Frau beim Sightseeing auf einem Ausflug

Extension programs for your cruise

If you are having a good time why not stay a bit longer?

If, like us, you are one of the people who cannot get enough of spectacular sights and unforgettable experiences, we recommend one of our post-cruise programmes to extend and enrich your holiday. After a Seine cruise in France you can spend three days exploring the Loire Valley and its famous castles. In Portugal you can spend a few relaxing days in Lisbon. And, after a Nile cruise you can enjoy a beach holiday in Hurghada. It is easy.

Enjoy a close-up experience of the Loire’s castles

Would you like to enjoy some more savoir vivre after your dream cruise? Then spend a few days in beautiful Loire Valley! You will be inspired by the many breathtaking castles in the valley! They include the most splendid riverside castle of all, Château de Chambord, as well as Château de Blois with its unique architectural variety and the picturesque Chenonceau Castle with moat. On an excursion to the Renaissance gardens at Château de Villandry you will see the most perfect example of garden art in the Loire region and in Tours, you can walk in the footsteps of holy St. Martin. A deliciously aristocratic experience awaits you during a visit to a traditional vineyard, where you will also have the opportunity to sample its fine wines. You wanted to experience French savoir vivre and this is as good as it gets!

Schloss Chenonceau von Loire in Frankreich bei einer Seine Flussreise mit nicko cruises besichtigen

Explore the most beautiful parts of Burgundy

Vineyard von Burgund in Frankreich bei einer Rhone Fluss Kreuzfahrt mit nicko cruises erleben

In Burgundy you will be immersed into the highlights of the French culinary and cultural scene after your cruise on the Rhône. Try out the typical regional wines and admire Château Clos de Vougeot. Visit the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Basilica in Vézelay and Fontenay Abbey. Be inspired by the stately face of Dijon. The city has been a bridge between northern Europe and the Mediterranean region ever since the Romans ruled here. Quite possibly, you will be unable to resit the charm of this former capital city of the Duchy of Burgundy. But that is OK! A visit to the Cassissium in Nuits-St.-Georges will bring welcome distraction. Here, everything revolves around blackcurrants and the delicious liqueurs that are made from them.

Camino de Santiago: Galicia

Portugal and Spain not only share their location on the Iberian peninsular and the river Douro, but also many other things such as the Camino de Santiago. We will take you to Galicia for a first-hand experience of the pilgrims’ road in our post-cruise programme. On the way to the number one pilgrim destination of Santiago de Compostela we will stop off in the little town of Pontevedra, nestling in a bay on the Atlantic coast. There are no cars to be found here, but you will have plenty of time to discover the Church of the Pilgrim Virgin. In the heritage protected fishing village of Combarro there are still many 18th century granaries standing today.

Speicherbauten von Combarro in Portugal bei einer Douro Flussreise mit nicko cruises entdecken

Kathedrale von Santiago de Compostela in Portugal bei einer Douro Flussreise mit nicko cruises entdecken

After arriving in Santiago de Compostela we will naturally go straight to the wonderful old city with its famous cathedral. Take the time to experience close up how humble and emotional pilgrims from all over the world are when they first see the church after walking for weeks over hill and dale! A Coruña will also transport you back to times past with its Roman streets and its medieval squares and churches. And, in Tui, one of Galicia’s oldest towns, as well as Valença do Minho on the other side of the border, you can see exactly how closely linked Portugal and Spain are.

Beach holiday in Hurghada

Hurghada offers everything that makes for a perfect holiday: wide beaches, Egyptian sun and the crystal-clear Red Sea with wonderfully colourful and species-rich underwater worlds. The former fishing village has grown into Egypt's most popular seaside resort with perfect water and air temperatures all year round. Not only sun lovers and water sports enthusiasts get their money's worth here, it is also an ideal starting point for excursions of all kinds. Stroll through the colourful bazaars and enjoy the oriental flair and the scent of aromatic spices after your Nile cruise.

Badebucht von Hurghada in Aegypten bei einer Nil Kreuzfahrt mit nicko cruises besichtigen

Küste vor Hurghada, Ägypten

5-star Hotel Steigenberger Al Dau Beach (for all trips in season 2022):
This exclusive 5-star luxury hotel of the renowned Steigenberger Group offers you a variety of options for an unforgettable stay in the land of the Pharaohs. Beautifully located directly on a private sandy beach at the southern end of Hurghada, with numerous facilities for rest and relaxation or for active leisure, just as you like it. Let yourself be pampered in the spacious spa area, play a round of golf on the hotel's own 9-hole golf course or simply relax in the sun. Holiday dreams come true here!

5-star Hotel Jaz Casa Del Mar Beach (for all travel in season 2023):
This modern and elegant resort impresses with its special location directly on Hurghada's promenade. Enjoy your holiday with a leisurely stroll along the private sandy beach, unwind while catching every ray of sunshine or dive into the colourful underwater world of the Red Sea. The Jaz Casa Del Mar Beach provides plenty of variety with its wide-ranging sports and entertainment programme. Those seeking peace and quiet will find an adults-only pool in the spacious pool area and a breathtaking infinity pool with a magnificent sea view for refreshment after sunbathing. Relaxation is provided in the Mvida Spa or in the beauty salon and a comprehensive Luxury All Inclusive concept leaves no culinary wishes unfulfilled!

Promenade in Hurghada, Ägypten

We also offer extension stays in a variety of cities, such as Budapest, Passau or Stralsund, in comfortable hotels.

The wonders of nature

Impressive volcano islands or spectacular panoramas under the midnight sun – discover beautiful countryside along the most beautiful European and North African coasts on the cruises presented in this catalogue on board VASCO DA GAMA. Experience, for example, the White Nights on our cruises to the Northern Baltics and to Russia. Observe the extensive coastal and marine life in Europe, such as grey seals, sperm whales and turtles. You might also see seabirds such as little terns and Balearic shearwater. Entire habitats with numerous endemic plants and animal species have developed on the Atlantic islands in particular. Our goal is to discover the wonders of nature with you. Our excursions are conducted quietly and considerately in small groups out of respect for the flora and fauna and the country and its people.

Experienced experts


All our excursions are led by local, German-speaking tour guides. This gives you a first-hand insight into the culture and nature of your travel destination. Our experienced excursion team has put together a fascinating blend of popular highlights and deeper impressions of the culture and natural beauty – including many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On each cruise, a lecturer presents additional perspectives, insights and background in informative events on board the ship.

City tours, culture and history at first-hand

Between Porto and St. Petersburg, the metropolises symbolise vibrant life and cultural highlights. Discover the world-famous sights and the architectural variety that characterise each one of these cities. Our excursions offer you a perfect overview of these big cities with their splendid boulevards and historic buildings. Come and explore the testimonies of bygone civilisations with us, such as those of the legendary Vikings or the Romans. Small, untainted villages will fully immerse you in the culture of your travel destination.

We always find the right tone even whilst keeping distance

On all excursions, you will receive state-of-the-art, comfortable whisper audio systems to use for free. The receiver and earphones are as light as a feather and make it possible to choose the distance you want to be from others within the group without missing valuable information from the tour guide. This way you can always keep a proper distance on city tours and sightseeing – because we care about your health. They are easy to use and you can set the volume yourself. The sound and quality are noise-free and very good.