For nearly 80 years, Trafalgar’s name has been synonymous with meticulously planned, culturally rich guided land tours across more than 70 countries. Now Trafalgar is channeling all that wisdom and experience into European river cruises.
With three beautifully appointed ships, Trafalgar is set to cruise the Rhine, Danube and Seine, providing guests with the same knowledgeable guides and local experiences that make their land tours famous. Unpack once and enjoy the journey.
Here’s just some of what you can look forward to with Trafalgar’s new river cruise itineraries. Reach out to a AAA travel advisor to learn more.
Every Voyage, Elevated
Travelers can enjoy the signature choices Trafalgar is known for, including:
- Be My Guest encounters with local hosts in unforgettable locations.
- Local Specialists who tell personal stories and offer unique perspectives of their homes.
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, designed for learning about and supporting local communities. Each excursion supports up to two United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Sail the River Rhine
Sailing from May 2026
Choose a 10-day Rhine River cruise aboard Trafalgar Verity, starting in Amsterdam. From there, you’ll travel through Germany with visits to Cologne, known for its iconic 600‑year‑old cathedral, followed by a stop in Koblenz.
The journey continues to the wine‑making town of Rüdesheim and then to Speyer, a medieval city where you can take a guided walking tour of the historic center or participate in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a nearby private vinegar estate.
Your cruise then carries on to Strasbourg, a French city with strong German influences and close connections to the Black Forest, where you can enjoy a Be My Guest lunch at Bohrerhof, a family‑run farm.
The journey concludes in Basel, Switzerland, a vibrant destination celebrated for its diverse and thriving art scene.
Sail the River Danube
Sailing from April 2026
For a taste of Germany, Austria and Slovakia, book the eight-day Best of the Danube, departing from Budapest. Begin with a full day in Hungary’s capital, often called the Pearl of the Danube, where striking architecture, historic thermal baths and a vibrant arts scene set the tone for your journey.
Disembark in the ancient city of Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, where you can tour the city on foot or get insight into Cold War history, with presentations on life under Communism, the Soviet era and the Velvet Revolution. Optional activities include hiking up to Bratislava Castle or a guided drive featuring castle views and a refreshing stop at a local brewery.
In Vienna, enjoy the architecture and history (and coffee and pastries, of course). Top off your visit with an immersive journey back to the 18th century, discovering the places that shaped Mozart’s life and music.
Next up is Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley, home to vineyards and towering castles. Stop for lunch in the town of Spitz, at the country’s oldest winery. More unique architecture and history are on display in the city of Linz. The last stop is Passau, Bavaria’s City of Three Rivers, where you can listen to music, drink beer and eat pretzels, among other activities. Don’t miss taking a hike along the Ilz River.
Sail the River Seine
Sailing from April 2027
What better way to see France than by cruising the River Seine on the Best of the Seine with Paris and Normandy? Cities and scenery line the 485-mile river, and Trafalgar’s eight-day itinerary ensures you don’t just see, but experience the highlights. The first stop, Giverny, is a dream stop for admirers of Impressionist painters. Tour Claude Monet’s house and see the bridge, gardens and lily pond he made so famous. Not to be missed is a fortress built by Richard the Lionheart, called Château Gaillard. Exploring pastry shops and riverside paths can fill the afternoon.
After landing at Caudebec-en-Caux, journey to Normandy, site of the D-Day landing by Allied troops in 1944, helped pave the way for the Allied victory in Europe. Guests can visit the American sector — home to Sainte‑Mère‑Église and the Airborne Museum — or explore the Commonwealth sector, featuring memorials honoring Canadian, British and ANZAC forces.
Next stop is Rouen, home to one of the largest collections of medieval architecture. Explore this ancient city or travel to Mont-Saint-Michel, an island with an 11th century church and a lively downtown. Located below the Seine’s chalk cliffs, La Roche-Guyon is home to a fortress carved into rocks, as well as gardens and forests. Lunch is at a traditional orchard and cider mill, where guests learn about harvesting apples and cider production.
The next day you can choose between the historic and the artistic: Tour Château de Malmaison, former home of Joséphine Bonaparte, Napolean Bonaparte’s first wife, or stroll through Auvers-sur-Oise, where artist Vincent Van Gogh lived and is buried and see many of the scenes featured in his paintings.
Your final day brings you to Paris, where the ship docks for a full day. Take time to explore the city’s neighborhoods, stroll along the Seine, attend a presentation on the city’s sustainability efforts or venture out to the opulent Palace of Versailles. While it’s hard to see the trip come to an end, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in the culture, history and elegance in the City of Light, if only for a short period of time.
You’ve Read About it — Now Experience It
AAA travel advisors will turn your inspiration into a memorable vacation, providing trusted guidance and exclusive member benefits. Connect with us to learn more.
Call 866-423-5585 | Find a AAA Branch | Contact Online
Featured image: Best of the Danube.
Ellen is a content producer for AAA Northeast, covering automotive, finance, public affairs and electric vehicle news. She is a former newspaper reporter with experience writing for print and online publications about everything from higher education to sustainability. She recently returned to her native Long Island after living in Connecticut for 20-plus years, and has never met a beach she didn’t like.
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