Riviera Travel announces 2025 European river cruise programme

Featuring 16 itineraries, 261 departures sailing from March to November include 15 dedicated to solo travellers. Riviera Travel announced  32 new themed itineraries in the 2025 programme.

The itineraries cover France, Germany, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary and the Netherlands, and include an eight-day sailing featuring seven tours and guided tours of Vienna, Salzburg or Linz, Dürnstein, Budapest and Bratislava; and visits to Esztergom Basilica and Melk Abbey.

Douro discovery

On the Douro, an eight-day cruise features eight guided visits and tours including tour, lunch and a flamenco show in Salamanca; a guided tour of Porto with a port wine cellar visit; dinner at a typical Portuguese quinta; and visits to Castelo Rodrigo, Mateus Palace gardens and Lamego.

French affair

In France, an eight-day sailing, features nine tours and visits including guided tours of the Château Gaillard in Les Andelys, the Place du Vieux-Marché in Rouen; and visits to Bayeaux Tapestry, Monet’s house and Gardens, the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees and Sacre-Coeur.

Burgundy, the River Rhone and Provence and Rhine cruises to Switzerland also feature.

Themed sailings

Eight themed sailings on 32 departures tailored to focus on guest interests including food, art, history, music and horticulture, are newly introduced.

An itinerary exploring the architecture, sculptures and paintings of the Rhone region, including visits to the Palace of the Popes and the Petite Palais Museum in Avignon; the Cybèle archaeological gardens in Vienne; Lyon’s Gallo-Roman Theatre; the Caverne du Pont D’Arc; the Hotel Dieu Museum; plus, a walking tour of historic Arles, following in the footsteps of Van Gogh.

A music, art and craft themed sailing along the Rhine visits the traditional artisans of the Black Forest; the traditional glass blowers of Switzerland and Bonn; the Alsatian Museum; and a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet in Rüdesheim.

Will Sarson, head of product at Riviera Travel, said: ‘We believe in offering immersive holidays that go beyond traditional travel, and we’re confident our new themed programme of river departures will add an extra dimension to guests’ cruises.’