Themed vs Standard River Cruises: What’s the Difference?

Picture yourself gliding along Europe's most iconic rivers, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and centuries of history - now imagine that every step of the journey is designed with you in mind. That’s the magic of a themed river cruise.

At Riviera Travel, we believe travel should be more than just a change of scenery - it should inspire, delight, and connect you to the things you love most. Our themed river cruises combine all the hallmarks of a classic Riviera holiday — like insightful guided tours, thoughtful inclusions, elegant onboard comforts and captivating destinations — with specially curated experiences that celebrate your interests. Whether you’re a food lover, art enthusiast, history buff, music aficionado or passionate gardener, there’s a river cruise that speaks directly to your soul.

You can explore the variety of themed itineraries available — from the art and music of the Danube to the flavours of the Rhine, the gardens of the Rhône, and beyond. Wherever your passions lie, a themed river cruise is your invitation to see Europe in a whole new light.

Let’s dive into the experiences that await.

What is a themed river cruise?

A themed river cruise is a river cruise itinerary that's tailored to a specific interest or passion. Imagine embarking on a river cruise that resonates with your deepest passions and interests as you glide along Europe’s enchanting waterways. Every itinerary includes a vibrant tapestry of experiences tailored to specific interests. It’s not just a vacation; it’s an adventure for the senses inviting you to celebrate what you cherish most.  

You'll still enjoy all of the perks of a Riviera holiday - like the expert knowledge of our insightful speakers and local guides - with included excursions tailored towards your chosen theme. Our dedicated travel experts are committed to unveiling the very best of each destination, whether it’s tracing the footsteps of legendary artists, savouring exquisite local delicacies, or immersing yourself in captivating musical performances.  

What are Rivera Travel's river cruise themes?

Our current river cruise themes include food, art, music, history, gardens and more.

• Gastronomy-themed river cruises: Food-themed river cruises offer a unique travel experience for food lovers, combining scenic river voyages with culinary adventures. Our gastronomy river cruises invite you to savour onboard dining that reflects the essence of the regions we explore, complemented by tastings and demonstrations that celebrate local delights - imagine indulging in pastel de nata in Portugal and enjoying the finest apple cider in Normandy.
• Art-themed river cruises: Art-themed river cruises provide a unique blend of artistic exploration and travel along beautiful waterways. These experiences invite you to embark on guided tours and visit renowned art museums, while also stepping into the homes and gardens of iconic artists. Imagine standing where inspiration flourished, following in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Arles, or marvelling at the masterpieces of old masters like Raphael, Titian, Hans Holbein, and Poussin in national museums.
• Music-themed river cruises: Europe boasts a captivating musical history that weaves together ancient folk traditions, classical masterpieces, and vibrant contemporary genres shaped by its diverse cultures. It has inspired legendary composers like Mozart, Vivaldi, Schubert, and Strauss. Our music-themed river cruises invite you on a journey through the footsteps of these great composers, explore locations rich in musical significance, and experience captivating performances that celebrate this remarkable heritage.
• History-themed river cruises: Every river cruise features an element of history, but our history-themed river cruise provides even more opportunities to visit landmark sites, attend fascinating lectures, and uncover intriguing perspectives. You will have the chance to see remarkable Roman ruins, explore the Chauvet Cave - one of the world’s most important prehistoric sites - and discover medieval and Renaissance treasures that grace the banks of these historically significant waterways.
• Garden-themed river cruises: On our garden-themed river cruises, we'll journey through stunning gardens and the natural beauty of the continent's waterways, where leisurely travel intertwines with your passion for horticulture. Experience visits to renowned gardens, estates, and parklands, and gain profound insights into their history, cultivation, and preservation from knowledgeable guides.

What's the difference between a typical river cruise and a themed river cruise?

Themed river cruises along the Danube

The Danube River offers something for every interest connecting 10 countries, flowing from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea at Sulina in eastern Romania.

For lovers of grand cities and timeless architecture, The Blue Danube River Cruise provides a classic, sweeping journey from Budapest to Vienna and back, with highlights including baroque monasteries, medieval towns and a Hungarian folklore finale.

Our themed river cruises along the Danube include all of this plus:

The Art and Music of the Blue Danube River Cruise blends the best of both music and classic art. You will enjoy captivating musical performances in majestic settings, such as the Mirror Hall of the Primate's Palace and the Fischbrunnensaal of the Alte Residenz, for an enchanting mix of Classical, Romantic and Baroque music. And witness the angelic voices of the Vienna Boys Choir.

You can also choose between visiting the House of Music or the Museum of Fine Arts, where you can admire masterpieces by Titian and Raphael while enjoying live performances. Be sure to see the 214-yard-long Emperor’s Gallery, lined with portraits, at Melk Abbey.

Foodies will find their paradise in Gastronomy of the Danube River Cruise, which pairs cultural sightseeing with indulgent tastings of regional delicacies, you'll taste Leberkassemmel, Semmel bun, Linzer Torte, and drink Slovakian beer, Wachau Valley wines and unicum, as well as heading to the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace to see a strudel show.

The Music of the Blue Danube River Cruise delves into the lives of classical composers like Mozart and Beethoven in the very cities that shaped their genius. Enjoy musical performances and a private class where you’ll learn the elegant Viennese at a local dance school.

Lastly, the Art and History on the Danube River Cruise caters to history buffs and art lovers. Uncover the Danube’s royal legacy at the Habsburg's Schönbrunn Palace, one of the most popular sights in Vienna. Join us on a moving guided tour of through the cemetery, memorials and exhibitions of the Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial - where nations have erected their own memorials to the victims. And, in Budapest, you can enjoy your choice of an art- or history-focused guided tour to really make the most of exploring this beautiful capital city.

See what unforgettable moments await on each themed river cruise along the Danube.

Themed river cruises along the Rhine

Rhine cruise to Switzerland is a classic journey through the Rhine Valley, perfect for those seeking a relaxed exploration of charming towns, medieval landmarks, and awe-inspiring Alpine landscapes, including a scenic rail trip into the Swiss mountains.

Our themed cruises add a food or art and music spin on this breathtaking voyage:

Gastronomy of Switzerland and the Rhine River Cruise is a gourmet’s delight, pairing the Rhine’s stunning vistas with indulgent culinary adventures. You'll try Swiss dishes like Älplermagronen, the Swiss Alpine version of macaroni and cheese, Swiss cheeses, Black Forest gateaux, tarte flambee, Munster cheese and kugelhopf (sweet bun) and Alsace wines. We'll tour a vinegar distillery in Speyer and a vineyard in Rüdesheim. It's ideal for travellers who like to taste their way through a region.

Meanwhile, Music, Arts & Craft of Switzerland and the Rhine River Cruise adds an artistic and musical flourish, inviting guests to uncover the Rhine’s creative heritage, from Beethoven’s birthplace to traditional Black Forest crafts and the whimsical world of mechanical music. You'll visit a glass manufacturer where glass is still made by hand, see how cuckoo clocks are made in the Black Forest and delve into a world of automatic musical instruments in Rüdesheim - there's a Rhine cruise that’s perfectly in tune with your travel style.

Uncover the included highlights of each themed river cruise along the Rhine.

Themed River Cruises along the Rhine and Moselle

On our classic Rhine and Moselle River Cruise, we'll meander down two of the prettiest rivers in Europe - the Rhine and Moselle - whose banks are lined with ancient, ruined castles and impossibly steep terraced vineyards and stop to explore historic cities like Trier - the oldest city in Germany, Cologne and Rüdesheim and quaint cobbled wine villages, like Koblenz, Boppard and Bernkastel.

Our Gastronomy of the Rhine & Moselle River Cruise follows a similar itinerary with more food tastings and experiences - from a traditional German buffet to wine and sparkling wine tastings to delicious Swiss chocolate.

Whereas, our Gardens and Natural Beauty of the Rhine River Cruise take a slightly different route. You can experience the splendour of Heidelberg’s castle gardens and the magnificent Schwetzingen Palace gardens. In Strasbourg, marvel at the Rose Garden of Saverne with its breathtaking 550 varieties, and find tranquillity while wandering through Bonn's picturesque Rheinaue Leisure Park.

Take a closer look at what’s featured on our themed river cruises along the Rhine and Moselle - on board and ashore - with our included experiences.

Themed River Cruises along the Douro

Our Douro, Porto and Salamanca River Cruise follows the river to the Spanish border, offering guests the chance to explore Salamanca in Spain. Along the way, we'll discover charming villages and medieval towns that have remained unchanged for centuries, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the rolling hills and terraced vineyards of the stunning Douro Valley. As well as visiting two historic Quintas to learn all about the stages of wine production, with dinner featuring a selection of their wines at Quinta da Pacheca.

The Gastronomy of the Douro River Cruise follows the same path, weaving in additional food tastings and experiences. You'll enjoy food tastings and unique culinary experiences. As we sail, you'll enjoy a demonstration of making pastel de nata and we'll taste flavoured almonds and almond liqueur in Castelo Rodrigo, where the trees grow locally. In Salamanca, you'll have the opportunity to taste tapas - a beloved Spanish tradition - at a local market. Additionally, in Lamego, you'll sample bôla and other local produce.

Take a peek at the included highlights of our themed river cruises along the Douro.

Themed River Cruises along the Seine to Normandy 

Our The Seine, Paris and Normandy River Cruise is steeped in history and culture, combining iconic landmarks like Rouen’s cathedral and Monet’s garden in Giverny with thought-provoking visits to the D-Day landing sites and the artistic charm of Honfleur, before ending in the timeless splendour of Paris.

With excellent local produce, Normandy's food is known for being outstanding. Our Gastronomy of the Seine River Cruise blends historical insight with culinary indulgence, inviting travellers to taste their way through Normandy with cider tastings, and crêpes in coastal towns. You'll also savour local cheese in Château de Bizy and macarons in Paris and the experiences don't spot when you leave land, on board you can enjoy a tarte tatin demo and a champagne reception while enjoying views of the Seine.

Explore the full list of what's included on each themed river cruise along the Seine.

Themed river cruises along the Rhône

From the slopes of the scenic winelands to the hills of Provence, and the beauty of the French landscape to the medieval splendour of Avignon, our Burgundy, the River Rhône and Provence River Cruise offers a rich blend of French culture, scenery, and heritage. We'll trace the path of ancient traders and Romans who travelled along the banks of the Rhône through Lyon, Beaune, and Avignon, with highlights including the Pont du Gard, Roman amphitheatres, and the grand Papal Palace.

The Gardens and Natural Beauty of the Rhône River Cruise highlights the vibrant colours and delightful scents of these regions. From public parks to fields of lavender and beautiful floral gardens, you will be captivated by the area's natural beauty. Experience the breathtaking Ardèche Gorge and enjoy guided walks through charming towns.

Meanwhile, History and Art of the Rhône River Cruise spotlights the landscapes that inspired Van Gogh. We'll visit the Chauvet Cave to see prehistoric cave paintings thought to date back to the Palaeolithic era and explore the Petit Palais, one of the great European medieval art museums, specialising in Italian primitives. For those interested in history, we'll visit the Gallo-Roman theatre in Lyon and Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune, a medieval hospital and a model of Burgundian medieval architecture, and enjoy time in other medieval towns that line the Rhône.

See what special experiences are included on each themed river cruise along the Rhône.

So whether you're a foodie, art lover, history enthusiast, or music fan, a themed river cruise offers a richer, more personalised way to explore Europe. With all the comforts of a classic Riviera Travel cruise plus unique experiences tailored to your interests, it’s the perfect way to turn your passion into a journey.

View our themed cruises