Nuts about nature? Then get cruising and include a visit to 'Floriade 2012!'

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Small villages nudge toward the edges of the river that drifts majestically past.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises (www.uniworld.com) has put together two very impressive river itineraries for next year, both of which centre on a world-class event that only happens once every decade.

The Floriade Exposition is the one of the world’s largest horticultural shows, gathering more than one hundred exhibitors from across the globe. Often referred to as the “Theatre of Nature,” five unique themed worlds are present, each offering its own décor and cultural programs that allow visitors to truly interact with the beauty and majesty of nature in an ever-changing fashion.

Offered only once every ten years, Floriade remains one of the world’s most highly prized expositions.

In order to properly showcase this one-of-a-kind event, Uniworld has crafted two expertly-planned itineraries for 2012 aboard their intimate River Ambassador: the seven-night Gems of Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands with Floriade and the more in-depth 14-night Grand Treasures of Europe.

You don’t have to be nuts about nature to fully appreciate these voyages. Both itineraries explore some of the most breathtaking locations in Europe, including Germany’s Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Antwerp, Brussels, Maastricht, Cologne, and the beautiful city of Brussels, in the heart of Belgium.

The 14-night Treasures of Europe itinerary even includes an additional two nights at the elegant Art Deco Imperial Hotel in Prague; a fitting way to top off a fantastic river cruise.

For those who haven’t been, a river cruise can also be a great value.

Most beverages, including fine wines, beer and soft drinks are complimentary during lunch and dinner, as are all transfers on arrival and departure days and a whole host of guided shore excursions when in port.

It helps that Uniworld is no stranger to these waters. In fact, the company operates over five hundred departures sailing on thirteen rivers in some twenty countries.

While the line earned its stellar reputation on the waterways of Europe, river cruises that sail through Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam and Cambodia are also on offer next year.

Although Floriade will run from April 5 to October 7, 2012, the popularity of the exposition coupled with the increasing demand for river cruises could make these itineraries some of the most sought-after in years.