European River Cruises

River cruising, with more value built in

Celebrate your trip with a new and improved free drinks package, automatically included on all European river cruises.

Enjoy more flexibility than ever before with regional flights, plus our Travel Concierge service tailors your cruise to suit you including flight upgrades & holiday extensions.

Our River Cruise ships are some of the youngest in Europe - and the most advanced. Expect only the best.

Cruise Europe’s most beautiful waterways– the Rhine, Douro, Rhône, Seine, and the Danube, to name a few – on board our exquisite ships, complete with spacious suites and cabins – many of which come with a French balcony for those 'ooh la la' views!  

With everything included, from excursions to all‑inclusive drinks on board, regional flights and Eurostar options. You can relax and enjoy the river, without the usual add‑ons or second‑guessing.

Now all that’s left to do is decide where to go first.

Find your perfect European river cruise

We've found you 34 River Cruises in Europe

Canal and illuminated buildings during a Christmas market in Strasbourg, France

Christmas market lights in front of Speyer Cathedral at night, Germany

St. Michael church covered in snow at night in Cologne, Germany

Christmas market and Catholic cathedral at night in the city of Cologne, Germany

France, Germany
5* ships
Flights included
Rail included
Full board with Christmas Gala dinner
Free all-inclusive drinks package
10 included experiences
Onboard Christmas Concert

Save on select December 2026 departures | Limited availability

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.

Portugal, Spain
5* ships
Flights included
Full board dining
10 included experiences
Tour of famous port producer with tasting
Traditional Portuguese food & wine production experience
Traditional spanish market visit & tapas

BLACK FRIDAY | Save 20% on selected 2027 river cruises

Classic view of Salzburg and Festung Hohensalzburg fortress illuminated at Christmas time in Austria

Aerial view of Salzburg's Christmas Market illuminated at night in Austria

Traditional Christmas market at Vienna Town Hall at night in front of town hall

Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
5* ships
Flights included
Full board with Christmas Gala dinner
Free all-inclusive drinks package
10 included experiences
Live Christmas classical quartet recital

Explore River Cruises

Our brochure is packed with itineraries and inspiration. Delivered to your doorstep or view it online - the choice is yours.

Get my FREE brochure

A scenic view or Swiss countryside as seen from a passing train

The famous bend of the Ardeche River in Gorges de l'Ardeche, France

Famous view of Lyon with Saone river at night

France, Switzerland
5* ship
Flights included
Full board cruise & B&B hotel
15 visits & tours
Free all-inclusive drinks package

Aerial view of old town of Porto at sunset in Portugal.

Portugal, Spain
5* ship
Flights included
Full board cruise & B&B hotel
15 visits & tours
3 nights in a centrally located hotel in Porto

France
5* ships
Flights included
Rail included
20 included experiences
Enjoy on-board French musical performances
Visit over 15 french towns and cities

An aerial shot of the Porto Cathedrals next to the Douro River, Portugal

Portugal, Spain
5* ship
Flights included
13 included experiences
Full board, inc 1 lunch & 1 dinner at local Quintas

Pretty bridge across a waterways of Strasbourg, capital city of the Alsace region, France

A sunny view of Ruedesheim from the top of nearby hill, Germany

France, Germany, Switzerland
5* ships
Flights included
Full board cruise & B&B hotel plus 2 lunches
13 included experiences
Travel on the legendary Glacier Express

Scenic point of Bratislava Slovakia, panorama view

Aerial view of Fishermans Bastion and Budapest with Parliament building and River Danube in Hungary

Salzburg skyline with river Salzach in springtime, Austria

Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
5* ships
Flights included
Full board cruise & B&B hotel
11 visits & tours

Elevated view of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, with the city's skyline in the background.

Parliament on riverbank of Danube at sunrise in Budapest, Hungary

Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
5* ships
Flights included
12 visits & tours
Full board cruise & B&B hotel

Direct flights & transfers
Five-star ships with impeccable on-board service
Itinerary curated by Riviera experts
Insightful excursions & visits every day with local guides
Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Cruise Host looking after you throughout
Evening entertainment from quizzes to impressive performers
Onboard restaurant, bar & lounge, spa & wellness facilities, plus free Wi-Fi
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
Free Wi-Fi
20kg+ checked luggage
24/7 support from our UK-based team
All-inclusive drinks package

Your Riviera holiday Guarantee

When plans change, our promise doesn't.
If your holiday is significantly disrupted, we'll look after you, offer real choices and put your experience first.

We'll explain what's happened and support you every step of the way.

Travel with compensation, move to next year at this year's price, or receive a full refund within seven days.

If we can't deliver the holiday you booked, we'll cancel it.

If plans change while you're away, our team will support you on the ground.

ABTA and ATOL protection where applicable.

Read our full Riviera Holiday Guarantee →

Blue Danube river cruise

Hear from our guests on board!

River Cruise Extensions

Extend your holiday and explore even further with our inspiring Tour Extension collection.

Take a look at our river cruise tour extensions

All Ships

Discover Riviera Travel’s fleet: from elegant river cruise ships and exclusive yachts to romantic tall ships and adventurous expedition vessels - each designed for comfort, style, and unforgettable voyages.

Find out more about our ships

A large rock sculpture of decebalus overlooking the Danube River gorge

The Rivers We Sail

From the scenic Seine to the mighty Danube, and the historic Nile, each river we sail on has something different to offer.

Explore the rivers we sail on

Book with confidence

Your money is fully protected by ABTA and ATOL, giving you complete peace of mind when you book with Riviera. Because wherever the world takes you, knowing you’re protected makes all the difference.

Our UK-based team are on hand from the moment you book to the day you return home. If plans ever need adjusting while you’re away, you can reach us at any time via our 24/7 emergency number – real people, ready to help.

Book early, confident in the knowledge it will be our lowest price. In the event we do reduce the price after you've booked, we'll automatically send you a Future Travel Voucher for the difference in value, plus an extra 25%

You cannot find the same quality experience for less with a competitor – and if you do, we’ll match the price.

You’re always protected by our Happiness Guarantee. If, by day two of your holiday, things aren’t feeling quite right, we’ll bring you home with a full refund. It’s our Happiness Guarantee.

From the blog

Flying, fuel and the joys of getting away

Wondering whether to wait before booking? UK Government guidance says you don’t need to. Fuel shortages and price hike fears don’t stack up – and 2026 travel is very much on.