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Once Upon a Theme...

Every story needs adventure, magic, and mystery. Welcome aboard our themed river cruises - guaranteed to provide a happily-ever-after experience.

For those with a strong case of wanderlust, exploring is the best remedy. Enhance your adventures with themed cruises designed to meet your interests and desires. With the help of expert guides and insightful speakers, you can immerse yourself in what you love - whether it’s art, music, architecture, history, or food and wine. Enjoy a holiday filled with carefully selected experiences that allow you to indulge in your passions, making it a truly special getaway just for you.

Pont d'Avignon - Rhone, France

Gardens and natural beauty of the Rhone

Perfect for nature lovers, green thumb enthusiasts, and those who appreciate natural beauty. This Rhone river cruise sails from Lyon to Avignon, through panoramic views of the French countryside fit for a postcard. Complete with rolling hills of fertile vineyards and the calming scent of lavender fields - it's a horticultural dream come true. 
Lyon's botanical gardens in Parc de la Tête d’Or feature exotic plant life, while Vienne's Jardin des Villes echoes ancient history with its Roman ruins. Witness the views from Avignon's Rocher des Doms which showcase the beautiful Rhone Valley landscape and step into the brush strokes of Van Gogh's famous paintings as you explore the landscapes that inspired his life's work. Discover the natural beauty of the Gorges de l'Ardèche - known as the 'European Grand Canyon' - an enchanting river that winds through a valley adorned with lush gardens. No trip to France is complete without savoring the exquisite wines of Burgundy, so expect a glass of vino (or two) during your travels. 

Old fashioned Porto wine cellar with wooden barrels in Porto, Portugal
Port wine cellar, Porto

Gastronomy of the Douro - from Portugal to Spain

Embark on a unique cruise along the Douro River, nestled between steep hills of flourishing vineyards. Our themed voyage offers much more than an average cruise - it's full of flavoursome adventure, showcasing an array of culinary delights made with locally-grown produce as we sail through Portugal and Spain. Explore charming villages and medieval towns while enjoying hearty dishes, sweet almond treats, and exquisite port wine at each stop - a true paradise for food lovers. Uncover Porto's rich history and savour its famous wine, indulge in delicious tapas in Salamanca, and dine amidst Douro's serene wilderness. 

Find your perfect holiday

Two port wines in glasses with view of the Douro river and city of Porto, Portugal
Panorama of old town and the Douro River in Porto, Portugal.

River Cruise

Gastronomy of the Douro – from Portugal to Spain

New

  • Portugal, Spain
  • 5* ship
  • Flights included
  • Full board dining
  • 10 included experiences
  • Tour of famous port producer with tasting
  • Experience traditional Portuguese food and learn about wine production
  • Cross the border into Spain for a traditional market visit and tapas
Beautiful view of famous Mirabell Gardens with the old historic Fortress Hohensalzburg in the background in Salzburg, Austria
Mirabell Gardens-Salzburg, Austria

Art and history on the Danube 

Cruise along the alluring Danube River, a journey that is steeped in history yet full of life. Setting sail from Budapest to Vienna, we'll unveil the secrets of Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. Along the way discover the grand palaces, ruined castles, and ancient cathedrals, each with their own fascinating tale to tell. Led by an expert guide, be enthralled by their wealth of knowledge and captivating stories, more than you could ever experience from your dusty old history book. By day, we'll enjoy a treasure hunt through historically rich capitals, and by night, you can relax on board with cultural entertainment ranging from spirited Hungarian folklore to classical music.

Antique cuckoo clocks on a white wall
Antique cuckoo clock

Music, arts, and crafts of Switzerland and the Rhine

Experience our new Rhine river cruise -  an artistic, historical, and musical voyage through Switzerland's inspiring landscapes and Germany's mystical Black Forest. Whether you're a novice or an expert, all music lovers can follow in the footsteps of one of the greatest composers of all time - Beethoven. Get a glimpse into his genius with a visit to his birthplace in Bonn and enjoy performances inspired by Rhine's natural beauty and folklore. Discover the intriguing history of Strasbourg's past and marvel at the breathtaking landscapes that have inspired artists and composers for centuries. From the majestic Rhine Gorge to the snowy peaks of Switzerland, each view will leave you awe-struck. 

Find your perfect holiday

Schloss Schonbrunn Kronprinzengarten - manicured gardens in front of a grand house, Vienne, Austria
Beautiful view of famous Mirabell Gardens with the old historic Fortress Hohensalzburg in the background in Salzburg, Austria
A distant view of Melk abbey on a rocky outcrop above the Danube river, Austria

River Cruise

Art and History on the Danube

  • Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Full board
  • 11 included experiences
  • Visit the opulent Schönbrunn Palace
  • Explore the Danube's most historic towns and cities
  • Visit Esztergom Basilica and Melk Abbey
Primate's Palace Hall of Mirrors with piano
Primates Palace, Hall of Mirrors

The music of the Blue Danube 

Trace the melodies of Strauss, Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn as we set sail uncovering the Danube's musical legacy. Dive into the musical heritage of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and Salzburg, enriched with live performances and guided tours that'll inspire every classical music enthusiast (and perhaps gain some new fans too). Special experiences include cruising through the mythical land of Nibelungengau, immortalised in the music of Wagner, and a behind-the-scenes visit to the Vienna Boy's Choir. Back on board, the music continues with an enchanting performance by a string quartet and an authentic Hungarian folklore show, along with classical music performances in Bratislava and Salzburg. 

Temple of Augustus and Livia in Vienne, France
Temple Augustus, Vienne

History and Art of the Rhone

You'll find art and history flowing through our Rhone cruise as elegantly as the river itself. Journey from Avignon to Lyon, basking in the colours, textures, and beauty of the landscapes that inspired Van Gogh himself. Explore medieval towns full of character, each overflowing with captivating tales from their past. As you wander through Arle's picturesque streets, there's an Impressionist view to capture around every corner - don't forget your sketchbook. Visit the Palace of the Popes, a remarkable example of European Gothic architecture, and witness prehistoric art at Caverne du Pont d'Arc. Step back in time to the Middle Ages as you admire the stunning 15th-century architecture of Beaune, and be captivated by the awe-inspiring rock formations and ancient cave paintings of the Ardeche Gorges. 

Looking for a unique adventure? Our themed river cruises offer a one-of-a-kind experience filled with destinations and activities that celebrate all your favourite things. Whatever you love, we've got it waiting for you on board. 

Find your perfect holiday

Primate's Palace Hall of Mirrors with piano

River Cruise

The Music of the Blue Danube

  • Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Full board
  • 11 included experiences
  • 7 nights on board a five-star ship
  • Enjoy magnificent performances on board
  • Guided tours of historic towns and cities of famous composers
  • Behind the scenes tour with renowned Vienna Boys Chior
Temple of Augustus and Livia in Vienne, France

River Cruise

History and Art of the Rhône

New

  • France
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining
  • 12 included experiences
  • Return Eurostar, TGV & transfers
  • Visit historic Avignon
  • See remarkable Roman ruins
  • A walking tour of Van Gogh's Arles

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