The journey down one of Europe’s iconic rivers is a great way to travel. But what if you could extend your adventure beyond the riverbanks and dive deeper into some of your favorite cities along the way? Many of Gate 1 Travel’s European River Cruise packages offer the chance to add extra nights in key port cities, making the experience even more immersive. Here are some of our favorite river cruise extensions and some ideas on how to make the most of them!
Amsterdam
With its charming quirks and convenient location for international flights, Amsterdam is one of our favorite European cities to spend time in before or after a cruise. View the stunning artwork of Rembrandt and other Dutch masters in the Rijksmuseum. Take a tour of the city to see highlights like the National Holocaust Names Memorial and warehouses dating back to the 16th century. Or spend even more time on the water with a cruise down the city’s winding canals for a whole new perspective.
Budapest
As one of the major ports along the Danube River, Budapest is a great place to take an extra day or two when you’re cruising through Central Europe. Explore the Buda side of the city for beautiful panoramic views of the Royal Palace, Matthias Church, and graceful medieval architecture. On the Pest side, visit Parliament, City Park, and Heroes Square. And all throughout the city, enjoy the delightful shops and delicious cafes at your leisure. Travelers on our 11 Day Danube River Cruise with Budapest tour will enjoy two nights in this one-of-a-kind city before setting sail.
London
While it’s not a major port for most River Cruises in Europe, London is a great destination for any traveler to spend an extra day or two. Fly into this iconic and historic city before proceeding on to your cruise’s starting point. Take a city tour for the highlights like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, visit the British Museum, enjoy a stroll along the River Thames, or treat yourself to some upscale shopping and dining in this popular metropolitan destination. The Seine River is just a Chunnel ride away when it comes time to depart for your cruise!
Madrid
Madrid is one of the largest cities in Europe and a convenient hub for international flights. Within driving distance of the Douro River, this is a great stop before you board your Douro River Cruise. Tour the city to see Europe’s second largest palace and the renowned Prado Museum, or enjoy the stunning architecture and quaint shops and cafes as you explore the bustling streets of Spain’s energetic capital city.
Paris
As the world saw in the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Olympic Games, the Seine River is an integral part of Paris. Spend some quality time in this beautiful city before or after your Seine River Cruise and savor the local flavors and culture. Enjoy local cuisine, rich French wines, and decadent treats from authentic pâtisseries. In addition to having extra days in Paris built into the itinerary, many of Gate 1 Travel’s Seine River Cruises both begin and end in Paris, creating a great opportunity for you to add days before, after, or both!
Adding extra nights in Europe’s most iconic cities can add a whole extra layer of experience to your journey. By staying for an extra night or two you’ll find opportunities and time to really savor the sights and sounds around you, taking in even more of what the region has to offer. Next time you plan a river cruise, consider booking an extension in one of these stunning cities, or the many others you’ll encounter along the way. With over two dozen different extension locations, Gate 1 Travel has plenty of European River Cruise options that truly deliver on the promise to provide you with More of The World for Less. Browse the full catalogue of options and book today!
