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Culinary River Cruises

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Experience our river cruises best for food and drink lovers. Sail across Europe sampling local food and wine whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery from our five-star star ships.

Experience the gastronomic heritage of Europe on a delightful voyage through its diverse flavours. Quench your thirst with authentic Austrian beer and exquisite wine from the Wachau Valley while you float down the magical Danube River. Savour delicious Swiss mountain cheese, and satisfy your sweet cravings with a visit to one of Europe's finest chocolate museums during your trip along the Rhine River in Switzerland. Taste the rich port wine in its homeland of Portugal and indulge in tapas in Salamanca - one of Spain's oldest cities - as you cruise along the banks of the Douro River. Normandy will surely please your palate with its tasty crepes and delectable macarons, flavourful Norman cider, and indulgent cheeses - making the Seine River cruise perfect for both sweet and savoury delights.

These river cruises aren't just a feast for the eyes as we sail through some of Europe's most dazzling cities, but they're also perfect for those whose love language is indulging in culinary delights. 

Unbeatable value, which always includes

  • Direct flights from 14 UK airports with no regional supplements & transfers
  • Five-star ships with impeccable on-board service
  • Spacious cabins with windows
  • Expert Riviera Cruise Director looking after you throughout
  • Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
  • 20kg+ luggage allowance
  • Return international train travel and transfers available on select holidays
  • Itinerary curated by Riviera experts
  • Insightful excursions & visits every day with local guides
  • Evening entertainment from quizzes to impressive performers
  • Onboard lounge, bar & restaurant
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 24/7 support from our UK-based team

Explore our Culinary Cruises

Parliament on riverbank of Danube at sunrise in Budapest, Hungary

River Cruise

Gastronomy of the Danube

New

  • Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • 7 nights on board a five-star ship
  • Full board dining, plus Chef’s Dinner
  • 15 included experiences
  • Explore Vienna and visit a traditional confectioner with tasting
  • Sample Hungarian and Austrian wines in the atmospheric cellars
  • Multiple guided tours with tastings of local specialities
Fresh tirol cheese with wine and grapes over mountain landscape
Close-up of chocolate being poured into a plastic mold to make praline

River Cruise

Gastronomy of Switzerland and the Rhine

  • France, Germany, Switzerland
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining
  • 8 visits & tours
  • Enjoy tastings and alpine views at Stanserhorn
  • Explore Strasbourg and local specialities of the Alsace
  • Explore the Black Forest and taste its namesake gateau
View on Cologne and River Rhine at sunset in Germany

River Cruise

Gastronomy of the Rhine & Moselle

New

  • Germany
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining
  • Multiple wine tasting experiences
  • Visit the Lindt chocolate museum
  • Explore Germany's oldest city
Two port wines in glasses with view of the Douro river and city of Porto, Portugal
Panorama of old town and the Douro River in Porto, Portugal.

River Cruise

Gastronomy of the Douro – from Portugal to Spain

New

  • Portugal, Spain
  • 5* ship
  • Flights included
  • Full board dining
  • 10 included experiences
  • Tour of famous port producer with tasting
  • Experience traditional Portuguese food and learn about wine production
  • Cross the border into Spain for a traditional market visit and tapas

River Cruise

Gastronomy of the Seine

  • France
  • 5* ship
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board, plus Chef’s Dinner
  • 13 included experiences
  • Visit to Monet's house to see the famous 'Water Lillies' pond
  • Tour of Bizy castle with cider and cheese tasting
  • Historical tour of the D-day beaches and the 'longest day' museum
Mac and Cheese on our Gastronomy of Switzerland and the Rhine river cruise

Why did we create our Gastronomy of Switzerland & the Rhine cruise?

"Our Switzerland itinerary has always been magical, but we wanted to add even more enchanting elements - like a visit to the magical Black Forest and the opportunity to taste Black Forest cake in the heart of the forest in a stunning location! You'll get to taste local treats in Strasbourg and have lunch atop Stanserhorn which combines delicious Älplermagronen - Swiss mac and cheese - with jaw-dropping views.  What’s not to love?!"

-Siobhan Seaman, Senior Product manager & Team manager

Trusted by you

Book with confidence

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24/7 access to UK based team

We’re on hand before and during your holiday. If anything were to go awry during your travels, you can call our emergency number at any point.

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Price promise

Book early confident in the knowledge it will be our lowest price. In the very rare event we do reduce the price after you've booked, we'll automatically send you a Future Travel Voucher for the difference in value, plus an extra 25%

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Happiness guaranteed

You’re always protected by our Happiness Guarantee; if you’re not happy by day two of your holiday, we’ll bring you home with a full refund.

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Quality promise

You cannot find the same quality experience for less with a competitor – and if you do, we’ll match the price.

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Your money is safe and secure

No matter what, your money is safe and secure and fully protected by ABTA and ATOL.

Discover more on the Riviera Travel blog

Close-up of Pastel de Nata, a Portugal egg tart

The Portuguese Food Favourites You Have to Try

Visit any local market on a cruise through Portugal’s beautiful Douro valley and you may find yourself doing a double take.

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Travel Index Reveals the Best Cities Around the World for Foodies

When it comes to cuisine, each city worldwide has its own take on culinary habits and traditions. From pastries in Paris to sushi in Tokyo, every corner of the globe has something different to offer foodies.

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View on Passau, the city of three Rivers in Bavaria, Germany.

River Cruise Guide – 15 Reasons for Choosing River Cruising

Discover a relaxed, luxurious way to explore new destinations and enjoy cultural experiences.

Read more
An image of two ships crossing the Seine River, during the day

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