Sunday, May 4, 2025
Riviera Travel Unveils New 2026 Grand Tours Blending River Cruising and Land Adventures Across Europe
In 2026, Riviera Travel is set to redefine European exploration with the introduction of three brand-new Grand Tour itineraries. These immersive journeys combine the elegance of river cruising with in-depth, land-based discovery—designed to offer a more complete European travel experience. Each itinerary blends premium accommodations, expertly guided cultural excursions, and smooth transitions between travel segments by air, rail, or motorcoach.
Created exclusively for American travelers, these new Grand Tours aim to go beyond the traditional cruise format, offering richer, more expansive ways to engage with Europe’s diverse regions. From vineyard-lined valleys to mountain vistas and storied cities, each journey is tailored to showcase both the scenic beauty and deep cultural heritage of its destinations.
Spanning 14 nights and featuring four departures in 2026, this itinerary begins in the historic Umbrian city of Perugia. For a full week, travelers will explore nearby gems like Assisi and Spoleto through guided tours that highlight the region’s medieval roots and artisanal traditions. Highlights include visits to local wineries and olive groves, a boat ride across Lake Trasimeno, a deep dive into the Frasassi Caves, and an authentic farm-to-table lunch at a traditional agriturismo.
After soaking in Italy’s cultural heart, travelers will fly to Porto, Portugal, where they’ll embark on a seven-night river cruise aboard the luxurious MS Douro Elegance. Cruising through the scenic Douro Valley, guests will tour historic towns like Porto and Salamanca, sample regional wines, and enjoy panoramic views of Portugal’s iconic terraced vineyards. The combination of land and river travel offers an ideal way to savor Southern Europe’s charm.
The second itinerary, also 14 nights with five scheduled departures in 2026, begins with a week-long stay in Baveno, a charming resort town on Lake Maggiore. From there, guests will explore a trio of iconic lakes—Como, Orta, and Maggiore—along with guided visits to lakeside villages and Isola Bella’s baroque palace. A scenic drive through the Swiss Alps adds dramatic mountain landscapes to the itinerary, offering a breathtaking contrast to the serenity of the lakes.
Travelers will then head to Basel, Switzerland, where they’ll board one of Riviera Travel’s deluxe river ships—such as the MS George Eliot, MS Oscar Wilde, or MS Riviera Resplendence—for a seven-night journey down the majestic Rhine. Highlights include stops in Heidelberg and Strasbourg, blending historic architecture with natural grandeur, as guests cruise through one of Europe’s most celebrated river corridors.
Riviera’s third Grand Tour for 2026 offers five departures and begins in southern France’s sun-soaked Provence region. Based in the elegant city of Aix-en-Provence for seven nights, guests will tour the Luberon Mountains, sip wines at renowned vineyards, and visit landmarks like the Papal Palace in Avignon. A series of guided day trips ensures a full appreciation of the region’s rich cultural and culinary traditions.
From Provence, travelers will take a scenic train journey to Paris, where they’ll embark on a week-long Seine River cruise aboard the MS Jane Austen. The voyage includes stops in Normandy’s historic towns and the D-Day beaches, culminating in an exploration of Paris itself. Iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Montmartre are all part of the experience, offering a perfect finale to this well-rounded European tour.
Riviera Travel’s 2026 Grand Tours represent a sophisticated fusion of land exploration and river cruising, designed to provide a deeper connection to Europe’s landscapes, cultures, and histories. With an emphasis on comfort, authenticity, and curated experiences, these journeys are ideal for travelers seeking more than just sightseeing—they’re crafted for those who wish to live the destinations they visit.
Each itinerary reflects Riviera Travel’s dedication to excellence, featuring seamless logistics, top-tier accommodations, and enriching excursions led by local experts. Whether navigating Portugal’s wine country, relaxing on the shores of Lake Como, or strolling the boulevards of Paris, guests will experience the very best of Europe through a thoughtfully orchestrated blend of leisure and discovery.
For American travelers seeking a refined and memorable way to explore Europe, Riviera Travel’s new Grand Tours promise an extraordinary adventure across some of the continent’s most captivating regions.
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