A river cruise is one of the most relaxing and rewarding ways to explore Europe. You float through storybook landscapes, visit historic towns and cities, and enjoy exceptional food and service along the way. But here’s something many travelers don’t realize: you don’t have to stop at just the cruise. In fact, some of the most incredible memories are made before and after you board.
That’s where working with a travel advisor comes in. We don’t just book cruises—we design complete, immersive European itineraries that begin long before embarkation and stretch well beyond disembarkation. With our help, your river cruise becomes the centerpiece of a much larger experience tailored to your interests, timeline, and budget.
Before the Cruise: Turn Your Arrival into an Adventure
Why fly across the Atlantic and head straight to the ship when you could spend a few nights exploring the gateway city? Most river cruises start in iconic locations like Amsterdam, Budapest, Paris, or Porto—all worthy of a few days on their own.
- Starting a Rhine cruise in Amsterdam? Spend a couple of nights strolling the canals, touring the Van Gogh Museum, or enjoying a private tasting at a hidden Dutch gin bar.
- Cruising the Danube from Budapest? Give yourself time to soak in a thermal bath, explore the bustling Central Market Hall, and admire the city from the Fisherman’s Bastion at sunset.
- Sailing through the Rhône Valley? A cruise from Lyon to Avignon can be beautifully paired with time in Paris or the French Alps before boarding.
- Heading to Portugal for a Douro River cruise? We often recommend three nights in Lisbon before you even get to Porto. Think tiled buildings, soulful Fado music, and those irresistible custard tarts (pastéis de nata). Plus, it’s easy to transfer from Lisbon to Porto by high-speed train or private car.
After the Cruise: Don’t Rush Home Just Yet
The cruise might end, but the experience doesn’t have to. Adding a post-cruise stay lets you unwind and explore one more destination at your own pace.
- Finishing a Rhine cruise in Basel? Extend your trip with time in Lucerne, Lake Geneva, or even hop over to Zürich or the French Alsace region.
- Ending a Danube cruise in Passau, Regensburg, or Deggendorf? Consider a few extra days in Munich, or even a train ride into Salzburg or Prague.
- Disembarking in Avignon? Why not continue to Nice, relax on the French Riviera, and stroll the colorful markets of Cours Saleya before heading home?
- Wrapping up in Porto? Spend a few nights in the Douro Valley wine region, or jet off to the Azores or Madeira for something truly special.
Where Else Can You Go?
With so many cruise lines and routes—Rhine, Danube, Rhône, Seine, Douro, and more—the possibilities are nearly endless. Here are just a few custom combinations we can build:
- Paris + Normandy River Cruise + Mont Saint-Michel extension
- Budapest + Danube Cruise + Vienna + Salzburg
- Amsterdam + Rhine Cruise + Swiss Alps Adventure
- Lisbon + Douro Cruise + Madeira Island extension
- Lyon + Rhône Cruise + French Riviera wind-down
Whether you’re dreaming of castles, vineyards, cathedrals, or coastlines—we’ll tie it all together.
Why Book with a Travel Advisor?
Cruise lines offer wonderful pre- and post-cruise packages—but they’re often limited in scope and availability. When you book with a travel advisor, you’re not limited by preset tours. We create custom experiences just for you, with options that suit your travel style, budget, and schedule. Want private guides instead of group tours? Boutique hotels instead of big chains? Cooking classes instead of museums? No problem.
We handle:
- Flight planning and monitoring
- Pre/post hotel stays in ideal locations
- Custom tours, activities, transfers, and more
- Travel insurance and peace of mind
- Backup support while you’re abroad
Your job? Just show up and enjoy.
Let’s Make It More Than a Cruise
River cruising is already an unforgettable way to experience Europe—but with the right planning, it can be so much more. Whether you want to extend your stay, dive deeper into local culture, or celebrate something special, we’ll design a journey around your cruise that turns your trip into a full-fledged European experience.
Ready to turn a great vacation into a once-in-a-lifetime one? Let’s start planning.