We are a well-travelled collective - made up of our guests as well as our team. We'll admit it - we're obsessed with travel.
But that's not our only interest. We also love architecture, history, the arts, and gastronomy - everything that makes a culture unique. And we plan our itineraries to ensure we're catering to those interests. Perfecting every excursion to ensure you get the most out of your onshore adventures.
Most days are filled with full or half-day excursions. Whether that's a city tour, an introduction to a brand-new town or a more in-depth visit to a specific landmark or attraction. You'll see the very best of every destination. Not just the legendary locations, we'll uncover the top-secret local spots too.
World-famous landmarks
You'll get to experience some world-famous destinations in the company of our passionate local guides. Sites like the Benedictine Melk Abbey on the Danube, spectacular Pont du Gard on the Rhône, Keukenhof Gardens - the world's largest flower gardens - on the Dutch Waterways and Cologne with its cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe.
A taste of your destination
Food has the uncanny ability to reveal the softer parts of the destination most tourists overlook. Recipes passed down through the generations slowly become ingrained within a culture, featuring fresh local produce and traditional cooking techniques. Our excursions often include delicious local produce perfected over centuries - sample cheese in Switzerland and chocolate in Germany (it's not a cruise for those watching their weight), wine tasting in the world-famous wine region of Burgundy and port in the port wine cellars of Porto.
For even more, why not choose one of our Gastronomy themed departures?
Authentic cultural experiences
Our river cruise itineraries deliver authentic and engaging moments to fully immerse you in the culture. You'll remember being seduced by the fiery passion of flamenco dancing after a cruise along the Douro. Hold on to that feeling of wonder you felt as you watch the glassblower creating the most beautiful vase out of a glowing mass. And tell the stories you heard during a Hungarian folklore show to your grandchildren at bedtime. The memory of these authentic cultural experiences will last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
While our itineraries are curated to include an impressive selection of mini on-shore adventures - and there's often time at leisure for you to explore - it is possible to organise your own. For recommendations, a good place to start before you travel is the local tourist board or an online experiences provider. Once on board ask your Cruise Concierge for recommendations. Whether you choose to take on the challenge will depend on your confidence, if you speak the language and how much effort you want to commit to arranging everything yourself. Our guided tours save the hassle of organising things yourself, and you can choose to go at your own pace at any point. But if you want to visit anywhere in particular that isn't part of our included tours, your Cruise Concierge is there to assist.
We're travel experts, not fashion experts - but we recommend you dress comfortably, regardless of the excursion. Comfy clothing and shoes are a must - our guided tours may involve a few hours of walking, standing on your feet or a strenuous climb (ask your Cruise Director if you have any concerns). Pay attention to your day's itinerary - a visit to a religious building may require you to dress appropriately, a trip up a mountain might require extra layers and if it's warm, pack a hat and bottled water - heat stroke is no fun!
If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of your holiday due to reduced mobility, we recommend contacting us. We have detailed information for each part of each of our itineraries, so can advise you based on your specific requirements.
Our itineraries take us to many of Europe’s historic centres – cobbled streets and walking in an incline might make navigating these streets difficult for anyone with reduced mobility. However, even if you can’t do many shore excursions, river cruising in Europe can still be very enjoyable and worthwhile – take in the spectacular views along the riverbanks and enjoy the onboard facilities.
