Trafalgar’s distinctive approach to crafting its tours and activities sets it apart in creating unique experiences
Brought to you by Trafalgar
Cruise down the Danube from Budapest one day, take a tour of Communist-era sites the next, and dine with a local family at Austria’s oldest winery the day after.
These experiences are just some of the activities in different destinations that are part of Trafalgar’s newly launched river cruise tours in Europe that will set sail from April 2026.
The two itineraries include an eight-day cruise down the Danube river from Budapest to Passau on the Trafalgar Reverie and a 10-day Rhine cruise from Amsterdam to Basel on the Trafalgar Verity.
Expanding into the river cruise segment is a natural progression for the travel brand. Trafalgar, part of the The Travel Corporation (TTC) group of companies, aims to provide travellers with deeper, more meaningful ways to connect with the destinations they visit — whether through immersive cultural encounters, behind-the-scenes access, or exclusive activities not easily available to the public.
Since its founding in 1947 in the United Kingdom, Trafalgar has led guided holidays to 72 countries across all seven continents. Today, it continues to deliver authentic travel experiences through its offerings.
“We’ve always been about making it easy for travellers to connect with the heart and soul of every destination. Now, we’re bringing that same philosophy and unmatched experience – valued by our travel advisor partners, to Europe’s iconic rivers,” said Nick Lim, CEO, Asia, TTC.
Trafalgar’s river cruises bring its signature activities and experiences as its land tours to Europe’s waterways. Here are some ways the brand continues to deliver authentic travel experiences:
Exclusive encounters
Trafalgar’s river cruise ships are designed for intimacy and personalised service, with just 64 cabins that can accommodate up to 128 guests. This smaller size means a more relaxed atmosphere onboard and ensures that guests can enjoy the journey without the crowds typical of larger cruises.
Moreover, the crew-to-guest ratio is 1:3, allowing for more personalised service.
Local discovery
Beyond the major cities, Trafalgar’s river cruises take guests to lesser-known towns along the rivers, each rich with their own history and heritage.
Guests can immediately disembark after breakfast and head right into town, whether it is to explore the beautiful old town of Koblenz or soak in the Baroque architecture of Passau. Or they can join included tours conducted by a local specialist who can introduce them to Budapest’s local delicacies or take them on a scenic walk along the banks of the Ilz river in Bavaria.
These destinations off the typical tourist trail introduce guests to a different side of a destination that they may have been to before and experience the authenticity of small towns and villages.
One-of-a-kind experiences
A key part of Trafalgar’s appeal is its Be My Guest experiences — personally hosted encounters with local families and communities.
For instance, guests can dine at Austria’s oldest winery, Weingut Nikolaihof owned by the Saahs family, and learn about their winemaking heritage, or lunch with the Bohrer family at a family-run farm in Breisach.
Another aspect of Trafalgar’s tours is its Stays with Stories programme where guests can stay in accommodations with historical or cultural significance. Think heritage properties such as castles or boutique hotels that reflect the character of the region.
In fact, the each ship was specially designed to reflect the river and the surrounding region.
Conscious travel
Apart from taking care of guests’ needs, Trafalgar also takes care of the planet, people and wildlife through its Make Travel Matter programme.
Itineraries include experiences that support the local community or learning about responsible consumption and produciton. In fact, Trafalgar’s river cruise crew also head into town to shop for local produce that will be used for meals on board.
Make Travel Matter experiences on the river cruises include learning about Bratislava’s Cold War history on a tour of Communist-era sites and vinegar tasting at an artisanal vinegar producer.
Exclusive perks at no extra cost
Travelling is also made more seamless as Trafalgar takes care of all logistics, allowing guests to focus on enjoying their journey. This includes priority access to popular attractions, effectively skipping the lines and saving valuable time.
Itineraries are designed with built-in leisure time, ensuring travellers have the flexibility to explore on their own, relax, or pursue personal interests at their own pace.
Moreover, guests benefit from 24/7 on-the-road support, ensuring assistance is always available.
Keen for an authentic experience like no other? Visit Trafalgar to discover the variety of tours available now.
