Journey Like a Local:
City Escapes

River Cruises with More Time in Europe’s Cities

Dani Jacques
9067890800

City Escapes are curated river cruises with longer time in port, designed for the quieter months when Europe feels more open. Join small-group experiences offered only during these months, or explore independently and feel like a local. A relaxed onboard atmosphere and enhanced amenities like a menu of included wine, beer and cocktails throughout the cruise make these itineraries an easy introduction for first time cruisers and a fresh perspective for returning guests.

Curated Cruises During the Quieter Season

Locally Guided Exploration

Join small, expert led onshore experiences that bring each city to life, including a curated mix of culinary and cultural opportunities available only during these quieter months.

Follow Your Passions

With extra time in select destinations, spend your day diving into neighborhoods, tasting what’s in season or pursuing the experiences that matter most to you.

Drinks on Us

Sip regional wines, local beers and handcrafted cocktails throughout your journey, an exclusive enhancement to your City Escapes river cruise.

Farm-to-Ship Dining

Enjoy fresh, regionally inspired dishes at every meal, thoughtfully crafted to reflect the flavors and traditions of the places you’ll visit.

An Array of Amenities

From group fitness classes to specialty dining experiences and thoughtfully designed staterooms, your ship offers everything you need to feel comfortable and energized each day.

Local Experiences Take Center Stage

Knights and Impressionists in Paris

Knights and Impressionists in Paris

Trace the legacy of the Knights Templar and take in Monet’s light at museum galleries on City Escape: Paris & the Seine.

A Morning at the Rijksmuseum

A Morning at the Rijksmuseum

Wander the galleries of this renowned museum and see the works of the great Dutch masters on City Escapes: Amsterdam & the Rhine

Europe’s Largest Underground Lake in Vienna

Europe’s Largest Underground Lake in Vienna

Begin at Burg Liechtenstein, then explore the Seegrotte on City Escape: Vienna & the Danube for a revealing perspective on this city.

Savor Unique Cuisine in Strasbourg

Savor Unique Cuisine in Strasbourg

Enjoy a special dinner highlighting Strasbourg’s French and German influences on City Escape: Strasbourg & the Rhine.

Explore Itineraries

City Escapes: The Danube

City Escapes: The Danube

8 Day/ 7 Nights through Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Germany

Trace the Danube through vineyard valleys and dramatic bends before arriving in Vienna, where coffeehouse traditions and wine taverns shape each day. In Linz, choose the local museum that interests you, then enjoy a tasting at the nearby Affenzeller whisky distillery.

City Escapes: The Seine

City Escapes: The Seine

8 Day/ 7 Nights through France

Let the Seine guide you past cafés, quiet quays and everyday Parisian scenes. Linger at the Musée d’Orsay, complement a Louis Vuitton Foundation visit with time to shop, or learn a classic recipe at Nonna’s Atelier before continuing toward coastal Le Havre and medieval Rouen.

City Escape: The Rhine

City Escape: The Rhine

8 Days/ 7 Nights France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

Overnights in Strasbourg, Mainz and Amsterdam bring the Rhine’s stories into focus. In Strasbourg, choose a locally guided tour enriched by Alsatian flavors or time the city's storied cellars. Throughout the journey, wander half-timbered streets and canal districts that reveal something new around each turn.

City Escapes: Dutch & Belgian Waterways

City Escapes: Dutch & Belgian Waterways

8 Days/ 7 Nights through Belgium and Netherlands

Cruise through the heart of the Netherlands and Belgium, where grand cities, medieval landmarks and artistic treasures await. Explore the royal heritage of Arnhem, the canals of Ghent and Amsterdam, and the cultural riches of Brussels and Antwerp, with opportunities to visit castles, world-class museums, historic battlefields and the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk.

Featured Pre- & Post-Land Package Options

3-Nights Iconic Rome

3-Nights Iconic Rome

This 3‑night Rome land package features guided visits to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, time at Rome’s iconic ancient landmarks, and your choice of a hands‑on cooking class or curated shopping along Via dei Condotti.

3-Nights Iconic London

3-Nights Iconic London

Our 3-night London land package includes guided time at Westminster, a traditional fish and chips dinner, and a show in the West End, plus free time for neighborhood cafés, boutique shopping and worldclass museums.

2-Nights Iconic Basel

2-Nights Iconic Basel

Our 2-night package in Basel includes a visit to the intriguing Pharmacy Museum and a guided walking tour highlighting the Kunstmuseum’s collections and the inventive works of the Tinguely Museum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are onboard alcoholic beverages included as part of my City Escapes cruise fare?

Yes, you will have a menu of beer, wine and cocktails available to choose from throughout your cruise at no additional cost. This onboard enhancement is exclusive to City Escapes departures

Which months do City Escapes operate?

Select itineraries run in November and December, offering fewer crowds and special access that differs from peak travel months.

How much guided time vs independent time will I have?

Each day includes locally led options and free time to explore on your own. You can choose one, the other, or a mix that fits your style.

Are City Escapes good for first-time river cruisers?

Yes. These river cruises make European travel easy to navigate, with familiar comforts on board your ship and flexible choices on shore, plus friendly guidance from your Cruise Manager when you want it.

What makes City Escapes different from other river cruises?

City Escapes focus on quieter months, sometimes called the “shoulder seasons,” and feature longer time in port with exclusive experiences you won’t find at other times of year. You’ll also have more opportunities to explore independently.

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn More