River Cruise Appetizers and Add-Ons
So you or your client are heading to Europe for a river cruise? Superb idea. As more and more people fall in love with the pleasure of seeing European countries from their wonderful waterways river cruising is more popular than ever. The cruise is sure to be sensational, but what about the time before or after the adventure? If you or your client is looking to tack on a terrific few days somewhere else, the following 10 amazing European experiences are all located within easy reach of popular hubs for European river cruises hubs like Amsterdam, Budapest, Paris, Basel, Bucharest and Porto.
The French Riviera
After you’ve finished up your Seine river cruise in Paris or perhaps before you start a trip down the Rhone in Avignon, why not spend some time living the good life on the Riviera? Cosmopolitan Nice is a natural base to explore the region and the city benefits from being well-connected to the rest of the country. Other sensational stops on this stretch of shore include Antibes, Saint-Tropez, Menton and Eze.
Lisbon, Portugal
A river cruise down the dreamy Douro River Valley in northern Portugal will put you on a first-name basis with Portugal’s second city Porto, but before or after your trip, a stop in the capital Lisbon is a must. Home to one of the most breathtaking skylines in all of Europe, the city is located on a series of hills and is home to characterful neighborhoods perfect for exploring—each topping the next with its collection of rustic cafes and scenic vantage points over the city. The best part? Lisbon is the perfect launching pad for nearby beach towns like Cascais and Estoril.
The Swiss Alps
If your journey begins or finishes in the city of Basel, a trip into the Swiss Alps would make for a perfect complement to the river cruise experience. While you’ll be able to find mountain bliss all over the country, the Bernese Oberland region owns just the right combination of peak scenery, chalet-filled alpine villages filled and a seemingly endless list of outdoor activities.
Lake Balaton, Hungary
The largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, Lake Balaton is a summertime playground in the heart of Hungary and it’s located only a short distance from Budapest. After you’ve seen the Danube by river cruise, try resting lakeside here at a grand hotel, enjoying some watersports and exploring the historic town of Veszprém along the way.
Transylvania, Romania
Whether you end or begin your Danube river cruise in Bucharest, a run to Romania’s most bewitching region is destinated to be a highlight of your time in Eastern Europe. Aside from its loose historic connections to Count Dracula, Transylvania’s rolling mountains, traditional rural communities and romantic medieval towns like Brasov, Sighisoara and Sibiu are sure to capture your heart.
Brussels, Belgium
The capital of Belgium—and the European Union—is a quick train trip from either Amsterdam or Paris, making the perfect add-on to any excursion down the Seine or Rhine. The city’s Grand Place is one of the prettiest squares on the entire continent and the city’s array of cultural offerings will keep you busy for days. This is to say nothing of the mouthwatering food: Belgian chocolate, frites, mussels and some of the best beer in the world.
Lake Como, Italy
A short hop over the Alps by train from Basel—a popular starting or finishing point of many Rhine river cruises—lies Milan, and just north of Milan lies Lake Como, one of Italy’s most divine bodies of water. Explore the palm tree-lined lakeside towns like Bellagio and Varenna before settling in beside the water for a spritz just as the sunset reflects off the water.
Munich, Germany
A perfect add-on to a trip down the Main, Moselle or Elbe, Munich offers big-city culture but at a slower pace than some of the larger cities in northern Germany. The capital of the country’s gorgeous state of Bavaria, you’re sure to your time in the city’s enthralling cultural sights, leafy English Garden and the local beer gardens. Then, if you have the time, head further south in Bavaria to relax beside alpine lakes, mountains and fairytale castles.
London, United Kingdom
Easily one of the world’s most exciting cities, London sits just a short Eurostar train journey from both Amsterdam and Paris, making it the perfect place to see before or after a cruise. See the iconic sights like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, take in a show in the West End or just explore the city’s tapestry of neighborhoods—each with its own unique character and usually a great pub or two.
Annecy, France
A short journey from Basel, Annecy enjoys an enviable location on the shores of Lake Annecy offering sweeping views of the Alps from nearly anywhere in town. Take part in active pursuits on the water or in the mountains above or just laze away your days near the city’s canals that give way to a romantic old town full of twisty lanes.
