R is for… the River Rhine with Riviera Travel

The River Rhine is one of Europe’s most spectacular waterways, setting the gold standard for the number of landmark cities along one river, making it an ideal option for cruises. Riviera Travel transforms this charming river into a 766-mile luxury boutique hotel.

With itineraries covering all sections of the Rhine, from Switzerland through the heart of Europe and north to the Netherlands, this river is running over with cultural and gastronomic delights.

The tulips of Amsterdam are calling… The chocolates of Belgium aren’t going to eat themselves…

2024 is a meaningful year for a Rhine river cruise
This year marks the 80^th anniversary of the D-Day landings, and so a lot of attention is on the northern European cities and towns liberated in that courageous effort.

Choose Riviera Travel’s eight-day ‘Bruges, Medieval Flanders, Amsterdam & the Dutch Bulbfields’ river cruise for an exquisitely curated balance of historical rigour and charming scenery.

Embark in Amsterdam, where tulips brighten up the canal banks and the ringing of bicycle bells underscores the birdsong carried by the morning breeze.

From there you’ll navigate to Hoorn – a truly influential seafaring town (it even lends its name to the tip of South America – Cape Horn). Your third day connects with this year’s landmark anniversary – nearby Arnhem was the battle HQ of the British 1^st Airbourne Division, and you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery.

A day in Antwerp follows, where you can indulge in fine art of the highest calibre. Antwerp’s hey day very much aligns with the 16^th Century Golden Age. It’s importance as a trading port saw huge wealth pour into the city, which is reflected in its wonderful collection of art and impressive Renaissance architecture.

Chocolate and picture-perfect scenes await you in Bruges, where the cacophony of 47 bells chime in each passing hour from the central Belfry. Day six takes on a more melancholic and reflective tone, with time in Ghent and Ypres. Take time to reflect and pay your respects to those who fell in the Great War at this touching and meaningful site.

And then round of this expertly curated voyage with the full rainbow of colour in Keukenhof – the very heart of the Netherland’s much-loved bulbfields. Marvel at the beauty of over seven million flowers jubilantly dancing in the dappled sunlight.

A river full of optionsFor a shorter itinerary, the five-day ‘Amsterdam, Kinderdijk & the Dutch Bulbfields’ sailing focuses exclusively on the Netherlands, with a perfectly balanced selection of cultural masterpieces, architectural landmarks, natural beauty, and time to simply relax and take it all in.

Alternatively, if you’re seeking a luxurious way to capture the essence of central Europe, Riviera Travel offers a fantastic 15-day ‘Heart of Europe’ journey that reaches from western Germany all the way through to Budapest, Hungary.

On this two-week voyage from Cologne to Budapest, you’ll visit 11 boutique ports in Germany, Melk and Vienna in Austria, and Bratislava in Slovakia. This memorable itinerary is available on four of the line’s full-service luxury ships – MS Emily Brontë, MS Geoffrey Chaucer, MS Oscar Wilde, and MS William Wordsworth.