River cruise

[Foxymoxy68]

We're considering a river cruise in Europe next year. We have a budget of between £3000-£4000 (2 of us) and would like to go for a week. Any recommendations of who we might go with and where? Thanks ☺️

Riviera Travel is always my choice. I’ve done several river cruises with them and they’re always incredibly helpful and lovely to deal with. My favourite was the Rhine to Switzerland but there are lots of choices.

My favourite type of holiday ! I think the next one will be my 16th.

I can recommend Riviera, Viking, Avalon, Scenic/Emerald.
NOT recommend Croisi Europe, or Titan/Saga.
I think we've "done" most of the European rivers, but can't pick a favourite.
Look at the stops en route, & decide whether they appeal to you.

Check what you are getting for your money.

Sometimes a drinks package is included, ditto tipping.

Excursions are usually included, but it's worth checking.
We nearly got caught out years ago when we realised that flights were not included !
Personally, I won't have a room on the lower deck as they just have a porthole.

If that is total budget as opposed to per head I fear you will struggle. River Cruises are one of the most expensive holidays. Tui is the most budget of the river cruise lines

OP wants a week, so quite feasible.

I don't think they're expensive when all meals - often drinks - are included.

I should have added Tui to my not recommended list ! I did a sea cruise with them (did not realise that Marella is Tui) & it was awful.

We spent £10k for a week with Emerald last summer. This year spending £6k with Tui, both July and incl scheduled flights. A lower cabin class might get the cost down and as you say it’s mostly all incl, 3 meals and beer/wine with meals

We've gone with Tui as it was the only one within our budget (£3800 for a week) and we liked the itinerary. We're starting in Budapest and sailing through Austria and Germany before heading back to Hungary.
Researched it on YouTube and it looks fine, maybe not as upmarket as some other river cruise liners but still perfectly acceptable. I suppose we'll find out!
Thanks for all your advice!

We went with Titan - starting in Lyon, sailing north, then sailing down to Arles and Avignon. It was lovely.