Our river cruises for 2027 and 2028

There are trips you keep talking about, and then there are trips you finally put on the calendar. I’m inviting you to join me for two European river cruises with Dorothy Travel, and choosing between them may come down to one very important question: Do you prefer your wine warm and spiced or poured beside a French vineyard?

One takes us through Germany and Austria during Christmas market season in December 2027. The other takes us through southern France on a culinary adventure in July 2028. And yes, you’re absolutely allowed to come on both. I certainly am.

Christmas Markets on the Danube: December 1–7, 2027

We’ll sail from Nuremberg to Vienna aboard the Avalon Impression, visiting Regensburg, Passau, and Melk along the way. Think illuminated market stalls, gingerbread, mugs of hot mulled wine, and the pleasure of returning to a comfortable ship after an afternoon exploring.

I love the idea of spending part of December enjoying the season somewhere beautiful, with people who actually want to be there. Browse for ornaments, admire the architecture, taste something you can’t pronounce, and let someone else prepare dinner.

Our package includes a pre-cruise hotel night in Nuremberg, airport-to-hotel transportation, onboard gratuities, and travel protection, alongside the cruise’s meals and included excursions. The website currently lists just five Premium Panorama cabins remaining, so this is the one to move on if Christmas in Europe has been calling your name.

See the itinerary, cabin options, and register here: https://cruisewithdorothy.com/

Delicious Decadence in France: July 18–25, 2028

Then we trade winter coats for summer evenings and sail from Arles to Lyon aboard Avalon Poetry II, following the Rhône and Saône through a region that takes eating very seriously. Finally, people who understand me.

This is a culinary cruise where you get to participate. In Avignon, we’ll explore Les Halles market and cook with a chef. In Lyon, you can choose another cooking class or a culinary walk. Along the way, the itinerary includes Valrhona chocolate, a castle-cellar Chardonnay tasting, regional specialties, and a dinner inspired by the tradition of Paul Bocuse.

You don’t need impressive kitchen skills. Curiosity and a willingness to taste things will serve you beautifully.

Published group fares currently start at $3,599 per person, based on double occupancy, with a $1,500-per-person group savings already reflected in the advertised prices. A $500 non-refundable deposit per person holds your cabin category. Fares remain subject to availability and change until booked.

Meals, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, daily happy hour, included excursions, and shipboard gratuities are covered. Airfare, airport transfers, and travel insurance are additional.

And for those who would like a little less clothing before all that French dining, the website includes optional ideas for arriving early and spending time at Cap d’Agde or Piémanson’s naturist beach. Those stays are arranged and paid for separately. The cruise itself is clothed, and everyone is welcome.

Explore the itinerary and register here: https://dorothyfrance2028.com/

I’ll be aboard both cruises, making introductions, helping with questions, and sharing the experience with you. Come with your partner, bring a friend, or come on your own. You’ll have someone to sit with, someone to compare the day’s discoveries with, and probably someone encouraging you to try the dessert.

We can keep saying we ought to do something wonderful someday. Or we can pick a river and give someday a departure date.