There’s a reason Crystal Cruises continues to win ‘Best Cruise’ accolades from a host of traveler and industry surveys. They just keep increasing the value of the experience. As a point in case, Crystal River Cruises has released a new collection of enriching destination experiences that guests can enjoy as they cruise the Rhine, Danube, and Main rivers in Europe.

Nearly 200 of the shore excursions are complimentary and additional very special opportunities are available at an added cost. The destination experiences are land-based activities designed to engage with the local culture in an authentic way. To keep it personal, the small group excursions are limited to no more than 15 guests.

Crystal Cruises Destination Experiences

Crystal offers five types of destination experiences that allow you to personalize how you connect with the destination and its people based on your own interests.

Personal Connections – Local residents, artisans, and experts host one-of-a-kind tours so you get insider access to the true local culture. For example, you can enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Amsterdam’s greenhouses, where the famous tulips are cultivated.

Tantalizing Gastronomy – A variety of dining and hands-on cooking opportunities let you taste the signature culinary styles and specialties of the destination. Visitors to the foodie haven of Rotterdam can enjoy an immersive culinary experience there.

Cultural Discoveries – Visit historical landmarks, museums, iconic sites, and architectural marvels with insight from expert guides. Spend a full day exploring Salzburg from Linz or enjoy a string and opera performance in a historic Antwerp cathedral.

Exhilarating Adventures – If invigorating pursuits are your pleasure, you can choose active adventures highlighting the destination’s history and topography. How about a cycling side trip to Veitshochheim Castle and its Rococo Garden in Wurzburg?

Design Your Time – For the ultimate in customized shore excursions, you can have the Crystal concierge service design a unique private tour. Some of these optional destination experiences include a wine tasting in the renowned cellars of Vienna’s Palais Coburg, hands-on instruction in Linzer torte baking or exploring Budapest by Trabant Cars.

“Every detail of the Crystal River Cruises’ curated destination program has been revamped to focus on choices, and offer more intimate, immersive experiences that perfectly suit travelers’ preferences and properly showcase the charm and beauty of the destinations,” says Walter Littlejohn, managing director and vice president of Crystal River Cruises.

Crystal River Cruises Signature Events

Each river itinerary also features inclusive Signature Events – special events that offer rare access and musical performances in iconic landmarks including Vienna’s Belvedere Palace, Linz’s St. Florian Monastery, Rüdesheim’s Monastery Eberbach, and others.

Crystal enriches your river cruise with experiences of discovery. Choose a Crystal River Cruise in Europe and find out for yourself why Crystal is so highly awarded.