Whether it’s a love of art and music, a fascination with history or a penchant for horticulture and taste for great food, many of us have a special interest that we don’t always find enough time for in our everyday routine. So what could be better than combining an enchanting European cruise with a favourite passion?
With new itineraries for 2025, on Riviera Travel’s Themed Cruises passengers have the opportunity to not only explore the beautiful waterways of destinations such as Portugal, Germany, France and Switzerland, but breathe new life into their interests.
From live performances in the birthplace of classical music or wine tastings in the Douro Valley to retracing the life of illustrious artists and soaking up the magical atmosphere of the Christmas markets of the Rhine, there’s a dedicated river cruise for travellers to indulge in their favourite passions.
Like all Riviera Travel river cruise itineraries, the Themed Cruises include flights and transfers, five-star accommodation aboard luxury ships, delicious full-board dining, plenty of excursions in keeping with the theme of the cruise, and the guidance of an experienced Riviera Travel Cruise Director
For cultural connoisseurs: History and Art of the Rhône –
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 guests on this cruise along the Rhône. From Avignon to Lyon, this fascinating journey explores the artistic heart of this region where centuries of history wait to be discovered amongst the outstanding natural beauty of France.
Highlights include visits to the Palace of the Popes and the Petite Palais Museum in Avignon, remarkable Roman ruins on guided tours of Vienne, including the Cybèle archaeological gardens, and Lyon’s Gallo-Roman Theatre, a visit to the Caverne du Pont d’Arc – a stunning replica of the Chauvet Cave, one of the world’s most important sites of prehistoric art – and the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh with a walking tour of Arles.
Bethan Davies, Product Executive at Riviera Travel, says, “Discover a side of France that is less seen. Visit the Chauvet Caves, which offer a unique glimpse into pre-history, explore the archaeological site at Cybele Gardens and enjoy Van Gogh’s art at the foundation, where exhibitions contrast beautifully with the ancient art in the caves. This itinerary beautifully blends French history and art through the ages, and we’ve enjoyed crafting it for you!”
The History and Art of the Rhône River Cruise starts from £1899 per person based on two people sharing including 7 nights accommodation on a five-star ship, full-board dining, a free drinks package, 12 included experiences, return flights and transfers, return Eurostar, TGV and transfers, checked luggage, guidance from an Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Concierge, and more.
Visit www.rivieratravel.co.uk/river-cruises/gastronomy-switzerland-and-the-rhine-river-cruise to see the full details and to book.
For foodies: Gastronomy of Switzerland and The Rhine –
Scenery and gastronomy are the perfect pairing on this enchanting cruise that glides along the magnificent vistas of pretty Swiss towns like Basel and Lucerne, majestic mountainscapes, the Black Forest, Strasbourg, the striking Rhine Gorge and more before ending in the cosmopolitan city of Cologne. Along the way, passengers get to enjoy a culinary experience on the Stanserhorn Mountain, sample authentic Black Forest Gateau, savour treats from the Alsace region in France, tour the vineyards of Rüdesheim, and visit the Lindt Chocolate Museum.
Siobhan Seaman, Senior Product Manager & Team Manager at Riviera Travel, says, “Our Switzerland itinerary has always been magical, but we wanted to add even more enchanting elements – like a visit to the magical Black Forest and the opportunity to taste Black Forest cake in the heart of the forest in a stunning location! You’ll get to taste local treats in Strasbourg and have lunch atop Stanserhorn which combines delicious Älplermagronen – Swiss mac and cheese – with jaw-dropping views. What’s not to love?”
The Gastronomy of Switzerland and The Rhine River Cruise starts from £2299 per person based on two people sharing including 7 nights accommodation on a five-star ship, full-board dining, a free drinks package, 10 included experiences, return flights and transfers, return Eurostar, TGV and transfers, checked luggage, guidance from an Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Concierge, and more.
Visit www.rivieratravel.co.uk/river-cruises/gastronomy-switzerland-and-the-rhine-river-cruise to see the full details and to book.
For nature lovers and horticulture enthusiasts: Gardens and Natural Beauty of the Rhine –
Sailing through the renowned Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not just once but twice, passengers have the opportunity to soak up the beauty of this fairytale-esque region while spotting castles in the Middle Rhine Valley and look out for its mythical siren, Lorelei.
On shore, guests will explore expansive public parks, well-tended palace gardens and historic vineyards as the cruise glides from Germany to the Alsace region of France. From strolling through a sea of fragrant roses to meandering past exotic plants in a butterfly house and touring the renowned vineyards of Rüdesheim on a charming land train (famed for its exceptional Riesling), romance abounds on this river cruise perfect for nature lovers.
Hanna Cole, Product Manager & former Riviera Cruise Director, says, “This river cruise promises the perfect mix of natural beauty and culture. Sailing through the majestic Rhine Gorge, passing castles and wandering through fragrant rose gardens or Rüdesheim’s charming, cobbled streets and vineyards, exploring Schwetzingen’s stunning gardens and the Butterfly Garden at Sayn Palace makes this an unforgettable trip for nature and history lovers.”
The Gardens and Natural Beauty of the Rhine River Cruise starts from £2249 per person based on two people sharing including 7 nights accommodation on a five-star ship, full-board dining (except one lunch) plus Chef’s Dinner, evening entertainment, 11 included experiences, return flights and transfers, checked luggage, guidance from an Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Concierge, and more.
Visit www.rivieratravel.co.uk/river-cruises/gardens-and-natural-beauty-the-rhine-river-cruise to see the full details and to book.
For music aficionados: Art and Music of the Blue Danube –
Classic music lovers will be thrilled to follow in the footsteps of some of history’s greatest composers – Strauss, Mozart, Beethoven, Hayden and more – on a musical journey along the Danube. The beautiful landscapes and cities along the shores of this legendary river have inspired many famous melodies, and will undoubtedly delight passengers as the cruise passes through Hungary, Slovakia and Austria, with visits to world-renowned museums and galleries.
From the fascinating cities of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Salzburg, where guests can learn more about these incredible cities in the company of Riviera Travel’s knowledgeable guides, to experiencing the joy of live music in atmospheric locations and see masterworks of Raphael, Titian, Velázquez, Hans Holbein and more, this is an unforgettable holiday for those who appreciate classical music and culture.
The Art and Music of the Blue Danube River Cruise starts from £2049 per person based on two people sharing including 7 nights accommodation on a five-star ship, full-board dining plus Chef’s Dinner, a free drinks package, evening entertainment, 12 included experiences, return flights and transfers, checked luggage, guidance from an Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Concierge, and more.
Visit www.rivieratravel.co.uk/river-cruises/art-and-music-the-blue-danube-river-cruise to see the full details and to book.
For a magical festive experience: Enchanting Rhine and Yuletide Markets –
This festive cruise passes through the world famous and dramatic Rhine Gorge before arriving in the renowned wine town of Rüdesheim, where passengers will spend the afternoon wandering this charming spot. Guests will also have the chance to explore historic Koblenz, dramatically situated at the confluence of the Rhine & Moselle Rivers, on a guided tour with free time to browse its lovely Christmas market.
Furthermore, participants will discover Germany’s former capital – and birthplace of famous composer Beethoven – Bonn, before arriving back in cosmopolitan Cologne where they have the rest of the day free to discover one (or all) of its seven Christmas markets. With more than 160 festive stalls located at the Cathedral Christmas market, guests will enjoy sampling a glass of warming mulled wine and picking out artisanal gifts for their loved ones.
The Enchanting Rhine and Yuletide Markets River Cruise starts from £1199 per person based on two people sharing including 4 nights accommodation on a five-star ship, full-board dining, a free drinks package, 7 included experiences, return Eurostar and transfers, checked luggage, guidance from an Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Concierge, and more.
Visit www.rivieratravel.co.uk/river-cruises/enchanting-rhine-yuletide-markets to see the full details and to book.
To find out more visit www.rivieratravel.co.uk or call 01283 523431.
