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Planning something special? Call/Text 832-315-5142

Littlejohn Journeys

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Canal lined with historic houses and boats in Amsterdam
From an advisor who lived in Germany

Europe by River, Small Ship & Italy

Castles along the Rhine, coffeehouses in Vienna, a cooking class in Tuscany. I lived in Germany for five years and return to Europe often, and I'll help you see it deeply, at a pace that still feels like a vacation.

Schedule a Consultation

River, Small Ship, or Italy?

Hillside town in Italy overlooking the sea with bouganvilla

A River Cruise

Glide through the heart of Europe on the Rhine, Danube or Seine. Your hotel travels with you, towns are steps from the dock, and many excursions are included. AmaWaterways is my go-to line.

Time on Land at Each End

I anchor every river cruise with a few nights in the city where you board or leave the ship, like Amsterdam, Budapest or Vienna, so you see more than the view from the deck.

Small-Ship Mediterranean Voyages

Smaller ships reach smaller ports: the Greek islands, the Amalfi Coast and the Adriatic, with fewer crowds and more time ashore.

Authentic Italy

Italy deserves its own trip. I design custom Italy journeys with my trusted Italy partner, Authenticus: Rome, Florence, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast and beyond, with local guides and experiences you won't find on a bus tour.

A Personal Layer

On a river cruise to Normandy, my husband wanted more history than the ship's tour offered. We kept the cruise's special cemetery experience and added a custom day of our own. That's how I plan for you: a strong foundation plus the details that make it yours.

Who Europe Is Perfect For

Couples Celebrating

Curious First-Time Visitors
Friends Traveling Together

An anniversary, a milestone birthday or your annual special trip: wine tastings, castle views and long dinners, with every detail handled.

Friends Traveling Together

Curious First-Time Visitors
Friends Traveling Together

A river ship is a wonderful way to travel as a small group. Everyone has their own cabin, and you share the excursions, meals and memories.

Curious First-Time Visitors

Curious First-Time Visitors
Curious First-Time Visitors

See the icons on your first visit, with the right pace and the right guides. Then go deeper on your return.

How I Plan Your Europe Trip

European shopping street strung with holiday lights at night

The Right River and Ship for You

Each river and cruise line has its own rhythm. I match the itinerary and ship to your interests, whether that's wine, history, Christmas markets or active days biking along the river.

Land Days Where They Count

Pre- and post-cruise nights in well-connected port cities with easy flights, so you arrive rested and leave without rushing.

Authentic Over Checklist

Cooking classes, local guides and hotels with real character, so you participate, not just take pictures.

Trains, Transfers & Timing

Rail between cities, private transfers and flights timed so your days flow smoothly from start to finish.

Every Detail Handled

Travel insurance options, a detailed itinerary in an easy app, and support while you travel, so you can simply enjoy the journey.

When to Go to Europe

Peak Summer Cruise Season

Fall (September & October)
Peak Summer Cruise Season

European cruises now sail nearly year-round. Late spring through early fall brings the warmest weather and the most popular sailings, so these dates fill first.

Summer (June to August)

Fall (September & October)
Peak Summer Cruise Season

Long days and lively towns. Expect warmer weather and bigger crowds, especially in Italy and the Mediterranean.

Fall (September & October)

Fall (September & October)
Fall (September & October)

A wonderful season for many trips: grape harvests, fall colors and fewer crowds.

Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets
Fall (September & October)

Late November through December: mulled wine, twinkling lights and handmade gifts in Germany, Austria and beyond. These river cruises book up early.

Italy Year-Round

Christmas Markets
Italy Year-Round

Spring and fall are ideal. Summer is hot and busy on the coasts, while winter is quieter and lovely for cities, art and food.

Book Early

Christmas Markets
Italy Year-Round

Popular river cruise dates and the best cabins often sell out a year or more ahead, especially the Christmas Market cruises. Starting early gives you the most choices.

What Travelers Say

Europe Travel FAQ

Have another question? Email me at ladonna@littlejohnjourneys.com and I'll be happy to help.

Most river cruises include your cabin, meals, many guided excursions, and often wine and beer with lunch and dinner. Inclusions vary by line, and I'll walk you through the differences.


Yes. For most of Europe, your U.S. passport should be valid at least three months beyond the day you plan to leave. Entry rules are changing as Europe rolls out new border systems, so I'll confirm the current requirements for your trip.


Yes. Many ships offer guided bike rides, hikes and active excursions alongside gentler walking tours, so you can choose your pace each day.


Arriving early gives you a buffer for flight delays and time to adjust to the time change. It also lets you explore cities like Amsterdam, Budapest or Vienna on your own terms.


For river cruises, 12 to 18 months ahead gives you the best choice of dates and cabins. For a custom Italy trip, six to twelve months is ideal, especially for spring and fall.


Absolutely. Italy is one of my favorite trips to design. I partner with Authenticus, an Italy specialist, to create custom journeys with private guides, cooking classes and hotels chosen just for you.


Ready to Plan Your Europe Journey?

Let's talk about where you'd like to go, who's traveling and how you love to explore.

Schedule a Consultation


Littlejohn Journeys is an independent affiliate of NEXION Travel Group and a member of Travel Leaders Network.

Seller of Travel: CST #2071045-50 | FL ST #ST38545 | WA UBI #603 046 768


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