- River cruise extensions are giving Australians the chance to maximise their time in Europe with ease.
- Our survey shows that over 70% of Australians “sometimes or definitely” booked an extended stay when cruising overseas.
- We have put together a list of the best river cruise extensions to add to your European river itineraries.
Australians have to brave long journeys and expensive flights, especially when heading to Europe. With some routes requiring nearly 2 days of travel time, it makes sense that Aussies want to make the most of their time abroad. This is where river cruise extensions come into play.
Cruise Passenger recently ran a survey asking readers about their holiday habits. Over 70% of respondents said they “sometimes or definitely” book an extended stay when cruising overseas.
Following this trend, river cruise lines are offering more extension options than ever to help holidaymakers make the most of their time away.
These extensions are ideal for travellers looking to simplify the booking process, as they align with cruise schedules. You can choose pre- or post-cruise extensions (or both), to complement your river itinerary. Extensions can include hotel stays, day trips, tours and even transfers, depending on which one you book.
There are plenty of reasons to book extensions. Many return to places that you might have visited on your original cruise. This gives you the chance to take in a destination in more depth.
If your cruise doesn’t include a stop at the extended destination, you’ll have the chance to discover an entirely new region, adding even more exciting locations to the many places you already explored.
Many travellers like the idea of doing the tough travelling before embarkation. You can immerse yourself in a city with guided walking tours, visits to museums and engage in cultural events, all before setting off on your river cruise, where you’ll unwind as you’re effortlessly transported from one destination to the next. Equally, you could relax on your river cruise and then start the adventure post-cruise, after you’ve built up your energy from enjoying the ship’s buffet.
We’ve compiled a list of the best pre-and post- extensions to add to your European river cruise:
Avalon
Pre– 3 Nights in Lisbon pre- Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro, from $7574 (for whole cruise and extension)
Spend 3-days in Lisbon before embarking on a cruise along the Douro. Lisbon is a stunning city on many traveller’s radar, and Avalon offers plenty of guided tours on this extension, meaning you’ll see the best of the city.
Includes:
- A guided city sightseeing tour in Coimbra
- A guided excursion to Sintra, where you will visit the National Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Transport to Cabo da Roca (the Western most point of continental Europe)
- Breakfast daily
- 3-nights hotel stay
- Transfer to Porto for embarkation
- Add on to Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro
Post– 2 Nights in Lucerne, from $5,372 (for whole cruise and extension)
This post-cruise extension enhances your romantic river cruise with a visit to Mt. Pilatus and the picturesque Lucerne. Known for its stunning lake and beautiful old town, Lucerne is the perfect way to end your holiday.
Includes:
- Guided walking tour of Lucerne, which visits Thorvaldsen’s poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge.
- Breakfast daily
- 2-nights hotel stay in the Radisson Blu or Renaissance
- Add on to Romantic Rhine Cruise, Romantic Rhine for Wine Lovers, Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine
AmaWaterways
Pre– 2 nights in Amsterdam, from $1,265 per person
AmaWaterways offers plenty of amazing “land packages” to choose from. The 2-nights pre-cruise in Amsterdam gives you time to explore the city’s beautiful canals and historic architecture, in the Netherland’s most famous city.
Includes:
- Guided walking tour through the city
- Haarlem canal cruise
- Breakfast daily
- 2-nights in hotel
- Add on to itineraries: Best of Holland and Belgium, Grand Rhine and Dutch Canals, Tulip Time
Pre- and Post– 3 nights in Lisbon pre-cruise, 3 nights in Madrid post-cruise, from $3,120 per person
Explore Spain’s capital city and experience amazing food and stunning architecture. This extension also includes a day in the beautiful ancient city of Toledo, a destination often missed by those just passing through Madrid.
Lisbon Includes:
- Escorted tour to the Belem Tower, a fortified four-story tower made of limestone
- Visit the Late Gothic Jerónimos Monastery
- A morning excursion to Serra de Sintra
- Motorcoach transfer to Porto for embarkation
Madrid includes:
- City tour that includes the Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park, Puerto del Sol, Mercado de San Miguel and Plaza Mayor
- Transport to Toledo and an escorted tour to the Cathedral of Toledo and the Synagogue Santa MarÃa La Blanca
- Breakfast daily
- Add on to itinerary Flavors of Portugal & Spain
Abercrombie & Kent
Pre– Iceland’s South Shore Pre-Tour Extension, from $11,475
A&K’s Northern Europe itinerary is perfect for a traveller who wants to “voyage off the beaten path”. For the perfect pre-tour extension, A&K offers more time to explore Iceland, allowing cruisers to explore glaciers, hot springs, beaches and waterfalls over 4 days.
Includes:
- Both city tours and nature exploration with visits to Reykjavik’s old city centre, Reynisfjara beach, Thorsmork and Fridheimar
- 1-night stay in the Iceland Parliament Hotel, 2-nights in Hotel Ranga
- Transfer back to the main expedition programme
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner on day 2 and 3, breakfast and lunch on day 4
- Add on to Cruising Iceland, the Faroes, Scotland & Ireland 2025 itinerary
Post– Dublin Post-Tour Extension, from $7,645 per person
For an amazing post-tour excursion, spend 4 days in Dublin with A&K, giving you a chance to see Ireland’s stunning architecture and green moorlands. There’s also a day dedicated to exploring Dublin’s most celebrated exports: Guinness stout and Jameson Irish whiskey.
Includes:
- Tour of Trinity College’s Long Room Library, an excursion into the Wicklow Mountains, visit to the Guinness Storehouse
- 3-night stay at the Merrion Hotel
- Breakfast and lunch included
- Transfer back to the airport
- Add on to Cruising Iceland, the Faroes, Scotland & Ireland 2025 itinerary
APT
Pre– Switzerland by Rail, 12 days, from $30,195 per person (for whole cruise and extension)
Explore Switzerland by rails aboard the Bernina Express, Glacier Express and the GoldenPass Express. Travel through stunning Swiss villages including Lugano, St. Moritz and Engelberg before continuing on through Europe by ship.
Includes:
- Meeting with a local mountaineer, Wine tour of Tenuta Castello di Morcote, Gaisberg Mountain Lunch and ‘Sound of Music’ show
- Transfer to hotel
- Special baggage transfer service
- Breakfast always included plus some lunch and dinners
- Add on to Zurich to Budapest, Magnificent Europe Itinerary. APT does not offer this as a standalone extension, therefore, pricing is for the entire tour.
Post– 3-days post-Europe cruise in Prague, from $13,395 per person (for whole cruise and extension)
After cruising from Amsterdam to Budapest, on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, finish up your trip in Prague for a 3-night stay. Enjoy a great combination of guided tours and free time to explore on your terms. See the Old Town Square and dine at Alcron Restaurant, a contemporary fine dining establishment known for its use of local Czech produce.
Includes:
- Sight-seeing from the majestic Prague Castle
- Trip to Chateau Jemniště to explore the 18th-century estate on a private guided tour
- Breakfast always included plus some lunch and dinners
- 3-night hotel stay
- Transfer to airport
- Add on to any Europe itineraries that end in Budapest
Uniworld
Pre: Lugano & Lake Como Pre-Cruise Extension, from $3,749 per person
Lake Como is famous for its picture-perfect views and romantic setting. On this Uniworld extension, there’ll be plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and relaxing in nature. You’ll also be able to cruise through Lake Como, taking in the stunning houses that line the river bank.
Includes:
- 2 nights at the Hotel Splendide Royal (or similar)
- Breakfast daily
- All service charges, taxes, and porterage
- Lugano Walking Tour with Verzasca Valley and Ascona visit
- All transfers
- Add on to Grande Italia, Milan, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto, Cruise & Rail: Milan, Venice, Istanbul & the Balkans
Post: 4-day Athens Post-Cruise Extension, from $3,969 per person
Athens is the perfect destination for a 4-night extension, especially for those who love all things Ancient Greece. In their extension package, Uniworld has included tours for the culturally curious, and well as the rare opportunity to experience a home-hosted dinner.
Includes:
- Services of a local guide
- 3 nights at the Divani Caravel (or similar)
- Breakfast daily, 1 dinner
- All service charges, taxes, and porterage
- Home-Hosted Dinner
- Highlights of Athens City Tour
- Taste of Greece Walking Tour
- All transfers and transportation
- Flights to Athens
- Add on to Paris & Normandy, Burgundy & Provence; Milan, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto, A Portrait of Majestic France, Grand France, Ultimate France, Cruise & Rail: Istanbul to Paris, Cruise & Rail: Grand Alpine & the Jewels of Veneto, Enchanting Danube (select sailings only)
Tauck
Tauck does not have a readymade list of cruise extensions, however their reservations staff can create personalised extensions for guests, using itineraries from Tauck’s extensive list of land tours. These trips can be pre- or post- cruise extensions.
Pre- or Post- 7-night Provence tour, from $8,990
Tauck Australia MD David Clark told River Cruise Passenger that the seven-night Provence tour works seamlessly with the 12-day Seine, Paris and London trip, and is one of the most popular river extensions that guests opt for.
Includes:
- A trip to Château la Coste’s outdoor sculpture park during your time in Aix
- A Visit to a market in Avignon to select fresh ingredients for a chef-hosted cooking class
- An opportunity to go to a wine tasting with a local sommelier
- Talks about Vincent Van Gogh from a learned scholar
- Add on to 12-day Seine, Paris and London trip
Pre- or Post- A week in Tuscany and Umbria tour, from $7,590
This trip will be with a small group of about 24 guests, allowing you to stay in small, chic hotels and incredible locations. Explore the ancient cities of Italy and enjoy beautiful vineyards and delicious, authentic cuisine.
Includes:
- An al fresco wine pairing lunch in the middle of a renowned Torgiano vineyard
- Visits to ancient vineyards and olive groves
- Guided walking tour of Cortona with a local historian and guide
- A fine dining lunch prepared by a Michelin-star chef featuring local wine
- Add on to just about any European cruise
(Prices are subject to change and are double fare not single supplement)
