Secret Spots at 6 European Ports - Travel & Leisure's

A-List agents share their singular European finds.

 

Austria

“On a Danube cruise, I opted to visit Linz, Austria, rather than Salzburg. Linz is a gold mine of authentic experiences. We found the Klosterhof-Gastgarten beer garden, sat under an umbrella of trees strung with twinkly lights, and had a sausage plate with sauerkraut and a glass of Grüner Veltliner. Folk music was playing, and the locals raised their steins and sang.” —Kathy Falkensammer of Prestige Travel

 

Italy

“Only a few cruise lines take passengers directly to Amalfi. These itineraries are a unique way to experience the town as well as the coast of southern Italy. On the way there, you’ll pass charming hillside villages, their terra-cotta buildings reflecting the sun. When you dock, Amalfi is right there, with its cobblestoned streets winding everywhere.” —Ruth Turpin of Cruises Etc. Travel

 

Turkey

“One of the highlights in the port of Kusadasi, Turkey, aside from the ruins at Ephesus, was shopping at the market, which sells everything from woven fabrics to leather bags. The vendors were so playful and friendly when bargaining that I learned a great deal about the culture and its people. I enjoyed every moment.” —Liz Sutton of Alabama World Travel/Sutton & Associates

 

Spain

“Most cruisers who visit Bilbao, in the Basque country, go to the Guggenheim, then leave. But if they’d walk around, they’d be astounded at what a treasure it is: Gothic and Renaissance churches; old factories converted into modern apartments; restaurants and art galleries.” —Karen Ann Kelley of Betty Maclean Travel

 

Greece

“There’s a jewelry shop called Preludio in Nauplia, a port southwest of Athens, in the Peloponnese region. It sells exquisite Byzantine-style jewelry and modern pieces (necklaces, bracelets) fashioned out of gold—all handmade and at reasonable prices.” —Anne Halsey-Smith of Gayle Gillies Travel

 

France

“Walking on a backstreet in Paris near the Tuileries, I stumbled upon a quaint restaurant called Le Soufflé. The dining room is tiny and there’s an extensive menu of soufflés, plus a heavenly lobster bisque. Now I always go when I’m in town, on a Seine cruise or otherwise.” —Sheryl Bernstein of American Express Travel