At a glance
- River cruising is exceptionally well-suited to wine lovers, often offering opportunities for wine tastings, vineyard visits and excursions to cellars
- Top rivers for wine lovers include, among others, the Rhine, Moselle, Rhône, Douro and Danube
- Riviera Travel is a savvy choice for oenophiles, not least because it includes free drinks packages on its European river cruises
Why Riviera Travel is a top choice for wine lovers
Riviera Travel’s holidays are well-suited to wine lovers, in large part because of the immersive itineraries that whisk you to destinations like the Douro Valley and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
But beyond that, what makes Riviera a savvy choice for oenophiles is the exceptional onboard experience its team provides. Aboard its five-star ships, which are akin to floating boutique hotels, you’ll find plenty of spots to take in the ever-changing scenery while sipping sommelier-selected vintages. Picture panoramic lounges, expansive sun decks and spacious cabins, many of which have French or full balconies.
At its onboard restaurants, you’ll find regional recipes, passed down through generations, brought to life with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Wines, rather than being an afterthought, are expertly chosen to complement the flavours of the food.
Best of all, you’ll be able to dine and sip without the threat of an astronomical bill hanging over you. On top of all the other generous inclusions bundled in your Riviera Travel fare – such as return flights, transfers, checked luggage, shore excursions and full board – you’ll enjoy a free drinks package on European river cruises. These include the following, from 10 am to midnight each day:
- Red, white, rosé and sparkling house wine, as well as daily selections
- A choice of draught beer, including non-alcoholic beer
- A selection of soft drinks and juices
- House spirits and mixers, including vodka, gin, rum, whisky and more
- Tea and coffee from the bar
Without further ado, here are five of the best Riviera Travel river cruises for oenophiles in 2026 and 2027.
1. Gastronomy of the Rhine & Moselle River Cruise
Why this cruise?
This sailing will take you along the mighty River Rhine and its tributary, the Moselle, past villages with slanting timber-framed houses and undulating hills draped in vineyards. As well as discovering two of the most dramatic waterways in all of Europe, prepare for highly aromatic Riesling, light-bodied Elbling and mellow Müller-Thurgau to tantalise your taste buds.
Highlights for wine lovers include…
Cochem: This has long been considered a key town in Moselle wine country, and a guided tour among its jumble of streets and alleys reveals some of Germany’s most fascinating wine cellars. Sipping a locally sourced Riesling while taking in views of its multi-turreted, neo-Gothic castle is truly a transportative experience.
Bernkastel: A guided tour along the cobbles of this storybook town will unveil treasures like the 15th-century Pointed House – a well-preserved example of a Moselle vintner’s traditional dwelling. The real standout, however, is the wine tasting held at a local cellar, where you learn how generations of winemakers refined their craft.
Koblenz: This 2,000-year-old city, which sits at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle, has a history of viticulture dating back to Roman times. Today, you can explore that long and storied heritage in the Koblenz Wine and Sparkling Wine Museum, where you can also sample the region’s wines firsthand.
2. Lyon, Provençal Rhône & the Camargue River Cruise
Why this cruise?
This 11-day river cruise takes you through a swathe of France long revered by wine lovers. Beyond its honey-coloured medieval towns, Roman ruins, olive groves and lavender farms, vineyard-clad slopes produce world-class vintages. Expect to sip fruit-forward Beaujolais, peppery Syrah, opulent Châteauneuf-du-Pape and quintessentially Provençal rosé.
Highlights for wine lovers include…
Mâcon: This city, considered the capital of the Mâconnais region of Burgundy, is known principally for its white wine. A visit to a historic vineyard allows you to sample its dry, floral Chardonnays while learning about the terroir vital in their production. Pair that with tours of intriguing landmarks like Cluny Abbey, and this stop easily ranks as a standout.
Lyon: Your ship will sail through the hazy green slopes of the Beaujolais region to reach this city, widely regarded as France’s gastronomic capital. It’s a great place to spend a lazy afternoon in a bouchon, where hearty fare meets its match in Côtes du Rhône, or a restaurant dedicated to nouvelle cuisine, where the light, delicate dishes pair well with Provençal rosé.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape: A voyage to this spectacular hillside village in southern France is a true pilgrimage for wine lovers. Prestigious cellars await at every turn, each one a treasure trove of rare vintages and pearls of viticultural wisdom. A tasting at a leading winery, nestled among a tapestry of vines, is a first-rate way to round off your visit.
3. Gastronomy of the Douro River Cruise
Why this cruise?
This eight-day itinerary is designed to showcase the best of Iberian flavours. Your journey from Porto through the Douro Valley and beyond will take you to illustrious port cellars, legendary quintas (wine estates), Portuguese taverns and Spanish tapas restaurants. Along the way, you’ll be greeted by striking views of terraced vineyards as you sail through the world’s oldest demarcated wine region.
Highlights for wine lovers include…
Porto: This age-old Roman city is one of Europe’s most exciting destinations for lovers of good food and drink. From Michelin-starred seafood to gloriously decadent Francesinha sandwiches, there is plenty to get your teeth into, but the fortified wine it’s synonymous with remains the undisputed star. An excursion to a port cellar will give you a deeper knowledge of its production, while a tasting will reveal the nuances of different styles.
Pinhão: This town sits in one of the Douro River’s most picturesque bends, framed by terraced vineyards that rise from the water like an amphitheatre of vines. You can experience its long and storied winemaking tradition by touring a historic quinta. Amongst the grapes, you’ll learn about each step of the process, from planting the vines to labelling the bottles.
Régua: At this scenic stop, you’ll visit the nearby Mateus Palace, known for its baroque architecture, formal gardens and hedge-lined labyrinths. You'll likely recognise it from the labels that adorn Mateus Rosé. The 126-acre Quinta da Pacheca, meanwhile, is worth a visit to explore the estate and sample full-bodied, complex reds and expertly crafted port.
4. Cruise the Heart of Europe: Journey along the Rhine, Main and Danube
Why this cruise?
This immersive 15-day itinerary takes you to UNESCO-listed old towns and luminous European capitals, past Bavarian woodlands, prince-bishop palaces and fairytale-esque castles. Along your journey, you’ll have the chance to explore some of Germany and Austria’s most celebrated wine country and develop a taste for regional favourites like locally produced Grüner Veltliner.
Highlights for wine lovers include…
Rüdesheim: After a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge, where sheer cliffs soar 600 feet and castle ruins overlook the river, you’ll reach this renowned winemaking town. With its taverns and cellars at every corner, you’re free to explore independently, or if you wish, join an optional excursion to a winery, where you can enjoy a tasting in an atmospheric wine cave.
Melk: This thousand-year-old city is set on the western edge of Wachau Valley, which produces some of Austria’s finest Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. Melk Abbey is best known for its baroque architecture, but the views of the vineyards below are worth a visit in and of themselves. Don’t forget to stop by the monastery shop to pick up a bottle or two from local wineries.
Vienna: Austria’s capital has plenty to capture the imagination of inquisitive travellers, but for wine lovers, heurigers are the true highlight – these traditional wine taverns perfectly embody the concept of gemütlichkeit (the Austrian answer to hygge). You can also opt to personalise your holiday with a tour of Schönbrunn Palace, followed by a wine tasting and a deep dive into Viennese viticulture.
5. Rhine Cruise to Switzerland with Glacier Express Extension
Why this cruise?
Over 11 days, this rail-and-sail adventure takes you through some of the most beautiful corners of Germany, France and Switzerland, from the sensational Rhine Gorge to alpine scenes and villages that feel straight out of a Brothers Grimm fairytale. Paired with fine wines from Palatinate and Alsace wine country, this is a voyage to savour.
Highlights for wine lovers include…
Speyer: To reach this ancient Celtic city, you’ll sail amongst oxbow lakes, river plains and rolling vineyards producing Liebfraumilch wines. Once you arrive, you’ll discover fascinating sites like the Historical Museum of the Palatinate. Its collection of wine-related artefacts includes the Speyer wine bottle. This was unearthed from a nearby Roman tomb and is one of the world’s oldest bottles of wine, dating back to AD 325.
Strasbourg: For wine lovers, a visit to the historic capital of the Alsace region is a bucket-list-worthy experience. Bottles of Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Blanc are waiting to be uncorked at cosy Alsatian cafés, while its brick-vaulted cellars are full of surprises. Head to Cave des Hospices de Strasbourg to see a cask from 1472.
Alsace Wine Route: Riviera Travel’s guests are offered the chance to take a picturesque drive along the Alsace Wine Route. It’s a journey through vineyards and mountains, leading to charming villages such as Ribeauvillé, which lies in the shadow of the Three Castles of the Lord Ribeaupierre, and Riquewihr, known both for its architecture and wine.
What else to know about taking a river cruise with Riviera Travel:
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