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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 & Concierge looking after you throughout
  • Evening entertainment from quizzes to impressive performers
  • Onboard spa & wellness facilities
  • Onboard lounge, bar & restaurant
  • Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 20kg+ checked luggage
  • 24/7 support from our UK-based team

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 River Cruises

Gastronomy of the Rhine & Moselle

Top Highlights: Visit the Lindt chocolate museum, and experience a wine tasting in the underground vaults of the Koblenz wine museum.

This holiday combines our popular Rhine and Moselle river cruise with a mouthwatering adventure through the culinary landscape of this stunning region - ideal for foodies, wine and beer drinkers.

Find out more

History and Art of the Rhône

Top Highlights: Explore The Ardèche Gorges and the Chauvet Caves, and experience Lyon’s Roman past at the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre.

Magnificent Roman remains, the remarkable architecture of the Middle Ages and the light and beauty of the Provencal countryside - which inspired the genius of Van Gogh – await you on our cruise along the Rhône.

Find out more

Find your perfect cruise

We've found you 13 Themed River Cruises

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Themed River Cruises
Duration
Ships
  • Germany
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining & Chef's dinner
  • 6 included experiences
  • Live performance of Rhenish folk music and dance
Free €100 onboard credit on select departures
Free €100 onboard credit on select departures
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

River Cruise

Christmas on the Danube River Cruise

  • Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Full board with Christmas Gala dinner
  • 9 included experiences
  • Live Christmas classical quartet recital
  • Hungarian Christmas Folklore Show
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

River Cruise

Christmas on the Rhine River Cruise

  • France, Germany
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board with Christmas Gala dinner
  • 9 included experiences
  • Festive folklore show
  • Violin Duo performance on board
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
Free €100 onboard credit on select departures
Free €100 onboard credit on select departures

Book with confidence

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24/7 access to UK based team

We’re on hand before and during your holiday. If anything were to go awry during your travels, you can call our emergency number at any point.

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Price promise

Book early confident in the knowledge it will be our lowest price. In the very rare 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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Happiness guaranteed

You’re always protected by our Happiness Guarantee; if you’re not happy by day two of your holiday, we’ll bring you home with a full refund.

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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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Your money is safe and secure

No matter what, your money is safe and secure and fully protected by ABTA and ATOL.

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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