Riverside Luxury Cruises has revealed its top river cruise itineraries for 2026, showcasing a brilliant and varied collection of voyages along Europe’s most beautiful waterways.
*All details correct at time of publish (12 January 2026)
From its new beer-themed and golf-focused cruises to itineraries along the tulip blossoms of Holland, the lavender fields of the South of France and culture-heavy journeys on the Danube, the 2026 programme promises new experiences, small-ship elegance, and award-winning service.
Rhine Highlights
NEW for 2026: Riverside Luxury Cruises’ first cruise for beer lovers
Raising a stein to both tradition and innovation, Riverside Luxury Cruises is redefining the art of river cruising with the launch of Hops & Heritage: Cruising Through Centuries of Brewing Craftmanship – a first-of-its-kind luxury cruise, sailing through the heart of Europe’s legendary beer culture, curated and led by beer sommelier, James Kellow.
The journey pairs crafted regional beers with gourmet dining, elevating beer to its rightful place alongside fine wine.
Hops & Heritage: Cruising through Centuries of Brewing Craftsmanship from 29th July 2026 to 5th August 2026 on Riverside Debussy from £3,122 per person on a full board basis in a Melody Suite.
Sail the Dutch canals during tulip season
A firm favourite, this springtime journey allows guests to explore the Netherlands at its most colourful.
Travellers can expect excursions to iconic gardens and tulip fields filled with more than 150 tulip species as well as charming canal-side cities, with the luxury of a Riverside Luxury Cruises ship as their elegant floating home throughout this blooming season.
Holland in the Heart of Tulip Season on select dates in April 2026 and 2027 for seven nights on Riverside Debussy from £3,545 per person on a full board basis in a Melody Suite.
Danube Highlights
Golf along the Danube
This July, Riverside Luxury Cruises is inviting golf lovers to a dedicated cruise centred around the popular pastime. Riverside Mozart will take golfers from Passau to Budapest along the beautiful Danube River to play championship golf courses.
Hit the links at St. Florian Golf Club in Linz, Diamond Country Club and Fontana Golf Club in Vienna and Old Lake Golf Club, one of Hungary’s first and best courses. Guests will also be able to refine their skills with an onboard golf pro, Oliver Rath, too.
Pearls of the Danube Golf Cruise from 23rd to 29th July 2026 on the Riverside Mozart from £2,790 per person on a full board basis in a Melody Suite.
Visit eight countries in two weeks with Riverside
Enjoy Europe’s open borders with one of Riverside’s most expansive European itineraries, a 15-night voyage which traverses eight countries along the Lower and Upper Danube in a single sailing.
The journey begins in Romania, where settlement dates to the Stone Age, followed by the Iron Gates in Bulgaria and stops in historic Serbia and Croatia.
Next, travellers will get to explore three stunning capitals, Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. The cruise finishes with a selection of medieval towns between Dürnstein and Nuremberg, where guests will feel as though they have travelled back in time.
Danube 8-Country Spectacular With Main-Danube Canal from 26th May to 10th June 2026 and 22nd September to 7th October 2026 on Riverside Debussy from £9,235 per person a full board basis in a Melody Suite.
Rhône & Saône Highlights
For a limited time only: France’s blooming lavender fields
From mid-June to mid-July, France’s Provence region is filled with blooming lavender fields in a vibrant purple.
And what better to way to discover this botanical miracle than on Riverside Luxury Cruises’ itinerary through the breathtaking South of France, perfectly timed for the region’s mesmerising lavender season.
From the gastronomic capital of Lyon to the medieval heart of Avignon, guests can enjoy wine tastings, lavender-rich landscapes, and immersive cultural excursions designed to showcase southern France at its most enchanting.
Southern France Sojourn: Lyon to Avignon With Lavender Fields from 28th June to 5th July 2026 on Riverside Ravel from £2,295 per person on a full board basis in a Symphony Suite.
Celebrate French National Day in the South of France
Timed around France’s beloved Fête Nationale (14th July), this celebratory itinerary combines world-class heritage sites – including the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard – with vibrant regional culture.
See what inspired in Van Gogh in Arles or taste delicious regional wines in Tain l’Hermitage and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Special festivities ashore ensure an unforgettable Bastille Day experience for UK guests seeking a uniquely French holiday.
Resplendent Rhône & Saône With Pont du Gard & Rhône Delta from 5th to 15th July 2025 on Riverside Ravel from £5,738 per person on a full board basis in a Symphony Suite.
For more information, visit riverside-cruises.com
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