• Overview
  • Trip Outline
  • Trip Includes

Step into a winter postcard as you glide along the Rhine and Main rivers during Europe’s most magical season. This seamlessly packaged festive getaway combines an overnight city stay in dynamic Frankfurt with a four-night, fully all-inclusive boutique sailing aboard the stylish VIVA Tiara. Designed to immerse you in seasonal cheer without the hassle of constant packing, you will journey through fairy-tale landscapes, Romanesque cathedral towns, and storybook Alsatian canals.

Your voyage opens in Frankfurt, where sleek modern architecture frames the traditional timbered facades of the historic Römerberg. From there, your river journey carries you south through wine valleys to Speyer, home to its world-renowned UNESCO-listed cathedral, before crossing into France to explore the enchanting wonderland of Strasbourg. Wander the cobblestone streets of the Petite France quarter, where festive markets glow beneath the towering Gothic cathedral spire. Conclude your voyage in Mainz, uncovering Roman relics and sipping crisp local Riesling in cosy tavern courtyards.

On board VIVA Tiara, luxury is effortless and comprehensive. Unwind with premium all-inclusive dining featuring gourmet table service, an all-day selection of hot, cold, and alcoholic beverages, a lavish high tea experience, and complimentary in-cabin touches such as a stocked minibar and luxury RITUALS amenities. With return Gatwick flights, transfers, central pre-cruise accommodation, and all crew gratuities fully included, you can concentrate entirely on the festive atmosphere.

Holiday Highlights

  • Complete Package from £989pp: Includes return Gatwick flights, airport transfers, city hotel, and cruise.

  • All-Inclusive Onboard Living: Free-flowing premium hot, cold, and alcoholic drinks throughout the day.

  • Gourmet Dining & Fine Service: Multi-course table-served lunches and dinners with flexible meal times.

  • Indulgent High Tea: Signature service featuring scones with clotted cream, macarons, cupcakes, and fine teas.

  • Festive Continental Ports: Explore Frankfurt, Speyer, Strasbourg, and Mainz dressed in seasonal splendour.

  • Worry-Free Inclusions: Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, stocked cabin minibar, RITUALS toiletries, and all crew gratuities included.

Itinerary

Frankfurt (overnight)

Fly direct from London Gatwick to Frankfurt and transfer to your pre-cruise hotel. Spend your time browsing the atmospheric Römerberg square, taking in the contrasts of futuristic skyscrapers and restored medieval gables, before embarking VIVA Tiara to settle in with a chilled glass of welcome sparkling wine.

Speyer

Wake to peaceful winter river scenes as you arrive in the historic city of Speyer. Step ashore to discover the monumental Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Romanesque masterpiece dating back a thousand years, or wander the charming pedestrianised streets lined with welcoming cafes and wine shops.

Strasbourg

Arrive in the picturesque capital of Alsace, where French elegance and German heritage meet. Meander along the canals of the half-timbered Petite France district, marvel at the sandstone cathedral, and soak up the festive magic of Strasbourg’s world-famous Christmas market stalls offering handcrafted gifts, vin chaud, and spiced treats.

Mainz

Cruise downstream to historic Mainz, a riverside city celebrated for its deep Roman history and celebrated winemaking heritage. Explore the renowned Gutenberg Museum, discover cobblestone squares nestled around the Romanesque cathedral, and savour a glass of regional German wine before enjoying your final evening on board.

Frankfurt

Following your final breakfast on board, disembark VIVA Tiara in Frankfurt. Your included airport transfer will collect you for your return flight home to London Gatwick.

Accommodation

IntercityHotel Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof Süd (Pre-Cruise Stay)

Located directly beside Frankfurt’s central transport hub, this modern city hotel offers contemporary, soundproofed guest accommodation ideal for a restful pre-cruise overnight stay. Rooms feature air conditioning, comfortable bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, and sleek en-suite bathrooms, placing the city’s sights and dining within easy reach.

VIVA Tiara (4-Night Boutique River Cruise)

The boutique VIVA Tiara delivers an intimate, relaxed river cruise experience. Offering well-appointed outward-facing cabins—many featuring French balconies—the ship boasts panoramic lounges, flexible dining spaces with open seating, a wellness area, and dedicated sun decks. Guests enjoy in-cabin welcome sparkling wine, a complimentary stocked minibar, luxury RITUALS toiletries, and attentive hospitality from an experienced crew.

  • Return flights from London Gatwick to Frankfurt

  • 8kg hand luggage per person

  • Airport transfers in Frankfurt

  • 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay at IntercityHotel Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof Süd

  • 4-night boutique river cruise aboard VIVA Tiara

  • Welcome bottle of sparkling wine in your cabin

  • Full board dining: extensive breakfast buffet, table-served multi-course gourmet lunch and dinner, plus daytime snacks

  • Flexible dining times and free table choice

  • All-day beverages: premium cold and hot non-alcoholic drinks, plus a select menu of alcoholic drinks

  • Signature High Tea experience: homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, sandwiches, cupcakes, chocolates, macarons, and fine teas (once per sailing)

  • Well-stocked minibar in your cabin

  • Exclusive RITUALS beauty amenities in your bathroom

  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi

  • All crew gratuities and service charges

Prices are correct at time of publishing and are subject to availability.

Correct as of

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