Celebrate the Festive season
Christmas time,mistletoe & Rhine
Christmas might feel a world away with the blazing summer sunshine, but now’s the perfect time to plan a cool festive escape. Join us on a Rhine, Danube or our brand-new Seine river cruise this festive season and sail through storybook landscapes dusted with frost. Explore charming towns aglow with fairy lights, browse worldfamous Christmas markets, and warm up with mulled wine and local delicacies.
On board, indulge in gourmet festive feasts, live entertainment and plenty of seasonal cheer. Whether it’s Christmas or New Year, our five-star river cruises promise comfort, joy and memories to treasure long after the decorations come down.
MS Oscar Wilde
New to river cruising?
Our festive river cruises are the perfect introduction. And if you’ve cruised with us before, you’ll know there’s no better way to enjoy the season afloat.
Celebrate with friends and family
Want to travel as a group? Christmas is the perfect time to get together, and we have offers for groups as few as 8 people. For full details visit rivieratravel.co.uk/groups
on the Rhine, the Experience Christmas
Koblenz winter wonderland
A highlight of our festive Rhine cruises, Koblenz transforms into a winter wonderland. Enjoy open-air carols, horse-drawn carriage rides, artisan displays and bakeries filled with stollen and heart-shaped gingerbread. Don’t miss the creative Advent calendar in the town hall’s 24 dormer windows.
Which? ‘Recommended Provider’ for 13 years
Danube or the Seine
Budapest’s Advent & Christmas Fair
The Advent and Christmas Fair on Vörösmarty Square in Budapest ranks among Europe’s top ten festive markets. Over 100 skilled artisans present high-quality, handmade treasures, all carefully vetted to meet strict craft standards. With twinkling lights, warming street food and the cinnamon-scented air, it’s pure festive magic.
Christmas at Vaux-le-Vicomte
In Paris visit Vaux-le-Vicomte, one of the largest châteaux in France. At Christmas, it’s another world. The chateau is adorned not just with lights but with breathtaking displays in every room, even the stables. Each fireplace crackles warmly, wrapping the space in a cosy embrace. The gardens sparkle with illumination, and the estate buzzes with joyful activities, culminating in a mesmerising projection light show on the chateau’s facade.
Enchanting Rhine & Yuletide Markets
Discover the magical ambience of Germany’s traditional Christmas markets, with their host of unique, inspired gift ideas. Immerse yourself in the wintry splendour of the stunning Rhineland for a truly enchanting December to remember.
Your itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival in Cologne
Fly to Düsseldorf or Cologne or take the Eurostar to Brussels and transfer to your cruise ship. Overnight sailing.
DAY 2 – Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim
Cruise through the Rhine Gorge. Included afternoon guided tour. Visit Rüdesheim Christmas markets.
DAY 3 – Rhine Gorge & Koblenz
Morning cruising past Loreley Rock. Included afternoon guided tour of Koblenz with free time to explore. Evening sailing to Bonn.
DAY 4 – Bonn & Cologne
Included morning guided tour of Bonn. Afternoon sailing. Visit Cologne Christmas markets.
DAY 5 – Return home
Transfer to the train station or airport for your return journey.
5 days from £1,199pp
13 departures in December 2025
14 departures in December 2026
which always includes
Return flights from a selection of regional airports or Eurostar, plus transfers
4 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite
All meals on board, plus the Chef’s dinner
Free drinks package
Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
cruise highlights
3 guided tours: romantic Rüdesheim, charming Koblenz and historic Bonn
Visit to magnificent Cologne
4 Christmas market visits: Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Bonn and Cologne
Live on-board Rhenish folklore show
A little festive treat, on us!
Book an upper deck cabin on select 2025 festive river cruises and we’ll treat you to €100 of onboard credit, per cabin.
MS Oscar Wilde
Christmas on the Rhine
Glide past sleepy villages, explore idyllic riverside towns adorned with glittering lights and experience the unique ambience of the magical Yuletide markets. The seasonal tradition of a German Christmas awaits, with a gala dinner to celebrate Christmas Day.
Strasbourg
Christmas market
Your itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival in Cologne
Fly to Düsseldorf or Cologne or take the Eurostar to Brussels and transfer to your cruise ship.
DAY 2 – Koblenz
Morning sailing. Included afternoon guided tour of Koblenz and free time to visit the Christmas market. After dinner enjoy an on-board folklore show.
DAY 3 – Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim
Cruise through the Rhine Gorge. Included afternoon guided tour of Rüdesheim.
DAY 4 – Speyer on Christmas Eve
Morning sailing. Included afternoon guided tour of Speyer and free time to explore the Christmas market. Overnight sailing towards Strasbourg.
DAY 5 – Strasbourg on Christmas Day
Morning sailing. Included afternoon guided tour of Strasbourg with free time to explore. Christmas Day gala dinner before an evening and overnight sailing towards Boppard.
DAY 6 – Boppard
Morning sailing. Included afternoon guided tour of Boppard. Overnight sailing towards Cologne.
DAY 7 – Cologne
Morning sailing. Included afternoon guided tour of Cologne. Classical music recital on board this evening.
DAY 8 – Return home
Transfer to the airport or train station for your return journey.
8 days from £2,349pp
2 departures in December 2025 & 2026
which always includes
Return flights from a selection of regional airports or Eurostar, plus transfers
7 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite
All meals on board, including Christmas dinner and the Chef’s dinner
Free drinks package
Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
cruise highlights
6 guided tours: Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Cologne and Boppard
Cruise through the Rhine Gorge
3 Christmas market visits including Koblenz, Rüdesheim and Speyer
Christmas Day Gala Dinner
Live on-board Rhenish folklore show and violin duo performance
New Year on the Rhine
From the splendour of Cologne through the legendary Rhine Gorge to magical Rüdesheim and historic Koblenz, immerse yourself in the majesty of one of Europe’s most romantic rivers and celebrate the New Year in style on this unforgettable Rhine cruise.
Koblenz
Your itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival in Cologne
Fly to Düsseldorf or Cologne or take the Eurostar to Brussels and transfer to your cruise ship. Overnight sailing.
DAY 2 – Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim
Cruise through the Rhine Gorge. Included afternoon guided tour of Rüdesheim. Folklore show on board this evening.
DAY 3 – Frankfurt
Morning sailing. Included afternoon guided tour of Frankfurt. Overnight sailing to Koblenz.
DAY 4 – Koblenz on New Year’s Eve
Morning sailing. Included afternoon guided tour of Koblenz. New Year’s Eve dinner and midnight celebration drinks and canapés.
DAY 5 – Cologne on New Year’s Day
Morning sailing. New Year’s Day brunch. Included afternoon guided tour of Cologne. Classical music concert on board this evening.
DAY 6 – Return home
Transfer to the train station or airport for your return journey.
6 days from £1,899pp
2 departures in December 2025 & 2026
UNBEATABLE VALUE
which always includes
Return flights from a selection of regional airports or Eurostar, plus transfers
5 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite
All meals on board, including New Year’s Eve dinner and the Chef’s dinner
Free drinks package
Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
cruise highlights
4 guided tours: Rüdesheim, Frankfurt, Koblenz and Cologne
Cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge
New Year’s Eve gala dinner, midnight drinks and canapés, and a New Year’s Day brunch
Live on-board classical string quartet recital and folklore show
A little festive treat, on us!
Book an upper deck cabin on select 2025 festive river cruises and we’ll treat you to €100 of onboard credit, per cabin.
Magical
The magic of Christmas comes alive on this seasonal French river cruise – visit historic country estates adorned with decorations, browse Paris’ Christmas markets and take in the winter splendour of the French countryside.
Paris & Festive Seine
Paris
Chantilly Castle
5 days from £1,399pp
DAY 1 – Arrival in Paris
Settle into the festive spirit as you board your five-star ship on the majestic Seine, settle in and enjoy your first dinner aboard.
DAY 2 – Vernon & Bizy Castle
Spend the morning sailing before a guided tour and tasting at Bizy Castle. This evening, enjoy an organ recital in Vernon Cathedral.
DAY 3 – Conflans & Chantilly Castle
Enjoy the festive atmosphere of beautiful and historic Chantilly Castle and marvel at the collections of Henri d’Orléans.
DAY 4 – Paris & Vaux-le-Vicomte
Discover the grandeur of Vaux-le-Vicomte, enjoy a guided walking tour of Paris and browse the Christmas markets.
DAY 5 – Return home
Wave goodbye to the French capital as we disembark this morning and begin the journey home.
5 departures in December 2026
which always includes
Return flights from a selection of airports with no regional supplements, plus transfers
4 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite
All meals on board, plus the Chef’s dinner
Free drinks package
Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
cruise highlights
3 guided tours, including Chantilly Castle, Paris and Bizy Castle, including a tasting of local produce
Visit to Vaux le Vicomte
A private evening organ concert in Vernon Cathedral
MS Jane Austen
The Danube’s Imperial Cities & Yuletide Markets
Experience the grand imperial cities nestled along the iconic Danube and their festive seasonal markets at a truly enchanting time of year. Relax on board and enjoy the stunning river views, stepping out in your winter best to wander the twinkling streets and soak up the Christmas spirit.
6 days from £1,449pp
DAY 1 – Arrival in Budapest
Fly to Budapest and transfer to your cruise ship.
DAY 2 – Budapest
Included morning guided tour of Budapest. Afternoon cruise along the Danube Bend. Overnight sailing.
DAY 3 – Bratislava
Included morning guided tour of Bratislava with free time to explore. Evening sailing.
DAY 4 – Vienna
Included morning guided tour of Vienna with free time to explore. Evening classical recital on board. Overnight sailing.
DAY 5 – Budapest
Morning cruising. Visit Budapest Christmas markets.
DAY 6 – Return home
Transfer to the train station or airport for your return journey.
MS Emily Brontë
12 departures in December 2025
10 departures in December 2026
which always includes
Return scheduled flights from a selection of regional airports, plus transfers
5 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite
All meals on board, plus the Chef’s dinner
Free drinks package
Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
cruise highlights
3 guided tours: including captivating Budapest, charming Bratislava and elegant Vienna
3 Christmas market visits: Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna
Live on-board classical string quartet recital
A little festive treat, on us!
Book an upper deck cabin on select 2025 festive river cruises and we’ll treat you to €100 of onboard credit, per cabin.
Christmas on the Danube
Celebrate Christmas and experience all the pleasures of this joyous time of the year amidst the grand imperial cities of the magnificent Danube. Immerse yourself in majestic surroundings, sample festive treats at the Yuletide markets and enjoy a superb gala dinner on Christmas Day.
Vienna
Salzburg
Your itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival in Budapest
Fly to Budapest and transfer to your cruise ship. Overnight sailing.
DAY 2 – Esztergom
Included morning visit to Esztergom Basilica and time to explore the Christmas market. Afternoon and evening sailing towards Slovakia.
DAY 3 – Bratislava on Christmas Eve
Included morning guided tour of Bratislava with free time to explore. Afternoon and overnight sailing towards Austria.
DAY 4 – Melk Abbey on Christmas Day
Included morning guided tour of Melk Abbey. Afternoon and overnight sailing towards Linz. Gala Christmas Day dinner on board.
DAY 5 – Salzburg or Linz
Included morning guided tour of Linz or a full day tour to Salzburg. Evening and overnight sailing.
DAY 6 – Vienna
Included morning guided tour of Vienna with free time to visit the Christmas markets. Afternoon visit to Schönbrunn Palace and the Schönbrunn Christmas market. Classical Christmas music recital on board this evening. Overnight sailing.
DAY 7 – Budapest
Morning sailing. Included afternoon guided tour of Budapest with free time to visit the Christmas markets. Enjoy a Hungarian Christmas folklore show on board this evening.
DAY 8 – Return home
Transfer to the airport for your return journey.
8 days from £2,399pp
2 departures in December 2025 & 2026
which always includes
Return scheduled flights from a selection of regional airports, plus transfers
7 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite
All meals on board (except 1 lunch if choosing the Salzburg excursion), including Christmas dinner and the Chef’s dinner
Free drinks package Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
cruise highlights
6 guided tours: Esztergom Basilica, Bratislava, Melk Abbey, Linz or Salzburg, Vienna and Budapest
Visit to Schönbrunn Palace
Christmas Day Gala dinner
Live on-board classical string quartet recital and Hungarian Christmas folklore show
New Year on the Danube
Welcome in the New Year on this splendid cruise along the mighty Danube. Experience the imperial grandeur of Vienna, the charm of Bratislava and the elegance of Budapest. Browse tempting stalls at the atmospheric Yuletide markets and enjoy your best New Year’s Eve ever.
Your itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival in Budapest
Fly to Budapest and transfer to your cruise ship.
DAY 2 – Budapest
Included morning guided tour of Budapest with free time to explore the Yuletide markets. Afternoon and overnight sailing towards Slovakia.
DAY 3 – Bratislava & Vienna on New Year’s Eve
Included morning guided tour of Bratislava with free time to explore. Afternoon sailing towards Austria.
New Year’s Eve dinner and midnight celebratory drinks and canapés.
DAY 4 – Vienna on New Year’s Day
Included morning guided tour of Vienna with free time to visit the New Year’s Village markets. Included afternoon visit to Schönbrunn Palace and the Schönbrunn Yuletide market. Classical music recital on board this evening. Overnight sailing towards Hungary.
DAY 5 – Budapest
Full day of cruising. Afternoon arrival in Budapest and free time to explore. Gala dinner. Hungarian folklore show on board.
DAY 6 – Return home
Transfer to the airport for your return journey.
MS William Wordsworth
6 days from £2,149pp
2 departures in December 2025 & 2026
UNBEATABLE VALUE
which always includes
Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus transfers
5 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite
All meals on board, including New Year’s Eve dinner and the Chef’s dinner
Free drinks package
Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
cruise highlights
3 guided tours: captivating Budapest, charming Bratislava and elegant Vienna
Visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and its Yuletide market
New Year’s Eve gala dinner, midnight drinks and canapés, and a New Year’s Day brunch
Live on-board Hungarian folklore show and classical string quartet recital
A little festive treat, on us!
Book an upper deck cabin on select 2025 festive river cruises and we’ll treat you to €100 of onboard credit, per cabin.
Enchanting Rhine & Yuletide Markets
for solo travellers
Discover the magical ambience of Germany’s traditional Christmas markets, with their host of unique, inspired gift ideas. Sample a glass of warming Glühwein and immerse yourself in the wintry splendour of the stunning Rhineland for a truly enchanting December to remember.
Koblenz
Your itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival in Cologne
Fly to Düsseldorf or Cologne or take the Eurostar to Brussels and transfer to your cruise ship. Overnight sailing.
DAY 2 – Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim
Cruise through the Rhine Gorge. Included afternoon guided tour. Visit Rüdesheim Christmas markets.
DAY 3 – Rhine Gorge & Koblenz
Morning cruising past Loreley Rock. Included afternoon guided tour of Koblenz with free time to explore. Evening sailing to Bonn.
DAY 4 – Bonn & Cologne
Included morning guided tour of Bonn. Afternoon sailing. Visit Cologne Christmas markets.
DAY 5 – Return home
Transfer to the train station or airport for your return journey.
5 days from £1,599pp
2 departures in November & 1 departure in December 2025
1 departure in November & 1 departure in December 2026
which always includes
Return flights from a selection of airports with no regional supplements, or Eurostar/ TGV, plus transfers
4 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite
Luxury double cabin all to yourself with window or French balcony
All meals on board, plus the Chef’s dinner
Meet & greet at your UK departure point
Free drinks package
Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
cruise highlights
3 guided tours including romantic Rüdesheim, charming Koblenz and historic Bonn
Visit to magnificent Cologne
4 Christmas market visits including Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Bonn and Cologne
Christmas market
The Danube’s Imperial Cities & Yuletide Markets for
solo travellers
Experience the grand imperial cities nestled along the iconic Danube and their festive seasonal markets at a truly enchanting time of year. Relax on board and enjoy the stunning river views, stepping out in your winter best to wander the twinkling streets and soak up the Christmas spirit.
Your itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival in Budapest
Fly to Budapest and transfer to your cruise ship.
DAY 2 – Budapest
Included morning guided tour of Budapest. Afternoon cruise along the Danube Bend. Overnight sailing.
DAY 3 – Bratislava
Included morning guided tour of Bratislava with free time to explore. Evening sailing.
DAY 4 – Vienna
Included morning guided tour of Vienna with free time to explore. Evening classical recital on board. Overnight sailing.
DAY 5 – Budapest
Morning cruising. Visit Budapest Christmas markets.
DAY 6 – Return home
Transfer to the train station or airport for your wreturn journey.
6 days from £1,699pp
2 departures in November & 1 departure in December 2025
1 departure in November & 1 departure in December 2026
which always includes
Return flights from a selection of airports with no regional supplements, plus transfers
5 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite
Luxury double cabin all to yourself with window or French balcony
All meals on board, plus the Chef’s dinner
Meet & greet at your UK departure point
Free drinks package
Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
cruise highlights
3 guided tours including captivating Budapest, charming Bratislava and elegant Vienna
3 Christmas market visits including Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna
Bratislava
