The European cruise upgrade you need to know

Belgian Delights  

Brussels delivers a rich mix of culture and cuisine, wrapped in grand architecture and an easy, lived-in charm. At its heart is the breathtaking Grand Place, where ornate guild houses and the Town Hall set the tone for a city that wears its history with quiet confidence. Your guided walking tour brings these layers to life, weaving through elegant streets and hidden corners with stories that reveal Brussels beyond the surface. From there, the city is yours to savour – linger over world-renowned Belgian chocolates, duck into tucked-away bars for a perfectly poured Trappist beer or simply wander and let the city unfold at its own unhurried pace. 

Berlin  

Germany's dynamic capital pulses with history, creativity, and resilience. Berlin's transformation from a divided city to a unified cultural powerhouse makes it one of Europe's most compelling destinations. Your city tour covers essential sites including the Brandenburg Gate, remnants of the Berlin Wall, and monuments to the city's complex past, while your independent time allows you to explore world-class museums, discover cutting-edge street art, or experience Berlin's legendary café culture. 

Budapest  

Budapest enchants visitors with its romantic setting along the Danube, where historic Buda and vibrant Pest face each other across the water. The city's thermal baths, ruin pubs, and stunning Parliament building create an intoxicating atmosphere. Your included tour introduces you to Castle Hill, Heroes' Square, and the city's architectural highlights, while your leisure hours invite you to soak in a thermal bath, cruise the Danube at sunset, or explore the Great Market Hall's tantalising offerings. 

Transylvania  

Venture beyond familiar European destinations to discover Transylvania's captivating blend of medieval towns, mountain landscapes, and fascinating legends. This extension takes you deep into Romania's cultural heartland, where fortified churches and Saxon heritage create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Europe. Enjoy a guided city tour of Brașov, a guided visit to Bran Castle with lunch, and a visit to the stunning Peleș Castle, adding rich historical depth to your journey. Your guided experiences reveal the region’s fascinating past, while your free time allows you to explore charming cobblestoned streets and immerse yourself in local traditions. 

Copenhagen  

Denmark's capital combines Scandinavian design sensibility with maritime heritage and modern sustainability. Copenhagen's colourful Nyhavn harbour, Tivoli Gardens, and bicycle-filled streets create an instantly appealing atmosphere. Your city tour covers highlights including the Little Mermaid statue and Amalienborg Palace, along with an EmeraldPLUS experience visiting Christiansborg Palace, adding deeper insight into Denmark's royal and political history. Your independent time invites you to explore innovative restaurants, browse design boutiques, or simply embrace the Danish concept of hygge in cosy cafés. 

Istanbul  

Where East meets West, Istanbul dazzles with its position straddling two continents and its layers of Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. The city's skyline of minarets and domes, bustling bazaars, and the shimmering Bosphorus create an atmosphere of timeless grandeur. An included guided tour reveals icons such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, before you glide along the Bosphorus to admire waterfront palaces and mansions from the water. During your leisure time, you might bargain in the Grand Bazaar, indulge in a traditional Turkish bath or savour Turkish coffee and baklava. 

Lausanne  

Perched on the shores of Lake Geneva with Alpine peaks as a backdrop, Lausanne offers Swiss sophistication with stunning natural beauty. This French-speaking city combines medieval old town charm with Olympic heritage and vineyard-clad hillsides.   
Your included tour highlights Lausanne's charming streets and lakeside vistas, before continuing with a scenic cruise from Château de Chillon, drifting past the castle's fairytale walls and capturing the region's storybook landscapes from the water. Later, a panoramic train ride from Montreux to Gstaad showcases the Alps in all their cinematic glory through wide picture windows. Back in Lausanne, free time invites you to ride the funicular, explore the Olympic Museum, or simply savour the lakeside atmosphere at your own pace. 

Lisbon  

Portugal's hilly capital captivates with its pastel-coloured buildings, historic trams, and melancholic fado music floating through the air. Lisbon's seven hills, riverside location, and maritime heritage create a romantic atmosphere. Your city tour covers essential sights, including Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, while your independent exploration invites you to ride vintage tram 28, sample custard tarts in historic cafés, or watch the sunset from a miradouro viewpoint. 

London  

Britain's vibrant capital needs little introduction, yet its blend of royal heritage, world-class museums, and multicultural energy never fails to impress. From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace and the West End, London offers countless layers to discover. Your included city tour provides an excellent overview of major landmarks, while your free time allows you to explore museums, enjoy afternoon tea, or catch a West End show.

Lucerne & Zurich  

Experience two sides of Switzerland with this dual-city extension. Lucerne enchants with its Chapel Bridge and mountain-framed lake, while Zurich offers sophisticated urban attractions and banking heritage. Your guided experiences showcase both cities' highlights, while your leisure time invites you to cruise Lake Lucerne, explore Zurich's old town, or simply absorb the precision and beauty that define Swiss culture. 

Madrid  

Spain's buzzy capital pulses with artistic masterpieces, grand boulevards, and a nightlife that extends into the early hours. Madrid's world-renowned museums, elegant plazas, and passionate locals create an unforgettable atmosphere. Your city tour introduces you to essential sights, including the Royal Palace and Prado Museum area, while your free time beckons you to discover tapas bars, stroll through Retiro Park, or explore the trendy Malasaña neighbourhood. 

Munich (Oktoberfest)  

Munich comes alive each year for one of the world's most iconic festivals. Oktoberfest is a genuine cultural institution – a centuries-old Bavarian tradition where towering steins, hearty food, traditional dress, and an infectious festive atmosphere draw visitors from across the globe. Your included tour takes in the heart of the city, covering Marienplatz and the English Garden, before your free time invites you to dive headfirst into the festival –securing a spot in one of the legendary beer tents, sampling classic Bavarian fare, and soaking up an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on earth. 

Nice  

The glamorous heart of the French Riviera, Nice seduces visitors with its azure Mediterranean waters, elegant Promenade des Anglais, and belle époque architecture. The city's combination of beaches, art museums, and old town charm creates the perfect Riviera experience. Your guided tour introduces you to Nice's highlights and stunning coastal setting, while your leisure time allows you to browse the Cours Saleya market, swim in the Mediterranean, or daytrip to Monaco or Cannes. 

Monaco  

Tiny but impossibly glamorous, Monaco captivates with its legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo, the magnificent Prince's Palace, and a harbour glittering with superyachts. Your included tour covers the principality's dazzling highlights, while your independent time invites you to explore the charming old quarter of Monaco-Ville, visit the fascinating Oceanographic Museum, or simply soak up the atmosphere of one of the world's most storied destinations. 

Nuremberg & Munich  

Discover two of Germany's most fascinating cities on this dual-destination extension. Nuremberg lies at the heart of Franconia, where remarkably intact medieval walls and Renaissance architecture give the city an enduring grandeur, and your guided experiences bring its many layers into vivid focus. Munich offers a different character entirely – Bavaria's vibrant capital, equally at home in the relaxed conviviality of its famous beer garden culture as it is in the refined surroundings of its celebrated museums and galleries. Together, these two great cities offer a journey of genuine discovery and contrast. 

Romantic Franconia & Bavaria  

Journey through Germany's most enchanting regions on this immersive extension that showcases fairytale castles, medieval towns, and rolling countryside. A visit to the breathtaking Neuschwanstein Castle – rising magnificently from the Bavarian Alps – is nothing short of unforgettable. Nuremberg and Munich anchor the itinerary, offering medieval heritage and world-class museums. Your guided experiences bring the region's history to life, while your free time allows you to wander cobblestoned lanes, sample local wines, and discover artisan workshops. 

Prague  

The Czech capital mesmerises visitors with its Gothic spires, baroque palaces, and the iconic Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River. Prague's Old Town Square, Prague Castle, and atmospheric Jewish Quarter create an unforgettable cityscape. Your included tour reveals Prague's essential sights and fascinating history, while your independent time invites you to attend a classical concert, discover hidden gardens, or enjoy Czech beer in traditional pubs. 

Paris  

The City of Light enchants visitors with its elegant boulevards, world-famous monuments, and unparalleled artistic heritage. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre and Notre-Dame, Paris offers countless iconic experiences. Your guided city tour introduces you to essential landmarks and helps you navigate the city's layout, while an included Seine cruise reveals the city's most celebrated façades from the water. Leisure time beckons you to explore charming neighbourhoods, enjoy café culture, and visit museums at your own pace. 

Glacier Express  

Experience one of the world's most picturesque rail journeys on this unforgettable extension. The Glacier Express connects St. Moritz and Zermatt through breathtaking Alpine landscapes, crossing 291 bridges and travelling through 91 tunnels. Experience this iconic railway from Zermatt to Chur, passing Switzerland's most spectacular mountain landscapes, from dramatic gorges to pristine valleys and soaring peaks. This wondrous adventure is included in your four-day stay. 

Ready to extend your river cruise adventure? Contact your local Travel Advisor or our reservations team to discover which city extensions connect with your chosen itinerary and start planning your ultimate European journey today.