Short River Cruises for Beginners

Free drinks package
4 Nights Holiday From
From £899pp (inclusive of flights) per person
inc.flights & transfers
New to river cruising and not sure it’s for you? (I won’t hold it against you!) These short cruises are the perfect length for testing the waters…
If you’re considering dipping your toe into river cruising, then a short 3-4 night cruise is perfect for you to dip your toes in and discover. Expect total relaxation on board luxurious ships, expect to loosen your belt with delicious fine dining, and expect to be amazed learning about little-known wonders with insightful local guides… in short, expect to have a fabulous break.
And, of course, you’ll enjoy unbeatable value on these river cruises, which includes luxury accommodation, full-board fine dining, a free Superior drinks package, and the services of a wonderful Cruise Director looking after you throughout and not to forget, all excursions are with local guides.
Trust me, you’re going to love it.
Offer Highlights
Rhine Gorge & Cologne Discovery River Cruise
- Sail along the mighty Rhine River and marvel at views of the magnificent Rhine Gorge.
- Explore the charming town of Rüdesheim on a guided tour through streets lined with traditional timber framed houses and gabled roofs.
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Discover historic Cologne on a guided tour with a local expert.
Itinerary
- Return flights from London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham or London Stansted. Or return rail from London’s St Pancras.
- 4 nights on board MS Riviera Resplendence.
Day 1: Arrive in Cologne
Arrive in Germany and transfer to the ship moored in central Cologne.
Day 2: Cruising the Rhine Gorge and Rüdesheim
Marvel at views of the Rhine Gorge from the water and explore Rüdesheim on a guided tour.
Day 3: Cologne
Spend a leisurely morning sailing along the Rhine before taking a guided tour of Cologne.
Day 4: Return home
Disembark the ship after breakfast and begin your journey home.
What's included
When Can You Go?
Price based on 10 November 2026 departure. Other dates and beginner appropriate routes available throughout 2026 and 2027. Just get in touch for further details.
Terms and conditions
Price based on 2 people sharing. Terms and conditions apply. Prices are subject to change and availability. Other dates and durations available. Fully ATOL protected. (RV).
MS Riviera Resplendence
Life on board the 135-metre MS Riviera Resplendence feels airy and light with split-level lounge and dining in the main restaurant and the floor-to-ceiling French balconies available in over 80% of cabins and suites. On the Diamond deck, the Grand Suites are an impressive 32 square metres and feature separate living and sleeping space as well as a full balcony. They’re some of our largest suites yet! And, at 24 square metres, Superior Suites feel luxuriously spacious too.

This brand-new ship features all the facilities you’d expect to find in a boutique hotel. The main restaurant takes fine dining to another level, complemented by delicate European porcelain, gleaming glassware and the intuitive service in which the Swiss excel. On board are two additional, speciality restaurants, which offer a more intimate dining experience and showcase a delicious array of local flavours. You’ll never go hungry on board!
Designed with the very latest technology and our strong environmental values in mind, MS Riviera Resplendence is on track to qualify for the Gold Standard as part of the Green Award programme. So, you can lay back, relax and enjoy that cocktail on the Sun Deck guilt-free knowing your holiday will have a minimised impact on the peaceful natural landscapes we cruise through, protecting the world we love exploring for future generations to enjoy.