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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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Find your perfect cruise

We've found you 19 Themed River Cruises

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River Cruise

Gastronomy of the Seine

  • France
  • 5* ship
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board, plus Chef’s Dinner
  • 13 included experiences
  • Visit to Monet's house to see the famous 'Water Lillies' pond
  • Tour of Bizy castle with cider and cheese tasting
  • Historical tour of the D-day beaches and the 'longest day' museum
Temple of Augustus and Livia in Vienne, France

River Cruise

History and Art of the Rhône

New

  • 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
Parliament on riverbank of Danube at sunrise in Budapest, Hungary

River Cruise

Gastronomy of the Danube

New

  • Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • 7 nights on board a five-star ship
  • Full board dining, plus Chef’s Dinner
  • 15 included experiences
  • Explore Vienna and visit a traditional confectioner with tasting
  • Sample Hungarian and Austrian wines in the atmospheric cellars
  • Multiple guided tours with tastings of local specialities
Schloss Schonbrunn Kronprinzengarten - manicured gardens in front of a grand house, Vienne, Austria
Beautiful view of famous Mirabell Gardens with the old historic Fortress Hohensalzburg in the background in Salzburg, Austria
A distant view of Melk abbey on a rocky outcrop above the Danube river, Austria

River Cruise

Art and History on the Danube

  • Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Full board
  • 11 included experiences
  • Visit the opulent Schönbrunn Palace
  • Explore the Danube's most historic towns and cities
  • Visit Esztergom Basilica and Melk Abbey
Classic view of Salzburg and Festung Hohensalzburg fortress illuminated at Christmas time in Austria
Traditional Christmas market at Vienna Town Hall at night in front of town hall
Aerial view of Salzburg's Christmas Market illuminated at night in Austria

River Cruise

Christmas on the Danube

  • 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
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

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.

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
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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