Go With the Flow: Introducing Our Sister Brand’s New European River Cruises

by | 14 May 2025

Our sister brand Trafalgar is taking to the water with its newly-launched European River Cruises, introducing you to a whole new way to see the continent.  

Trafalgar’s two new European River Cruises sail down the Rhine River and the Danube River, bringing you iconic locations, authentic local travel experiences and unforgettable scenery along the way. Without further ado, let’s meet the ships, discover the itineraries, and see what river cruising is all about. 

 

Trafalgar launches European River Cruises 

Trafalgar has made a splash with two new itineraries: Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam, and Best of the Danube. River cruising offers a unique way to see Europe, where you’ll be taking in all the sights as you sail down the river, visit countless cities and cultural hotspots, all while only unpacking once. It’s convenience meeting style and ease. 

When you’re not marvelling at Europe’s scenic beauty or bustling cities, you can be relaxing with the on-board massage therapist or igniting your inner chef with one of the on-board cooking demonstrations. Feeling more active? There’s an on-board wellness coach leading morning yoga sessions, plus bicycles you can use to explore on land. All your onboard meals included – always fresh, local food with wine, beer and soft drinks included with dinner. 

Trafalgar is known for its authentic local experiences across the world, and none of that local expertise is lost on its River Cruises. With a Be My Guest experience (where you’re invited to dine in the homes and businesses of real locals) and a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on every sail, you’ll meet local people and contribute to sustainability.  

a close up shot of a brown bear’s face, with shaggy brown fur
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Trafalgar Verity has the only open fireplace of any river ship in Europe.

Introducing Two New Ships 

Meet the two newest members of the Trafalgar family: Trafalgar Verity and Trafalgar Reverie, inspired by the places they’ve travelled and guests who have journeyed with Trafalgar. 

On rivers where so many ships look and feel the same, Trafalgar Verity and Trafalgar Reverie stand apart. Each one has a personality of its own, shaped by thoughtful design choices and a commitment to doing things differently, from real marble bathrooms on both ships to the only open firepit of any river ship in Europe on Trafalgar Verity. 

Your ship becomes your floating hotel, as you unpack once and journey effortlessly through Europe’s most iconic rivers. But this is no ordinary river cruise. Each ship has a story to tell, through its design, its soul, and the memories made onboard.  

Trafalgar is known for its Stays with Stories, memorable once-in-a-lifetime stays in incredible hotels, castles and chateaus. Now get ready to discover Sails with Stories, Trafalgar’s way of connecting guests to the heart of a destination through unforgettable journeys.  

Trafalgar’s European River Cruises Itineraries 

 

Best of the Danube 

8 days, 4 countries and 6 cities 

Visit Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, uncovering a mix of history, culture and local traditions.  

The Danube is a great choice for city explorers, stopping off at Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz and Passau. Tick off must-see sights like Budapest’s Heroes’ Square and thermal baths, stroll through Bratislava’s medieval Old Town and hike up to Bratislava Castle. Find out what all the fuss is about when you get a taste of Vienna’s famous Sachertorte, and step into the world of The Sound of Music through Salzburg. Enjoy lively evenings on board Trafalgar Reverie, sharing stories over regional wines as the ever-changing scenery floats by.  

Your trip’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience will give you a peek behind the Iron Curtain as you discover Bratislava’s Cold War history at key Communist-era sites with a Local Specialist, hearing stories of life under Soviet rule. You’ll meet a representative of Post Bellum, a non-profit preserving first-hand accounts of life under totalitarian regimes, ensuring these stories continue to inspire conversations about democracy and freedom today.  

Your Be My Guest experience will see you invited into the Saahs family winery at Weingut Nikolaihof, Austria’s oldest winery. Enjoy a homemade lunch featuring fresh organic produce from their gardens, while soaking up the warm hospitality and history of this family-run estate. 

Discover Best of the Danube

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On-board your River Cruise ships, you can relax in the spa or get stuck into cooking demonstrations.

Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam 

10 days, 4 countries and 8 cities  

Visit the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, cruising past fairytale castles and more vineyards than you can count.  

Along the Rhine, you’ll cruise past modern, cultural capitals like Cologne and Amsterdam, as well as historic gems like Strasbourg and Mainz. You’ll get the chance to explore traditional German beer halls in Cologne, walk through the Black Forest, and see Amsterdam’s iconic windmills and canals, uncovering the story of Operation Market Garden – the largest airborne operation of WWII. Make sure you have your camera with you as you travel through the romantic Middle Rhine, surrounded by steep Riesling vineyards, medieval castles and half-timbered towns.  

Learn about vinegar production on your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Weinessiggut Doktorenhof in Germany. Using premium wines and traditional methods, the Wiedemann family crafts artisanal vinegars with herbs and fruits, all produced sustainably with natural materials – after your tasting, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation. 

On your Be My Guest experience, tuck into a homegrown meal of fresh, seasonal ingredients at Bohrerhof, a farm run by the Bohrer family in the Rhine plain. For generations the family has carefully cultivated their produce, staying true to their farming traditions. You’ll get a true taste of their farm and the heritage behind it. 

Discover Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam

 

Each of Trafalgar’s European River cruises is packed with everything Trafalgar is known and loved for – that’s destination icons to local secrets, and all the memorable, authentic moments in between. Ready to make a splash? Explore the itineraries here.

Jess is an experienced writer and editor, with 6 years' experience working within the whisky industry. Her work has taken her to Scotland and beyond, while her personal travel highlights include backpacking around Vietnam with her sister, trips to California, Madrid, and the Greek islands.

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