Fancy an exciting European cruise on the Celebrity Silhouette this September?

September is an ideal time of year to take a cruise around Europe. Youll need a well deserved rest after the madness of the summer holidays, particularly if you’ve got kids at university whove been staying with you, or you’ve got grandchildren whom you’ve been entertaining during the school summer break. Plus, the weather is still beautiful.

In just a few months time you could be sipping cocktails on the deck of the Celebrity Silhouette, in a sequinned dress, or tailored suit, as the sun sets over Turin in the distance. You could be wandering around some of Europe’s oldest cities, marvelling at some of their most iconic and ancient landmarks. Between ports you’ll be wined, dined and entertained so thoroughly that you’ll be looking forward to your away-at-sea days almost as much as the land-based excursions.

Celebrity Silhouette cruises with Great Rail Journeys

One of our most popular Celebrity Silhouette cruise packages involves 8 days around Europe, courtesy of Great Rail Journeys; a travel partner of Aspen Travel and an internationally renowned tour operator. Their dedication to customer service and many years of experience in the business mean they are passionate about putting together an exciting and original itinerary that is designed to provide you with a memorable break. Let’s take a look at where you’ll visit.

Your European cruise itinerary

Before you even step foot on your cruise boat, youll visit three of Europe’s most popular cities; London, Paris and Barcelona. Great Rail Journeys will provide you with luxury rail passage to Spains East Coast, where youll visit some of the citys most imaginative buildings designed by exceptional architect, Gaud.

Youll see street arts on Las Ramblas, visit the narrow streets of the Old Quarter with its exciting range of boutiques, department stores, cafes, restaurants and markets and, at the end of the day, having tasted local delicacies and wine, you’ll board the Celebrity Silhouette. This will be the first of 8 nights in your spacious, comfortable cabin.

During your first couple of days on your cruise, you’ll enjoy the unspoiled charms of Ibiza’s old town. The views over the bay here are spectacular and youll feel truly relaxed as you potter around the attractions in the harbour area, enjoying the sunshine on the beach, or a pastry in a street cafe. Of course, if you fancy dipping a toe into some of the livelier aspects of Ibiza’s night life, that’s also possible. This is a party island that is as well known for its clubs and pubs, as it is for its fragrant flora and sensuous seascapes.

Youll set sail again on your fourth day for some of the most glamorous destinations along the French coast. In Marseilles you can explore the exclusive le Panier Quarter as well as the various maritime points of interest that the city has accumulated over time. The style stakes are upped again a bit further down the coast in Cannes; a playground for the rich and famous, that is graced with some of the worlds biggest celebrities once a year at the Cannes Film Festival. Nice is also beautiful. Its a favourite city of art lovers, where you can see classic tableaux by the Impressionists hanging in the galleries. You’re also enjoy the architecture and pavement caf culture here.

Italy is the next country on your itinerary. Youll visit the sun drenched region of Tuscany, which oozes rustic charm in every corner, from its flower-filled fields to its ancient churches and then Rome. Rome contains many of the treasures of the Roman civilisation, such as the Colosseum and the Parthenon, which youll have the opportunity to look around. It’s also worth mentioning the world-class cuisine its possible to enjoy in Rome. If you’re an Italian food enthusiastic you’ll be in gourmet heaven.

Your holiday will end in Turin where you’ll have a sumptuous Italian meal before boarding your train, which will ultimately get you back to London. This is a great holiday for taking in the sights, both via your wide train windows on your luxury rail carriage, as well as from the decks of the Celebrity Silhouette cruise boat. Let’s find out a little bit more about how you can spend your time at sea.

Life on board the Celebrity Silhouette cruise boat

As with all cruises, theres obviously the option to spend some of your time lazing around on deck, once you board your cruise boat. Many people enjoy soaking up the sun and listening to the soothing sounds of the waves beneath you, but the Celebrity Silhouette offers so much more. You might also want to keep fit, take a class, tour the shops, indulge in a spa treatment, or enjoy a show as well.

When it comes to fitness you won’t be disappointed. There’s a huge swimming pool on the deck, as well as a smaller, family pool. Water jets and hot tubs add even more interest to the wet zone. The fully equipped gym contains state of the art fitness machines and offers numerous classes such as yoga and pilates. Runners will enjoy the jogging track, golfers will enjoy the golf putting course and there’s even a basketball court on deck 15!

Calm aching muscles afterwards with a visit to the spa, where youll find a steam room, sauna and tropical rain shower. Treatments are available to keep you feeling supple, relaxed and looking great.

With 20 boutiques on board you can spend a few hours shopping for gifts, or looking at the latest on board fashions. If you need to be hooked up to the Internet, there is an extensive iLounge to keep you up-to-date with everything online. An art gallery, casino, restaurants, bars, discos and a theatre showing daring and colourful musicals and circus productions are also available to keep you thoroughly entertained.

Of course, when if you fancy a bit of quiet time, you can head back to your cabin, which if you’re paying the top price, you can expect to include a large balcony containing a whirlpool, walk-in wardrobe, dining room table and butler service. More inexpensive cabin options still contain enough space for you to be comfortable, large TVs, mini fridges, shower tub combinations and small balconies. You’ll be able to discuss your cabin preferences with the Aspen Travel team when you call us to make your reservations.

If you fancy an exhilarating European cruise this September that will throw all manner of fun at you for almost every second you’re away, please get in touch with the dedicated Aspen Travel team. We have been a respected booking partner of Great Rail Journeys for many years and can advise on even the smallest details of their itineraries. We offer cruise packages to many different parts of the globe, so if this European cruise doesn’t sound like you’re sort of thing, well be happy to discuss our full range of cruises with you. Please get in touch.