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Wander the picture-perfect streets of medieval towns, gaze in awe at magnificent Gothic architecture, discover contemporary urban landscapes and the iconic windmills of a bygone age – our superb cruise embraces the rich and diverse cultural heritage of these northern European neighbours, inextricably linked by history and their fascinating waterways.
Riviera Plus
Customers in all deluxe and superior suites and all upper-deck cabins will benefit from a wealth of unique, new benefits:
Arrive at the airport for your flight to Amsterdam or take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Brussels, where you change trains and continue to Amsterdam.
On arrival, transfer by coach to your five-star cruise ship. The friendly crew welcomes you to your spacious and superbly furnished accommodation – you’ll feel immediately at home on your first-class floating hotel.
The ship remains here overnight, so watch dusk descend over Amsterdam as you enjoy your first dinner on board.
Day 2 - Amsterdam
This morning, awake to the colourful canalside of Amsterdam as you enjoy a delicious breakfast on board. We embark on a charming glass-topped canal cruiser to begin exploring this beautiful city. With a network of 165 17th-century canals radiating from the city centre, taking to the water really is the best way to immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s history and culture.
As you drift between the cobbled streets, fringed with tall, narrow merchants’ houses, past characterful houseboats and interesting bridges, your guide imparts a wealth of knowledge about life, past and present in this unique city, once home to the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt and the legendary Anne Frank, who wrote her world-famous diaries whilst in hiding during the Nazi occupation.
Day 3 - Rotterdam & Kinderdijk
Clustered at the mouth of the Rhine as it flows into the North Sea, Rotterdam’s destiny as a trading gateway to Europe and beyond was almost assured, and after breakfast this morning, you will enjoy a guided tour of this vibrant city, learning more about the history of its maritime past as well as its thriving cultural scene.
Although it suffered massive bomb damage during the Second World War, the city was completely reconstructed, resulting in some interesting and quirky architectural styles, including the Witte Huis, Europe’s first skyscraper, built in the Art Nouveau style. We’ll also see the Church of Saint Lawrence, the only surviving building of the original old town, the Erasmus Bridge, nick-named ‘the swan’ because of its avian-like shape and the arched market hall, plus the famous yellow Cube Houses, known locally as Kubuswoningen. Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom in the 1970s, strikingly built on stilts and tilted at quirky angles, they remain an iconic and unique feature to this day.
Day 4 - Bruges & Ghent
Overnight our ship has glided stealthily downstream and you wake in the medieval city of Ghent.
Today’s included excursion takes us to nearby and quintessentially beautiful Bruges, known for its serene canals, narrow cobbled streets, romantic gabled houses, exquisite churches and myriad shops selling artisan goods – and of course its legendary chocolate!
After breakfast we take the short drive to this picture-perfect city; exquisitely compact, its entire historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as you wander its historic streets, stories from our expert guide will bring it to life. We begin in its medieval heart, the Markt, which has served as the main market square since the 10th century. Towering 272 feet over the colourful gabled buildings framing the square is the Belfry and its 47-bell carillon.
Day 5 - Antwerp
The Scheldt has always been Antwerp’s lifeline, and records showing the earliest settlers arrived here in the 2nd century, the river acting as a natural barrier against invasion. The 12th century city walls were built in an attempt to keep out the Flemish who finally annexed the city in 1357.
With increasing numbers of ships arriving from Italy, together with the birth of the Flemish weaving industry, the city became an important warehouse for English wool and period of significant prosperity ensued. Belgium’s second city, Antwerp’s charming and cosmopolitan atmosphere draws you in, as you immerse yourself amongst its winding, cobbled streets and spectacular historic buildings, juxtaposed by more modern architecture fringing lanes of lively cafés and tempting shops.
Day 6 - Arnhem
Awake this morning to find overnight our vessel has gently brought us to the very heart of Holland. We have arrived in Arnhem, synonymous with the ill-fated 1944 aerial assault, devised by General Montgomery to end World War II, depicted in the film A Bridge Too Far.
This morning you have a choice of two excursions: either a fascinating visit to the Airborne Museum at Oosterbeek or to Het Loo Palace, royal residence at Apeldoorn. For those choosing the former, we head to the battle HQ of the British 1st Airborne Division, now an exceptional museum with memorabilia, artwork and accounts relating to this famous and complex battle.
Day 7 - Cologne
If you’re enjoying an early coffee on the sun deck, you will witness our stately arrival in the magnificent city of Cologne. On this morning’s guided tour, led by a knowledgeable local guide, we’ll discover some of its highlights and enjoy entry into the spectacular twin-spired cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, miraculous survivor of Second World War bombing and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It took six centuries to complete, and among its many treasures are the magnificent stained-glass windows and gilded sarcophagus said to contain the remains of the three kings from the Nativity story.
Day 8 - Return Home
Transfer to the train station or airport for your return flight to the UK.
One of the most famous and distinguished poets of the Victorian era, Alfred, Lord Tennyson was Poet Laureate for over 40 years, with well-known works comprising ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’ and ‘Ulysses’.
We are honoured to announce that the MS Lord Tennyson will be joining the Riviera Travel fleet in 2021.
As with all of our river cruisers, the 135-metre MS Lord Tennyson is being built to the finest specifications and strict safety regulations by Scylla AG, world-renowned builders of the most contemporary river cruise ships in Europe. Welcome aboard through the opulent lobby with its beautifully polished marble floor and modern lighting. As you make your way through the ship, marvel at the stunning craftsmanship throughout; with sustainable hardwood furniture, shining copper and brass fixtures and intricate wrought-iron work throughout.
The floating boutique hotel is finished with buttery leather and elegant Italian fabrics to lounge back in as you enjoy the convivial ambience and five-star experience. With 44 staff serving just 169 guests, the experience is far more intimate and enjoyable.
There are 88 beautifully appointed cabins and suites, which all feature an en suite bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and facilities for making tea and coffee. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship. For information about life on board our European river cruise ships,
* Payable locally.
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.
MS William Wordsworth is one of Riviera Travel’s new ‘all suite’ ships. Launched in 2019 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 our 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.
* Payable locally.
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.
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.
* Payable locally.
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.
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.
* Payable locally.
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.
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.
TRANSFER TIMES Between Amsterdam airport and the ship approx 45 minutes. Between Amsterdam Station and the ship approx 20 minutes
Riviera Travel’s river cruises have caused a bit of a revolution in the UK market and sell more river cruises in the UK than any other river cruise line. A range of brand new ships, styled classically have impressed with their high standards for the price. Riviera’s 30 years of land-touring experience are 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.
In Praise of French Balcony Cabins on European River Cruise Ships