An ocean cruise is one of the best ways to experience Europe. You wake up to new ports, taste delicious local flavours and soak in centuries of history along the way. But the adventure does not have to end when the ship docks. By pairing your ocean cruise with another style of travel, you can add depth, variety and an entirely new perspective to your journey. Here are some of the best European combos to try, each bringing its own taste of discovery.
Rail and Ocean
After days at sea exploring coastlines, there is nothing more refreshing than heading inland to Switzerland by rail. Trade turquoise waters for snow-dusted peaks and past meadows, lakes and fairytale villages on legendary trains like the Glacier Express or the Bernina Express. The leisurely pace of the railway provides a wonderful contrast to cruising, giving you time to breathe in crisp mountain air, wander alpine towns and admire an entirely different landscape. This pairing shifts your journey from ocean breezes to mountain panoramas in an instant.
River Cruise and Ocean
Why limit yourself to just one type of cruising when Europe makes it possible to enjoy both? Begin with the horizons of the Mediterranean or Baltic seas, then head inland for a French river cruise. The Rhône, Seine or Loire carry you through medieval towns, world-famous vineyards and countryside that feels straight out of a storybook. Ocean cruising delivers scale with famous ports, big capitals and iconic landmarks, while river cruising offers intimacy, history and the slower pace of winding waterways. Together, they create a journey that is both expansive and personal.
Small Group Tour and Ocean
Ocean cruises bring you to Europe’s great highlights, from Barcelona to Dubrovnik, but a small group tour lets you explore more deeply. After stepping off your ship, you might join a guided journey through Tuscany’s rolling hills, Portugal’s Douro Valley or the rugged Scottish Highlands. With fewer fellow travellers and a local expert leading the way, you can discover tucked-away trattorias, family-run wineries and local stories that you might otherwise miss. It is the perfect combination of broad exploration by ship and detailed discovery by land.
Self-Drive and Ocean
If you love flexibility, pairing a cruise with a self-drive journey delivers the ultimate sense of freedom. Imagine sailing the Greek Isles before picking up a car to wind through Italy’s Tuscan hills, exploring charming villages, vineyards, and rolling landscapes at your own pace. While a cruise provides a clear framework, a self-drive adventure lets you decide exactly how your journey unfolds.
Hike and Ocean
Cruising is wonderfully relaxing, but for those who enjoy active exploration, a hiking extension can be the perfect addition. Pair a Croatian coast cruise with treks along the Dalmatian cliffs or match a Mediterranean sailing with Italy’s Cinque Terre trails. For those drawn north, Spain’s famous Camino de Santiago provides a chance to walk through villages steeped in tradition. Hiking brings a sense of connection to the land, with every step revealing new views, small chapels and communities that cannot be reached by ship. It is the ideal balance between time at sea and adventure on shore.
Get in touch with your local Travellers Choice agent to craft a European journey that’s uniquely yours.
