Best river cruise shore experiences

1. FEEL LIKE YOU’RE IN A FAIRYTALE – OBERWESEL, GERMANY

Sitting pretty along the banks of the Rhine, and nestled among the hills of the UNESCO-rated Rhine Gorge, is this charming German town. Join our Walking Tour of Oberwesel, on our Dutch & Deutsch Explorer or The Moselle Valley: Vines & Views itineraries, and you’ll get clued up on its Medieval secrets. Explore half-timbered houses, traditional bakeries and castle-like gates in the main square, plus the town’s defensive walls – 16 of the original 21 towers still stand. The Church of our Lady is a highlight of this trip, too – it’s one of the most impressive Gothic churches in the Rhineland region.

Find out more about our Rhine river cruises

2. SEE THE SOUND OF MUSIC SIGHTS – SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

Austria’s alpine lakes and Baroque cities are on the cards on this full-day tour. The first stop is Mondsee AKA Moon Lake. With its turquoise waters, pretty alpine village and towering mountain peaks, it’s the epitome of natural beauty. Be sure to visit the yellow church where Captain Von Trapp married Maria in the 1965 musical, here. It’s then on to Salzburg for more Sound of Music sights, including Mirabelle Gardens from the Do-Re-Mi musical number. You’ll get to grips with this scenic city on a walking tour, if you join our Danube Treasures or Magical Danube itineraries.

Find out more about our Danube river cruises

3. GO WINE TASTING IN THE MOSELLE VALLEY – GERMANY

Wine connoisseur? Our Wines and Sights of the Moselle Valley experience is the one for you. On this three-hour trip, you’ll experience the Moselle Valley at its best. We’re talking vine-covered slopes and rolling green hills. You’ll stop at a wine estate, where you’ll get clued up about the workings of a traditional Roman wine press on a guided tour. The best bit? You’ll taste three different, locally-produced wines. You can add this experience to our The Moselle Valley: Vines & Views itinerary. Or, if you’re sailing elsewhere, look out for our other wine tasting experiences, such as the Hammes Winery & Tasting trip on our Rhine: Chateaux & Gateaux itinerary.

Find out more about our Moselle river cruises

4. SNAP PHOTOS OF WINDMILLS IN ZAANSE SCHANS – THE NETHERLANDS

Your eyes and your taste buds are in for a treat on this exciting day tour. Your first stop is Zaanse Schans. With its historic windmills and distinctive green wooden houses, it looks just like an 18th-century Dutch village. Watch clog carving and barrel making here, before heading to Edam for a scenic walking tour. Cobblestone streets and pretty canals are this sleepy town’s forté – but that’s not all it has to offer… It’s famous for its cheese, too. You’ll taste six different kinds of Henri Willig cheese at the renowned Jacobs Hoeve farm – all washed down with a glass of red wine. You can add this experience to most of our Amsterdam river cruises, including our From Amsterdam to Antwerp itinerary.

Find out more about our Dutch & Belgian waterways river cruises.

5. DANCE AND DINE IN BUDAPEST – BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Budapest is a treasure trove of baroque buildings, thermal hot springs and sophisticated cooking styles. Explore the city by night, on our three-hour evening experience, and you’ll see it in all its lit-up glory. We’ll take you to a local restaurant, where you’ll be treated to a hearty bowl of goulash – a meat and vegetable stew – with wine and palinka, a herbal liqueur. When you’ve had your fill, it’s time for a traditional folklore show. Then, to round up your evening you’ll go on a sightseeing tour around Budapest. Book this experience on our Danube Treasures or Magical Danube itineraries.

 Feeling inspired? We’ve got river cruises along the Main, too.

Ready to discover Europe’s best bits?

Take a look at our full range of river cruises on the Rhine, Moselle, Main, Danube and Dutch & Belgian Waterways. Plus, check out our best European river cruises and best holidays for singles.

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Author: Jessica Houtby