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Reviews 4.4.

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Search with "Shore Excursions Group" is a great place to Start your plans for your excursions.

It is my understanding that this review is in regards to ordering my excursions on line and not the Excursion in which I am looking forward to enjoying. The website was easy to maneuver around. Good information regarding what to expect in terms of verification of purchase, how to link up with your Excursion guides and receiving your tickets. Excellent photos of Excursion sites.

Date of experience : June 28, 2024

We were very happy with our excursions

We were very happy with our excursions. The directions were very clear and the prices unbeatable.

Date of experience : March 19, 2024

Easy to navigate their app with no…

Easy to navigate their app with no problems.

Please read every line regardless how small it may be.

It was easy to follow however one must read all the lines. The "Add on coupon" could be a bit bolder & larger for easier identification.

Date of experience : June 17, 2024

Reply from Shore Excursions Group

Hello Richard, We apologize for the inconvenience you experienced on our website. Once you add an item to your cart, there is a question above the order total asking, "Have a coupon code? Click here." I attempted to apply the coupon code to your order but noticed that you canceled it. If you do not see the section for the coupon code, please call us, and we will be happy to assist you with placing your order over the phone. Our agent are available 866-717-7809, from 9:00 am to 6:00pm Eastern Standard Time.

Easy to navigate site

Relatively easy to navigate site but I would like to see a way to compare adventures. Have to keep jogging back and forth between several screens

Date of experience : June 20, 2024

Ravello Amalfi and Positano

This excursion was nothing more than a glorified bus ride. The guide provide no information or history of the area. Time in each location was quite limited and Positano was completely dropped from the itinerary allegedly because it could not be accessed. Friends on a different tour that day were able to visit Positano. We were told lunch would be in the charming town of Ravello, only to be taken to a roadside restaurant with no ambiance and poor service. Quite the bait and switch. Save your money and skip this tour. It was a complete disappointment.

Date of experience : June 19, 2024

Hello, We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you may have encountered during your recent tour with us. Your feedback is of utmost importance to us, and we highly value your input as we strive to enhance the quality of our tour experiences. We are investigating this matter per our conversation with Melissa. We appreciate your patience as we look into this matter. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we look forward to hearing from you. Warm regards, Craig

This was a very pleasant experience all…

This was a very pleasant experience all trips were explained very clearly the price for our trip was much cheaper than the cruise lines cost for the exact same trip. Thanks and I am now going to look at other trips at the other ports we are stopping at.

Date of experience : June 09, 2024

Have dealt with this company many times…

Have dealt with this company many times and have always had a good experience.

Date of experience : June 25, 2024

The tour was great!

The tour with Muriel was great! Informative, clear, pleasant, and we were well taken care of. We went to Oia, and saw a village and beautiful views. Highly recommended.

Date of experience : June 04, 2024

Absolutely awful

Absolutely awful , having booked a excursion through this company i didn't receive the excursion i paid for. having spoken to them first on 24th june 2024 the agent said she had e-mailed the tour operator regarding my excursion. today 26th of june 2024 i find out that she didn't but cancelled the payment due to the tour i requested being no longer available. and would of kept silent had i not called. very disappointed and would certainly NOT! recommend this company.

Date of experience : June 26, 2024

Hello Kyle, We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you may have encountered during your recent tour with us. Your feedback is of utmost importance to us, and we highly value your input as we strive to enhance the quality of our tour experiences. Please feel free to reach out to me directly at [email protected] so that I can personally address this matter for you. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we look forward to hearing from you. Warm regards, Craig

Easy to access and order tours

Easy to access and order tours. Thanks to Susan Sette of Arrivia/USAA for letting us know about SEG!

Great excursion information…

Easy to choose excursion from great reviews giving a lot of details. Easy to use site. Enough information was given to make a responsible choice. The reviews gave the reader insight to the value they are getting for the price.

Date of experience : May 28, 2024

My friend that use to live in South…

My friend that use to live in South Carolina highly recommended a tour like yours and your site sounded perfect and exactly what we wanted.

Date of experience : June 06, 2024

Lisa was so awesome

Lisa was so awesome. Loved her guided tour to the Amalfi coast. She’s very cool and super easy going. Really enjoyed her.

Liebra was sooooo helpful!!!

Liebra was sooooo helpful!!!! She was on the phone with me for a very long time and was very insightful in regard to which excursions to choose :)

Date of experience : June 13, 2024

Adventure for 1/2 the price the cruise line offers!

I found an adventure exactly like an excursion the cruise ship was offering, but this one was $30 cheaper per person. I was able to book it, and received a confirmation email within 3 minutes. Thank you so much! I would recommend this company to anyone looking for fun at a great price!

Date of experience : May 17, 2024

Request Jose Rosario for your driver

Our driver, Jose Rosario, made our day! He was the best tour guide. We had a wonderful experience at The Mexican Hot Springs. Hector and all the staff were very welcoming. We had the most delicious lunch of homemade guacamole, freshly made chips, and delicious queso. After our excursion, we wanted to go shopping before returning to the cruise ship. Rosario took us to the best downtown store, Michael Gallery for handcrafted art, jewelry and Mexican vanilla. We had a great day!

Date of experience : March 06, 2024

Kona Coffee, Green Sea Turtles and absolute beauty.

Our guide, Rusty, was fun and engaging during all the included activities. Our time at the coffee plantation was very interesting and informative, and although lunch was not provided on the tour, we stopped at a great little Poke cafe and had a very tasty lunch. The stop at The Painted Church was beautiful and our time searching for and finding the green sea turtles was exciting and fun. In all, it was a great day.

Date of experience : March 28, 2024

Zip lining in DR and Jost Van Dyke in BVI

We booked two excursions with Shore Excursions Group for our March cruise with NCL. We went zipping in the Dominican Republic and took a boat to Jost Van Dyke. Prices were very reasonable, times were followed strictly, and communication excellent. We have used this company for other cruises as well and are always pleased. I highly recommend Shore Excursions Group.

Date of experience : March 25, 2024

George was a super great host

George was a super great host. We had a blast

Date of experience : May 21, 2024

Booking Shore Excursions Independently vs Booking Through the Cruise Line

Most cruises are about both the fantastic onboard experience as well as the ports of call you visit.  Whether sailing the warm Caribbean or historic Mediterranean, you’ll likely want some sort of plan for while you’re in port.  From guided tours to resort passes, or even helicopter rides to glaciers, you can book a number of tours through the cruise line - but should you book independently instead? Let’s look at the risks and benefits of each.

Booking Excursions Through The Cruise Line

The primary benefit of booking excursions through the cruise line is that they guarantee your return to the ship.  This generally means that if you’re on a tour that’s scheduled to finish 30 minutes before sail-away and the tour is in some way delayed, the ship will wait until you’re safely back onboard to set sail.  This is, quite frankly, a pretty big benefit.  No one wants to lose out on vacation time and figure out how to get from one small island to another without luggage (oh, and did you bring your passport ?).  Keep in mind that while the ship will usually wait in this circumstance, in extreme cases the cruise line may chose to arrange your transportation to the next port, for example, if you’re the only one on a tour and it’s delayed for many hours.  It should be noted however that some third party tour operators offer similar guarantees, but we'll get into that in a moment.

Another benefit of booking through the cruise line is that you have some level of recourse if something on your tour isn’t to your liking.  Most cruise lines don’t have “satisfaction guaranteed” policies, but obviously they do want guests to be happy, and lines carefully vet tours before selling them.  

The downside to booking excursions through the cruise line are primarily cost and options.  Cruise lines will almost always charge a bit more than booking a similar (or sometimes exact same) tour elsewhere.  The above benefits aren't free.  It’s worth checking prices however because there have been a few occasions we’ve found cruise lines coming in cheaper than booking independently - it’s not common, but it does happen.

To check out prices and options for these excursions, you can generally log in to the cruise line’s website in advance of your cruise, ask your travel agent , or inquire onboard (but you may not want to wait until the last minute).  The shore excursions staff on the ship have taken most of, if not all of the tours offered, and can be great sources of information - even general destination information outside of the tour itself.

Booking Excursions Independently

There are two reasons you may want to consider booking independently: to save money and have a greater number of options.

 Booking independently your, options are nearly limitless.  Visiting TripAdvisor and other sites is not only a great way to find restaurants, museums, etc - but also tour operators.  Maybe you really liked a particular option you saw on the ship, but wanted it earlier, or later - or maybe they sold out!  You can likely find it online.  Going at it completely on your own isn’t the only option though.  Websites like ShoreTrips.com  not only allow you to search many great options by simply selecting the cruise you’re taking, but they also guarantee your timely return to the ship, and transportation to the next port in the unlikely event something goes wrong.  Viator is another great option, with a large number of tours for cruisers and those on land trips, plus many options for custom and private tours.  You can bet these companies really don't want to have to do that, so they're well motivated to ensure your timely return.

In terms of pricing you’ll of course find any number of prices depending on the excursions you’re looking at, but if you compare booking a tour independently vs a nearly identical tour through the cruise line you’re very likely to find it cheaper to go at it on your own, leaving more money for say - booking another cruise.  Also know that while there is no set rule, we find the savings can be much more substantial for say, a seaplane tour in Alaska compared to that of a day pass at a resort in Nassau .  We should mention that Carnival now offers a price guarantee on their excursions, but often it’s difficult to demonstrate that another tour is the exact same, so the price match is nice, but not always as useful as it may seem.

The downside of booking independently is of course that, especially if you don’t book through a third party offering such guarantees, you’ll want to plan to be at the ship long before sail-away just in case something happens.  Further, following up with someone in another country you paid in cash and know only by first name isn’t too helpful if you need to contact them about a quality issue, or perhaps because you realize that you’ve left a camera full of memories behind.  That said, out of scores of independent excursions, and even more cruises, I've never had an issue with a tour guide getting me back late - they know they'd be out of business if they did this!  Recently, someone on a popular cruise Facebook group asked for people to respond if they'd ever missed the ship or heard about someone missing the ship because their independent excursion returned late - but no one had.

Looking for more excursion tips?   Video: Five Things to Consider Before Booking a Shore Excursion

Ultimately there is not an inherently right or wrong decision, and the odds are that no matter what you choose to book you’ll have a great time.  Look at how much time a tour or activity will take, and figure out when you need to be back to the ship.  If it’s a tour that is scheduled in a way which cuts things close, perhaps embrace the security of the cruise line or at least an organized operator with a guarantee.  It’s always good to explore options though, and searching for reviews online or asking travel-savvy friends can reveal some fantastic opportunities which may not be available in something set up by the cruise line.  

One last thing to remember is that no matter whether you book through the cruise line or not, you should always enlist the help of your travel agent .  We’ve talked about the benefits before, but your travel agent is there to help guide you through these decisions, assist with research, and handle the logistics of booking and even follow through (like making sure you remember that your 9:00am tour is in local time, which may vary from the ship's time ).

How do you prefer to book excursions?  Have any other points in weighing out your options? Let us know in the comments or reach out on  Facebook  or  Twitter .

View the discussion thread.

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Cruise Ship Shore Excursions & Tours

Book for all nz and aus ports smaller groups and better value support local companies guaranteed to be back on time full refund if ship misses port, for the most effective browsing of our tours, please login / register with us to create a mycruise account. we can then display your cruise itinerary and show you the full range of options we have in your ports of call. some tours offer an 'express booking' option, so you can quickly book one of our most popular tours if you have not already registered, similar to our new 'smart phone' web site..

• About Top Selling Tours
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• About Standard Tours
• About Private Tours
• About Group Tours
• About Rental Cars
• About Flight Seeing
• About Experiences & Activities
• Frequent Questions (FAQ)

Save money over the cruise lines own shore excursion programs as well as travel in much smaller groups . We offer passengers on cruise ships a range of shared tours in most of the ports of call in New Zealand and Australia . We have a great selection to suit all interests and budgets, from general sightseeing, geothermal sights, Maori culture, adventure and special interest tours. Standard tours are priced per person and usually include all entry charges for locations visited. Some Standard tours are also available as Exclusive tours which allows you to book the tour just for your own party - prices will be given if this is an option. When you book places on our standard tours you will be travelling with others from your cruise ship. We currently offer Standard Tours from Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Akaroa and Dunedin in New Zealand. In Australia we currently offer Hobart, Burnie, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Darwin and Cairns and more tours and activities will be added in the other ports that you see listed on our web site in the coming weeks. Even if you travelling solo or as a couple, you can still find others to share your shore excursions with, so check out our Tour Share feature. Once you have registered on the site you can then view Tour Share posts from others on your cruise and also create your own postings.

Our Private Tours allow you to book a suitable tour vehicle and driver/guide for your party so that you have total flexibility to see and do just what you want. The cost is based on the duration of the tour and type of vehicle, which range from luxury Rolls Royce limousines to minivans, minibuses and small coaches. These Private Tours do not include any destination or activity charges, but our experienced tour consultants can create an itinerary to suit your interest and budget, and add these to your account, so the tour is 100% matched to your requirements, and best of all there is no additional charge for this service. We do recommend that you let us plan your itinerary and pre-book tickets for any destination or activity as availability can often be a problem if you have not pre-booked.

Group Tours offer you the chance to book tours for bigger groups travelling together, with itineraries that are not offered as Standard tours. Group tours are priced according to the number of people in the group and are usually planned for groups from 10 to 40 persons or more. Group tours are usually fully inclusive of all entry fees. If your own group is even larger than this we can arrange a selection of tours that you can offer the group members, allowing them to select their own preference. Not everyone has to do the same tour. We can handle all the bookings and payments for you, so we take the stress out of being the group leader or travel agent. Once we have set up your group members in our database, they can then log in to view just the tours you want to offer and make their selections. It could not be easier. Prices will depend on the size of the group, so please contact us for a quotation if the itinerary you require is not listed, and we will create one to suit.

We are now offering self drive rental cars in a number of ports in New Zealand for passengers on cruise ships. In many ports we have a selection of cars available for self-drive so look at the port of call page to see the options or search for self drive tours in the interest search box. We can also pre book your activity tickets so all is ready when you arrive at the port of call to collect your rental car.

For cruise ship passengers who would like to experience the ports of call from a different perspective, we now offer an increasing range of fixed wing and helicopter flight seeing options. Using fully certified passenger flight operators, you can now book anything from a short 5 minute flight experience up to a full day flying adventure . Select from a range of options that could include fixed wing modern aircraft, vintage biplanes, World War 2 aircraft or modern day jets.

For cruise ship passengers visiting New Zealand and Australia you can now purchase all of your destination activity tickets in advance. Ports of call we cover include the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Akaroa and Dunedin in New Zealand. Please note that the Experiences Ticket cost does not usually include transfers to and from the destination from the cruise port. You will need to make your own arrangements for this. Or you could book one of the rental cars we list on the web site. In Australia we currently offer options in Hobart, Burnie, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Cairns. We will be adding new tours and activities in the other ports of call in Australia in the coming weeks. These will include Albany, Brisbane, Broome, Bunbury, Cooktown, Darwin, Newcastle, Freemantle, Townsville, Yorkeys Knob and Peneshaw. So if you are traveling independently by self drive rental car, have a look at the Experiences tab on each port to see what you could do.

    What if my ships arrival or departure time conflicts with the tour times?

We arrange most of the tours just for cruise ship passengers so we adjust the tour start and end times to suit. If the ship is arriving after the advised tour start time, then please come of the ship as soon as you can to meet your guide who will update you on the new start time. If your ship is departing the port less than 1 hour after the usual end time of the tour, we will usually bring the tour start time forward, so that the tour ends at least one hour prior to the ships departure. Again you should come of the ship ASAP to meet the guide and get an updated start time. There are a few tours that have fixed departure times that can not be moved, in such cases we will advise you of this when booking. This also applies to activities which are booked for a specific time, such as Jet Boating or Bungee Jumping. We also send out a TXT message on the morning of your booking to remind you of the meeting time and give any updates should the time have changed since you printed your voucher, so it is important for you to give us your mobile phone number and check for any messages. We also email a reminder the day prior.

    What if the ship is unable to make a port of call ?

It is very rare that a ship is unable to make a port of call. In the event that this occurs a full refund will be provided back to your credit card. If your tour was booked through an agent and not directly with us, then you should contact your agent. There are a few tours where some charges may not be refundable, but these will be noted in the tour listing.

    How many people will be on a tour ?

Most of our tours are "small group" tours, usually no more than 10 or 15 persons. We offer some tours that are very popular and these may have up to 34 persons on the tour and operate in tour coaches. As we do not know until a few days prior to the tour date how many people will book a particular tour then we can not guarantee the size of the group. Often tours will run with the minimum number, just 4 or 6 persons. If you want to be sure to travel in a smaller group then you can often select an Exclusive version of the tour just for the number in your group.

    How will I find my tour guide ?

When you make a booking you will be sent detailed instructions on how to meet your tour guide, these are written on your Voucher. In some ports our guides will be close to the ship, often at the base of the gangway, holding a Shore Trips & Tours sign or with a name board. Independent tour guides and vehicles may have to wait in designated locations to meet passengers who are not on the official cruise line tours [not cruise line arranged]. In such cases you will have clear instructions on how to find them. Some ports require you to take a shuttle from the ship to a designated location in the city, please be sure to read your voucher instructions carefully as the meeting points do vary depending on the tour you have booked and for some ports you do NOT have to use the shuttles for all of our tours. You will also be provided with the name of the local tour company and a contact phone number, something that many other booking web sites will not tell you. If you have any difficulty then you can call the local guide or Shore Trips and Tours .

    I am in a large group on the cruise, can you cater for us ?

Most of our tour groups are for small groups of 10 or 15 persons. However we can cater for large groups of 50 or more and have a lot of experience with tours suitable for large groups. Each itinerary would be tailored to suit the groups interest and size, as often many of our small group tour itineraries are not suitable for larger groups. Please contact us for details. You can see some existing "group" itineraries on the "Groups" tab for each port.

    How will the tour cost in NZ $ be charged to my credit card ?

Our tours in New Zealand are priced in NZ $ and this will be converted to your own credit card currency by your bank. As these rates do fluctuate then you could see a difference to the cost if you select your own currency from the 5 optional currencies. The tours in Australia are loaded to the database in Australian dollars, this rate will be converted to the current NZ$ rate on the day you make the booking.

    What happens to my money when I book a tour in advance, is it safe ?

Yes it is secure. When you book a tour the money you pay in advance is held in a separate "clients account", this is then transferred to our trading account only when the tour takes place. The interest this money earns is paid as a donation to our local charity, The Waipuna Hospice, so your money is also helping us support this very worthwhile Tauranga organisation.

Despite the information being given out by the cruise lines, the Hobbiton Movie set location is open for business as usual. We have tours available there from the Tauranga-Rotorua port of call.

May 2023 - With the first cruise ship season since the COVID lockdown we are now planning for the 2023/24 arrivals beginning on the 18th October. We have a smaller range of tours now but still include the best and most popular destinations, such as the Hobbiton movie set, Rotorua geothermal sights at Whakarewarewa and Te Puia, and new for the coming season, the Redwoods Forest Tree Walk, now included in our Rotorua Naturally tour TRG-9

We have just been awarded a Travellers Choice award for 2020 by Trip Advisor . This award goes to the top 10% of tour operators in the world confirming our position as a leader not only in New Zealand but on the world stage.

© 2024 Mount Classic Tours Ltd, PO Box 4678, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand Tel: +64 7 574 1779 Fax: +64 7 574 1775 Email: [email protected]

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Find Shore Excursions

Benefits of booking.

• Guaranteed best price — find a better price on any tour we offer and we'll refund you 100 percent of the price difference in the form of an onboard credit. More information available when you  log in to purchase your shore excursions .
• Earlier departure off the ship
• Guaranteed return to the ship
• Licensed, insured and professional local operators & Guides
• Full refund if the port is missed
• Flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours prior
• Expert advice offered pre-cruise by our dedicated call center and onboard by our shore excursion staff

What are shore excursions?

Shore excursions are available through our partnerships with local suppliers and guides, in the majority of ports we visit. They cover an amazing array of places, landmarks, activities and experiences — from wildlife encounters in the Outback and salsa lessons in Havana to wine-tastings on a French estate and zip-lining in the Costa Rican rainforest. We offer something for every interest, taste and capability level.

How do I book shore excursions?

Choose from city tours, culinary explorations, shopping outings, outdoor expeditions, cultural activities and more. We recommend you book early for the best selection, as our excursions and tours have limited capacity and fill up quickly. Shore excursions may be easily booked online in advance of sailing on the book shore excursions page. If tour details are not yet finalized, please check again closer to your departure date. Shore excursions may be booked and prepaid online up to three days before sailing. Your Digital Tour Tickets will be available under My Account in Navigator. Please download the  Navigator app  prior to boarding. You will also be able to request tours on the ship at the shore excursion Office.

Many tours have limited availability, and booking tours in advance reduces the chance of disappointment. All tour bookings are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.  Prices are subject to change without notice. Tours are booked and paid with a credit card and a confirmation will be sent to your email address.

If a tour is sold out, many tours offer a waitlist option. If a tour is waitlisted and space becomes available, an email notification will be sent to you at which time you will have 72 hours to book and confirm the tour.  Your credit card will be charged once you have confirmed your tour.

Is there a dedicated resource I can speak with about shore excursions?

The shore excursion reservation office is available to assist you Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 5 PST; Saturday-Sunday, 7 AM to 4 PST. Guests may call 1 (888) 425-9376 to speak directly with an agent.

Is there a customized brochure of shore excursions available for a specific cruise?

To download a voyage specific eBrochure, go to  www.hollandamerica.com  and select Already Booked then Book Shore Excursions. You will be prompted to enter your Email or Mariner ID along with your password. Go to Explore Shore Excursions then select Download Personalized eBrochure.

Will my kids be able to go on shore excursions with Holland America Line?

Yes, you’ll find a range of experiences to suit the interests and activity levels of everyone in your family. Our family-friendly shore excursions give you new ways to discover destinations together.

Click to learn more about  family cruises with Holland America Line.

What is the timing of shore excursions?

Shore excursion departure times coincide with the ship’s schedule as well as other tours, enabling you to take multiple tours if desired with worry-free return to the ship. In the very rare event that your tour is late and the ship must leave, we will arrange at our expense to get you to the next port of call. With independently booked tours, you are responsible for rejoining the ship at the next port of call.

Does Holland America Line offer accessible shore excursions?

Holland America Line is committed to providing safe, easy, and accessible accommodations for all persons with disabilities, to the extent that is feasible. The tours are graded according to their relative level of activity. The activity icons that appear at the beginning of each tour description provide a general idea of the level of activity to expect. It is important to keep in mind that tour operators are subject to the laws of their own country with respect to accommodating the needs of guests with disabilities. In most foreign countries, the laws are not as stringent as those in the United States. We cannot guarantee that all are able to provide facilities that are accessible to individuals with disabilities and third party shore excursion facilities may not be fully accessible to guests with disabilities. For detailed information on accessibility of shore excursions, we strongly recommend contacting our shore excursions reservations department well in advance of embarkation at 1-888-425-9376 (or locally at 206-626-7320). Once onboard, please visit the shore excursions office.

What is Explorations Central?

Explorations Central (EXC™) is a one-stop, multi-faceted program that combines indispensable travel resources and on-board enrichment opportunities, making your time ashore more engaging, vivid and meaningful. The program —including our EXC Guides, shore excursions staff and other resources— is located in the Crow’s Nest (on some ships) or another specially designated place.

What are the cancellation policies for shore excursions?

Cancellations for pre-paid tours are allowed up to 3 days prior to cruise embarkation and will be refunded to the credit card used for the purchase. If within 3 days of embarkation, all changes/cancellations must be done onboard the ship and refunds will be applied to your onboard account. If the credit is not fully utilized during the cruise, the balance will be paid to that passenger by the ship's Purser at the end of the voyage. If cancellation occurs onboard after the cancellation deadline for specific shore excursions, a 100% cancellation fee will apply. The ship's shore excursions office will be able to advise you of the cancellation deadline applicable to each tour. Optional shore excursions during the land portion of a Land & Sea Journey are non-refundable within 3 days of your Land & Sea Journey departure date. Group shore excursions cancelled within three days prior to embarkation (sail) date are nonrefundable. Custom tours may have different cancellation deadlines which will be stated in the proposal. In the rare instance that tours are cancelled by Holland America Line or the tour operator, the full amount will be refunded within four to six weeks after the voyage ends.

8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

Choosing and booking shore excursions for your upcoming cruise should be simple. Pick a port, read the list of options provided by your cruise line, choose an activity you enjoy and then sign up.

In reality, the shore tour decision-making process gets more complex — especially if you want to make the most of your eight hours in a port you might never revisit.

I've taken more than 50 cruises, and I've made my share of tour booking mistakes.

I've signed up for hikes that were actually quick walks and spent more time in buses when I wanted to be out exploring the sights. I've overpaid for tour experiences that I could have done more cheaply on my own. I've also gone on fabulous excursions that enhanced my day in port.

For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

My top tip for booking the best cruise excursion for your money? Read the tour description carefully and then read between the lines to discover the truths about the excursion hidden behind all the promotional language.

Don't know how to do that? Read on as I reveal my best shore tour booking tips.

Book must-do tours as early as possible

The most popular excursions and limited-participant tours will sell out — often before you even board your cruise ship. You'll want to book these online as early as you can. Even better, many cruise lines discount the tours you purchase in advance.

Just make sure you read the fine print regarding tour cancellation policies. Also, in some cases, you cannot use onboard credit to pay for tours booked before sailing.

Related: Shore excursions: What new cruisers need to know

Book less important tours on the ship

If you're uncertain about a few tours or want to pay for your excursions with onboard credit, wait until you board to book. The excursions desk staff might have additional insight into the shore tours you're considering that will help you decide.

Make a beeline for the tour desk as soon as you board, and be prepared to wait in line. You can always ask the staff if they recommend you book immediately because a tour is filling up or whether you can take a day to decide.

Determine how much time will be spent in transit

My personal goal when venturing ashore on a cruise is to spend as little time as possible in transit and more time exploring. Folks with mobility issues, on the other hand, might prefer tours that let you sightsee exclusively by bus.

Shore excursions titled "panoramic," "easy" or "highlights" are often bus-focused tours where you'll view most sights from your window. If the write-up does not specifically say you'll venture inside an attraction or building, assume you'll only view it from the outside.

When looking at daytrips from your port of call to a destination outside the city, add up the transit times before subtracting them from the length of the tour.

A four-hour tour to an attraction an hour from the port equals two hours on a bus and two hours at the destination. Determine whether that's an acceptable ratio or if you'd make better use of your time sticking closer to the port.

Also, consider whether your kids can handle a long bus ride or if you get motion sick.

Related: 11 cruise ship excursions to avoid

Compare free time vs. guided touring

In a similar vein, compare the amount of free time you'll have to explore on your own on a tour against how much time you'll be following a guide. Don't book the tour if the balance does not work for you.

On a tour in Taormina, Italy, I watched half the group ditch the tour one by one and miss entrance into the ancient Greek theater because the guided portion of the tour went on far too long (and the guide was not very good).

If you like independent touring and merely want an excursion for the transportation and someone to get you pointed in the right direction, book tours titled "on your own."

Evaluate the activity level

You will not be happy if you book a cruise excursion only to discover you're physically incapable of participating fully in the tour — or that the activity is much easier than you imagined. Read the tour description carefully to determine if the activity level is right for you.

Don't book a walking tour in Europe if you're not able to tramp over uneven cobblestone streets for an hour or more. Skip the mountain biking tour if you're not in good health or the kayaking tour if you have back or shoulder pain. Be honest with yourself about your current abilities.

On the flip side, hardcore athletes should assume that most active cruise excursions cater to the lowest common denominator. The bike tour will likely be on flat roads and set at a leisurely pace. A hike on a cruise full of retirees is possibly a 20-minute walk on a boardwalk or paved surface.

If the excursion truly is demanding, the tour description will make sure that's abundantly clear in order to scare off anyone who isn't up to the challenge.

Related: Avoid these mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Compare costs

Before you book that shore excursion, compare the tour price to doing the same activity on your own or with an outside tour operator. Then, decide whether having a guide and the security and ease of booking through your cruise line outweigh any difference in price.

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a nearly three-hour ride on Skagway's White Pass and Yukon Route scenic railway for $199 per adult. But if you go to the railway's website, you can book the same trip for $146 — $50 less.

Booking a tour for a higher rate won't add to your experience. The train depot is right in town, close to the cruise docks, so you don't need bus transportation there. And the guides are part of the train experience, so you will get the informative narration either way.

Many cruise lines also offer slightly different versions of the same tour, such as a beach break with all-inclusive and less-inclusive options. Determine which inclusions or activities you will actually use before deciding which specific excursion will provide you with the best value for money.

Consider alternatives

Some first-time cruisers believe you must book a ship's tour in every port to get the most out of your cruise. It's not true.

Consider alternatives before you sign up for all the excursions. Can you walk or take a cab to the beach? Would you rather wander around a city's center, sampling local cuisine and browsing the shops? Could you rent a car or hire a taxi to see the sights at your own pace? Would you prefer to explore that fort or tour that museum on your own?

You might also prefer to hire a private guide or book a particular activity through a local outfitter, especially if the cruise line's excursion options don't include exactly what you're looking for.

Related: Ship-sponsored vs. independent shore excursions on cruises: Which should you book?

Assess your tour schedule as a whole

Some cruisers are so focused on what to do on each individual day that they never stop to consider their tour schedule as a whole. This is a mistake that can lead to burnout or a disappointing vacation.

Too many tours in a row with early departures or long days in port can be exhausting. You don't want to book three days straight of all-day excursions, nor do you want to plan to skip a port for a quiet day on board after you've just spent a day or two at sea.

Take a high-level look at your schedule, and make sure you have a nice mix of low-key and high-octane activities, organized tours and days to wander around or relax. If possible, try not to book any shore excursions until you're happy with your vacation plan as a whole.

Bottom line

The key to booking the best shore excursions is knowing what you want from your cruise vacation and making sure that your tour choices support those goals.

Don't compromise and pay for a tour you're not thrilled about because there's usually a better option out there. Make sure you understand what you're getting with each excursion choice and that you and your travel companions are both able and excited to participate fully in the listed tour activities.

And never feel pressured to book a tour when a leisurely day wandering about port — or even sleeping in and enjoying the ship with fewer people on board — is just what you need for a perfect vacation day.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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How To Make The Most Of Shore Excursions: Viking Cruises Danube Waltz

Latest update: December 2023. Coming soon, Danube River Christmas Markets, inside scoop. 

In October I joined Viking  Cruises on the Danube Waltz cruise. This was my second river cruise and I was blown away by the grand cities, small towns, and the inspiring shore excursions on this Viking Danube cruise.

Traveling with Viking Cruises is special, no question; their unique cultural immersion programs, shore excursions, elegantly designed cruise ships, and food and beverage program, are recognized by travel experts the world over.  

Photo courtesy of Viking Cruises

Optional shore excursions Danube Waltz 

Viking offers classic and iconic tours with local guides at every port–some are optional, and some are included. Every excursion is listed in your cruise documents and on the Viking website .  I take all of the included shore excursions because Viking only books guides who are experts on their chosen destination.

Optional tours are designed to give you further opportunities to dive deeper into the culture. In Budapest, you could visit the iconic Széchenyi Bathhouse for a slice of local life, or learn to make Hungarian pancakes and tour the Grand Market. There is an additional charge for optional tours. 

Széchenyi Thermal Baths Budapest, Photo by grassrootsgroundswell on flickr

What Makes The Danube Waltz Shore Excursions Special? 

One of the exclusive Viking excursions offered on the Danube Waltz itinerary was a visit to Gottweig Abbey with spectacular views over the Wachau Valley. Viking guests have the opportunity to tour the 900-year-old abbey, view a short film about life at the abbey, and admire the extensive art collection.

We also enjoyed a taste of sparkling apricot wine made by the Benedictine monks who live and work at the abbey . Viking is the only cruise line with access to Gottweig Abbey . This is one example of Viking’s privileged access tours. 

Göttweig Abbey, Benedictine monastery near Krems in Lower Austria, founded in 1083, a World Heritage Site., photo courtesy of Viking Cruises.

Cultural programs 

Participating in the cultural programs offered onboard is another way to enrich your experience– and some of my most memorable moments were on the ship. At least two of our seven nights included live music performed by expert guest musicians. One night we were entertained by a classical opera singer and another night the Bratislava Men’s Choir.

Before arriving in Vienna we enjoyed a musical evening that included our Program Director (a classical violinist) playing the violin for us, as well as learning about the classical music inheritance Vienna gave the world.  We also received the 411 on Vienna’s world-renowned coffee houses. 

Even though I’m a very independent traveler , I quickly grew to appreciate the preparation and expertise provided…I could simply enjoy the immersion in the history and culture of each port.

A trip to Vienna must include a visit to Mozart!

 Make the most of Shore Excursions on the Danube

Important tip: your viking cruise documents.

Shortly after confirming your booking, you’ll receive your cruise documents in the mail. Everything you need to know about arrival, departure, currency, the cruise ship, the ports, food and beverage, tipping, baggage, and Viking’s commitment to you is within the pages of your cruise documents. Read it. It is for your convenience.

Online information 

You will find a wealth of information on the Viking River Cruises website, such as suggestions for films and mini-language lessons related to your itinerary. Everything is designed to enhance your trip. I read two historical books about Vienna from the suggested reading list. I have always found that having some historical context makes any experience more enjoyable and deepens my understanding.  The website also has extensive details about your Viking longship. 

Consider your interests and fitness level 

To make the most of the shore excursions offered, consider these two things:

Your interests and your level of fitness. For example, some tours involve steep walks or bicycling. If for some reason you are unable to walk up a steep hill or steps, don’t go on that tour. The level of difficulty is indicated in the description of the tour. If you don’t like dancing, then you shouldn’t take a waltz lesson in Vienna.

Our tour director jokingly referred to traveling with Viking as Bootcamp, but it’s somewhat true. Most tours begin early morning and leave by 8:00 am. If having free time on your own is more important to you, that’s ok, too… you’re under no obligation to take any tours.

Breakfast selections, Viking Hermod

There was fresh smoked salmon every morning, yum!

Preparation is key to a great day

You’ll want to get up early enough to have breakfast.  Most tours last one and a half or two hours unless it’s a destination like Gottweig Abbey or Cesky Krumlov, which are half-day trips. You won’t have a chance to eat again until the end of the tour. Of course, you can tuck something into your day bag if you need a snack before lunch.

Audio devices

Every room onboard the ship has a set of audio devices that you take with you on tours (one per person). They allow you to hear the tour guide even if you’re walking in the back of the group. Make sure your device(s) are charged and ready to go each morning.  I forgot mine once and yes, there was a spare, but don’t count on this.

The best practice is when you return to the ship and put it back on the charger so it’s ready for the next day unless you’re going out on another tour that requires it. 

The dock at Krems, Wachau Valley, Austria

Port talks, Viking’s 411

Before dinner each day there is a gathering in the lounge for a port talk with the Program Director . You’ll want to go to these. Aside from being informative, they’re fun. Have a drink, sit next to someone new, strike up a conversation, and make dinner plans. In addition, you’ll usually hear from the Chef about menu specialties for the evening. There is always a regional menu, as well as classical cuisine prepared with local ingredients. 

Get comfortable in the lounge where you’ll gather for daily Port Talks and evening cocktails and entertainment.

Each evening, you will find a Viking Daily newsletter in your room with information about the next port city, as well as some fun trivia about the region, food and culture, restaurant suggestions, and other tips. These are great for making note of things you want to be sure not to miss. The Viking Daily was often my evening reading material–I’m geeky that way. 

To recap: Sleep well, wake up early, eat breakfast, and have everything you need for the next day ready to go. And make sure you don’t forget your earbuds and audio device. 

Rest well in your comfortable stateroom. photo courtesy of Viking.

Tip: Always carry the contact information for the boat with you, including the phone number– and make sure your cell phone is charged (carry a spare battery if needed.)  I was once separated from the group and my bag was on the bus. But, I had my cell phone in my pocket (because I was taking photos with it) and the card with the number for the boat. I was able to call the boat and explain what happened and where I was. 

Viking Danube Waltz: Ports & Excursions

 budapest to passau .

Now that all the details are out of the way, let’s check out the ports and shore excursions on Viking’s Danube Waltz cruise. In 2017, AFAR magazine’s Travelers’ Choice Awards named Viking the “Best Danube River Cruise Operator,” for its small ships, elegant staterooms, regional Austrian and Hungarian cuisine, and expert staff. Now that I’ve done this cruise I would offer my vote as well. I enjoyed my dance along the blue Danube–and my dance card was always full.

Viking Hermod docked near the Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary

I joined the Danube Waltz in Budapest– it was apparent right away why it is referred to as the Paris of the East– the lights along the river and bridges are very romantic. And because Viking is given first preference in Budapest, your ship will be docked within a short walk of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge , a suspension bridge connecting the two parts of the city. It is easily one of the most beautiful bridges crossing the Danube.

The Panoramic Budapest tour takes you by bus around Pest, then up Buda Castle Hill to visit Matthias Church (named for King Matthias) and the Fisherman’s Bastion. The views are spectacular, so be sure you have your camera or phone ready for action. 

Parliament building at night, Budapest

Budapest is intriguing because it is two cities divided by the river; on the west side is Buda and on the east side, Pest. Pest is a treasure of art nouveau and 19th-century architecture with a wonderful market, great restaurants, and shopping. More recent historical monuments, like Hero’s Square, can be seen on the Pest side.  Andrassy Avenue is the main street to know in this part of the city. It’s lined with gorgeous architecture, museums and galleries, and some good shops, too. 

Buda Castle Hill, the Parliament building, the iconic Chain Bridge, and the banks of the Danube have all received UNESCO World Heritage designation. 

Bratislava 

The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is the only capital that borders two countries, Hungary and Austria.  In its heyday, Maria Theresa, Empress of Austria, spent quite a lot of time there, as it was part of the Hungarian Empire.  

The charming historic center is an inviting place to spend a day or two.  I would say Bratislava is emerging as one of the more interesting cities along the Danube. Despite being small for a capital city (population around 450,000), there is good shopping and fun pubs, and I spotted what looked like a nice wine bar. After your Bratislava Panoramic tour, shop for something special to take home. I brought home a music box with The Kiss, a painting by Gustav Klimt, on the cover.

Bratislava, Slovakia

The included excursion in Bratislava is either a walking tour or a drive/walk. The drive will take you up the hill to Bratislava Castle, the former home of the Hungarian crown jewels. Both tours include a walk through the charming old town along the Amber Road, once a trade route linking Northern and Southern Europe. You’ll also see St. Martins’ Cathedral, which was the coronation church for ten kings, and where Maria Theresa was crowned Queen of Hungary in 1741.

Nice shops for souvenir shops on the square in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Vienna excursions

Oh, Vienna! With so much beauty and culture to offer, how can anyone make a choice when it comes to excursions? In addition to the included city tour, six optional excursions are offered, from the Imperial Vienna tour to a classical music concert. I took the included tour, then spent the day walking the streets of Vienna before returning to the ship for the optional Heurigen evening excursion. For a great time filled with music, food, and wine I highly recommend it.

exterior St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna

St Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna by Charlie on flickr

The included tour, Panoramic Vienna , is a city tour that covers the highlights of the historic center, protected by UNESCO. This includes the exterior of the Hofburg Palace , a walk by the stables of the Lipizzaner Stallions, the Roman ruins that have been excavated just outside the palace, and the magnificent St Stephen’s Cathedral. A tour of the Schónbrunn Palace can be purchased as an optional excursion. 

Café Demel by a canvas of light on flickr

No matter what you do in Vienna, you’ll want to take some time for that most Viennese of traditions, coffee . Did you know that Viennese coffee culture is classified as an intangible cultural heritage and recognized by UNESCO? I managed to try three different places: Demel, Cafe Eiles, and Cafe Espresso.

What makes Demel special?

Everyone should try Demel, located in the historic center just outside of the Hofburg Palace. Demel served the royal palace and its inhabitants and is one of the oldest coffee houses in Vienna. I had hot chocolate because I knew I would have coffee later; my friends all ordered some sort of special Viennese coffee drink. Everything was served in classical style on a small silver tray with a shot of water on the side.

I quite like this tradition and wish it would make its way stateside. Demel is also known for its fantastic pastries and cakes. There’s a kitchen in the back where you can watch them making these sweet creations. 

Musicians at the Wolff Heuriger

Optional tour in Vienna

The Heurigen evening was a highlight of the trip for me . You’re probably wondering what a Heurigen is if you’ve never been to Austria. The Heurigen refers to a seasonal winery only open after harvest, when the winemaker will then sell the new wine. Heurige means from this year .  A Heurigen evening includes not only wine but lots of food too–something that is not traditional but has grown with the times and popularity with tourists.

As guests of Viking, we were treated to an evening at Heuriger Wolff, one of the oldest winemaking families in Vienna. You’ll see the sign above the entrance says 1609…that’s a long time! There was live traditional music, many toasts, and a feeling of gemutlichkeit, or good cheer, was present. One of the crew members who was along with us for the Heurigen evening said he never missed the opportunity to go. That’s a darn good recommendation. 

Fresh wine from the Wolff Heurige, Vienna

Krems and Gottweig Abbey 

Ah, Krems. I woke up and looked out my window to see church steeples piercing a heavy layer of fog.  We may have left the glamour of Vienna behind, but there was more Austrian treasure to discover. Krems and Stein, once two separate towns, are part of the Wachau Valley cultural landscape. Settlement in Krems dates back to the Neolithic era. It was once more important than Vienna for its wine and salt trade. Cobblestone streets and vineyard terraces are the hallmarks of this charming town.  Also, the tour to Gottweig Abbey departs from Krems.

Vineyards near Krems, Austria

Scenic Sailing through the Wachau Valley

 When the ship departs Krems, have your camera ready, because the rest of the day will be spent cruising the extraordinary Wachau Valley.

The Wachau Valley stretches from Krems to Melk and has been a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. It is considered the prettiest part of the Danube River. The Wachau is mainly known for picturesque castle ruins, medieval towns, and terraced vineyards.

Grapes grown in the Wachau Valley

The signature grape is Gruner Veltliner, a white wine grape that produces a wine that is acidic and aromatic, with notes of citrus and pepper. Another important grape from the Wachau is Riesling – usually dry and crisp, though there are late-harvest dessert wines too.

Above the clouds in Pöstlingberg, Linz by Penny Sadler

Linz and Cesky Krumlov excursions

The next port is Linz, and two excursions are included: a guided tour of Linz, home of the Linzer torte, and a walking tour of the storybook town of Cesky Krumlov , another Unesco World Heritage Site located in the Czech Republic. You can choose to stay in the port and tour Linz or travel to Cesky Krumlov, a full-day tour. Or, choose a day free to do whatever you like! 

Linz was heavily bombed during WWII as it was an important industrial city. However, there are still some buildings of architectural and historical significance, such as the Mozarthaus, where the composer wrote the Linz Symphony.  The Haufplatz is the main square surrounded by shops, cafes, and historic buildings. There’s a huge Christmas Market here during the holiday season. 

If you want to do something really special in Linz take the train up to Pöstlingberg where you can view Linz from 1700 feet up! As you can see from my photo it is high enough I was above the clouds. Aside from the view you can visit the Basilica of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary, established as a pilgrimage church in 1716. 

The train takes only twenty minutes and I bought a ticket from the tourism office. It was 7.50 euros roundtrip. Worth it! 

The castle tower, Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Cesky Krumlov Walking Tour

Transport to Cesky Krumlov is by bus, which allows one to gaze upon the pretty countryside. Our guide regaled us with history and stories of growing up in a communist country, as well as what life is like in the Czech Republic today. I learned a lot! 

Cesky Krumlov

Once in Cesky Krumlov, the tour includes the exterior of the upper and lower castle, the town hall, the pharmacy, and the monastery. The castle buildings, as well as most of the buildings in the center of the town, are covered in the most beautiful frescoes. I marveled at how well restored they are.

 After the tour, we had lunch at a traditional Czech restaurant specializing in regional food, in other words, peasant food for hard-working people. I had the most delicious cabbage soup there thanks to the recommendation of our tour guide. It was so good I’ve prepared it at home several times. 

My only regret was that there wasn’t enough time to visit the castle museums, climb the tower, float down the Vltava River, and eat lunch.  My tip for this trip: if possible, go in the offseason or spend the night . Cesky Krumlov has become very popular and is crawling with tourists, especially around the castle. Once you filter into the town, it’s less congested.  However, if that’s not an option, just go! It’s worth it.

Passau, Germany

Passau excursions

The final port on this cruise is Passau, Germany, a most charming slice of Bavaria, founded over 2000 years ago at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers. Overlooking the town and the river,  Veste Oberhaus is an old fort, built in 1219.  Aside from the stellar views in season, there is a beer garden.

 The Passau Walking Tour, the included shore excursion,  is a stroll through the city culminating in an organ concert at St. Stephen’s church. A baroque dream that will surely remind you of Rome and Bernini, St. Stephen’s is home to Europe’s largest pipe organ. It has more than 17,000 pipes. 

I loved Passau – it felt like I was in Italy with its winding cobblestone alleyways, Baroque facades, arches, and even businesses with Italian names.  If you didn’t look at the street signs you might not know where you were but then again, there was no graffiti and everything was very clean and organized.

An optional tour from Passau is the Neuschwanstein Castle tour. Neuschwanstein Castle was the inspiration for the Disney castle. Transportation to Neuschwanstein Castle is by helicopter. Other optional tours here include hiking the Passau hills, Bavaria by bike, and a visit to a Bavarian farm.

Alas, Passau was our port of disembarkation. Not only that, but it was time to say goodbye to Viking and new friends. If you would like to extend your stay Viking can arrange that for you. Many people extend their time to visit Prague, Munich, or return to Vienna. 

 A Viking cruise guarantees a cultural experience like no other. Now, armed with all this pre-cruise knowledge, you can make the most of every shore excursion on the Viking Danube Waltz . 

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32 comments.

Penny – My sister and I are going on the reverse Blue Danube cruise that you took. We are going in July and are looking at the optional excursions; however, a lot of the ones on the website are not available or being offered. Is there another company that has similar excursions?

Hi Steve, Are you saying that you don’t see the same excursions on the Viking Danube Waltz trip for summer time? I had a look and it all looks the same to me. There are other cruise lines sure. You can just google Danube river cruise and many options will pop up. I have not sailed with any others so I can’t honestly reocmmend them.

Correct. Some of the excursions we want to take are listed on the website but not offered for our cruise. In your experience, are these offered as we get closer to the cruise?

Your best bet is to contact Viking directly and ask them.

[…] a recent trip to Hungary, I visited Tasting Table Budapest. Prior to my visit, I had never tasted Hungarian wine but I knew […]

[…] sure to read my article, How To Make The Most Of Shore Excursion’s, Viking’s Danube Waltz for in depth information about what to expect and  as the title says, how to make the most of […]

Going on Danube waltz in Nov 2024, had signed up to see Lippinzinger stallions, but some of the reviews are disappointing. They have a show with music in the morning, same time as free tour. Does anyone know how close the Spanish school is to where the tour is? Was hoping we could break away from group and attend a training session is everything close that we can get back to boat. Thank you

Hi Donna, Yes, everything is very close. The horse stables are near the Hofburg which is part of the tour. You could easily break away then.

nice blog thanks for sharing this.

Thanks Penny, very helpful – gets me psyched for my 2024 trip with friends. Will review itinerary since I know included tours have been modified since your trip.

Hi Brian, Are you going on the Danube Waltz itinerary? If so, the excursions are the same. I’m going on this trip again soon and there is no difference except that there will be Christmas markets.

What a great article! My husband and I are taking this river cruise at the end of May 2024. We decided to only do the included excursions but after reading about the Heurigen evening excursion, we’ve added that to our itinerary. Thanks for sharing your review!

You will love it! So fun!

Fantastic article – I’m sending to all my fellow travelers! One question though, the Cesky Krumlov excursion is now all day and there is a hefty cost, as it is no longer an ‘included’ excursion. Is there enough to do and see in Linz itself or do you strongly recommend going to Cesky Krumlov? Thanks!

Hi Jayne, How must does it cost to go to Cesky Krumlov now? I can’t really comment on Linz because I didn’t go there. However, I do remember the people who did go enjoyed it. If it’s not too expensive I’d probably opt for Cesky Krumlov but maybe Google Linz and see what you think.

What a wonderful and informative article. I am going to be on the Viking Danube cruise in April, 2023. Has anyone gone to Salzburg after docking in Linz? I would love to see Salzburg since we have an entire day in Linz. Has anyone taken the train to Salzburg ? I was wondering how far the train station is from where we dock.T hank you for any information anyone could share.

Hello Ann, I’m sorry I do not know the answer to that question. If you are taking a Viking Cruise I recommend you reach out to your trip planner for assistance. They can arrange everything for you. I am envious. This is a wonderful itinerary.

Appreciate the tips provided in your article, very informative

Thank you Milena. I appreciate the feedback. I’m be traveling with Viking again soon on the Douro River of Gold itinerary. Have you taken that one yet?

Hello! We have plans for this cruise Dec 2024 in reverse. Do you know how Viking makes accommodations for the hard of hearing? Like the onboard programs, headset connections to earbuds during excursions, or other ways? Thanks in advance

Renee, Great question! I do not but I will reach out immediately to follow up. Stay tuned. I know they have headsets but I don’t know if they have special headsets for hearing impaired.

Penny, I’m going on the Danube Waltz i at the end of March 2022. I really appreciated your comments and recommendations. Thanks so much for sharing. I’d like to take the Cesky Krumlov tour. Do you have time when you return to be able to explore Linz on your own?

Hi Kay, I recommend asking your Viking contact this question. I took the cruise in the fall of 2019 and there may be some changes now. At the time you could choose to go to Cesky Krumlov or to tour Linz, but not both. Again, I’d ask Viking. It’s a fabulous trip and I know you will love it.

Thanks Penny for the helpful information. We are planning to take the Viking European Cruise in 2022. Do you or friends have any more info. / or would like to share their experience of taking the helicopter ride and the tour to go visit Neuschwanstein Castle?

I did not take that tour and I’m not sure if anyone on the cruise I was on did. Sorry, I can’t be of more help about that but I’m sure you can find reviews on other sites.

Great information! Thank you so much; this will be a great help to us as we plan our excursions. We just signed up for the Danube Waltz cruise today and I’m so excited even though it’s months and months away!

You will love it! Glad to be of help.

[…] I rarely bring home anything more than photographs, but I purchased a small music box in Bratislava last year. I keep it by my bedside, so that I am reminded daily of the last European trip I took, a wonderful cruise on the Danube River. […]

When can I leave?

Now seems like it would be a good time! And, no crowds! you’ll have Vienna and Cesky Krumlov to yourself. Heavenly. But of course, it is a personal decision.

Awesome article! I’ve always wondered about these cruises and now I can’t wait to plan our very own! Thanks for the info!

I know you will love it!

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A Snob's Guide to the Jersey Shore

Before you book a place in The Hamptons, here's why you should consider New Jersey as your summer destination.

Just a short hour to an hour and a half or so outside of the city, the Jersey Shore has much to offer, including some of cleanest beaches you've ever laid eyes on, quaint boutique hotels with 5-star amenities, mom-and-pop shops filled with quirky items you could not find in Soho, and some of the most delicious restaurants around. (Sure, New Jersey eateries have yet to acquire a Michelin star, but your tastebuds will say otherwise.) Oh, and did I mention it has cellular service... that actually works?

The Jersey Shore is also rich in history and where many U.S. presidents vacationed before Martha's Vineyard became the summer destination of choice. Benjamin Harrison spent summers in Cape May, while Ulysses S. Grant had a cottage in Long Branch and James Garfield owned a home in Elberon. In fact, it's where he passed away after being shot. (Want to know more? A new historical drama about his assassination is in the works at Netflix ). Woodrow Wilson also famously spent the summer of 1916 in West Long Branch and Asbury Park as he campaigned for his re-election.

Ahead, a very T&C way of spending the summer on the Jersey Shore, along with the best places to stay, to eat, and things to do.

Stone Harbor

Long branch, long beach island, asbury park.

Hardcore rock 'n roll fans might recognize Asbury Park best for its vibrant music scene during the '70s—does Bruce Springsteen's debut album, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., ring a bell? — but in recent years, the hip beach town has been on the up-and-up, with a new crop of upscale hotels, fine dining eateries, and recreational spots opening left and right.

Where to Stay

The Asbury Ocean Club offers a genuine 5-star hotel experience that will make you forget you're in Jersey in the first place. Located right off the boardwalk, the 5-year-old resort is a true slice of luxury with 54 laidback rooms each with a private garden or oceanfront terrace, a pool deck overlooking the sea where you can soak up the sun with a cocktail in hand (don't sleep on the piña coladas!), a state-of-the-art spa, elevated dining options, and a 24/7 fitness center with stellar views.

A couple of blocks over stands The St. Laurent Social Club , another newly-opened hotel and social club. Like the Surf Lodge of the Jersey Shore, the buzzy spot boasts 20 renovated guest rooms, a cocktail lounge, an outdoor pool, and the award winning Heirloom restaurant helmed by James Beard nominated Chef David Viana , formerly of Eleven Madison Park (more on that below).

Another hotel worth visiting is The James Bradley , just a short 10 minutes drive away from Asbury in the micro-neighborhood of Bradley Beach. The quaint spot, designed by NYC-based interior designer Sebastian Zuchowicki, is made up of a 16-key main house and three-bedroom bungalow with luxe amenities such as Flamingo Estate bath products, Parachute linens, and Business & Pleasure beach chairs and umbrellas. It also offers a bespoke wellness program, seasonal beach service, and a private dining garden for breakfast and snacks.

Where to Eat

Make sure you reserve a spot at Heirloom for its three-course prix fixe dinner; Chef Viana's signature dish is the jerk-spiced duck. Moonstruck is another can't-miss spot that is arguably Asbury's longest-standing fine dining restaurant. The fried artichokes, baked brie, and fettuccine salmon are amazing, but the sesame seared tuna over buckwheat noodle salad is to die for.

Of course, you can't pay a visit to Jersey without eating some Italian food, right? An old-school favorite among locals, Jimmy's makes Italian dishes that tastes like it came straight from your nona's kitchen. The sole almondine and sun-dried tomato pappardelle? Lick-the-plate-clean good. Paul McCartney has previously dined there, and rumor has it Joe Pesci is a frequent guest. For a second just-as-great option (in the case you can't get into Jimmy's), check out Nettie's House of Spaghetti , about a 15-minute drive away in Tinton Falls.

Other honorary mentions: Pascal & Sabine 's French cuisine will transport you to Paris, Taka 's selection of sushi is the freshest you'll taste in the area, and Cardinal Provisions is the place to be for brunch on Saturday.

Things to Do

While a visit to the beach is a non-negotiable (Note: Most Jersey Shore beach towns require paid badges or passes to access the sand, but some hotels offer free entrance and service. Otherwise, badges can be purchased on the boardwalk.), no trip to Asbury Park is truly complete without a visit to the legendary Stone Pony . Celebrating 50 years this year, the music venue is responsible for launching the careers of several icons, including Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. The club hosts performances year-round, as well as its Summer Stage outdoor concert series from May to October. Check the schedule here for upcoming performances.

I Don't Want to Go Home: The Oral History of the Stone Pony

Don't forget to walk the boardwalk. In addition to the usual grab-and-go bites and beach store fronts, the Asbury Park Convention Hall is another historic music venue on the boardwalk that has seen performances from The Rolling Stones to The Doors to Tina Turner. A short walk from there is Cookman Avenue, which is sprinkled with delicious cafes, art galleries, and adorable shopping destinations. Be sure to stop at Flux Modern for mid-century furniture shopping, and the Antique Emporium next door for one-of-a-kind thrifting. If you want to explore the area further, drive down 15 minutes to Spring Lake, the one-time Gilded Age resort spot for wealthy New Yorkers. From there, check out all the cute little clothing shops along 3rd Avenue.

Situated on the southern most tip of the Jersey Shore (approximately 160 miles from Manhattan), Cape May is one of the oldest summer resorts in the nation. Lined with heritage Victorian architecture, a charming shopping district, and a sprawling beach, the laidback seaside town offers a bit of everything for everyone.

Congress Hall has been the go-to destination for visitors since it first opened its doors in 1816. Housed in a historic Victorian building, the hotel features freshly decorated guest rooms and suites, and has a pool and beach access, five dining options, and ocean-inspired treatments at the Sea Spa.

For those craving a little bit of town and country, Beach Plum Farm offers six unique cottages and barns tucked away on 62 acres of farmland that grows more than 100 varieties of fruits, veggies, herbs, and flowers for local Cape May restaurants. (The hotel is famous for its farm-to-table dinner series , but guests can also shop the fresh produce and meats at the Beach Plum Farm Market, located in the main Amish barn.) Just a stones throw away is the historic Virginia Hotel , dating back to 1879, which offers a unique stay melding history with modern day amenities, like a daily continental breakfast, weekly music performances, and seasonal beach service. And if you're looking to stay somewhere a bit more modern, look no further than Lokal Hotel , a newcomer resort with chicly designed rooms and a heated saltwater pool.

In addition to Beach Plum Farm, the family-owned Washington Inn is a must-visit for its elegant New American fare, as is Peter Shields Restaurant & Inn and Union Park Dining Room .

The Cape May beach is a can't-miss destination, but for those looking to get in some retail therapy, head over to the Washington Street Mall, a pedestrianized district with boutiques and eateries that span three blocks. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Cape May Lighthouse , built in 1859, and the Victorian house-turned museum, Emlen Physick Estate . The Cape May Point State Park is also worth checking out for nature lovers.

Famous for its affluent community and serene coastal atmosphere, the small strip of land that is known as Stone Harbor is a one-size-fits-all Jersey Shore town, with powdery beaches, a national park, and various aquatic activities. Taylor Swift spent her childhood summers there.

There's one place to stay in Stone Harbor and one place only: The Reeds at Shelter Haven . Situated on a bay just two short blocks from the beach, the boutique hotel offers an elevated experience for all guests with five dining options, a spa with exotic Turkish Bath treatments and Brine Light therapy, and soul-nurturing wellness programs. There's also door-to-shore shuttle service with complimentary chairs, umbrellas, and towels, as well as bay activities, boat docking, and sunset cruise charters.

You don't need to go far to find good food in Stone Harbor. The Reeds' Water Star Grille serves the freshest seafood in town with stellar views (make sure to order Maine Steamed Mussels and Grilled Bronzino). Another favorite is the upscale Sax Restaurant & Lounge , known for its top-notch oysters and braised short ribs. In Avalon, the next town over, Cafe Loren 's seafood dishes can't be missed, and neither can The Diving Horse 's. Finally, no visit is complete without a trip to Springer's Homemade Ice Cream —the perfect treat for a hot summer's day.

After a morning on the sand, head over to the Wetlands Institute to get to know the local wildlife. Then pop on into Ocean Galleries to see what's on display from local artists and the Stone Harbor Museum to see the new Taylor Swift exhibit running through September. For more adventure, paddle the bay with a kayak from Harbor Outfitters or bike around the island. ( Harbor Bike & Beach Shop is praised for its excellent costumer service.)

About 20 minutes north of Asbury Park, Long Branch is a mostly residential area that has seen a vacation boom recent years (likely because it's one of the closest beach towns to the city). Three presidents resided there and it continues to be an affluent summer resort for wealthy city dwellers. (Notably, the Kushner family own real estate, both residential and commercial, in the area.)

In a town full of summer homes and rentals, the 5-year-old Wave Resort & Spa is your best bet for a luxurious weekend in Long Branch. The Bungalow Hotel a few blocks north at Pier Village is a good second option.

The best food in the area is actually not in Long Branch. Head up north for about 15 minutes to Seabright for Anjelicas , the hottest ticket in town. Good luck trying to get a reservation, though: word around town is people pay hundreds of dollars to secure a table every weekend. At Pier Village, Long Branch's waterfront destination for retail, dining, and entertainment, there's Avenue for gourmet French cuisine with a good view or Sirena for Italian food. Or you can drive couple blocks south to Brighton Avenue for authentic Tuscan food at Trama's Trattoria . Craving something sweet? Strollo's Lighthouse is a local-favorite for Italian ice and soft serve ice cream. And for the freshest salads, smoothies, and fruit bowls around, Ouri's —the NYC gourmet grocery store that's being dubbed the "Erewhon of the East Coast"—also has a storefront in Deal, about 10 minutes away.

There's the beach, of course, but there's also tons of shopping in Pier Village. Make sure you drive down Ocean Avenue to see all the oceanfront McMansions (they're only summer residences!) and pull the car over to check out Church of the Presidents. It's currently closed to the public, but you can admire the architecture of the church where seven U.S. presidents worshiped. From there, check out The Great Hall at Monmouth University, where President Wilson lived briefly in the summer of 1916.

Long Beach Island is another popular destination for the rich and famous (Margaret Qualley married Jack Antanoff there last summer, and Jon Stewart has been known to visit). Spanning approximately 18 miles long, the small island off the Jersey Shore is mostly residential and pretty tight-knit, but there are certainly some places worth visiting for a weekend getaway to remember.

The best way to do LBI is by renting a house. One local recommends staying on the north part of the island (Harvey Cedars and Loveladies) and describes the area as a "not-your-typical-Jersey-Shore-experience." That's where you'll get the least amount of crowds and certain beaches in the area can only be accessed by homeowners. Should you want to get a hotel, the recently-opened Hotel LBI combines the charm of a summer home with modern accommodations and amenities. Key highlights include an indoor-outdoor pool and jacuzzis, five dining options, and a state-of-the-art spa and salon with luxury services.

Make a reservation at The Gables , a charming upscale eatery located in a Victorian house, or Yellowfin if you're craving some damn good seafood. You can't go wrong with Black Eyed Susans Tavern & Restaurant , either. For Italian food, Stefano's is another favorite.

If you're going to LBI, you're going for one reason: the beach. But if you can't resist the urge to explore, the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park on the north part of the island is definitely worth visiting for the scenic views.

Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more. 

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