Monday, May 19, 2025
Europe is set to welcome a bold new cruise experience as Trafalgar, long known for its land-based tours, makes its highly anticipated entry into river cruising with two captivating itineraries launching in April 2026. Marking a strategic expansion of its travel offerings, Trafalgar’s debut cruises along the iconic Danube and Rhine rivers promise immersive cultural experiences, luxurious onboard amenities, and seamless multi-country journeys designed to showcase Europe’s historic cities and scenic landscapes in a new and elegant way.
In a significant move that marks a bold expansion into the European cruise market, renowned tour operator Trafalgar is charting a new course with the introduction of its first-ever river cruise itineraries. Set to launch in April 2026, these immersive journeys along two of Europe’s most iconic waterways—the Danube and the Rhine—promise travelers a refined and culturally rich voyage onboard newly designed vessels.
This strategic leap into river cruising not only broadens Trafalgar’s existing portfolio of land-based travel experiences but also positions the company within the flourishing luxury river cruise segment. With the unveiling of two distinct and meticulously curated itineraries—the “Best of the Danube” and “Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam”—Trafalgar is offering a reimagined way to explore Europe’s vibrant cities, historic landmarks, and countryside charm.
A New Chapter in European Exploration
Trafalgar’s expansion into river cruising is a natural evolution of its commitment to delivering culturally immersive and experience-rich journeys. By taking to the rivers, the brand enables guests to move effortlessly between destinations while enjoying luxury accommodation, curated experiences, and seamless logistics.
The two inaugural river cruises are now open for booking, with sailings beginning on April 11, 2026. Each voyage is designed to blend the scenic serenity of Europe’s waterways with the cultural depth and authenticity for which Trafalgar is well known.
The Best of the Danube: A 128-Passenger Journey from Budapest to Passau
Spanning eight days, the Best of the Danube cruise charts a captivating course from Budapest, Hungary, to Passau, Germany, aboard the 128-passenger Trafalgar Reverie. This itinerary invites travelers to explore the heart of Central Europe, weaving through Austria and Slovakia with an emphasis on heritage, food, and architectural grandeur.
The Trafalgar Reverie has been purpose-built to deliver a boutique cruising experience, with amenities tailored for comfort, relaxation, and social connection. Guests can choose from seven cabin categories and enjoy onboard facilities such as:
- Spacious lounges ideal for evening conversations and panoramic views
- A dedicated massage room for wellness and rejuvenation
- A modern fitness centre
- Open-air spaces for relaxed dining and scenic observation
Each day on the Danube voyage unveils a new facet of European charm. In Budapest, guests will encounter the Hungarian capital’s storied landmarks, from the iconic Parliament building to thermal baths and medieval fortresses. As the ship glides onward to Bratislava, Slovakia, the capital’s preserved old town and gothic cathedrals offer a picturesque immersion into centuries past.
The journey continues into Austria, where Vienna awaits with its celebrated café culture, imperial palaces, and musical heritage. One of the defining highlights of the itinerary is the exclusive ‘Be My Guest’ experience—a hosted meal at Austria’s oldest winery, offering travelers a taste of the region’s vinicultural legacy alongside authentic local fare.
The voyage culminates in the charming Bavarian town of Passau, where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers converge. For those seeking deeper exploration, optional land extensions are available in Prague and Budapest, extending the experience to two additional capitals steeped in history.
Rates for the Best of the Danube cruise begin at US$2,799 (S$3,627) per person based on double occupancy, positioning the itinerary as a premium yet accessible entry into the river cruise market.
The Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam: From the Swiss Alps to the Dutch Capital
Complementing its Danube offering, Trafalgar’s second new itinerary, Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam, presents a 10-day journey from Basel, Switzerland, to Amsterdam, Netherlands aboard the sister ship, the 128-passenger Trafalgar Verity. Like its Danube counterpart, this vessel mirrors a design ethos centered on comfort, connectivity, and panoramic immersion, with seven cabin categories and communal spaces tailored to cultural engagement.
The Rhine voyage unveils a diverse narrative of Europe’s western corridor. From the alpine foothills of Basel, the cruise proceeds through Strasbourg, France, where Franco-German heritage is reflected in timber-framed houses, Gothic spires, and canal-lined quarters.
The journey through Germany introduces travelers to Cologne, a city dominated by its towering cathedral and Roman heritage, and the Middle Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic cliffs, medieval castles, and vineyards cascading down the hillsides.
Among the itinerary’s curated cultural engagements are:
- A family-hosted lunch at Bohrers’ farm, offering a glimpse into regional agrarian life
- A sensory visit to Weinessiggut Doktorenhof, a specialty vinegar producer with deep ties to regional gastronomy
The voyage concludes in Amsterdam, the Dutch capital defined by its canal rings, art heritage, and innovative urban design. For guests desiring additional exploration, optional extensions are available in Lucerne, Switzerland, with its alpine views and lakeside charm.
Rates for this itinerary begin at US$3,399 (S$4,404) per person, based on double occupancy, reflecting a balance of luxury and value across one of Europe’s most scenic rivers.
Immersive Ship Design and Onboard Comfort
Both the Trafalgar Reverie and Trafalgar Verity have been designed to embody the essence of slow travel and onboard discovery. The two ships share a design blueprint that emphasizes light-filled interiors, sustainable materials, and multi-functional common areas.
Each ship offers:
- Multiple lounges and entertainment venues for social gatherings
- A well-equipped fitness area to support wellness on the move
- A massage and wellness space for post-excursion relaxation
- A choice of stateroom categories to suit different preferences and budgets, all with views of the passing riverscape
The ships also focus on locally sourced cuisine, ensuring that guests experience the culinary richness of the regions they traverse. Dining aboard both vessels includes multi-course meals crafted with seasonal ingredients, regional wines, and rotating menus that align with each port of call.
Expanding Trafalgar’s Legacy into River Cruising
For decades, Trafalgar has built its reputation on expertly guided land tours that bring destinations to life through local experiences, guided sightseeing, and culturally relevant storytelling. This expansion into river cruising extends that philosophy into a new dimension—providing a slower, more fluid means of travel while retaining the brand’s signature immersive ethos.
With the introduction of river cruises, Trafalgar aims to meet the growing demand for multi-country, comfort-driven journeys that allow travelers to experience Europe with ease, elegance, and depth. The Danube and Rhine cruises offer access to historic cities, scenic landscapes, and local traditions—all from the convenience of a river ship.
As river cruising continues to grow in popularity, Trafalgar’s entry into the space represents not just a diversification of offerings but a redefinition of how cultural travel can be delivered in a sustainable and relaxed format.
Destinations of Distinction
The selected routes along the Danube and Rhine have been carefully chosen to appeal to travelers seeking both iconic highlights and under-the-radar charm.
Danube Itinerary Highlights:
- Budapest, Hungary: Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle
- Bratislava, Slovakia: Old Town, Bratislava Castle, historic squares
- Vienna, Austria: Schönbrunn Palace, classical music venues, traditional cafés
- Krems and Wachau Valley: Vineyards, medieval towns, abbeys
- Passau, Germany: Baroque old town, river confluence, cathedral organ concerts
Rhine Itinerary Highlights:
- Basel, Switzerland: Museums, old town, Rhine riverfront
- Strasbourg, France: Petite France, cathedral, canals
- Heidelberg and Rüdesheim: Vineyards, castles, medieval towns
- Cologne, Germany: Dom Cathedral, Rhine promenade, old city
- Amsterdam, Netherlands: Rijksmuseum, canal cruises, flower markets
These itineraries offer a blend of historical depth, scenic variety, and cultural richness, making them well-suited for first-time Europe visitors and seasoned explorers alike.
Optional Extensions: Deepening the Journey
Trafalgar’s river journeys offer optional overland extensions, allowing travelers to deepen their European exploration beyond the cruise route. Guests on the Danube cruise can opt for additional stays in Prague, Czech Republic, or Budapest, Hungary—both cities renowned for their architecture, nightlife, and historical intrigue.
Meanwhile, guests on the Rhine voyage can extend their journey in Lucerne, where the Swiss Alps provide a dramatic contrast to the riverine landscapes of the cruise. These extensions offer added flexibility and depth for travelers seeking to personalize their European adventure.
A New Era of Experiential Travel
Trafalgar’s 2026 debut of its Danube and Rhine voyages marks a pivotal step in redefining experiential travel across Europe’s storied waterways. These curated voyages combine the ease of river navigation with the authenticity of local connection, appealing to travelers who value discovery, comfort, and cultural richness in equal measure.
Europe embraces a bold new cruise experience as Trafalgar launches its first-ever river voyages along the Danube and Rhine, offering culturally immersive journeys and luxurious onboard living starting April 2026.
By entering the river cruise segment with thoughtfully designed ships and itineraries, Trafalgar underscores its commitment to innovation, quality, and traveler satisfaction. As Europe continues to be a top destination for global travelers, these new cruises offer a bold new way to experience its timeless beauty—one river bend at a time.
