The demand for solo travel is redefining the industry as we know it, and while accommodating these adventurous spirits is usually no hassle, the compact nature of river cruising isn’t always ideal for these types of travelers. To help these intrepid individuals cruise in comfort, Riviera Travel is offering solo-only itineraries to European destinations in 2025 and 2026.
Whether guests are traveling alone or with a group of friends, these itineraries ensure passengers have a room to themselves with no single supplements across the entire ship. And, in addition to the standard drinks package, complimentary on-board tea and coffee, a welcome dinner and Wi-Fi offered in the brochure price, an expert tour manager specializing in solo travel will also be on board to better assist these guests.
Read on to discover the variety of European destinations Riviera is taking their solo passengers.
Along the Rhine
Naturally, the Rhine is the focal point of many river cruise itineraries. Solo travelers with Riviera have the option of four Rhine cruises.
The Rhine and Yuletide Markets itinerary is a seasonal offering, with the festive, five-day journey visiting four Christmas markets along the way. Notable stops include Rüdesheim, a quirky wine village on the river with crooked houses on sloping hillsides; the historic cities of Koblenz and Cologne; and Beethoven’s birthplace, Bonn.
With some overlapping destinations, the eight-day Rhine, Strasbourg and Heidelberg itinerary is jam-packed with tours of restored old towns, highlighting breathtaking architecture and delicious wine routes. The cruise also makes its way through the scenic Rhine Gorge, ensuring travelers can soak in all the best that Germany has to offer.
For a change of pace, the eight-day Rhine Cruise to Switzerland has similar stops in Strasbourg, Koblenz and Rüdesheim, with the addition of Speyer, Breisach and Lucerne. Guests have the opportunity to drive through the mysterious Black Forest on a visit to Freiburg, galivant through the Bernese Oberland Mountain range and indulge in live music performances on board.
The last option for solo travelers is the Rhine and Moselle itinerary. This eight-day journey features tours of Cochem, Bernkastel and Cologne; exploration of Trier and Porta Nigra; and stops in Koblenz and Rüdesheim.
On the Danube
Another popular waterway in river cruising, Riviera is offering a jolly, six-day journey with Danube’s Imperial Cities and Yuletide Markets itinerary. Some of Europe’s most charming cities — think Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava — are the highlights of this adventure, with plenty of free time and guided tours added in for the full experience.
The other option along this river is the eight-day Blue Danube, with this sailing emphasizing various historic attractions in Bratislava, Dürnstein, Vienna and Budapest. Travelers can expect to see the Esztergom Basilica, Dürnstein Abbey clock tower, Hohensalzburg fortress, Hellbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral throughout their time aboard.
In the Netherlands
A blossoming destination for the river cruising market, Riviera offers two itineraries in this lively country. The first, Bruges, Medieval Flanders, Amsterdam & The Dutch Bulbfields, is an eight-day voyage visiting both the Netherlands and Belgium. Guests will be able to take a relaxing canal cruise in Amsterdam, smell the roses in Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden and explore Antwerp.
If a more flexible schedule based solely in the Netherlands is appealing, the Amsterdam, Kinderdijk and the Dutch Bulbfields itinerary is ideal. The five-day adventure includes a guided tour of Kinderdijk and the Zuiderzee Museum, a stop at Keukenhof, a visit to Rotterdam and plenty of free time for individual exploration of Amsterdam.
In France
For passengers interested in a French getaway, the eight-day Burgundy, the River Rhône and Provence trip proves to be the perfect fit. Here, travelers have the opportunity to sample wine in Beaune, take in the sights of the Ardèche Gorges of France and visit the Palace of Popes in Avignon. A guided tour of Lyon and a stop at the Roman amphitheater in Arles rounds out the journey.
The Seine, Paris and Normandy option offers a different perspective on the area, allowing visitors to explore the history of the cities. Travelers can head into Normandy’s capital, Rouen, and visit the Place de Vieux-Marché, tour Bayeux and the D-Day landing beaches or explore Normandy with stops at local cheese and cider farms. Monet’s house in Giverny and free time in Paris are also on the docket with this itinerary.
Other Solo Itineraries
An up-and-coming destination for many river cruise lines, the Douro, Porto and Salamanca journey is sure to be eight fun-filled days of cultural immersion. From wine tasting in Porto and a visit to the medieval Castelo Rodrigo to a flamenco show in Salamanca, this option will keep travelers on their toes.
The last solo itinerary offered by Riviera is the nuanced Medieval Germany. The eight-day adventure stops in Mainz, Rothenburg, Bamberg and Nuremberg, with tours of the Marienberg Fortress, a drive along the Romantic Road and more.
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