Award-winning UK River cruise line, Riviera Travel River Cruises, has announced seven new 2025 itineraries on its recently announced brand new ships – Riviera Rose and Riviera Radiance.
Riviera Travel River Cruises, Head of Product, Will Sarson, commented, “Our new ships are a celebration of the spirit of luxury and exploration, giving our guests the opportunity to redefine their cruising experience along Europe’s most picturesque waterways. Inspired by the needs of modern travel, each new ship promises an unparalleled experience of comfort, sophistication, and discovery as they traverse through inspiring landscapes and cultural treasures. Our meticulously crafted itineraries will unveil hidden gems and iconic landmarks, promising a world of new adventures for travellers.”
Riviera Rose will have one new 8-day itinerary operating in 2025 with sailings planned throughout the year.
The Highlights of the Douro Valley and Salamanca itinerary includes a tour of Portugal’s Old Town in Porto where guests immerse themselves in its breathtaking architecture, guided by seasoned experts who unveil the secrets of its magnificent past.
Guests will also take in the lush greenery of Mateus Palace’s manicured gardens, soaking in the splendor of Castelo Rodrigo’s historic grandeur, and being awe-struck by the majestic Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Lamego. Each destination a chapter in the story of Portugal’s rich cultural tapestry.
Some of the highlights of the river cruise include:
- Guided tour exploring the magnificent architecture of Porto’s Old Town.
- Wander through the manicured gardens of Mateus Palace, visit the historic Castelo Rodrigo and see Lamego’s Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral.
- Sample Portugal’s most famous product, port, at a port wine cellar or join our optional tour of the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães.
- Savour the delicious taste of moscatel wines with lunch and a wine-tasting in a traditional Quinta hosted by the Quinta owner.
- Tour Salamanca, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, with a guide and enjoy a traditional flamenco show with lunch in the city.
- Free superior drinks package, transfers, 7 nights onboard, 7 visits and tours, full board dining, including Captains’ Dinner, free wi-fi, all port charges and airport taxes, complimentary on-board tea and coffee.
- Expert Riviera Cruise Director and Concierge
Riviera Radiance will offer six new itineraries in 2025 including one solo cruise.
The 8-day Blue Danube itinerary crafts a breathtaking experience from the imperial grandeur of Vienna to the Ottoman influences in Budapest, where guests deliver into the layers of history and diverse cultures that have shaped these regions. This itinerary also includes a cruise option for solo travellers, making it an incredibly attractive option for those who want to explore Central Europe’s most spectacular destinations on their own. Highlights include:
- Touring the most historic towns and cities along the Danube, including guided tours of Vienna, Dürnstein, Budapest and Bratislava.
- Exploring Salzburg or Linz with an expert guide on a tour of the town’s most interesting sights.
- Immersion in the local culture with a Hungarian folklore show on board.
- Classical Live music performance on board with stunning views of Vienna.
- Free superior drinks package, 7 nights onboard, 7 visits and tours, full board dining, including Captains’ Dinner, free wi-fi, all port charges and airport taxes, complimentary on board tea and coffee.
- Expert Riviera Cruise Director and Concierge.
The standout 15-day Budapest to Black Sea itinerary promises an unparalleled exploration of Eastern Europe’s diverse landscapes, rich histories, and vibrant cultures, navigating through the Balkans. Highlights include:
- Four guided tours, including Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanassi, the Churches of Ivanovo, Belogradchik Rock and Mesolithic Lepenski Vir.
- Discovering the only European capital built at the confluence of two rivers, Belgrade.
- Exploring Pleven at leisure, enjoy one of the town’s many museums and wander through the tranquil Old Town.
- Visiting Bucharest and exploring the Palace of Parliament, the Athenaeum and the Orthodox churches and squares that ‘Little Paris’ has to offer.
- Exploring Belogradchik Rocks, gigantic natural sandstone sculptures that cover an area of 35 square miles.
- Free superior drinks package, 14 nights onboard, 16 visits and tours, full board dining, including Captains’ Dinner, free wi-fi, all port charges and airport taxes, complimentary on board tea and coffee.
- Expert Riviera Cruise Director and Concierge
The 6-day New Year on the Danube cruise takes in breathtaking landscapes along the captivating cities dotting the Danube as guests ring in the New Year in style. Highlights of the cruise include:
- Discovering captivating Budapest through a guided tour, visiting the famous Parliament Building and Castle District.
- Spending the morning of New Year’s Eve exploring Bratislava with a guided tour and free time to discover the cobble-stoned streets of this charming city.
- Welcoming the New Year in beautiful Vienna, visiting all the main sights such as Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Complex and the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace.
- Enjoying a live classical music recital and Hungarian folklore show on board our luxury ship.
- Enjoying a New Year’s Eve gala dinner, midnight drinks and canapés, and a New Year’s Day brunch.
- Free superior drinks package, 5 nights onboard, 6 visits and tours, full board dining, including Captains’ Dinner, free wi-fi, all port charges and airport taxes, complimentary on board tea and coffee.
- Expert Riviera Cruise Director and Concierge.
For those looking to take some time to celebrate the holidays without the stress of cooking or hosting, the 8-day Christmas on the Danube cruise is the ultimate bucket list choice, taking in remarkable architecture and imposing natural landscapes in the epitome of luxury. Highlights include:
- Discovering the extraordinary Esztergom Basicila on a morning tour and browsing the Christmas market for seasonal gifts.
- Spending Christmas Eve in the Slovakian capital, soaking up the enchanting culture of the 17th century castle and Hviezdoslav Square.
- Awaking on Christmas Day amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Wachau Valley and spend the day discovering Melk Abbey and end with our superb Gala Christmas dinner.
- Exploring Salzburg and its main sights or Linz charming baroque town on Boxing Day
- Visiting Vienna and all of its cultural sites, including St Stephen’s Cathedral, the colossal Hofburg and Schönbrunn Palace.
- Cruising the Hungarian landscape and experiencing a guided tour of the iconic Parliament Building and ancient Castle Hill in Budapest.
- Enjoying our live Christmas classical quartet recital and Hungarian Christmas folklore show on board the ship.
- Free superior drinks package, 7 nights onboard, 8 visits and tours, full board dining, including Captains’ Dinner, free wi-fi, all port charges and airport taxes, complimentary on board tea and coffee.
- Expert Riviera Cruise Director and Concierge
The 6-day Danube Imperial Cities & Yuletide Markets cruise is another stunning way to explore fascinating cities and sights along the river. From guided tours of the imperial city of Budapest with two halves straddling the Danube to wandering the atmospheric Yuletide markets, there is no better way to enjoy the appeal of Europe than on this river cruise. Highlights include:
- Exploring Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava on guided tours of the cities.
- Soaking up the festive ambience at the festive Yuletide Markets of Vienna and Bratislava.
- Enjoying the kaleidoscope of winter scenery along the banks of the Danube River.
- Relaxing with a five-night stay on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite, with river views.
- Free superior drinks package, 5 nights onboard, 3 visits and tours, full board dining, including Captains’ Dinner, free wi-fi, all port charges and airport taxes, complimentary on board tea and coffee.
- Expert Riviera Cruise Director and Concierge.
Riviera Rose is spread over four decks with a total of 57 cabins and a guest capacity of just 114, supporting an intimate and personalised sailing experience. With first-class service and world-class dining, including stunning new itineraries, guests will experience a true luxury river cruise at excellent, value-for-money fares.
Riviera Rose is a new style of cruising for guests who are familiar with the cruise line with even more space on board, including its largest suites to date, with the Grand Suites spread across an impressive 32 square metres with luxurious appointments. The ship includes a third new restaurant, Mosaic, a revolutionary dining concept with a tasting menu inspired by the region’s diverse landscapes. The ship has 89 cabins and a passenger capacity of 178. It is also Riviera’s first ship that qualifies for the Gold Standard on the Green Awards programme for shipping.
Riviera Travel River Cruises gives guests the opportunity to intimately explore Europe’s charming towns, historic cities, and picturesque landscapes in a way that cannot be matched with ships sailing along smaller waterways and accessing destinations right in the heart of cities. Guests engage more closely with local communities through guided tours led by knowledgeable experts, enjoying an authentic experience on board and during excursions.
A Riviera cruise comes with luxurious suites and cabins, guaranteed excursion in every port, fine dining cuisine and dedicated cruise manager and concierge to ensure that every moment on board is nothing short of extraordinary.
Riviera is also celebrating its 40th anniversary and is offering huge savings of $1,000 per person on all 7-night cruises and $1,500 on 10 to14-night cruises in 2024 and 2025. In addition, guests can take advantage of the complimentary superior drinks package (worth $770 per person per week) on all European river cruises departing in 2024 and 2025 when booked before 31st March 2024.
For any questions or reservation enquiries, call your local travel agent or connect with Riviera Travel River Cruises in Australia on 1300 857 437 or visit www.rivieratravel.com.au.
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