With sixteen very different states - known locally as “Länder” - Germany is a country of dramatic variations.
River Cruises in Germany
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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Solo River Cruises — 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.
Extend Your 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.
Free All-Inclusive Drinks on Your European River Cruise
Enjoy a wide selection of wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks, and hot beverages included throughout your cruise, so you can relax and indulge without worrying about the bill. From a morning coffee to an evening cocktail, every sip is part of the experience.
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.
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.