New destinations, wide-ranging itineraries and plenty of time to discover: With its River Cruises 2027 brochure, Nicko Cruises invites travellers to look ahead to another exceptional year on some of the world’s most beautiful waterways.
In the upcoming season, the Stuttgart-based cruise specialist will operate 22 ships on a total of 81 routes across 33 waterways and 21 countries.
Highlights include the company’s return to China’s Yangtze River aboard VICTORIA SABRINA, the new Gironde programme aboard CYRANO DE BERGERAC, a new Rhine–Moselle–Saar itinerary with nickoSPIRIT, a new addition to the fleet in Croatia, and an Algarve extension for Douro cruises.
New Advent, Christmas and New Year cruises aboard RHEIN MELODIE complete the programme.
Guido Laukamp, Managing Director of nicko cruises, is looking ahead to the new season with great anticipation: “Our new brochure once again demonstrates the remarkable diversity of our river cruises: familiar on the Rhine, Danube and Moselle, charming journeys in France, Portugal, and Croatia or fascinatingly exotic in Asia, Egypt or on the Mississippi. For us, it is not only the itinerary that matters, but the way of traveling: personally, comfortably, and with the time to truly discover the regions we visit. That is exactly what our promise time to discover stands for.”
Back on the Yangtze River: Discover China aboard VICTORIA SABRINA
In 2027, nicko cruises will take its guests back to China. This 14-day journey spans from Shanghai’s futuristic skyline and the breathtaking landscapes along the Yangtze River to the historic city of Xi’an and the imperial cultural landmarks of Beijing.
Combining modern metropolises, spectacular natural scenery, and thousands of years of cultural heritage, this cruise offers an extraordinary travel experience.
The journey begins in Shanghai, showcasing China’s fascinating contrast between the past and the present. While the Nanjing Road and the Tianzifang district offer a glimpse into urban energy and vibrant everyday life, the famous waterfront promenade reveals impressive colonial architecture.
The water town of Zhujiajiao then presents a quieter, more traditional side of China before the journey continues inland.
There, the Yangtze River becomes the connecting element of the trip. On board VICTORIA SABRINA, guests experience the magnificent river landscapes and impressive natural scenery from the unique perspective of the water.
Ashore, the journey remains rich in cultural depth. In Xi’an, travellers encounter the world-famous Terracotta Army, one of the most remarkable testimonies to China’s history.
In Beijing, the experience culminates in an impressive finale: the Imperial Palace, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven lead visitors into the very heart of China’s rich history, while an optional excursion to the Great Wall vividly showcases the extraordinary scale of one of humanity’s greatest engineering achievements.
The combination of a comfortable river cruise and a comprehensive land program makes nicko cruises’ return to China one of the outstanding highlights of the new brochure.
Bordeaux and beyond aboard CYRANO DE BERGERAC
The genuine French joie de vivre and expansive landscapes define this eight-day journey through the internationally renowned region around Bordeaux in southwestern France.
Departing from Bordeaux, the itinerary aboard CYRANO DE BERGERAC follows the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde waterways through some of southwestern France’s most captivating destinations, taking guests through historic towns and stunning natural scenery.
Cruise guests can look forward to prestigious wines in the Médoc region, the impressive citadel of Blaye, and an excursion from Libourne to picturesque Saint-Émilion. Following the cruise, guests spend two nights in a hotel in Bordeaux.
The city’s vibrant atmosphere and an excursion to the spectacular Dune du Pilat provide a wonderful conclusion to the journey.
Particularly appealing is the interplay between river and coast. As the landscape gradually opens toward the Atlantic Ocean, vineyards, limestone cliffs, salt marshes, and maritime impressions alternate along the way.
This reveals some of the region’s hidden gems and expands nicko cruises’ portfolio in France with a destination that perfectly reflects the company’s Slow Cruising philosophy: traveling comfortably, enjoying consciously, and taking the time to fully appreciate the surroundings.
New itinerary with nickoSPIRIT: Rhine, Moselle, and Saar in nine days
There is also exciting news on Europe’s most beloved rivers. The Stuttgart-based travel experts are introducing a nine-day trip aboard nickoSPIRIT from Cologne that combines the Rhine, Moselle, and Saar rivers into a versatile cruising experience.
Passing historic wine villages, charming towns, and impressive river scenery, the itinerary reveals an impressive variety of experiences just a short journey from home.
The journey begins in Cologne and nickoSPIRIT heads first to Andernach, where guests can experience the world’s highest cold-water geyser, a truly remarkable natural phenomenon.
The cruise then focuses on the Moselle River, renowned for its winding bends, steep vineyards and charming towns.
In Treis-Karden, Bernkastel and Cochem, guests will discover a region shaped by viticulture, half-timbered architecture and centuries of history.
The floating hotel then reaches Remich in Luxembourg, offering opportunities for excursions to the country’s modern capital or to the picturesque Saarschleife River Bend.
Trier, Germany’s oldest city, is also part of the itinerary, bringing the Roman era vividly to life through landmarks such as the Porta Nigra and Trier Cathedral.
The journey concludes with a return to Cologne via Koblenz, passing through some of Germany’s most beautiful river landscapes, which continually reveal new perspectives and scenic highlights.
On board the modern nickoSPIRIT, guests enjoy the advantages of an innovative ship design featuring a personal atmosphere, short distances and ample space for relaxation.
New ship in Croatia: LIBERTY
From 2027, the elegant LIBERTY yacht will welcome guests on cruises along the Dalmatian Coast. Built in 2011 and extensively refurbished in 2024, the vessel accommodates just 38 guests, creating an especially personal and exclusive atmosphere.
Highlights include a spacious sun deck with whirlpool, a swimming platform providing direct access to the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, and a generous bow area with comfortable loungers for relaxation.
The itineraries remain unchanged and guests can continue to combine the two itineraries departing from Trogir that explore the northern and southern Dalmatian coasts.
This allows travellers to explore Croatia’s stunning islands and most beautiful coastlines at their own pace on either an 8-day or 15-day cruise.
New Douro extension programme: The Algarve
nicko cruises is expanding its programme with a new extension stay in the Algarve. On this 12-day journey, guests first enjoy the romantic vineyards and traditional towns of the Douro Valley before continuing to Portimão in southern Portugal, where there is ample time to discover striking rock formations, hidden beaches and charming coastal villages. The itinerary includes a visit to Nazaré and a trip to Praia do Norte, famous for its giant waves.
Other highlights include a boat excursion to the Benagil Cave and experiencing the rugged beauty of Cabo de São Vicente, Europe’s southwesternmost point.
New Advent and holiday cruises with RHEIN MELODIE
Aboard RHEIN MELODIE, nicko cruises is expanding its programme for Advent, Christmas and New Year. A new six-day Advent cruise from Cologne takes guests to Strasbourg and Breisach, combining two atmospheric destinations along the Upper Rhine.
Surrounded by festively decorated old towns, enchanting river scenery and relaxing hours on board, this cruise perfectly captures the spirit of the pre-Christmas season.
A new 14-day Christmas and New Year cruise from Cologne via Amsterdam, Strasbourg and Mainz before returning to Cologne, combines some of the Rhine’s most popular destinations with festive winter charm, culinary delights and the unique experience of enjoying the final days of the year in complete comfort on board.
The brochure River Cruises 2027 can be ordered online and is available for delivery to EU countries and the UK.
Source: Nicko Presse Team
Images: © 2021 nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH
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