EXPLORE BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR CRUISE

While a cruise on a river vessel or small ship may be the core of your vacation, it doesn’t have to be all of your vacation. Cruises begin and end in fascinating ports of call that are well worth an extra day or two to explore more thoroughly. We once made the mistake of sailing (pardon the pun) right through some of the great cities of the world without a second look and in every case, we’ve gone back to discover museums, restaurants, boutiques and historical sites in greater depth. 

FEEL THE PULSE OF THE CITY

Imagine a Mississippi cruise without taking the time to explore Bourbon Street in New Orleans or strolling among the oak-shaded grand homes of its fabled Garden District. How can you say you’ve lived without sampling the joys of Creole cuisine, tapped your toes to the melodies of a jazz musician on a street corner, or savored a warm beignet on the riverbank? Could you possibly visit Amsterdam without admiring the works of Rembrandt and Van Gogh, gliding along the city’s canals at dusk, or understanding the tragic legacy of Anne Frank?

What is the Seine without the twinkling invitation of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the City of Light? The fascinating communist era bars of Budapest, the sweet sounds of the opera in Vienna, a traditional beer hall after a tour of a palace in Munich, the sky-high allure of mountain-ringed Bergen, a walk along the Great Wall of China, or a day spent immersed in the treasures of St. Petersburg’s Hermitage are all unforgettable experiences far too fascinating to ignore. 

CONTINUE YOUR CRUISE ASHORE 

You’ll find that many cruise lines offer pre- and post-cruise packages in their embarkation and debarkation ports that include some meals as well as guided tours of a number of attractions. For example, many Danube cruises highlight two or three nights in Prague with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Regensburg en route to boarding your river cruise.

We can help you select the cruise line package that is just right for you or, if you prefer to be a free spirit with more time on your own, we can book hotels and train tickets for your independent adventures.