Enjoy a fascinating cruise to one of the most picturesque corners of France, with the addition of a three-night stay in Switzerland, where you’ll enjoy a mixture of culture and natural beauty in Alpine surroundings. Our journey through France explores the beautiful Saône and Rhône rivers. There are guided tours to Lyon, Vienne and Beaune, plus a tour the magnificent Ardèche Gorges. In Provence, where Van Gogh created his greatest works, you will be staggered by the engineering genius of the amphitheatre at Arles and the huge aqueduct at the Pont du Gard, and in awe at the Papal Palace in Avignon, with its renaissance art collection. You’ll have the chance to soak up the old-world charm of picturesque Annecy, before hopping over to Switzerland where you stay on the elegant shores of sparkling Lake Geneva with its chic lakeside towns, Mediterranean flavour and incredible Alpine backdrop. Cruise the sophisticated palm-fringed Montreux Riviera and experience the thrill of Glacier 3000 and the Golden Pass – one of the world’s most scenic mountain rail journey.

Highlights:
Visit Beaune and the impressive Hôtel-Dieu and taste the wines of the Rhône Valley in Tain l’Hermitage.; Visit the Palace of the Popes in the 14th-century City of Avignon, adorned with priceless frescoes, Gobelin tapestries and graceful sculptures and see its impressive Roman bridge.; Explore the magnificent Ardèche Gorges, one of France’s most outstanding natural landscapes and marvel at the amazing Pont du Gard aqueduct.; Take a guided tour around the highlights of Lyon, including Europe’s largest pedestrian square, Place Bellecour, featuring a statue of Louis XIV, and Explore Arles’ Roman history or discover the inspiration for some of Van Gogh’s most famous works.; Enjoy four additional visits and tours during your extension including Chillon Castle, Lake Geneva cruise, Glacier 300 visit and a journey on the Golden Pass train.

What’s Included:
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin and room with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins and rooms available, at the relevant supplement. The price includes: Full board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day. Bed & Breakfast at your hotel during your land extension Tea and coffee available on your cruise All visits and excursions as mentioned Coach travel as mentioned The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge on your cruise, and Tour Manager during the land extension

Facilities

• Lounge with bar and panoramic views on the Diamond Deck
• Lido Bar & Restaurant on the Diamond Deck serving early bird breakfast, light lunch and dinner (to be reserved on board subject to availability)
• Main Restaurant – on the Ruby Deck serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner
• Air conditioned public areas & cabins
• 24hr self service station for tea & coffee
• Elevator between Ruby and Diamond deck
• Sun deck with comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers
• Small splash pool and putting green on the Sun Deck
• Small boutique for you to shop for your souvenirs and keepsakes to take home.
• Reception area open 24hrs
• Wellness area with sauna and steam room 
• Laundry service

Decks

The Sun Deck – and especially the forward viewing area – is perfect for watching the historic riverside villages, steep vine-clad valley sides and other scenic wonders glide serenely by. It’s well equipped with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, deck games and a golf putting green, a small splash pool where you can cool off, and a full bar service. Sometimes we hold barbecues here too, weather dependent of course – a great way to meet new people over a glass of wine.

In addition to the spacious Sun Deck, there are three superb air-conditioned decks on the Lord Byron – the Diamond (top), Ruby (middle) and Emerald (lower). A stylish glass elevator and a wide, elegant wrought-iron railed staircase connect the Diamond and Ruby Decks, whilst the Sun and Emerald Decks are accessed by staircase.

On the Diamond Deck is the magnificent panoramic observation lounge, the heart of the ship with wonderful views through floor to ceiling windows of the ever-changing landscape as you move along the river. This is where the ships superb design really is so evident. You’ll love the quality feel, the genteel ambience, the rich carpeting, the marble-tiled bar and the choice of sumptuous leather armchairs and soft modern settees. What could be better than to lose yourself in conversation with like-minded new friends, sip a coffee, perhaps play chess or bridge, or just relax whilst admiring the incredible scenery? And after a delicious dinner, appreciate our pianist, a gentle dance on the purpose-designed dance floor, or just enjoy a quiet read in the peaceful Lido Bar at the rear of the ship, ideal to while away an hour on a comfortable terrace absorbing the sights and sounds of Europe’s great rivers.

On the Ruby Deck is the main restaurant. Here, against a breath-taking scenic backdrop through the magnificent tinted panoramic windows, the chefs will amaze you with fine dining of the highest order, using freshly prepared seasonal produce to create the very best of European cuisine. The sumptuous breakfast buffet, with omelettes and fresh eggs prepared to order, ensures a great start to the day and a lunchtime buffet allows you to opt for a hearty lunch or something lighter such as a fresh, simple salad – just as you desire. A four-course dinner is excellently executed with silver service, enhanced by fine table linen, china and sparkling glassware whilst our ‘open seating’ policy ensures a relaxed dining experience which you will always look forward to.

The Emerald Deck boasts a very special feature of the Lord Byron – its purpose-designed and extensive spa and wellness area You can reserve the spa for your private use to take a sauna or use the steam room.

Unbeatable Value for Money & Honest Pricing
With 40 years of experience as the UK’s leading escorted tour operator, we can offer remarkable value on our vacations; our scale and the strong relationships we’ve built with our suppliers enables us to negotiate exceptional rates – and we pass those savings straight back to you. Our prices are fair and straightforward, with no hidden extras. Unlike many of our competitors, with us there’s no smoke and mirrors with our pricing and promotions – we just offer amazing value for money, all the time.

We’ll look after you – no matter what
We’ll always go above and beyond to make sure you can enjoy the vacations you’ve looked forward to. Almost all of our itineraries run without any issues, but occasionally we’ll be impacted by circumstances outside of our control. If this happens, rest assured that our team will take care of it; finding alternative travel options, organising hotels, and keeping you informed. We’re there for you every step of the way – so all you need to worry about is your packing.

Your vacation the Riviera Travel way – Three great reasons to choose Riviera Travel
Here are a few reasons why you can feel confident when booking a vacation with us:

1. Handcrafted vacations with authentic experiences

Like you, we love to travel. Our team of experts personally selects every aspect of your vacation so that it is thoughtfully balanced and honed to perfection. Between our exceptional fleet of ships and our handpicked hotels, you can rest assured that you'll be exploring the world in comfort.

While you travel, you're lookied after by our talented team of Tour Managers and Cruise Directors. Together, we ensure that you'll get fascinating perspectives on the culture, history, gastronomy, art and architecture of the places you visit. You'll step off the tourist trail and beyond the pages of a guide book, discovering hidden gems, mingling with the locals, and exploring lesser-known but equally beautiful places.

2. Your vacation – your way

We give you the flexibility and choice to enhance your vacation and make it your own.

Everyone’s idea of the perfect vacation is different and we like to give you the freedom to customise your travel experience. You can add on extras to your trip, such as hotel upgrades, or even extend your getaway with a Tour Extension.

On many of our vacations we also offer thoughtfully crafted itinerary choices and you may wish to personalise your trip further with one of these fascinating experiences. Just get in touch with our friendly reservations team for more information.

3. So much included

At Riviera Travel, we include everything you need for an exceptional vacation in the price. All our trips come with the services of an experienced Cruise Director on hand to ensure your getaway runs smoothly and take care of you, and unlike some of our competitors, all the guided tours, visits to attractions and experiences described in the itineraries are fully included. Plus of course, accommodation on luxury ships.

Solo River Cruises in Europe for Independent Travelers
Traveling solo doesn’t mean traveling alone. On a Riviera Travel solo-exclusive European river cruise, you’ll enjoy your own double-occupancy cabin without paying a single supplement, plus expertly guided tours and a friendly onboard atmosphere designed to help independent travelers feel right at home. It’s the perfect way for senior US travelers to explore Europe in comfort, confidence, and great company.

Why Choose a Solo River Cruise?
Solo tours can sometimes feel rushed or isolating — not here. Riviera Travel removes the stress and expense of traveling alone:

• No single supplement on selected solo cruises
• Double cabin to yourself, with stunning river views
• Daily guided excursions included
• Relaxed social atmosphere with other solo guests
• Dedicated Cruise Director to support your journey

Explore iconic European destinations with the reassurance that every detail is taken care of.

Designed for Senior Solo Travelers
Our trips are crafted for comfort and ease, making them ideal for travelers who want enriching experiences without unnecessary effort:

• Ships dock close to town centers — minimal walking to explore
• Smaller, boutique ships for a calm and friendly onboard environment
• Elevators, level access, and helpful crew
• Free time built into every itinerary for personal space

You choose how much you want to socialize — or enjoy peaceful time to yourself.

Where Can You Travel Solo?
Enjoy unforgettable views and rich cultural experiences on Europe’s most iconic rivers:

• Danube – Vienna’s imperial beauty, Budapest’s grand boulevards
• Rhine – Castles, vineyards, and charming medieval towns
• Douro – Sun-soaked Portugal and world-famous wine regions

Each itinerary offers a balance of guided exploration and relaxed sailing time.

What’s Included
One price covers everything you need:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• Daily shore excursions
• Comfortable transfers and port-to-city access
• All taxes and charges

No hidden surprises. No paying more because you’re traveling solo.