Four reasons why you should try a river cruise for the ultimate city break

Calling all city-break lovers – why visit just one city when you can see two, three or even four in one fell swoop?

You’ll be ticking off your bucket list in no time with a river cruise itinerary full to the brim – thanks to Riviera Travel.

And you won’t be making a fleeting visit as Riviera Travel includes all sightseeing excursions, so you’ll become an expert on each destination you traverse.

It’s simple, step off your ship right into the heart of town to explore until your heart’s content and your pockets are full of fun knick-knacks.

Discover four reasons why you should opt for a river cruise for the city break of a lifetime. The streets of Vienna, Budapest and more are calling you…

Elegant accommodation

Hotels come in every shape and size (not to mention the questionable TripAdvisor ratings) but with Riviera Travel you are guaranteed to sail in elegance.

Step onboard your five-star, boutique river cruise ship and try to hide your surprise at how smoothly these vessels glide through locks and bridges.

Carrying 120-169 guests, Riviera Travel’s fleet of European river cruise ships fosters an intimate atmosphere that can only happen when you are travelling with a group of like-minded people.

Your cabin is your sanctuary, equipped with home comforts like tea and coffee from British brands, desk, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, hairdryer, telephone and complimentary Wi-Fi.

What’s more, more than 80 per cent of cabins boast a French balcony – giving you the perfect spot to watch iconic sights cruise past.

And the sun deck is the perfect space to unwind with newfound friends, with a wide selection of sun loungers and chairs (both in and out of shade for your convenience) ready for you. There’s also a splash pool on selected ships, such as MS Riviera Rose.

Bringing the city's food to you

Can you remember the best meal you’ve ever experienced onboard a cruise ship? Well, get ready for a new winner as you sample the fresh, local produce with Riviera Travel.

Unlike your standard cruise, you aren’t piled with countless heavy meals throughout the day. Riviera Travel offer a light lunch – such as crisp salads and fresh pasta – that will fuel you up for an afternoon of exploring. Breakfast is hearty with over 60 options to choose from, so everyone can find the perfect way to start their day.

Dinner is the main event, with a four-course a la carte dining experience featuring well-loved dishes as well as new dishes that will soon become new favourites.

Local flavours are incorporated into the menu every day, with regional recipes being passed down through generations and straight onto your plate.

This comes as no surprise when you learn that the onboard chefs have been taught to cook in the areas you’ll be visiting – so there is no need to step a foot off board to enjoy impressive cuisine.

Included excursions

It can be overwhelming when you step off your cruise ship in a brand-new city. Where do you go first? How do you get there?

Well, Riviera Travel has taken the stress out of exploring as with each destination you visit, you can embark on a sightseeing excursion at no extra cost.

You’ll be guided by a different knowledgeable local expert in each port, meaning you can ask all your burning questions to someone who possesses encyclopaedic knowledge about the area.

So, take advantage of it and look away from Google Maps for once to soak up the stunning vistas being pointed out by your guide. You’ll see all the main events and fascinating things that you might miss if you were exploring independently.

Take Vienna for example, where you’ll be given a guided tour to discover the city’s wide boulevards, Baroque architecture and historical relevance. Gaze up at the breathtaking Saint Stephen’s Cathedral with its colourful roof and impressive Gothic south tower which dominates the skyline.

Tick several destinations off your bucket list

Grab the opportunity to experience multiple cities all in one holiday with both hands.

If you’re looking to tick off multiple cities in one, perhaps opt for the Blue Danube itinerary, where you’ll visit three capital cities across eight days.

You’ll begin to understand why Strauss and Mozart were so inspired by their scenery as you sail Europe’s most cultured river. Beginning in Budapest, you’ll head north to Hungary’s previous capital city, Esztergom where the Esztergom Basilica is a must-see as the largest church in Hungary.

Bratislava offers a 17^th-century castle and a quaint old town, both of whom you’ll be able to gaze upon during the guided tour.

Another city on the itinerary is Linz, a charming baroque old town. Wander around one of the most beautiful squares in Austria, which is lined with pastel-coloured houses and features a white marble column in the centre. Don’t forget to visit the castle which looks over the city and houses a fine collection of 19^th and 20^th-century artworks.

Vienna is a highlight of the cruise, home to the colossal Hofburg, the former royal court, which features multiple museums – make sure you see the stunning crown jewels. After your guided tour around the city, you can choose to take a stroll in the Prater and take a ride on the Ferris wheel or perhaps just get lost in Vienna’s charming side streets.

So, if you’re seeking culture and exploration – look no further than a river cruise with Riviera Travel. Can we come too?