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Themed River Cruises

Explore your love of art, music, gardens, history, or food on a river cruise along one of Europe's beautiful waterways. You could enjoy live musical performances in the birthplace of classical music or taste wine created by the vignerons who cultivate grapes in the Douro Valley. Perhaps, you’d prefer to retrace the life of illustrious artists or watch the festive lights flicker in the Christmas markets of the Rhine. Whatever your passions are, we're sure to have the perfect getaway. 

Our holidays are designed for enthusiasts of every level. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, everyone is welcome. Together, we’ll soak up the expert knowledge of our insightful speakers and local guides, and explore the fascinating destinations that bring their stories to life. So, go ahead, let your passion guide you on your next adventure.

Unbeatable value

which always includes

  • 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

Explore our Themed Cruises by category

Culinary River Cruises

Discover our River cruises best for food and drink lovers - sail across Europe sampling local food and wine with beautiful scenery from our 5-star ships.

Read more about culinary river cruises

Festive River Cruises To Europe At Christmas

A Christmas cruise or festive holiday is a great way to celebrate the winter season.

Explore our festive holidays

Our favourite themed cruises

Sunrise at the Moselle river bend over the village Bremm, Germany
  • Germany
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining
  • Multiple wine tasting experiences
  • Visit the Lindt chocolate museum
  • Explore Germany's oldest city
Upper deck cabins at middle deck prices on select Oct '26
Upper deck cabins at middle deck prices on select Oct '26
Ornate glass house and topiary in Parc de la Tete d'Or, Lyon, Grance
Panoramic view of lavender filed in Valensole, Provence, France
  • France
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining
  • 11 included experiences
  • Explore the magical Eden Gardens
  • Stroll through beautiful botanical gardens
  • Enjoy the vineyards of Burgundy with wine tasting
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.
Temple of Augustus and Livia in Vienne, France

River Cruise

History and Art of the Rhône River Cruise

  • 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
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.

Find your perfect themed river cruise

We've found you 13 Themed River Cruises

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Explore River Cruises

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

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Themed River Cruises
Duration
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Temple of Augustus and Livia in Vienne, France

River Cruise

History and Art of the Rhône River Cruise

  • 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
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.
Ornate glass house and topiary in Parc de la Tete d'Or, Lyon, Grance
Panoramic view of lavender filed in Valensole, Provence, France
  • France
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining
  • 11 included experiences
  • Explore the magical Eden Gardens
  • Stroll through beautiful botanical gardens
  • Enjoy the vineyards of Burgundy with wine tasting
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.

River Cruise

Gastronomy of the Seine River Cruise

  • France
  • 5* ship
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board, plus Chef’s Dinner
  • 13 included experiences
  • See the famous 'Water Lillies' pond at Monet's house
  • Tour of Bizy castle with cider and cheese tasting

Explore River Cruises

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

Sunrise at the Moselle river bend over the village Bremm, Germany
  • Germany
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining
  • Multiple wine tasting experiences
  • Visit the Lindt chocolate museum
  • Explore Germany's oldest city
Upper deck cabins at middle deck prices on select Oct '26
Upper deck cabins at middle deck prices on select Oct '26
  • Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • 12 included experiences
  • Full board dining
  • Enjoy on board musical performances
  • Guided tours of the most historic towns and cities
  • Guided tour of Musikverein Concert Hall
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.
  • Germany
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining & Chef's dinner
  • 5 included experiences
  • Live performance of Rhenish folk music and dance
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.
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
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.

River Cruise

Magical Paris & Festive Seine River Cruise

New

  • France
  • 5* ship
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining
  • 5 included experiences
  • Visit 3 castles adorned with festive decor
  • Enjoy a musical performance in Vernon Cathedral
  • Explore Paris and the Christmas markets
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.
St. Stephen's Cathedral basked in the glow of evening streetlights, Vienna
Entrance of Buda district at sunrise with colourful sky in Budapest, Hungary
View of Bratislava Castle from the river under a colour evening sky

River Cruise

New Year on the Danube River Cruise

  • Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • 6 included experiences plus New Year’s Eve celebrations on board
  • Full board including New Year's Eve Gala dinner
  • Live classical music recital
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.
Plan ahead, save 10% on 2027 & 2028 holidays.

Book with confidence

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Your money is safe and secure

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.

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24/7 access to UK based team

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.

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Price promise

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%

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Quality promise

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

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Happiness guaranteed

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.

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Our new Themed River Cruises

Breathe new life into your favourite subjects. Exciting destinations, expert guides and like-minded travelling companions await on our themed river cruises.

From the blog

Christmas Market in Vienna, Austria

Christmas and New Year Destination Ideas for solo travellers

Discover inspirational ideas for where to celebrate Christmas and New Year as a solo traveller - with brilliant Christmas and New Year’s Eve destinations.

Read more

The 8 Most Beautiful Rivers in Europe

From the Danube and Douro to the Rhine and Rhône – choose the right river for you. All the facts you need plus brilliant river cruise ideas to get you started on your adventure.

Read more

A Musical River Cruise Through the Heart of Europe

Europe is a land of music. From its legendary composers to its iconic cities, you can find its musical past and present around every corner. Its very geography summons melodies to mind, like the Danube or the forests of Germany, making a journey through i

Read more