Nothing introduces you to the delights of Europe like a trip down its rivers – the highways of old. Paul Rodger spoke to beloved broadcaster Steve Liebmann about his continental experience.

Steve Liebmann paints a pretty picture. It was six o’clock in the morning and he was up early to admire the surrounding scenery. As the sun rose, he spotted cattle and windmills and he knew he had crossed the border into Holland. Mist hung over the riverbanks and on either side fields and trees formed a guard of honour.

In a short while Steve was in the heart of Amsterdam, his riverboat docked a brief walk from Centraal station.

Such is the beauty of travelling by river – you can be deposited right in the heart of some of Europe’s oldest towns and cities. Along the way, you observe countryside the likes of which you will never see from the passenger seat of a hire car. It’s convenient, it’s great value, and it’s far removed from the busy roads and highways that crisscross the continent.

All these factors have contributed to what tourism operators describe as a boom in European river cruising. But the bustle on Europe’s most famous riverways – the Rhine, the Moselle, the Main and the Danube – isn’t a new phenomenon. Long before ocean liners cruised the open seas, traders plied these rivers, moving people and goods. Towns and then cities were built on Europe’s waterways, which acted as a lifeline for industry and growth. Now they exist for people’s enjoyment.

Steve believes there is no better way to see Europe than from its rivers. “There’s something about river cruising that takes you to the core of great European towns and cities,” he says. It’s obvious he’s speaking both literally and figuratively. “The river cruises take you right through the middle of these wonderful places. And when you disembark, you can choose to have a local escort give you the history of the location. It’s travel as it’s meant to be.”

Steve has just returned from an Avalon Waterways’ river cruise called ‘Magnificent Europe’, which over the course of 15 days took him from Budapest, through Bratislava, Vienna and Cologne to Amsterdam. The respected newsman, best known for his role as co-host of the Nine Network’s long-running Today program, is happy to be associated with the Avalon name.

Steve’s recent journey was the second with the company and he is convinced more than ever about the quality of Avalon’s product. This comes from a man not known for his endorsements.

In August 2009, Steve will jump aboard the Avalon Poetry for the same cruise, this time departing from Amsterdam bound for Budapest. NRMA is giving its Members the chance to book a place on the ‘Magnificent Europe’ cruise, which will offer a fantastic opportunity to meet and travel with the man who has interviewed presidents, prime ministers, royalty and some of the world’s leading entertainers.

Steve says that competition among cruise operators is intense, but several things set Avalon apart. Not least is the size of its ship’s rooms and the ample storage on offer. “You can store all your luggage under your bed so you are not tripping over your suitcases,” he says. “Even my wife, who likes to bring a lot of stuff with her when she travels, is able to store everything away,” he adds with a wry smile. “Whoever designed the rooms is obviously very clever.”

He also cites the convenience factor. “When you book, you pay once, you unpack once and then it’s home for 15 days. It’s just so easy.” He explains that a host of inclusions form part of the package. Book a trip with Avalon and you receive a cocktail reception, all meals while on board, wine with dinner, guided sightseeing and a range of optional excursions, plus modern conveniences such as plasma TVs showing English-language channels and in-house movies, internet access and even fitness equipment.

He explains that tipping at restaurants and on tours, so often a point of confusion among travellers to Europe, is taken care of. Avalon gives its passengers the option of purchasing pre-paid gratuities for the cruise director and crew. “In fact, on select itineraries, gratuities are included in the costs of the package.”

As for what it is about Europe that is dear to his heart, Steve mentions the proximity of European countries to one another and their diversity. He reserves a special mention for the people and food of Italy.

“The scenery, people, history and food – that’s what Europe’s all about,” he says. “With a European river cruise, it’s all at your fingertips.”

Open Road November/December 2008