With sixteen very different states - known locally as “Länder” - Germany is a country of dramatic variations.
From towering Alpine peaks and glaciers to dense forests, lush vineyards, national parks and majestic rivers such as the Rhine, Danube and Elbe, its shifting landscapes are endlessly beautiful and fascinating. Today, with more than eighty million inhabitants, Germany has the highest population in the European Union. The world's fourth largest economy and its second largest exporter, it’s once again the major economic and political power on the European scene.
But Germany is also a historic leader in many cultural, artistic and technical fields. The home of countless influential philosophers, composers, painters, scientists and inventors, it’s often been referred to as “Das Land der Dichter und Denker” (the land of poets and thinkers) thanks to the huge contribution that its famous sons and daughters have made to Western thought and culture. For most of the 20th century, Germany had more Nobel Prize winners than those of any other country, especially in the sciences and medicine: Albert Einstein, Hans Geiger, Gottlieb Daimler, Rudolf Diesel and Karl Benz for starters. Where would our musical heritage be without Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Brahms, Wagner and Strauss? How much duller would generations of children’s bedtime stories have been without the Brothers Grimm and where would our best libraries be without Goethe, Schiller and Thomas Mann? From philosophy and poetry to physics and painting, Germany’s mark on the world is huge and undeniable, and you can explore it all on one of our river cruises.
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River Cruise
Medieval Germany: Bavaria and the Romantic Road
- Germany
- 5* ship
- France, Germany, Switzerland
- 5* ships
- Germany
- 5* ship
River Cruise
Enchanting Rhine and Yuletide Markets River Cruise
- Germany
- 5* ships
- Germany
- 5* ships
River Cruise
Christmas on the Rhine River Cruise
- France, Germany
- 5* ships
- Luxembourg, Germany
- 5* ships
- Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
- 5* ships
- Luxembourg, France, Germany, Switzerland
- 5* ships
- France, Germany, Switzerland
- 5* ship
River Cruise
New Year on the Rhine River Cruise
- Germany
- 5* ships
- Germany
- 5* ships
Your Solo River Cruise, Perfectly Arranged
Sail Europe's most beautiful rivers in the company of like-minded travelers — with your own spacious cabin and no single supplement on selected cruises.
Group River Cruises Made Effortless
Book as a group of 8 or more and get 1 in 8 places free on European river cruises — tailored experiences and full support from start to finish.
From Mountain Views to City Lights – Extend Your European River Cruise
Set sail on a beautifully curated river cruise through Europe’s most stunning waterways — then stay longer. With the Extend Your Cruise option, your journey doesn’t end the moment your ship docks. Instead, you step off into the heart of Europe’s most captivating landscapes and cities.
Book a European Cruise with Confidence
Vacation happiness. Guaranteed
Like you, we love to travel. Our team of experts personally selects every aspect of your vacation so that it is thoughtfully balanced and honed to perfection.
Your money is safe and secure
No matter what, your money is safe and secure and fully protected.
24/7 access to support team
We’re on hand before and during your vacation. If anything were to go awry during your travels, you can call our emergency number at any point.
Unbeatable value for money
40 years' experience and historic supplier relationships, together with the scale of our operation, ensures your vacation will always be unbeatable value for money
Popular FAQs
A Riviera Travel European river cruise is a premium, all-inclusive vacation aboard a luxurious river ship sailing through Europe’s inland waterways. You’ll unpack once and enjoy a seamless journey combining cultural discovery, fine dining, and first-class service from beginning to end.
The most popular months for European river cruising are from May through September, when temperatures are pleasant and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Riviera Travel offers departures throughout the season, including cruises over the festive period, so you can choose the perfect time to fit your travel plans.
Every Riviera Travel river cruise includes outstanding value and transparency — no hidden extras. Your fare covers:
- Luxury accommodation in a river-view cabin or suite, mostly featuring French balconies, with selected cabins offering full balconies.
- All meals onboard, prepared by expert chefs and inspired by regional cuisine.
- All-inclusive drinks, plus unlimited tea and coffee throughout the day.
- Daily guided excursions led by English-speaking local experts.
- Professional Cruise Director and Cruise Concierge throughout your journey.
- Free Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment, and port taxes all included.
Most Riviera Travel itineraries last variously between 4 and 16 days — an ideal length for an immersive European getaway.
Riviera’s ships are elegant and intimate, typically accommodating 160–180 guests. Their smaller size allows docking directly in city centers and picturesque villages — meaning more time exploring and less time transferring. You’ll also enjoy a relaxed, personal onboard experience with exceptional attention to detail.
The atmosphere is refined yet informal. During the day, casual clothing is perfect for sightseeing and excursions. Evenings are "smart casual", ideal for dining or socializing in the lounge. There's no requirement for formal wear, though many guests like to dress up for special dinners or the Captain’s Reception.
Yes — Riviera Travel welcomes solo travelers and offers dedicated single cabins or reduced single supplements on select sailings. It’s a wonderful way to see Europe in comfort and meet other like-minded travelers.
Each Riviera cruise includes expertly guided tours in every port, exploring cultural landmarks, architecture, and local life. Onboard, you can enjoy talks, local performances, relaxed entertainment, and time to unwind in the lounge, restaurant, or on deck with panoramic views.
Yes. Riviera Travel caters to most dietary requirements — including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and low-sugar options — with advance notice.
Ships are designed for comfort and convenience, and while most excursions are leisurely, some may involve walking over uneven surfaces. Guests should have a good level of mobility, as boarding may involve walking on gangplanks and crossing between double-moored ships.
Absolutely. Riviera Travel welcomes group bookings and offers generous benefits — when you book as a group of eight or more passengers, one travels free. It’s a fantastic way for families, clubs, or friends to experience a European river cruise together while enjoying added value. Dedicated group support is available to make organizing your trip simple and seamless.