A Christmas river cruise or festive European vacation is a great way to celebrate the holiday season.
Discover The Festive Wonder of Europe's Rivers with a Luxury Cruise at Christmas
Festive European River Cruises
Let the smell of sweet gingerbread fill your nostrils in Budapest, along the Danube, before sailing off to explore the sights of Vienna on a extraordinary river cruise. Or perhaps you'll enjoy a yuletide greeting into Germany while gliding down the Rhine, taking in the fresh frosty air, exploring Christmas markets and listening to tour guides tell the legend of the Lorelei – a maiden said to induce sailors in with her alluring melodies. And, new for 2026, marvel at the elaborate decorations bejewelling French châteaux and castles along the Seine before exploring Paris, the City of Lights during the holiday season.
Find Your Festive European River Cruise
- France
- 5* ship
- Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
- 5* ships
- Germany
- 5* ships
- Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
- 5* ships
- France, Germany
- 5* ships
- Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
- 5* ships
- Germany
- 5* ships
- Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
- 5* ships
River Cruise
New Year on the Rhine River Cruise
- Germany
- 5* ships
"I have travelled many times with Riviera and have always been delighted with the experience."
"The communication from beginning to end was excellent. The travel arrangements were well informed. The ship was wonderfully decorated for Christmas. The cabins were always neatly and cleanly presented. Food was first class. The itinerary was well organized, with many interesting places visited. I usually travel as a solo passenger, I was more than happy with the holiday and felt overall it was good value for money. I have noticed Riviera introducing more opportunities, and varied longer length vacations for solo travelers which I wholeheartedly welcome and look forward to many more solo adventures in the future."
-Feefo reivew by guest Mary on our Christmas on the Danube River Cruise - Decmeber 24
Your Ideal Solo River Cruise — No Single Supplement
Explore Europe’s most beautiful rivers with the freedom to travel your way. Enjoy your own spacious cabin, enriching guided excursions, and a welcoming onboard atmosphere — all with no single supplement on selected solo-exclusive sailings.
Group River Cruises Made Easy
Travel together and save. When you book a group of 8 or more on a European river cruise, 1 in every 8 places is free — plus enjoy tailored experiences, dedicated support, and seamless planning from start to finish.
Sail Further — Extend Your European River Cruise
Complete your journey with even more time to explore. After your river cruise ends, step straight into the heart of Europe’s most iconic cities — from majestic mountain scenery to vibrant cultural capitals. With our Extend Your Cruise options, you can enjoy additional hotel nights, guided touring, and the freedom to experience more at your own pace.
Book a European Cruise with Confidence
Vacation Happiness Guarantee
If you're not happy by the end of the second day, we'll arrange and cover your return trip and refund the full cost of your vacation.
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.
Discover Your Dream European Cruise
With so many European river, solo, yacht and grand tour vacations to choose from, it can be hard to pick just one. Get inspired and start planning your next getaway with our latest brochure.