TUI River Cruises is expanding its European excursion programme with ten* new offerings allowing customers a chance to explore its newest port, Kladovo in Serbia, with a trip to the famous Iron Gates and a walking tour seeing the Fetislam Fortress and Djerdrap Museum.
*All details correct at time of publish (24 April 2026)
With the brand’s fourth river cruise ship, TUI Aria, sailing down the European Waterways this summer for the first time, ten* new excursions from TUI River Cruises River Cruise Collection will offer more choice and flexibility in exploring the European cities.
This would include the Danube and Rhine, including a virtual reality experience in Cologne and a chance to visit Europe’s biggest waterfall at Rhine Falls in Basel.
Katy Berzins, Head of River Cruise, TUI River Cruises: “With our newest port, Kladovo in Serbia, being added to the programme and the latest refurbished ship TUI Aria sailing this summer, we’re expanding our excursion programme to offer even more unique experiences along the European Waterways and beyond.
“Customers travelling aboard our European fleet, TUI Aria, TUI Isla, TUI Maya and TUI Skyla, can now enjoy a wider range of cultural highlights. From a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic Iron Gates, to exploring the new port of Kladovo with a walking tour, this enhanced programme brings greater flexibility and choice for those holidaying with us during the Summer 2026 season.”
Excursion highlights include:
HPP Derdap I & Iron Gates technical and scenic tour
This tour takes customers from the ship to Kladovo, where they are taken to HPP Đerdap I, one of the largest hydropower plants on the Danube. An expert guide explains how the facility converts the river’s flow into energy.
The itinerary continues through the Iron Gates Gorge, where the Danube narrows between high limestone cliffs, offering notable viewpoints. A photo stop is included at the remains of Trajan’s Bridge, an important example of Roman engineering (£79 per person).
Kladovo Walking Tour
This guided walking tour provides an overview of Kladovo and its key historical sites. The route begins with a short walk to the Djerdap Museum, which presents the history and archaeology of the Iron Gates region. The tour then continues to the 16th‑century Fetislam Fortress, including a guided exploration of its grounds and views over the Danube (£45 per person).
Cologne City Tour & Time Ride
This two‑hour tour combines a guided walk through Cologne’s historic centre with a visit to the Time Ride VR attraction. An expert guide leads participants through key areas of the city, highlighting notable architecture and providing views of Cologne Cathedral.
The tour then continues to Time Ride, where a 45‑minute virtual reality experience presents different periods of Cologne’s history using immersive technology. Visitors take part in small groups. The itinerary offers a mix of traditional sightseeing and a modern interpretive experience before concluding. (£49 per person only available on TUI Aria).
Europe’s Biggest Waterfall Experience at Rhine Falls
Swap a relaxing bath for a waterfall adventure on this six‑hour trip to Rhine Falls, Neuhausen. After a scenic coach ride along the River Rhine, passing Medieval Laufenburg and crossing into Germany, you’ll travel through the hills and vineyards of the Klettgau region.
Then, step out in front of Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall. Take photos before the mist hits, explore the viewing platforms, or join a boat trip for a closer look. You’ll have two hours to visit Schloss Laufen too, a thousand‑year‑old hilltop castle with a walkway just feet from the water, before returning to Basel (£95 per person).
For those keen to visit the Iron Gates in Kladovo, Serbia, the newest port to join the summer 2026 programme, TUI River Cruises offers a seven-night East Danube Delights round cruise from Budapest, Hungary, on TUI Maya from £1610** per person.
The new additional River Cruise Collection excursions are available to purchase across the European Fleet this Summer 2026 season: https://rivercruises.gotui.com/uk/itinerary.
Click here for more updates from Travel Pursuit UK!
