River cruising offers a unique advantage over ocean cruising—you’re always close to shore, with new destinations to explore almost daily. Shore excursions are your gateway to experiencing the culture, history, and landscapes that make each destination special. Here’s what you need to know about how these excursions work.
Types of Shore Excursions on River Cruises
Included Walking Tours
Most river cruise lines include at least one complimentary excursion in each port, typically a guided walking tour of the destination’s highlights:
- Usually 1-3 hours in duration
- Led by local English-speaking guides
- Often utilize audio headset systems so you can hear the guide clearly
- Provide orientation to the city center and major landmarks
- Generally offered at a moderate walking pace
- Often include some free time at the end for independent exploration
Active Excursions
Many cruise lines now offer more active alternatives for energetic travelers:
- Guided bicycle tours through cities or countryside
- Hiking excursions to scenic viewpoints
- Kayaking or canoeing on tributaries
- Nordic walking tours
- Running tours with a local guide
Special Interest Tours
For an additional fee, most cruise lines offer specialized excursions catering to specific interests:
- Culinary experiences (cooking classes, market visits, food tastings)
- Wine tastings and vineyard tours
- Concert performances in historic venues
- Art-focused museum tours
- Behind-the-scenes access to landmarks
Independent Exploration Options
For travelers who prefer to discover destinations on their own:
- Complimentary bicycles on many ships
- Walking maps provided by the cruise line
- Recommendations from onboard staff
- Shuttle services to city centers (when docked outside town)
- Free time built into most itineraries
How River Cruise Excursions Work
Excursion Sign-Up Process
- Most cruise lines provide detailed excursion information before your cruise
- Passengers typically select excursions a few weeks before departure
- Some excursions with limited capacity require advance reservation
- Optional excursions can usually be added during the cruise (subject to availability)
- Daily briefings about the next day’s excursions are common
Excursion Groups
- Groups typically range from 15-25 passengers
- Different activity levels are often available (leisurely, regular, active)
- Multiple departure times may be offered for popular excursions
- Special interest groups may be created (photography, history, gastronomy)
Transportation Options
- In most ports, you’ll simply walk off the ship and into town
- When docked outside city centers, coaches are provided
- Smaller vehicles (vans, mini-buses) for premium excursions
- Local public transportation sometimes used for an authentic experience
- Boats for delta explorations or harbor tours
Accessibility Considerations
- River cruise excursions often involve cobblestone streets and uneven terrain
- Historic European towns frequently have limited accessibility features
- Many excursions require moderate walking stamina (1-2 miles)
- “Gentle” or “leisurely” walking tours may be available for those with mobility concerns
- Coaches can often accommodate folding wheelchairs, but confirm with the cruise line
- Some excursions may not be suitable for travelers with significant mobility limitations
Tips for Making the Most of Shore Excursions
Before Your Cruise
- Research destinations to identify your must-see attractions
- Consider your physical capabilities when selecting excursions
- Pack comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
- Bring a small daypack for essentials during excursions
- Consider packing binoculars and a camera with zoom capability
During Your Cruise
- Attend the port talks or briefings for insider information
- Don’t overbook yourself—leave time to relax and enjoy the ship
- Consider alternating between guided tours and independent exploration
- Chat with your cruise director about local recommendations
- Be punctual for excursion departures
Excursion Inclusions by Cruise Line
Different cruise lines have different philosophies regarding included excursions:
All-Inclusive Approach
Tauck, Uniworld, Scenic, Crystal
- Nearly all excursions included in the cruise fare
- Multiple excursion choices in most ports
- Premium experiences often included
- Focus on exclusive access and unique experiences
Standard Plus Optional
Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways
- One standard excursion included in each port
- Additional special interest or premium excursions available for purchase
- Good balance of included features and flexibility
À la Carte Approach
CroisiEurope, Riviera River Cruises
- Some basic excursions included
- Many excursions available for additional purchase
- Lower base cruise fare with pay-as-you-go options
- Excursion packages often available for advance purchase
Popular Excursion Highlights by Region
Rhine River
- Castle tours in the Rhine Gorge
- Alsatian wine villages
- Black Forest excursions
- Amsterdam canal cruises
- Cologne Cathedral visits
Danube River
- Vienna concert performances
- Budapest thermal bath visits
- Melk Abbey tours
- Wachau Valley wine tastings
- Salzburg day trips
Seine River
- Giverny garden visits
- Normandy D-Day beaches
- Rouen Cathedral tours
- Paris city highlights
- Château Gaillard explorations
Douro River
- Port wine estate visits
- Salamanca day excursions
- Traditional Portuguese village visits
- Flamenco performances
- Historic vineyard tours
Mekong River
- Floating market visits
- Angkor Wat temple complex
- Rural village interactions
- Silk weaving demonstrations
- Ox cart rides through countryside
Remember that river cruising is about the journey as much as the destinations. Don’t feel pressured to take every excursion—sometimes the most memorable experiences come from simply sitting in a local café, watching the world go by, or enjoying the passing scenery from your ship’s sun deck.