As with ocean cruising, exciting excursions can really enhance your river cruise. After all, you don’t want to arrive in a fantastic new port and have no guidance as to what you can do with your time there. Whilst some people enjoy going off to do their own thing, and that can be a great way to explore a new town or city, others look forward to the excursions offered by the cruise line.

Here are five great examples of must-do river cruise excursions when sailing through Europe.

Hiking Tour Of Porto – AmaWaterways

On their ‘Enticing Douro’ itinerary, AmaWaterways offer an active way to get to know the city of Porto. Whilst many of the excursions along this river provide the chance to taste the local Port wine, this activity will show you the historic and cultural side of an intriguing port. Your tour will be focused on the harbour area of town, where ships come and go for business and leisure purposes, and will also give you the opportunity to savour some fantastic views from the Dom Luis Bridge as you cross it on foot.

Opera House and Cider Farm Visit in Linz – Uniworld

When you stop in Linz on Uniworld’s ‘Enchanting Danube’ itinerary, you will be offered the choice to stay and explore or head to nearby Salzburg. If you choose the former, the ‘Town and Country’ excursion will show you two sides of this charming city. This is definitely one for the foodies as you will be taken to a traditional Austrian café (Austrians are very big on their café culture) to enjoy a coffee and a slice of famous Linzer torte. Then, after a look around Linz opera house, you will venture out of the city centre to a working cider farm and sample one of the region’s speciality ciders.

Travel to the Jungfraujoch – Tauck

Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in all of Europe and is nestled amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Jungfrau Mountain, within the Bernese Alps. This excursion can be taken from Bern on Tauck’s ‘Rhine, Swiss Alps & Amsterdam’ itinerary and involves a scenic journey by coach, train and cogwheel railway to the point known as the ‘Top of Europe’. Once there, you will be captivated by the magnificent views all around as you enjoy lunch in the restaurant and marvel at the ice sculptures created by local artists in the ice palace.

Cognac Session – Viking River Cruises

What do Champagne, Calvados and Cognac all have in common? They are all alcoholic beverages named after the French region in which they are produced. And whilst your ‘Châteaux, Rivers & Wine’ itinerary with Viking River Cruises will offer plenty of chances to taste some of the fantastic red and white vintages made in this part of the world, your stop in Blaye will include the option to head over to the nearby town of Cognac for a blending session and a tour of the Camus house, one of the most respected Cognac producers around.

Prague Dinner and Folklore Show – Avalon Waterways

There’s no better way to get to know the culture of a foreign destination than to experience the local food and traditions. That is exactly what you will do during an evening at a folklore show in Prague during Avalon Waterways’ ‘Central European Experience’. As you dine on delicious Czech cuisine, whilst sat at long tables and swilling some Bohemian beers, performers will entertain you with traditional dancing, singing and musical instruments.

This is just a taste of the fantastic shore excursions that are available from the various operators in Europe. If you would like to try any of the above or you wish to know what other activities there are on a European river cruise, contact us today.