What Shore Excursions Does CroisiEurope Offer?
Shore excursions are the primary way CroisiEurope passengers experience each port destination. Understanding the types of excursions available, how they're organised, and what to expect helps Australian travellers get the most from their time ashore. Here is the complete guide.
How Shore Excursions Work on CroisiEurope
Shore excursions on most CroisiEurope European itineraries are not included in the base cruise price they are bookable separately at additional cost. (Exception: all shore excursions are included for Mekong, African river, and Amazon itineraries.) Excursions are booked on board at the excursion desk, or in some cases pre-bookable through CroisiEurope Australia before departure.
Each port day, CroisiEurope offers a range of excursion options typically one standard guided tour and one or more premium alternatives. The standard tour covers the main highlights of the destination; premium excursions offer smaller groups, exclusive access venues, or more specialised content.
Types of Excursions
Standard Guided Walking Tours
The most common excursion type a guided walking tour of the port city's UNESCO old town, historic centre, or key monuments. A bilingual guide (French and English) leads a group of approximately 20 30 passengers. Duration: 2 3 hours. Walking distance: 2 5 km on cobblestoned or paved surfaces.
Examples: Vienna's Ringstrasse and Hofburg Palace grounds. Budapest's Castle Hill and Matthias Church. Strasbourg's Grande Île. Porto's Ribeira waterfront.
Coach Tours
Used for destinations not accessible on foot from the ship either because the ship moors some distance from the centre, or because the key site is outside the city. A coach transfers passengers to the site, then time is allowed for independent exploration before returning.
Examples: Melk Abbey from a Danube mooring. Versailles from Paris. Giverny (Monet's garden) from the Seine. Salamanca from the Douro.
Cellar Door Wine Tastings
One of the most popular excursion categories on wine-country itineraries a visit to an estate cellar with hosted tasting of regional wines. On the Douro, this means a quinta visit with port and table wine tasting. On the Rhine, a Riesling producer in the Rheingau. On the Danube, a Wachau winery with Grüner Veltliner.
Cycling Excursions
Available on some itineraries particularly Rhine and Danube routes where dedicated cycle paths run alongside the river. An escorted cycling excursion follows the riverbank while the ship sails ahead to meet you. Suitable for moderately fit cyclists; e-bike options are typically available.
Premium Exclusive Excursions
Smaller groups (typically 8 12 passengers), specialist guides, and exclusive access venues a private visit to a castle not open to standard tours, a backstage visit to an opera house, a private wine dinner at an estate. Premium excursions cost significantly more than standard options but offer a fundamentally different experience.
City Centre Free Time
Some ports offer unguided free time the ship moors, passengers disembark, and explore independently for 2 4 hours without a guide. The ship provides a map and a list of recommended sites. This option suits experienced travellers who know the destination or prefer to set their own agenda.
Booking Excursions
Excursions for European itineraries are booked on board at the excursion desk, typically on the first evening or morning of the cruise. Popular excursions on popular itineraries (Melk Abbey from the Danube, Giverny from the Seine) fill quickly book immediately on boarding. Some excursions can be pre-booked through CroisiEurope Australia before departure ask at booking.
Enquire with CroisiEurope Australia
For bookings, brochures, or any questions about CroisiEurope itineraries, contact our dedicated Australian team.
Phone: 1300 739 652 | Email: contact@croisicruises.com
Website: www.croisieuroperivercruises.com.au | Tweet World Travel, 544 Magill Road, Magill SA 5072
2027 departures are open for booking now.
