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Themed River Cruises

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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.

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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.

Our favourite themed River Cruises

Music, Arts & Crafts of Switzerland and the Rhine

Top Highlights: Visit a Swiss glass manufacture in Hergiswil, explore the birthplace of Beethoven, and enjoy on-board live musical performances.

Hidden among some of Europe's loveliest landscapes is a world of art, music and architecture that's just waiting to be uncovered on our spellbinding cruise along the Rhine River.

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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.

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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.

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Fresh tirol cheese with wine and grapes over mountain landscape
Close-up of chocolate being poured into a plastic mold to make praline

River Cruise

Gastronomy of Switzerland and the Rhine

  • France, Germany, Switzerland
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining
  • 8 visits & tours
  • Enjoy tastings and alpine views at Stanserhorn
  • Explore Strasbourg and local specialities of the Alsace
  • Explore the Black Forest and taste its namesake gateau
View on Cologne and River Rhine at sunset in Germany

River Cruise

Gastronomy of the Rhine & Moselle

New

  • Germany
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining
  • Multiple wine tasting experiences
  • Visit the Lindt chocolate museum
  • Explore Germany's oldest city
Entrance of Buda district at sunrise with colourful sky in Budapest, Hungary
View of Bratislava Castle from the river under a colour evening sky
St. Stephen's Cathedral basked in the glow of evening streetlights, Vienna

River Cruise

New Year on the Danube

  • Austria, Hungary
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • 6 included experiences
  • Full board with New Year's Eve gala dinner
  • Live classical music recital
City hall overlooking Römerberg plaza in Frankfurt, Germany
Koblenz City overlooking the Moselle River before sunset in Germany

River Cruise

New Year on the Rhine

  • Germany
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining
  • Programme of daily tours & visits
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

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.

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.

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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.

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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
An image of two ships crossing the Seine River, during the day

Request a Riviera Brochure

With a wide range of holidays to choose from, it might be hard to pick just one. Start planning your next holiday with our latest brochures. Simply click the brochure you'd like to receive and fill in your details. You'll receive your selection in 3-5 working days, free of charge.

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