Private River Cruise Shore Excursions in France

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are Ophorus river cruise excursions private?

  Yes. Ophorus river cruise excursions are private tours reserved exclusively for your party. You travel with your own family, friends, or fellow travellers, accompanied by a knowledgeable English-speaking driver-guide or local guide. This allows for a more personal experience, flexible pacing, and an itinerary selected around your interests and time in port.

• How many guests can join a private river cruise excursion?

  Most private river cruise excursions are designed for small parties of 2 to 8 guests travelling in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan. This format is ideal for couples, families, and groups of friends who want to explore independently of the ship’s larger group excursions. For larger parties, please contact us so we can recommend suitable transport and guiding arrangements.

• Do you collect guests directly from the river-cruise dock?

  Yes. For eligible river-cruise excursions, your driver-guide meets you at or near your ship’s dock and returns you there at the end of the tour. Exact meeting arrangements vary by port and are confirmed before your excursion.

• Are excursions planned around my river cruise schedule?

  Yes. River cruise excursions are designed around your ship’s arrival and departure times, docking location, and available time ashore. We plan routes and visits to make the best use of your port day while allowing appropriate time for your return to the ship.

• Which river cruise ports in France do you serve?

  Ophorus offers private river cruise excursions from selected ports in Alsace, Burgundy, Provence, and Bordeaux. Current options include Strasbourg, Kehl, Breisach, Avignon, Dijon, and Bordeaux, with itineraries designed for cruise guests sailing the Rhine, Rhône, Saône, Garonne, and Seine routes. Availability varies by date, port, and tour.

• Can I book a shore excursion that is not offered by my river cruise line?

  Yes. Ophorus private excursions are an independent alternative to cruise-line excursions. They are designed for guests who would like to explore with their own party, enjoy a more flexible pace, and choose an itinerary centred on their personal interests. Please ensure that your chosen tour timing is compatible with your ship’s schedule before booking.

• What can I visit from Strasbourg, Kehl, or Breisach?

  From Strasbourg, Kehl, and Breisach, private river-cruise excursions can include Strasbourg’s historic centre, Colmar, the Alsace Wine Route, storybook villages such as Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim, and Obernai, local wine estates, and selected cultural landmarks. The best itinerary depends on your docking port and available time ashore.

• What can I visit from Avignon or Arles?

  From Avignon or Arles, explore Provence through Roman heritage, medieval cities, art, villages, markets, and wine country. Options may include Avignon and the Palais des Papes, Pont du Gard, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Les Baux-de-Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Arles’ Roman monuments, Van Gogh sites, or the Camargue. The current category specifically includes excursions from Avignon.

• What can I visit from Bordeaux?

  From Bordeaux, private river-cruise excursions can include the UNESCO-listed historic centre, nearby wine regions, vineyard visits and tastings, Saint-Émilion, Médoc estates, local food experiences, or scenic countryside. Half-day and full-day options may be available depending on your ship’s program.

• Are wine tastings available on river cruise excursions?

  Yes, wine-focused private excursions are available in selected regions, including Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Provence, and the Rhône Valley. Depending on the tour, tastings may take place at a local estate, cellar, or producer and may be included in the tour price or listed separately. Check the individual tour description for exact inclusions.

• Are walking tours available?

  Yes. Some river-cruise ports offer guided walking tours, particularly where ships dock close to historic city centres. Walking experiences can be a good option for guests who want to explore local architecture, markets, monuments, and neighbourhoods at a relaxed pace. Other tours use a private minivan to reach villages, vineyards, countryside sites, or attractions beyond walking distance.

• Are entrance fees, tastings, and meals included?

  Inclusions vary by itinerary. Some private excursions include pre-booked entrance tickets, wine tasting fees, or guided visits, while others list these separately or offer them as optional additions. Always review the “included” and “not included” sections of the individual tour page before booking. For bespoke excursions, your final proposal will clearly confirm what is included.

• Are river cruise excursions suitable for guests with reduced mobility?

  Some excursions may be suitable, depending on the walking required, terrain, vehicle access, and accessibility of the sites visited. Please contact us before booking with details of any mobility requirements so we can advise on the most suitable private itinerary for your party.

• What should I bring on a river cruise shore excursion?

  Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection in warmer months, water, any required medication, and a camera or phone. If your itinerary includes religious sites, wine estates, or outdoor locations, your guide may provide additional practical advice before departure.

• How do I book a private river cruise excursion in France?

  Choose your preferred tour and book online, or contact Ophorus for help selecting the most appropriate excursion. Please provide your cruise line and ship name, cruise date, docking port, arrival time, departure or all-aboard time, number of guests, and any special interests or accessibility needs. This helps us confirm that the excursion is appropriate for your ship’s schedule and your party.