If you book a cruise in Europe, remember to discover its fantastic Art Nouveau heritage

Xavi

A cruise is a great way to discover Europe. You can check multiple cities in multiple countries while only unpacking once. And while your instinct may be to visit sunny Mediterranean cities like Rome, Athens or Barcelona, for an Art Nouveau lover it may be more interesting to go to Central and Northern Europe.For visitors traveling by cruise these cities have a lot to offer. These regions might offer better Art Nouveau cities than Gaudí’s Barcelona, places with unique experiences, gorgeous vistas, and amazing buildings.

Art and travel have always been closely linked. During your cruise along rivers (Danube, Duero) or sea coasts (Atlantic, Mediterranean) are great ways to dive into its history, culture and civilization. Cruises have long been a popular way to explore new destinations and experience different cultures, and when it comes to discovering the beauty of Art Nouveau cities, a cruise can be an incredibly attractive option.

If you choose wisely, your cruise trip may be a great opportunity to discover all the artistic richness of the most beautiful Art Nouveau cities of Europe. If you like this Art style, choose a cruise that visits Art Nouveau cities. Danube river is a perfect itinerary, better than the Rhine or Loire rivers. If you go south, visit Barcelona or Valencia, and not Seville or Naples, where the presence of Art Nouveau is minimal.

According to our recent survey (with 440 respondents in our social networks) the three best Art Nouveau cities to discover during your European cruises are Riga, Vienna and Alesund. Visiting them with the freedom of an exclusive private tour is the best way to fully discover these unique locations.

Riga – The best Art Nouveau destination in a Baltics cruise

Riga is the largest, most vibrant and cosmopolitan capital of the Baltic capital, a beautiful city to visit during your cruise in Latvia.

The city has a lot to offer to history and architecture enthusiasts, with the cobbled streets of the old town and the grand avenues of the new city, where magnificent examples of Art Nouveau style architecture new border Strēlnieku iela and Alberta iela. Built during the full urban expansion between 1857 and 1914, its main avenues are lined with palaces on four or five floors decorated with extravagant Art Nouveau motifs.

Private Tour Riga Latvia Art Nouveau Private Tour Riga Latvia Eisenstein

Other Art Nouveau destinations in your Atlantic cruise are Helsinki (Finland) and St Petersburg (Russia).

Helsinki is located on a peninsula surrounded by nearly 300 islands, the lush capital of Finland will seduce you with its Art Nouveau architecture.

St. Petersburg has architectural pearls of baroque style, churches with so loaded domes that they reveal a new stage decoration. Discover this colorful city, where the splendor of the tsars and the imprint of the Enlightenment still floats in the atmosphere. You can also discover plenty of Art Nouveau there.

Vienna – Danube river – The best Art Nouveau destination in a river tour

Vienna had a higher density of conservative nobility than Budapest, the other co-capital of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, and this fact delayed the entrance of Secession, the new artistic movement in Vienna.

It was not until 1896 that the painter Gustav Klimt and a number of other artists quit the conservative Künstlerhaus and founded a new art association called Secession, a name used by a popular building completed in 1898 and used by many of the members of this movement, artists like Otto Wagner or Josef Hoffman.

Otto Wagner 

Vienna is a beautiful city to visit during your cruise along the Danube river. Other Art Nouveau destinations in the Danube river are Budapest (Hungary), Prague (Czech Republic) and Bratislava (Slovakia).

Budapest was the co-capital of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire along with Vienna between 1867 and 1918. In the last quarter of the 19th century the city reached almost a million people and more than doubled its number of buildings.

During the flourishing period of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy the economy was buzzing, Budapest became an important hub of the Monarchy, and many spectacular buildings were erected. The city had its golden age around 1900 when it was considered a metropolis. In https://artnouveau.club you will find different private tours with a focus on Art Nouveau. They are designed to be enjoyed by small and very small groups, but other possibilities are available on request.

Alesund – Baltic Sea – The Art Nouveau fairy tale town in the fjords

In the midst of Norway’s natural beauty lies the coastal town of Alesund, an astonishing treasure of Art Nouveau architecture with storybook turrets, spires and lovely ornamentation. Still very much a working fishing port, Alesund is built on several islands and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. A stroll through its artfully preserved streets confirms why it’s been voted Norway’s most beautiful town. Jugendstilcruise are popular because the town main attractive is the Jugendstil heritage.

jugend jugendstil jugensdtilsenteret 

A new Art Nouveau highlight has been added to the cities with attractive Art Nouveau hidden gems that you can visit from a cruise: Salamanca. The Casa Lis Museum and the City Hall of Salamanca have launched the ‘Welcome, Rio Duero’ program, aimed at the 45,000 tourists who arrive every year in the capital of Salamanca through various cruises on the Douro River.

The shipping companies that make cruises with travelers mainly come from North America, France, Italy, Austria, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Cruises will always be attractive. During a cruise, you will have the opportunity to admire masterpieces of art or architecture at your various stops. What you do in the cities is up to you.

You can choose to relax on board of the cruise, take a standard city tour or make the best of your short visit in the city and book a private tour with a professional ready to explain you all the Art Nouveau city has to offer you. To know more about our unique half day and full day cultural trips, do not hesitate to contact us using the Contact form, by phone or e-mail.

Cruises offer an exciting and unique way to explore the beauty of Art Nouveau cities, with convenience, comfort, and immersive experiences that are hard to beat. For anyone interested in discovering this iconic architectural style, a cruise can be the perfect way to do it.

Cruising Through Europe: Exploring the Continent in Style

There are many reasons why a tour on a cruise ship in Europe can be an interesting and exciting way to explore this beautiful and diverse continent. Here are just a few reasons:

  1. Convenience and Comfort: Cruises offer a convenient way to visit multiple destinations in Europe without the hassle of packing and unpacking every time you move. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy all the amenities and comforts of a luxury cruise ship while traveling.
  2. Scenic Views: A cruise allows you to see Europe from a unique perspective, sailing along the coastline and passing by stunning landscapes, medieval towns, and historic landmarks.
  3. Cultural Immersion: Europe is rich in culture, history, and traditions. A cruise will allow you to experience the best of European culture, food, and architecture, as well as offering shore excursions to explore each port of call in depth.
  4. Diversity: Europe is home to many different countries, each with its own unique culture, language, and traditions. A cruise will allow you to experience the diversity of Europe, from the vibrant cities of the Mediterranean to the quaint villages of Northern Europe.
  5. Value: A cruise is often a great value for money, as it includes accommodation, meals, and entertainment, as well as transportation between ports. Plus, many cruise lines offer special deals and promotions, making it an affordable way to explore Europe.
  6. Overall, a tour on a cruise ship in Europe is a great way to see multiple destinations in one trip, while enjoying all the comforts and amenities of a luxury cruise ship. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Europe or a seasoned traveler, a cruise is sure to offer a unique and memorable experience.

A cruise, crucero, croisière, cruzeiro, kruīzs or creuer is always a good idea, and if you combine it with an Art Nouveau visit to the city, the choice is even better. Art Nouveau is a total art style, embracing architecture, graphic art, interior design, and most of the decorative arts including jewellery, furniture, textiles, household silver and other utensils and lighting, as well as the fine arts. According to the philosophy of the style, art should be a way of life.


Share