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Cruise the Heart of Europe
From £3,699 pp
Experience an incredible variety of medieval towns and imperial cities, from quintessential Bamberg to classical Vienna, with their wealth of cultural treasures plus the world-famous scenery of the dramatic Rhine Gorge.
This fifteen-day river cruise takes you on an amazing journey from Cologne in the heart of the Rhine valley to Vienna and finally Budapest on the banks of the Danube. Cruising into Hungary, we soon arrive in imperial Budapest, straddling the picturesque Danube.
After a guided tour of this palatial city we spend the evening on board, where the Captain hosts another spectacular dinner, an excellent finale to this most comprehensive and yet relaxing cruise.
What’s Included:
- Fifteen visits and tours including guided tours in Budapest, Vienna, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Bratislava, Koblenz, Boppard, Rüdesheim, Mainz, Miltenberg, Wertheim, Regensburg, Passau and Würzburg; plus a visit to the Benedictine monastery, Melk Abbey
- Fourteen nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite, with river views
- All meals on board from dinner on your day of arrival through to breakfast on your day of departure
- Welcome cocktails, a welcome dinner
- Captain’s Dinner Live classical quartet recital on board
- Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
- Return scheduled flights from 8 regional airports, or seats on Eurostar from London St Pancras International and a one-way flight from Budapest (a supplement may apply)
- Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides
- Services of a Riviera Travel cruise director and concierge
- All port charges, airport taxes and overseas transfers
- No surcharges guaranteed
- ABTA, ATOL and IATA protection
Riviera Plus New for 2021
Customers in all deluxe and superior suites and all upper-deck cabins will benefit from a wealth of unique, new benefits including a smart handset with maps, translator, currency converter, unlimited calls, text messages and internet usage. There will also be L’Occitane en Provence toiletries for that extra touch of luxury. Not forgetting a bottle of chilled Prosecco on arrival, platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and an aperitif each evening, with our compliments.
Arrive for your flight to Düsseldorf or Cologne, or take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Brussels. On arrival, transfer by coach to your cruise ship moored in Cologne’s picturesque centre.
The dedicated English-speaking crew will welcome you aboard your first-class floating hotel, ensuring you settle in to your luxurious and well-equipped cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship.
Day 2 - Koblenz & Boppard
The first morning on a river cruise is always a thrill as you awake to the gentle lapping of the water and the colourful valley sides slipping effortlessly past your cabin window. We call at historic Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers and dominated by the immense Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
This morning we take a guided walk around the old town, exploring its twisting streets and charming squares. During a relaxed lunch we cruise to Boppard, known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’ for a guided tour. Wonderfully situated on a sweeping meander, it is one of the Rhineland’s most attractive villages.
Its stone quayside is lined with boats of all descriptions set against a backdrop of archetypal half-timbered buildings and cobbled streets.
There are also some superb Roman walls, reputed to be the finest in Germany. Uncover its fascinating Roman past on our guided walk, seeing the 4th-century fortress, reputedly the finest and best-preserved in the country. You’ll also see the striking St Severin Church, with its lovely stained glass and the picturesque marketplace, encircled by colourful facades.
Day 3 - Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim
Today you experience one of the real highlights of your cruise – the passage through the Rhine Gorge. Here the river narrows, the current is swifter and the towering valley sides soar 600 feet, while the ruins of castles, which once held sway over passing mariners, crown every tortuous turn. We pass rocky outcrops and cruise around endless twisting bends to the famous Lorelei or ‘murmuring rock’, where according to legend, enchanting maidens lured unsuspecting sailors to watery graves.
Next we call at Rüdesheim, a true Rhine wine town surrounded by vineyards whose fruits you can sample in the many wine taverns you’ll find in its cobbled streets.
Day 4 - Mainz
This morning we take the short cruise to the town of Mainz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers. An important Roman city for over 450 years with the largest amphitheatre north of the Alps, Mainz is also home to the magnificent Romanesque Saint Martin’s Cathedral and the fine Saint Stephen’s Church, whose interior is filled with beautiful blue light flooding through stained-glass windows featuring intricate biblical figures – a masterpiece by the great artist Marc Chagall.
Mainz’s most famous son is Johannes Gutenberg, father of modern printing, and there’s an excellent museum housing a reconstruction of his workshop and two original 1455 Gutenberg Bibles, among the earliest books ever printed.
This afternoon our ship cruises up the Main River. Due to locks and low bridges the main part of the sun deck will be closed between Mainz and Passau. The other outside areas in front of the lounge, the lido bar and the lower section of the sun deck are still accessible.
Day 5 - Miltenberg & Wertheim
The views this morning are of dense emerald-green forests as we cruise to Miltenberg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval villages. It became prosperous during the Middle Ages under the protection of its castle and today its colourful half-timbered houses and market square with its octagonal Renaissance fountain are an atmospheric reminder of times past.
During lunch we cruise around the first of the many meandering bends that characterise the Main River, pausing at Wertheim, one of those towns that’s a joy to stumble across because it’s completely unknown on the mainstream tourist trail. A russet-walled 12th-century castle overlooks the Old Town, with views of the church spires, turrets and patchwork of multicoloured buildings below.
Day 6 - Würzburg
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning as we glide towards Würzburg, situated at the head of Germany’s Romantic Road, so called because of its spellbinding procession of captivating scenery, medieval towns, lofty castles and grand palaces. Würzburg is best explored on foot and we have a walking tour through neat streets dotted with fine pastel-coloured Baroque and Rococo buildings.
Its crowning jewel is the truly magnificent Residenz, the former seat of the prince-bishops and one of Europe’s finest Baroque palaces, constructed to compete with the greatest courts of the day such as Vienna and Versailles.
Day 7 - Bamberg
Today we visit Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s quite simply one of the most outstandingly preserved and beautiful small towns in Europe, easily on a par with Prague.
The masterpiece you see today began its artistic journey during the 11th century when Emperor Heinrich II chose Bamberg as the location for a capital city he planned to be as grand as Rome.
Although it never became as large as Italy’s capital, Bamberg nevertheless has a wealth of fine buildings including a stupendous cathedral, a town hall built in the middle of the Regnitz River, a network of canals and former fishermen’s houses called ‘Little Venice’ and hundreds of medieval buildings in the tangled lanes of its Old Town.
Day 8 - Nuremberg
Today we call at Nuremberg, the Bavarian city which will always be associated with the Nazi period – Hitler’s pre-war rallies and the international war crimes trials that brought down the final curtain on that notorious regime. What is less well known is that Nuremberg is regarded as the unofficial capital of Germany’s First Reich, better known as the Holy Roman Empire, which was founded with the coronation of Charlemagne in 800 AD and lasted for over a thousand years.
This morning we have a fascinating guided tour taking in the city’s great ramparts and many fine historic buildings, including the enormous Kaiserburg castle, Craftsmen’s Court, the Church of Saint Lawrence and the Market Square, with its exquisite fountain that resembles a Gothic church tower.
Day 9 - Regensburg
This morning we cruise along the Main–Danube Canal to Kelheim, where we join the enchanting Danube River. Our next port of call is Regensburg, formerly an important garrison guarding the most northwesterly point of the Roman Empire whose camp gate, the Porta Praetoria, can still be seen.
Regensburg was spared war damage and today its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s a delight to explore.
This afternoon take a stroll along the iconic stone bridge; see the Altes Rathaus – the seat of the Diet, or parliament, of the Holy Roman Empire from 1663 to 1806 – and gaze in wonder at the Gothic cathedral, the most exceptional in Bavaria. Regensburg calls itself ‘Germany’s medieval miracle’, and it’s hard to argue as you wander along the glorious winding streets and elegant squares of the Old Town.
Day 10 - Passau
Another day dawns as our journey brings us to Passau, the last town we stop at in Germany, nestling where the Inn and Ilz Rivers join the Danube. After a leisurely breakfast take the opportunity to explore the ‘Three Rivers City’, overlooked by the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century hilltop fortress. The Old Town below is known for its Baroque architecture including Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, where the world’s largest cathedral organ sounds.
Back on board this afternoon, make sure to keep an eye on the superb riverside views slipping silently by as we cross into Austria. It’s a country synonymous with superb scenery, but this beautiful section of the Danube Valley is something of a secret.
Day 11 - Melk
On a striking rocky bluff above the town of Melk is the enormous Benedictine Abbey, which we visit this morning. This extraordinary building was originally a castle that was subsequently bequeathed to the Benedictine order during the 11th century and has been a monastery ever since. Reconstructed in full Baroque style during the 18th century, the Abbey has many fine rooms and a stupendous library with 100,000 priceless volumes, including some intricate illuminated manuscripts.
As lunch is served we cruise downstream through the delightfully picturesque Wachau Valley before approaching our next destination: Vienna, the city of Strauss. To celebrate Vienna’s wonderful legacy we have arranged a recital on board by a quartet of talented classical musicians. Listening to this exquisite music while in the city of its creation makes a wonderful finale to the day.
Day 12 - Vienna
Imagine Vienna and you think of an elegant imperial city that’s one of the gems of Central Europe, and perhaps the world’s most musical city.
Its name conjures up an image of culture, ornate architecture, resplendent cafés, aristocratic palaces and imposing cathedrals, with the romantic music of the great composers filling the air. In fact, the reality is little different and there’s an absolute wealth of things to see in this former capital of the Habsburg Empire, which held sway over much of Central and Eastern Europe for centuries until its demise at the end of the First World War.
For such a grand city Vienna is quite compact and this morning we enjoy an enlightening guided tour.
Day 13 - Bratislava
This morning we explore Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, which has shrugged off the greyness of the communist era and rekindled the splendour of its imperial past in its painstakingly restored Baroque Old Town.
Wander the winding streets to the main square where you’ll find the former Old Town Hall, now housing a museum dedicated to the history of the city and where you may climb the tower for some lovely views. Equally impressive is the great 9th-century castle that dominates the city, with its expansive views across the Danube. Or head to the neoclassical Primatial Palace with its fabulous Hall of Mirrors and rare collection of 17th-century English tapestries.
For something more relaxing, perhaps enjoy a refreshing homemade lemonade – a speciality of the city – in one of the many cafés.
Day 14 - Budapest
You rise refreshed in this breathtakingly beautiful imperial capital that straddles the great Danube River, and we have a whole day to enjoy it. Dominated by its castle, Budapest has been called ‘Little Paris of Middle Europe’ and, with its truly magnificent skyline of soaring spires and grand domes, it’s not hard to see why.
It’s renowned for the bewitching blend of monuments reflecting Hungary’s national culture and those of the foreign powers that have dominated most of the city’s history.
Day 15 - Return Home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport at the appropriate time for your return flight.
The 5 star MS Charles Dickens (2015) MS William Shakespeare (2014) have been specially commissioned and designed to Riviera’s specification by Dutch ship builders Veka Group. Carrying just 140 passengers each, the crew ratio of 4:1 ensures excellent service throughout your cruise. Finished with the highest quality materials with luxurious carpets, rich hardwoods and plenty of steel and glass the ships have an elegant and sleek style throughout.
Onboard Features & Facilities
- 74 comfortable outside cabins and suites, most with French Balconies
- Deluxe Suites have full outside balconies
- Sundeck with sun-shades, deck chairs & loungers
- ‘Whirlpool’ splash pool on deck
- Stylish restaurant with open seating
- Main Globe lounge with bar & piano
- Stern Midsummer Bar & Chef’s Restaurant for 24 diners
- Complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day with speciality patisseries in the afternoon
- Lift to Hamlet & Othello decks
- Sauna, steam room and hairdresser* on board
- Onboard souvenir shop*
- Laundry service*
- * Payable locally.
Accommodation & Amenities
These lovely 5 star river cruise vessels, feature beautifully furnished cabins and suites, the majority featuring floor to ceiling sliding glass doors opening to a French Balcony. 74 spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms and suites range in size from 151 – 245 ft² or indulge even more in one of the 4 Deluxe suites. Most accommodations featuring floor to ceiling glass sliding doors opening to a French Balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish.
Deluxe Balcony Suite
245 ft² – Diamond (Upper) Deck
- Floor to ceiling opening glass doors leading to an outside balcony with table & chairs
- Enhanced sitting area with table, sofa and armchair
- Private tiled bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with quality bath products
- Hotel style beds with fine cotton bed linen
- Bathrobes & slippers
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
French Balcony Cabin
161 ft² – Middle & Upper Decks
- Floor to ceiling glass doors open all the way to create a full width French Balcony.
- Private tiled bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with quality bath products
- Hotel style beds with fine cotton bed linen
- Bathrobes & slippers
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
Lower Deck Cabin
151 ft² – Emerald (Lower) Deck
- Smaller Fixed Window
- Private tiled bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with quality bath products
- Hotel style beds with fine cotton bed linen
- Bathrobes & slippers
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Table & armchair
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
Available for single occupancy without supplement – subject to availability
Thomas Hardy is one of Riviera Travel’s new ‘all suite’ ships. Launched in 2017 she offers excellent standards of accommodation consistent with Scylla’s (the ship operator) other 5 star ships. Standard Suites are large at 183 ft² with floor to ceiling windows opening to a rail on the middle and upper decks. Suites on the lower deck are slightly smaller at 172 ft² and feature high level windows. 6 Superior Suites and 4 Deluxe Balcony Suites are available on each ship at 247 ft² and 269 ft² respectively. Deluxe Balcony Suites, located on the upper deck, also feature a small private balcony. This superb vessel carries 44 in-house trained crew members serving just 176 guests (similar size vessels may carry well over 190 passengers) giving the ratio which our experience proves is concurrent with first class service levels. An outstanding ship it would be very easy to just say ‘luxurious’ but it’s much more than that, a unique yet exquisite blend of understated taste, style and elegance at the highest level. A spacious new vessel as you enter a gleaming, richly coloured marble-floored lobby flooded with natural light from a stunning atrium above. The ship is beautifully illuminated throughout, including the exterior and imaginatively furnished with harmonious colour schemes, all designed to create the serene atmosphere reflective of the golden age of cruising.
Onboard Features & Facilities
- 88 comfortable outside suites, most with French balconies, some with private balcony
- For and aft sundecks with sun-shades, deck chairs & loungers
- ‘Whirlpool’ splash pool
- Stylish restaurant with open seating with tables of 4 and 6
- Main lounge with bar & piano
- Bistro bar & restaurant
- Complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day with speciality patisseries in the afternoon
- Elevator to Diamond, Ruby and Emerald decks
- Wellness area, massage, nail salon and hairdresser
- Onboard souvenir shop*
- Laundry service*
* Payable locally.
Accommodation & Amenities
88 spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms and suites range in size from 172 – 269 ft² or indulge even more in one of the 6 Superior suites or 4 Deluxe Balcony Suites. Most accommodations featuring floor to ceiling glass sliding doors opening to a French Balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish.
Deluxe Balcony Suite
269 ft² – Diamond (Upper) Deck
- Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to a private balcony with table and chairs and additional floor to ceiling windows
- Enhanced sitting area
- Larger private marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products, Bathrobes and slippers
- Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
Superior & Superior Stern Suite
247 ft² – Diamond & Ruby (Upper & Middle) Deck
- Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to French balcony
- Enhanced sitting area
- Marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products
- Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
Diamond Deck & Ruby Deck Suite
183 ft² – Diamond & Ruby (Upper & Middle) Deck
- Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to a French balcony
- Private marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products
- Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
Emerald Deck Suite
172 ft² – Emerald (Lower) Deck
- Smaller Fixed Window
- Private marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products
- Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
Emily Brontë is one of Riviera Travel’s new ‘all suite’ ships. Launched in 2017 she offers excellent standards of accommodation consistent with Scylla’s (the ship operator) other 5 star ships. Standard Suites are large at 183 ft² with floor to ceiling windows opening to a rail on the middle and upper decks. Suites on the lower deck are slightly smaller at 172 ft² and feature high level windows. 6 Superior Suites and 4 Deluxe Balcony Suites are available on each ship at 247 ft² and 269 ft² respectively. Deluxe Balcony Suites, located on the upper deck, also feature a small private balcony. This superb vessel carries 44 in-house trained crew members serving just 176 guests (similar size vessels may carry well over 190 passengers) giving the ratio which our experience proves is concurrent with first class service levels. An outstanding ship it would be very easy to just say ‘luxurious’ but it’s much more than that, a unique yet exquisite blend of understated taste, style and elegance at the highest level. A spacious new vessel as you enter a gleaming, richly coloured marble-floored lobby flooded with natural light from a stunning atrium above. The ship is beautifully illuminated throughout, including the exterior and imaginatively furnished with harmonious colour schemes, all designed to create the serene atmosphere reflective of the golden age of cruising.
Onboard Features & Facilities
- 88 comfortable outside suites, most with French balconies, some with private balcony
- For and aft sundecks with sun-shades, deck chairs & loungers
- ‘Whirlpool’ splash pool
- Stylish restaurant with open seating with tables of 4 and 6
- Main lounge with bar & piano
- Bistro bar & restaurant
- Complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day with speciality patisseries in the afternoon
- Elevator to Diamond, Ruby and Emerald decks
- Wellness area, massage, nail salon and hairdresser
- Onboard souvenir shop*
- Laundry service*
* Payable locally.
Accommodation & Amenities
88 spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms and suites range in size from 172 – 269 ft² or indulge even more in one of the 6 Superior suites or 4 Deluxe Balcony Suites. Most accommodations featuring floor to ceiling glass sliding doors opening to a French Balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish.
Deluxe Balcony Suite
269 ft² – Diamond (Upper) Deck
- Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to a private balcony with table and chairs and additionl fllor to ceiling windows
- Enhanced sitting area
- Larger private marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products, Bathrobes and slippers
- Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
Superior & Superior Stern Suite
247 ft² – Diamond & Ruby (Upper & Middle) Deck
- Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to French balcony
- Enhanced sitting area
- Marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products
- Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
Diamond Deck & Ruby Deck Suite
183 ft² – Diamond & Ruby (Upper & Middle) Deck
- Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to a French balcony
- Private marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products
- Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
Emerald Deck Suite
172 ft² – Emerald (Lower) Deck
- Smaller Fixed Window
- Private marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products
- Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
Oscar Wilde is one of Riviera Travel’s new ‘all suite’ ships. Launched in 2017 she offers excellent standards of accommodation consistent with Scylla’s (the ship operator) other 5 star ships. Standard Suites are large at 183 ft² with floor to ceiling windows opening to a rail on the middle and upper decks. Suites on the lower deck are slightly smaller at 172 ft² and feature high level windows. 6 Superior Suites and 4 Deluxe Balcony Suites are available on each ship at 247 ft² and 269 ft² respectively. Deluxe Balcony Suites, located on the upper deck, also feature a small private balcony. An outstanding ship it would be very easy to just say ‘luxurious’ but it’s much more than that, a unique yet exquisite blend of understated taste, style and elegance at the highest level. A spacious new vessel as you enter a gleaming, richly coloured marble-floored lobby flooded with natural light from a stunning atrium above. The ship is beautifully illuminated throughout, including the exterior and imaginatively furnished with harmonious colour schemes, all designed to create the serene atmosphere reflective of the golden age of cruising.
Onboard Features & Facilities
- 88 comfortable outside suites, most with French balconies, some with private balcony
- For and aft sundecks with sun-shades, deck chairs & loungers
- ‘Whirlpool’ splash pool
- Stylish restaurant with open seating with tables of 4 and 6
- Main lounge with bar & piano
- Bistro bar & restaurant
- Complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day with speciality patisseries in the afternoon
- Elevator to Diamond, Ruby and Emerald decks
- Wellness area, massage, nail salon and hairdresser
- Onboard souvenir shop*
- Laundry service*
* Payable locally.
Accommodation & Amenities
88 spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms and suites range in size from 172 – 269 ft² or indulge even more in one of the 6 Superior suites or 4 Deluxe Balcony Suites. Most accommodations featuring floor to ceiling glass sliding doors opening to a French Balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish.
Deluxe Balcony Suite
269 ft² – Diamond (Upper) Deck
- Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to a private balcony with table and chairs and additional floor to ceiling windows
- Enhanced sitting area
- Larger private marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products, Bathrobes and slippers
- Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
Superior & Superior Stern Suite
247 ft² – Diamond & Ruby (Upper & Middle) Deck
- Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to French balcony
- Enhanced sitting area
- Marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products
- Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
Diamond Deck & Ruby Deck Suite
183 ft² – Diamond & Ruby (Upper & Middle) Deck
- Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to a French balcony
- Private marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products
- Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
Emerald Deck Suite
172 ft² – Emerald (Lower) Deck
- Smaller Fixed Window
- Private marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products
- Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
The MS George Eliot is one of the smaller vessels in Riviera Travel’s fleet. At 110 metres she offers the convivial ambience and personal service of a boutique hotel. With 36 staff serving just 132 guests, the experience is intimate and enjoyable. Launched in 2019 she offers excellent standards of accommodation consistent with Scylla’s (the ship operator) other 5 star ships. Standard cabins are a good size at 172 ft² with floor to ceiling windows opening to a rail on the middle and upper decks. 4 Superior Suites and 4 Deluxe Balcony Suites are available on each ship at 247 ft² and 253 ft² respectively. Deluxe Balcony Suites, located on the upper deck, also feature a small private balcony. Cabins on the lower deck are slightly smaller at 161 ft² and feature high level windows with 2 Superior Suites at 183 ft². Guests are welcomed in the elegant lobby with its gleaming marble floor, well-lit by sophisticated lighting. Thoughtful design is on tasteful display throughout the ship; sustainable hardwood furniture, intricate wrought-iron work, and polished copper and brass are beautifully complemented by soft leather and sumptuous Italian fabrics. She is really a lovely base for you to explore the rivers and waterways of continental Europe.
Onboard Features & Facilities
- 70 outside cabins & suites, most with French balconies, some with private balcony
- For and aft sundecks with sun-shades, deck chairs & loungers
- ‘Whirlpool’ splash pool
- Stylish restaurant with open seating with tables of 4 and 6
- Main lounge with bar & piano
- Bistro bar & restaurant with outside seating terrace
- Complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day with speciality patisseries in the afternoon
- Elevator to Diamond, Ruby and Emerald decks
- Wellness area, massage, nail salon and hairdresser
- Onboard souvenir shop*
- Laundry service*
* Payable locally.
Accommodation & Amenities
70 spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms and suites range in size from 161 – 253 ft². Accommodations on the middle and upper decks feature floor to ceiling glass sliding doors opening to a French Balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. If you really want to indulge yourselves why not take one of the 4 Deluxe Balcony Suites on the upper deck with their own private balconies with chairs and table.
Deluxe Balcony Suite
253 ft² – Diamond (Upper) Deck
- Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to a private balcony with table and chairs and additional floor to ceiling windows
- Enhanced sitting area
- Larger private marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products, Bathrobes and slippers
- Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
Superior Suite
194 ft² – Diamond & Ruby (Upper & Middle) Deck
- Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to French balcony
- Enhanced sitting area
- Marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products
- Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
Diamond & Ruby Deck Cabin
172 ft² – Diamond & Ruby (Upper & Middle) Deck
- Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to a French balcony
- Private marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products
- Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
Emerald Deck Superior Suite
183 ft² – Emerald (Lower) Deck
- Smaller Fixed Windows
- Private marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products
- Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
Emerald Deck Cabin
161 ft² – Emerald (Lower) Deck
- Smaller Fixed Windows
- Private marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products
- Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
- A bed turn down service operates during dinner
- Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
- In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
- Tea & Coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
| Depart | Ship | Embark | From |
|---|
| Apr 24 | Oscar Wilde | Cologne | £2999 | Cabin Upgrades |
| Lower Deck | Cabin | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | £2999 | ||
| Middle Deck | Suite | 183 ft², French Balcony | £3799 | ||
| Middle Deck | Superior Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £3899 | ||
| Upper Deck | Suite | 183 ft², French Balcony | £4149 | ||
| Upper Deck | Superior Stern Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £4299 | ||
| Upper Deck | Superior Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £4449 | ||
| Upper Deck | Deluxe Balcony Suite | 269 ft², Outside Balcony | £4849 |
| Jun 19 | Oscar Wilde | Budapest | £3699 | Cabin Upgrades |
| Lower Deck | Cabin | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | £3699 | ||
| Middle Deck | Suite | 183 ft², French Balcony | £4499 | ||
| Middle Deck | Superior Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £4599 | ||
| Upper Deck | Suite | 183 ft², French Balcony | £4849 | ||
| Upper Deck | Superior Stern Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £4999 | ||
| Upper Deck | Superior Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £4000 | ||
| Upper Deck | Deluxe Balcony Suite | 269 ft², Outside Balcony | £5549 |
| Sep 2 | Emily Brontë | Cologne | £3999 | Cabin Upgrades |
| Lower Deck | Cabin | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | £3999 | ||
| Middle Deck | Suite | 183 ft², French Balcony | £4799 | ||
| Middle Deck | Superior Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £4899 | ||
| Upper Deck | Suite | 183 ft², French Balcony | £5149 | ||
| Upper Deck | Superior Stern Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £5299 | ||
| Upper Deck | Superior Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £4001 | ||
| Upper Deck | Deluxe Balcony Suite | 269 ft², Outside Balcony | £5849 |
| Depart | Ship | Embark | From |
|---|
| Apr 23 | Oscar Wilde | Cologne | £4149 | Cabin Upgrades |
| Lower Deck | Cabin | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | Sold | ||
| Middle Deck | Suite | 183 ft², French Balcony | £4149 | ||
| Middle Deck | Superior Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £4849 | ||
| Upper Deck | Suite | 183 ft², French Balcony | £4499 | ||
| Upper Deck | Superior Stern Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £5199 | ||
| Upper Deck | Superior Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £5349 | ||
| Upper Deck | Deluxe Balcony Suite | 269 ft², Outside Balcony | £5749 |
| May 23 | William Wordsworth | Budapest | £3699 | Cabin Upgrades |
| Lower Deck | Cabin | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | £3699 | ||
| Middle Deck | Suite | 183 ft², French Balcony | £4499 | ||
| Middle Deck | Superior Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £5199 | ||
| Upper Deck | Suite | 183 ft², French Balcony | £4849 | ||
| Upper Deck | Superior Stern Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £5549 | ||
| Upper Deck | Superior Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £5699 | ||
| Upper Deck | Deluxe Balcony Suite | 269 ft², Outside Balcony | £ |
| Jun 6 | William Wordsworth | Cologne | £3999 | Cabin Upgrades |
| Lower Deck | Cabin | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | £3999 | ||
| Middle Deck | Suite | 183 ft², French Balcony | £4799 | ||
| Middle Deck | Superior Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £5499 | ||
| Upper Deck | Suite | 183 ft², French Balcony | £5149 | ||
| Upper Deck | Superior Stern Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £5849 | ||
| Upper Deck | Superior Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £5999 | ||
| Upper Deck | Deluxe Balcony Suite | 269 ft², Outside Balcony | £ |
| Jun 18 | Oscar Wilde | Budapest | £4099 | Cabin Upgrades |
| Lower Deck | Cabin | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | £4099 | ||
| Middle Deck | Suite | 183 ft², French Balcony | £4899 | ||
| Middle Deck | Superior Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £5599 | ||
| Upper Deck | Suite | 183 ft², French Balcony | £5249 | ||
| Upper Deck | Superior Stern Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £5949 | ||
| Upper Deck | Superior Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £6099 | ||
| Upper Deck | Deluxe Balcony Suite | 269 ft², Outside Balcony | £ |
| Sep 2 | Emily Brontë | Cologne | £4349 | Cabin Upgrades |
| Lower Deck | Cabin | 172 ft², Fixed Windows | £4349 | ||
| Middle Deck | Suite | 183 ft², French Balcony | £5149 | ||
| Middle Deck | Superior Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £5849 | ||
| Upper Deck | Suite | 183 ft², French Balcony | £5499 | ||
| Upper Deck | Superior Stern Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £6199 | ||
| Upper Deck | Superior Suite | 247 ft², French Balcony | £6349 | ||
| Upper Deck | Deluxe Balcony Suite | 269 ft², Outside Balcony | £ |
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of single cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement. The price includes full board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day; if you choose to travel with us on any of the full day excursions by coach, a packed lunch will be provided. Anyone choosing to stay on the ship may of course have lunch in the restaurant; morning/afternoon tea and coffee; all visits and excursions as mentioned in the brochure, airport transfers, coach travel as mentioned, travel to and from port of embarkation and the services of a Riviera Travel Tour Manager. Solo Occupancy On the lower deck there are a limited number of standard cabins available for single occupancy without a supplement. For other cabins the sole occupancy price is twice the per person rate less £640.
Click Here to check current availability and book online
Why Choose This Cruise?
Riviera Travel’s river cruises have caused a bit of a revolution in the UK market, selling more river cruises in the UK than any other river cruise line. A range of brand-new classically-styled ships have impressed with their high standards for the price. Riviera’s 30 years of land-touring experience have carried into their river cruise excursions, providing good value off-ship experiences. Whilst some may require higher levels of inclusions and finer dining, Riviera’s river cruises deliver consistently high standards for their loyal UK customers.
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