by Rick Ayoup
A river cruise is a fantastic way to explore the heart of Europe. You can travel to a number of cities and countries to experience the cultures, people, and historical landmarks over the course of about a week. But why limit yourself to just the cruise? By adding a few days before or after your cruise (or both!), you can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one.
After our recent Danube River cruise, my wife and I extended our vacation with three extra days in Munich before the cruise and three days in Budapest afterward—and it was one of the best travel decisions we’ve made. Here are my top five reasons to consider adding a pre- or post-cruise stay to your river cruise.
Airfare is one of the biggest costs of any overseas trip. So why not stretch your vacation just a bit further and see more of Europe for a relatively small additional cost? Adding a few extra nights in a major city at your arrival or departure points, can give you the chance to explore incredible cities beyond your cruise route.
We flew into Munich and found a reasonably priced, centrally located hotel just five minutes from Marienplatz. For a fraction of the total trip cost, we were able to immerse ourselves in another iconic European city—making our airfare go even further, while significantly expanding our European experience.
Flight delays are unpredictable and when you’re headed to a cruise that won’t wait for late arrivals, that’s a big risk. Weather, mechanical issues, strikes, or traffic could derail your plans before your trip even begins.
By planning to arrive a few days early, you give yourself a cushion. We landed in Munich, took a stress-free train into the city, and strolled to our hotel without rushing. No pressure, no panic—just the excitement of the adventure ahead.
Flying overnight from North America to Europe usually means adjusting to a 6-plus hour time difference. Don’t fool yourself, it does take a toll on you. Arriving the same day that your cruise begins leaves little time to recover, and you risk spending your first day too tired to enjoy it.
By arriving early, we gave ourselves time to acclimate. After checking into our hotel, we took a short rest, then jumped right into exploring Munich at our own pace. We started our cruise refreshed and ready—not groggy and jet-lagged.
In Munich, we were fascinated by the famous Glockenspiel and explored Alter Peter. We strolled down Kaufingerstraße, admiring Munich’s vibrant shopping scene and the iconic twin towers of Munich Cathedral. Our day ended perfectly at a traditional beer garden, where we savoured local brews, Bavarian sausages, and the warm atmosphere. It was an experience any true foodie will appreciate.
Another day took us to BMW Museum (a must for any car lover), followed by panoramic views at the iconic Olympic Park. We wandered through the sprawling English Garden, discovered another charming beer garden, and concluded our self guided tour at the magnificent Munich Residenz. The city’s efficient subway system made navigation effortless.
Why rush home the moment your cruise ends? Disembarkation cities are often different from where you boarded on European river cruise itineraries, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore even more.
After our cruise, we stayed in incredible Budapest. We walked across the Chain Bridge, admired St. Stephen’s Basilica, explored Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle, and stood in awe of the scale of the Hungarian Parliament, one of the largest in Europe. A particularly moving moment was visiting the “Shoes on the Danube” memorial, honouring the victims of WWII. And, we still savour the organic fresh paprika that we brought home with us from Budapest.
From our experience, adding pre- and post-cruise stays brought immense value to our European river cruise. The extra days allowed us to slow down, see more, and soak in the charm of two incredible cities. The extra time in Munich and Budapest turned a wonderful vacation into something truly unforgettable. Looking back, we can’t imagine having experienced this journey any other way.
So, if you’re planning a river cruise, don’t just think about the cruise itself—consider the journey around it. You won’t regret it.
Ready to start planning a river cruise, or add a pre- or post-cruise stay to your cruise holiday?
