Riviera Travel has added ten three-day European city break extensions to its 2023 river cruise itineraries as well as a new sailing.
The extensions include a stay in a centrally-located hotel with guests then free to explore the city at their own pace. Riviera has also partnered with online travel platform holibob so guests can book recommended tours and experiences.
Riviera, which offers cruise options to the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhône, Moselle and Seine, said the move came as more guests have been requesting to stay on independently after their river cruise.
As part of the booking price, all city breaks with Riviera include return flights with a choice of UK regional airports, transfers from the ship to the hotel and hotel to the airport, and breakfast.
The ten city stay extensions, spanning six countries, are in Amsterdam, Basel, Cologne, Frankfurt, Lyon, Marseille, Munich, Paris, Porto and Vienna.
Riviera also currently offers five fully escorted tour extensions on its 2022 and 2023 European river cruise itineraries, for guests looking to take advantage of the services of a local guide and an included programme of tours and visits.
These include the Rhine Cruise to Switzerland with Glacier Express extension and two Blue Danube holidays with the option to add either an extended stay in Prague or Budapest.
New river cruise for 2023
The 10-night Lyon, Provençal Rhône & the Camargue itinerary will operate from April to October and features 14 tours and visits including:
- Guided tours of Cluny Abbey, Lyon, Arles, Avignon, Beaune and tour of Hospices de Beaune.
- Wine-tastings in Mâcon and Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
- Guided excursions to the Camargue & Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Ardèche Gorges, Uzès, Orange and the Pont du Gard.
The city stay extension in Lyon is available to guests who travel on the cruise.
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.”
For more information, visit rivieratravel.co.uk or call 01283 523431. Group bookings and offers are available.
