Riviera to offer new European city break extensions

Riviera Travel has added ten three-day European city break extensions to its 2023 river cruise programme.

The move came on the back of guests requesting to stay longer in some of Europe’s major cities and to do so under their own steam.

The extensions will be available in Amsterdam, Basel, Cologne, Frankfurt, Lyon, Marseille, Munich, Paris, Porto and Vienna.

All stays will be in centrally-located hotels and will include breakfast. Rivera Travel has partnered with Holibob, an online travel platform, to book recommended tours and experiences.

New sailing for 2023 also announced

Riviera also currently offers five fully escorted tour extensions on its 2022 and 2023 European river cruise itineraries, for guests wanting a more escorted tour experience:

· Burgundy, the River Rhône & Provence with Lake Geneva & Golden Pass extension
· The Blue Danube with Prague extension
· The Blue Danube with Budapest extension
· The Douro, Porto & Salamanca with Lisbon extension
· Rhine Cruise to Switzerland with Glacier Express extension

The company has also announced a new river cruise for 2023. The 10-night Lyon, Provençal Rhône & the Camargue itinerary will operate from April to October. Prices start from £2249pp.

Katja Hildebrandt, head of product river & ocean cruise at Riviera Travel, said: “It’s clear that an increasing number of our guests are looking to enjoy their river cruise and then spend additional time away. By offering city stay extensions, guests have the option to visit these destinations, and explore the local landmarks and attractions at their own pace.

“From relaxing with a café au lait and croissant in a Paris café to experiencing the architectural grandeur of Cologne, or having time to visit the many museums in Amsterdam, our city stays allow guests to explore even more, safe in the knowledge we will take care of all accommodation and travel arrangements.

“For those guests who would prefer to continue their holiday with a programme escorted by an expert tour manager, we will continue to offer that choice across both this year and 2023.

“Meanwhile our new Lyon, Provençal Rhône & the Camargue itinerary has a stunning schedule we’re confident guests will love. It will provide the very best tours and visits to a wonderful part of France, and offer the perfect combination of discovery and relaxation.”

Cruise Adviser is produced by Waterfront, the ambitious creative company for ambitious travel companies.