River Cruise Holidays

River Cruise Holidays – Discover Europe & Beyond

Discover some of the world's most beautiful destinations on a river cruise with Hessle Travel. From historic European capitals and picturesque villages to famous wine regions, spectacular scenery and ancient wonders, river cruising is a wonderful way to explore several destinations in one relaxing holiday.

Enjoy a different view each day, discover fascinating cities on guided excursions and watch beautiful landscapes drift past from the comfort of your ship. Whether you are looking for a cultural adventure, a Christmas markets cruise, a luxury experience or a journey through Europe's most famous waterways, we can help you explore the options.

We feature river cruise holidays from Riviera Travel and TUI River Cruises, alongside information about other leading river cruise companies. We can help you compare destinations, itineraries and departure dates to find a holiday that suits your interests and budget.

Explore River Cruises

Before booking directly, call Hessle Travel on 01482 641064 to discuss your river cruise and ask us to check the available options.

Why Choose a River Cruise?

River cruising combines comfortable accommodation, dining, sightseeing and travel between destinations. Your ship becomes your floating hotel while you explore historic towns, famous cities, beautiful countryside and local attractions.

Discover several destinations: Visit cities, villages and cultural landmarks in one holiday.
Enjoy scenic sailing: Watch castles, vineyards, mountains and traditional riverside towns pass by.
Explore local culture: Discover regional food, wine, architecture and history.
Unpack once: Travel between destinations without repeatedly changing hotels.
Choose your style: Consider escorted sightseeing, luxury cruises, Christmas markets or longer journeys.

Riviera Travel River Cruises

Riviera Travel is a popular choice for escorted river cruise holidays, combining scenic sailing with guided sightseeing and visits to Europe's best-known destinations. Discover the grand capitals of the Danube, castles along the Rhine, Portugal's Douro Valley or the historic towns and countryside of France. Other itineraries feature rivers such as the Seine, Rhône, Saône, Moselle and Main.

Explore the available itineraries and contact Hessle Travel to discuss suitable departures, cabins and prices.

View Riviera Travel River Cruises

TUI River Cruises

TUI River Cruises offers holidays exploring Europe's waterways, including the Rhine, Danube, Douro, Main and Moselle, as well as Dutch and Belgian destinations. TUI also offers river cruise holidays on the Nile in Egypt. Discover Budapest and Vienna, picturesque German towns, Portugal's wine country and seasonal Christmas markets. Package inclusions vary by departure, and TUI's European river cruise ships are adults-only.

View TUI River Cruises

Other River Cruise Companies We Offer

Scenic: Luxury river cruises offering high levels of service, dining, included experiences and guided excursions.

Avalon Waterways: Destination-focused cruises with comfortable accommodation, panoramic views and cultural excursions.

Viking: River cruises concentrating on history, culture and exploring Europe's famous waterways and cities.

Leger: Known for escorted touring and coach holidays, with selected river cruise options and organised touring experiences.

Uniworld: Luxury boutique river cruises with distinctive ship designs, personalised service, fine dining and immersive excursions.

Explore River Cruises

Explore the World's Best River Cruise Destinations

Every river has its own character. Some journeys focus on grand European capitals and historic cities, while others offer vineyards, picturesque villages, beautiful scenery or ancient civilisations. Explore some of the most popular river cruise destinations below.

The River Rhine – Castles, Vineyards & Historic Cities

The Rhine is one of Europe's classic river cruise routes, passing historic cities, traditional villages, vineyard-covered hillsides and impressive castles. Cruises may travel between Switzerland, Germany, France and the Netherlands. One of the highlights is the Rhine Gorge, where the river winds past steep hills, castle ruins and small riverside settlements.

Cologne, Germany: Famous for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, historic centre and riverside promenades.
Koblenz, Germany: Located where the Rhine and Moselle meet, with historic streets and fortress views.
Rüdesheim, Germany: A traditional wine town with vineyards, wine taverns and the famous Drosselgasse.
Strasbourg, France: Picturesque canals, half-timbered houses and a beautiful historic centre.
Basel, Switzerland: A cultural city with museums, historic streets and Swiss riverside scenery.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Famous for canals, museums, historic architecture and café culture on selected itineraries.

The Rhine is ideal for travellers interested in castles, history, wine and Christmas markets. Festive cruises may feature markets in cities such as Cologne and Strasbourg.

The River Danube – Europe's Grand Capitals

The Danube flows through central and eastern Europe, offering imperial cities, historic fortresses, traditional villages and beautiful countryside. Classic cruises often feature Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava, while longer itineraries may visit additional countries along the river.

Budapest, Hungary: Discover the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, grand bridges and famous thermal baths.
Vienna, Austria: Explore imperial palaces, classical music, elegant cafés and historic architecture.
Bratislava, Slovakia: A charming capital with a hilltop castle and attractive old town.
Passau, Germany: Known as the City of Three Rivers, with Baroque architecture and a picturesque centre.
Melk, Austria: Famous for its impressive Benedictine abbey overlooking the river.
Dürnstein, Austria: A traditional village in the Wachau Valley, surrounded by vineyards.
Belgrade, Serbia: A lively city at the meeting of the Danube and Sava rivers, with a historic fortress.

A Danube cruise is ideal for travellers who enjoy architecture, music, history, food and local traditions. Spring and summer offer sightseeing in warmer weather, while festive departures feature atmospheric Christmas markets.

The River Douro – Portugal's Wine Country

The Douro passes through northern Portugal's dramatic hillsides, terraced vineyards and traditional villages. A Douro river cruise combines beautiful scenery with Portuguese culture, local cuisine and the famous wine-producing region. Cruises often start or finish in Porto, with excursions into the surrounding countryside.

Porto: Explore colourful riverside buildings, historic streets, port wine lodges and the Ribeira district.
Régua: An important centre of the Douro wine region and a gateway to surrounding vineyards.
Pinhão: A picturesque village surrounded by terraced vineyards and famous for its traditional railway station tiles.
Barca d'Alva: A peaceful riverside destination close to the Spanish border.
Salamanca, Spain: Some itineraries include an excursion to this historic university city and its grand Plaza Mayor.

The Douro is an excellent choice for couples, wine lovers and travellers looking for a relaxed cultural holiday with outstanding scenery.

The River Seine – Paris & Normandy

A Seine cruise combines the attractions of Paris with the history, countryside and coastal heritage of Normandy. Discover French art, architecture, gardens, historic towns and beautiful riverside scenery.

Paris: Explore the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame and the city's famous boulevards and cafés.
Giverny: Visit Claude Monet's former home and gardens, which inspired his paintings.
Rouen: Discover medieval streets, the impressive cathedral and connections with Joan of Arc.
Honfleur: A picturesque harbour town known for colourful buildings and artistic heritage.
Normandy: Selected excursions explore historic sites, countryside and D-Day heritage.

Seine cruises are ideal for travellers who want to combine city sightseeing with French countryside and history.

The Rhône & Saône – Provence & Burgundy

The Rhône and Saône offer a wonderful way to discover France's vineyards, historic towns, Roman heritage and celebrated cuisine. These cruises often link Lyon with destinations further south, combining Burgundy's wine traditions with the sunshine and colourful landscapes of Provence.

Lyon: Famous for gastronomy, traditional restaurants, historic streets and its riverside setting.
Vienne: Known for its Roman remains, ancient theatre and historic monuments.
Tournon-sur-Rhône: A scenic riverside town surrounded by vineyards.
Avignon: Famous for the Palais des Papes and its medieval walls.
Arles: A historic Provençal town with Roman monuments and connections to Vincent van Gogh.
Mâcon and Chalon-sur-Saône: Gateways to Burgundy's vineyards, traditional towns and regional cuisine.
Beaune: A celebrated Burgundy wine town, sometimes visited on excursions.

These rivers are particularly appealing to food lovers, wine enthusiasts and travellers interested in French culture and history.

The River Moselle – Vineyards & Fairytale Towns

The Moselle is famous for its winding river scenery, steep vineyard slopes, traditional wine villages and romantic historic towns. It is often combined with a Rhine cruise and is especially attractive during autumn when the vineyards change colour.

Cochem: A beautiful town overlooked by Reichsburg Castle, with traditional houses and surrounding vineyards.
Bernkastel-Kues: Known for its historic market square, half-timbered buildings and wine-producing countryside.
Trier: One of Germany's oldest cities, with impressive Roman remains including the Porta Nigra.
Koblenz: A gateway to both the Moselle and Rhine, with historic attractions and panoramic views.

The Moselle is ideal for travellers who enjoy wine, relaxed sightseeing, photography and traditional European towns.

The River Main – Historic Germany

The Main flows through central Germany and forms part of important longer European river cruise routes linking the Rhine and Danube waterways. Its destinations offer medieval architecture, cultural attractions, traditional food and scenic countryside.

Frankfurt: A modern financial centre with an attractive historic square, museums and riverside districts.
Würzburg: Known for the magnificent Würzburg Residence, its historic centre and surrounding vineyards.
Bamberg: A UNESCO-listed historic town with medieval streets and beautiful architecture.
Miltenberg: An attractive traditional town with half-timbered buildings and a picturesque market square.

Longer itineraries using the Main can provide a fascinating journey through several regions of central Europe.

Dutch & Belgian Waterways – Canals, Windmills & Historic Cities

River and canal cruises through the Netherlands and Belgium offer historic towns, elegant canals, traditional windmills and attractive countryside. Spring departures are particularly popular for travellers hoping to see tulips and seasonal flower displays.

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Explore canals, museums, galleries and historic streets.
Rotterdam, Netherlands: Known for modern architecture and its maritime heritage.
Kinderdijk, Netherlands: Famous for its historic windmills and traditional Dutch landscape.
Antwerp, Belgium: A historic city known for architecture, art and fashion.
Ghent, Belgium: A picturesque city with medieval buildings, canals and a beautiful historic centre.
Bruges, Belgium: Famous for cobbled streets, canals, historic squares and traditional Flemish architecture.

These cruises are ideal for relaxed sightseeing, cultural attractions and smaller historic cities. Selected seasonal itineraries feature flower gardens, spring festivals and Christmas markets.

The River Nile – Ancient Egypt & the Pharaohs

A Nile river cruise offers a fascinating journey through one of the world's most historically significant regions. Sailing along the Nile provides opportunities to explore ancient temples, monumental tombs and archaeological sites associated with the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Many classic itineraries operate between Luxor and Aswan, sometimes combined with a stay in Cairo.

Luxor: Home to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and access to the famous Valley of the Kings.
Valley of the Kings: The burial site of many ancient Egyptian rulers, including Tutankhamun.
Edfu: Known for its remarkably preserved Temple of Horus.
Kom Ombo: Famous for its unusual double temple beside the Nile.
Aswan: A scenic city with traditional sailing boats and access to important historical sites.
Abu Simbel: Some extended holidays offer excursions to the spectacular temples built by Ramses II.
Cairo and Giza: Selected holidays include the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx and museums.

A Nile cruise is ideal for travellers interested in ancient history, archaeology and guided cultural experiences. Cooler months can be particularly appealing for sightseeing in Egypt.

Christmas Markets River Cruises

A Christmas markets river cruise is a magical way to experience the festive atmosphere of Europe. Historic squares fill with wooden market stalls, seasonal decorations, handmade gifts, festive food and traditional local specialities.

Rhine and Danube itineraries are particularly popular, with destinations that may include Cologne, Strasbourg, Vienna and Budapest. Other routes can explore festive towns along the Main or Moselle, depending on the operator and departure.

Spend the day exploring a historic city and browsing Christmas markets before returning to your ship. Shorter breaks are available on selected departures, and early booking can be useful for popular festive dates.

When Is the Best Time to Take a River Cruise?

Spring: A lovely time for European cities and countryside. Selected Dutch and Belgian cruises offer opportunities to see seasonal flowers and tulips.
Summer: Longer daylight hours and warmer weather make summer popular for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery from the ship.
Autumn: Vineyards and countryside can look particularly attractive in the Rhine, Moselle, Douro and French wine regions.
Winter: Selected European cruises feature Christmas markets and festive decorations.
Egypt: Cooler months often appeal to travellers who want to spend more time exploring ancient sites outdoors.

River levels and weather can affect individual itineraries. We can help you compare available dates and destinations when planning your holiday.

What Is Included in a River Cruise Holiday?

Inclusions vary between operators, ships, itineraries and packages. Depending on the holiday, you may receive:

Accommodation in your chosen cabin.
Meals onboard, according to the operator's dining arrangements.
Selected drinks or drinks packages where specified.
Guided sightseeing excursions or a choice of optional excursions.
Entertainment and onboard facilities.
Flights and airport transfers on selected packages.
Port charges, gratuities and other services where stated in the package.

Some holidays offer a more inclusive experience, while others charge separately for certain drinks, excursions or additional services. Checking the details helps you compare the overall value rather than simply looking at the headline price.

Is a River Cruise Right for You?

River cruising can suit a wide range of travellers, particularly those who enjoy visiting several destinations while staying in the same accommodation throughout their holiday.

Couples: Enjoy scenic sailing, relaxed evenings and the opportunity to explore historic cities together.
Culture and history enthusiasts: Discover museums, architecture, ancient monuments and historic towns.
Food and wine lovers: Experience regional dishes, local wines and culinary traditions.
First-time cruisers: River ships are generally smaller than ocean-going cruise liners and offer a different style of cruising.
Solo travellers: Selected operators offer solo departures or cabin arrangements, subject to availability and supplements.
Organised holiday enthusiasts: Many itineraries combine accommodation, transport between destinations and planned sightseeing.

River cruises involve getting on and off the ship for excursions, and some destinations have cobbled streets, steps or uneven surfaces. Walking distances and accessibility arrangements vary, so please tell us about any mobility requirements when enquiring.

Popular River Cruise Holiday Ideas

Rhine river cruises featuring castles and traditional German towns.
Danube cruises visiting Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava.
Douro river cruises through Portugal's vineyards and wine country.
Seine cruises exploring Paris and historic Normandy.
Rhône and Saône cruises through Provence and Burgundy.
Moselle river cruises featuring vineyards and picturesque villages.
Main River cruises through historic Germany.
Dutch and Belgian waterways with canals, windmills and historic cities.
Christmas markets cruises in Germany, Austria and France.
Nile cruises exploring Luxor, Aswan and ancient Egyptian temples.
Luxury river cruises with enhanced onboard service.
River cruise holidays with flights and transfers included on selected packages.

Why Book Your River Cruise with Hessle Travel?

Personal service from an established local travel agent in Hessle.
Help exploring river cruises from Riviera Travel and TUI River Cruises.
Advice on choosing the right river, itinerary and time of year.
Help comparing holiday inclusions, excursions and cabin options.
Assistance exploring different cruise lengths and departure dates.
Guidance on flights, transfers and other travel arrangements where applicable.
A quotation based on your preferred destination, dates and requirements.

Check Our Price Before Booking Direct

Choosing the right river cruise is about more than finding a destination. Your itinerary, cabin, included excursions, dining arrangements and departure date can all make a difference to your holiday.

At Hessle Travel, we can help you explore river cruise options from Riviera Travel and TUI River Cruises, discuss your preferred destinations and request a quotation for a suitable departure.

Whether you dream of sailing past the castles of the Rhine, discovering the grand capitals of the Danube, enjoying the vineyards of the Douro or exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt, we would be delighted to help you plan your next holiday.

Before booking directly with a cruise operator, call Hessle Travel on 01482 641064 or contact us through our website to discuss your river cruise.

Explore River Cruises

River Cruise Holidays – Let Hessle Travel help you discover the journey that's right for you.