast Traveler's 2011 Gold List
      • Travel + Leisure Magazine's 2010 World's Best List
      • Condé Nast Traveler's 2010 Reader's Choice Awards
      • Travel + Leisure Magazine's 2010 Global Vision Award
    • Grand Circle Foundation
      • Index

        Grand Circle Foundation

        Simply by traveling with Grand Circle, you support the work of the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation. Alan and Harriet Lewis created the Foundation with the mission of changing people’s lives through travel—which includes both the travelers who journey with Grand Circle, and the local people who welcome us so warmly into their homelands.

        » Learn More

    • About Us
      • The Grand Circle Family of Travel Companies
      • Our History
      • Our Vision, Mission, and Values
  • Community
    • Harriet's Corner
      • Harriet's Journal
      • Travel Talk
      • Community News and Views
      • Traveler Stories
      • Global Kitchen
      • Video Collection
      • Upcoming Events in Boston
      • Harriet on Facebook
    • Travel Forum
      • Travel Forum

        Exchange thoughts, experiences, and opinions openly with other travelers, whether you're looking for information on a future trip, or have valuable insights from your own travels you'd like to share.

        » Learn More

    • Travel Companions
      • Travel Companions

        Connect with like-minded Grand Circle travelers and meet new people who not only share your love for travel, but who might also become your new friends as you explore the world together.

        » Learn More

    • Facebook
      • Facebook

        Learn more about our Facebook online community, a place where you can stay connected with Grand Circle and your fellow travelers. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, get advice, find travel companions, learn what’s new at Grand Circle, share your photos, videos, and stories, and more.

        » Learn More

    • Traveler Celebration Events
      • Traveler Celebration Events

        Our regional Traveler Celebration Events are opportunities for you to meet other world travelers who share your passion for learning and discovery, swap travel stories, and give us feedback on how we can to make your experience even better—plus, you’ll be one of the first to preview upcoming trips.

        » Learn More

    • Traveler Photo Contest
      • Traveler Photo Contest

        This year, we received thousands of Photo Contest entries, representing countries all around the world. Congratulations to all of our winners—and to everyone who entered our contest.

        » Learn More

    • Grand Circle Gallery
      • Grand Circle Gallery

        Grand Circle Gallery in Boston invites you to view our extensive collection of vintage travel posters and breathtaking black-and-white photography from Alan and Harriet Lewis’ private collection, as well as special exhibits on other travel-related themes.

        » Learn More

    • On the Road with Alan
      • Travel Experiences & Cultural Discoveries
      • Global Impacts
      • Meeting Worldwide Challenges
      • Leadership & Development Programs
      • Driving With No Brakes Book
Find Trips
  • By Dates
  • By Region
  • By Country
  • By Trip Type
    • » River Cruises
  • By Duration
  • The Best Value in River Cruising
    • Grand Circle Cruise Line’s Best Price Guarantee
    • True Choice
    • Award Winning Fleet
    • Get the Insiders view
    • Travel by Ship
    • Explore by Land
    • Savor the Experience of Shipboard Dining
    • Leader in Solo Friendly Travel: Guaranteed
    • Our Fleet
  • Escorted Trips
  • Video Highlights

Font Size:

Savor the Experience of Shipboard Dining

Gracious service, generous choices, and inspired cuisine

Because dining is an integral part of any vacation, we make sure that mealtimes are among the highlights of your River Cruise. And since authentic cuisine is a reflection of a region’s culture, geography, and people, you’ll enjoy a well-rounded view of your destination through a choice of regionally inspired, freshly prepared meals—balanced by a selection of familiar favorites. Prepared by our professionally trained, international chef and kitchen staff—who bring years of culinary experience, creativity, and even their own family recipes to our ships’ gallies—every meal aboard a Grand Circle river ship is an opportunity to both savor new flavors and meet new friends.

You’ll enjoy excellent food and service

When you travel, you want to experience the flavor of each destination—right down to the meal on your plate. And you’ll do just that during daily meals and special events onboard. Want to try Austrian Wiener Schnitzel ... Hungarian chicken paprikash ... or Russian dumplings? Depending on your itinerary, you can. Meanwhile, you’ll have a daily selection of familiar American standards, too. Even if your tastes or appetite are a little less adventurous, no need to worry, since we always offer several entree alternatives, a vegetarian option, and even half portions—with either table service or buffet-style dining. With prior notice, our gracious kitchen staff can usually accommodate special dietary needs. And because fresh, regional ingredients are delivered to the ship regularly, you can count on the finest food at every meal.
view menu

Of course, our dining room staff is an invaluable part of the cuisine team onboard, serving each meal with the utmost enthusiasm and efficiency. They’ll keep your cups and glasses full—and will always make sure that meals are served to your satisfaction

Enjoy scenic views from every table

While you’ll appreciate the friendly smiles and professional service of our dining room staff, our window-lined dining rooms let the outdoors in for the perfect mealtime ambiance. While other River Cruise companies’ dining rooms are located at water level, ours are always on the top deck—giving you panoramic views of the passing scenery as you dine. Just imagine starting your day with tea amidst the sun-lit, morning mist of the Volga. Cruising the Elbe while enjoying lunch. Or admiring the castle-lined Rhine during dinner with friends.

In our dining room, you always have a world of choice

When it comes to dining aboard Grand Circle’s privately owned river ships, you always have a choice. Our open seating and generous menu options enable you to dine with whomever—on whatever—you like. Thanks to our ships’ intimate size, there is no need for us to schedule meals in waves, which allows you to sit anywhere in the dining room. And since the atmosphere onboard is always friendly and relaxed, the dress code is “smart casual.” No need to pack dress clothes, unless you want to!

Aboard our river ships, mealtimes provide the perfect opportunity to share time with your favorite crowd or to meet new friends. Each morning, you can begin your day of discovery with a warm buffet breakfast. If lighter fare is your preference, you’ll find fresh sliced fruits and juices, a variety of breads and cereals, and more to choose from. And if you’re looking for something hearty, the chef can prepare a made-to-order omelet. Based on the day’s schedule, you might enjoy a buffet lunch or a sit-down meal with full table service. Select from seasonal salads and soups, creative sandwiches, or carved-to-order roasts. Sweeten your palate with a delectable dessert. And come evening, settle in for a relaxing, multi-course dinner—which includes your choice of red or white wine. You can also help yourself to tea, coffee, and espresso 24 hours a day in your ship’s lounge.

Try regional tastes throughout your trip

Throughout your River Cruise, you can relish regional flavors with menu selections inspired by the countries you visit. On some itineraries, you’ll enjoy cooking demonstrations—such as Apfelstrudel baking in Austria. We also highlight local specialties during exclusive Discovery Series events both onboard and on shore. Sip local vintages at a German winery. Delight in the air breads and savory herbs of Provence. Even attend a vodka-tasting in Russia.

Traveler Favorites

The Great Rivers of Europe (2012)
Travel from only
$181 per day
16 days
- including international airfare - from only
$2895
» See Vacation Details

The Great Rivers of Europe - President's River Cruise (2012)
Travel from only
$331 per day
16 days
- including international airfare - from only
$5295
» See Vacation Details

Romance of the Rhine & Mosel (2012)
Travel from only
$190 per day
16 days
- including international airfare - from only
$3045
» See Vacation Details

Russia Revealed: Moscow to St. Petersburg (2012)
Travel from only
$247 per day
16 days
- including international airfare - from only
$3945
» See Vacation Details

The Grand Circle Family: Grand Circle Travel Overseas Adventure Travel Grand Circle Foundation
Like Grand Circle Travel on Facebook facebook
Find a Trip
River Cruises
Escorted Trips
Video Highlights
Regions
Africa
Asia
Central America
Europe
North America
South America
South Pacific
Ways to Save
Solo Friendly Travel
Share Your Love of Travel
Group Leader Program
Good Buy Plan
Frequent Traveler Credits
Travel Protection Plan
Last Minute Travel Deals
Best Price Guarantee
Grand Circle Difference
Worldwide Discovery
Grand Circle Advantages
Program Directors
True Choice
Inner Circle Club
Awards
Grand Circle Foundation
Community
Harriet's Corner
Travel Forum
Travel Companions
Facebook
Traveler Celebration Events
Traveler Photo Contest
Grand Circle Gallery
On the Road with Alan
My GCT
My Account
Contact Us
Reservations & Customer Service
Frequently Asked Questions
GCT Store
About Us
Career Opportunities
Grand Circle Travel 347 Congress St. Boston, MA 02210
Terms And Conditions | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use
Call for Information: 1-800-221-2610