Nathan Walker, from Travelmarvel’s Europe team, shares his all-time favourite moments from a European river cruise. 

For over 13 years, I’ve helped our guests set off on their European dream holidays. During this time, I’ve visited Europe to find the best destinations, hotels and experiences on offer, and it’s through this research that I’ve discovered that one of the best ways to experience Europe is by River Cruise.  

This travel style is a breath of fresh air. It’s all about ease: the moment you step aboard, the reins are handed over to your Cruise Director, who takes care of all the finer details while you focus on making the most of every moment. Unpacking just once, sipping a coffee while admiring riverside views from my French Balcony Suite, and toasting the Rhine Gorge on the Sun Deck – the unhurried pace of a river cruise has always stuck with me.  

One of my favourite parts of a European river cruise came as a surprise – as it occurred before the cruise even began. I had decided to join one of Travelmarvel’s city extensions, and it was the best decision I could’ve made. The city extensions are designed for travellers who want to linger longer in a city before or after a lengthier tour or cruise. They take the stress out of researching and booking accommodation, arranging sightseeing, and sorting out transfers.  

On my city extension, I was able to meet guests who were also booked on the European Gems river cruise. Together, we set out on private guided tours, shared delicious meals, and ticked off must-see sights, so by the time our cruise began we had bonded over our shared experiences.  

It’s difficult to choose a highlight when there have been so many. On the Zürich and Lucerne extension, I ascended the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the peak of Mount Pilatus and enjoyed 360-degree views of alpine meadows. Meanwhile, the Paris extension prior to the European Gems river cruise revealed impressive sites in one of my favourite cities: the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame. Without a doubt, a city extension catapults a European river cruise from a great holiday to an extraordinary adventure.