TUI River Cruises unveils its largest-ever winter programme - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

TUI River Cruises has launched its biggest winter programme to date for the 2027/28 season, expanding capacity across the Rhine and Douro rivers while introducing new itineraries, additional Belgian ports and more sailings for solo travellers. The programme includes 37 departures between October 2027 and April 2028, with cruises ranging from three to seven nights.

The expanded winter season will see three ships operating on the Rhine, while TUI Luzia will make its winter debut on Portugal's Douro River. The programme goes on sale on 2 July 2026.

New Rhine itineraries and Belgian destinations

TUI Elara will operate its first winter season on the Rhine, offering festive cruises that include visits to Christmas markets in Belgium and the Netherlands. The new "An Enchanting Christmas Journey" itinerary introduces the ports of Maastricht, Liège and Roermond, where the ship will be berthed on Christmas Day.

The programme also includes two dedicated solo cruises. TUI Elara will operate the seven-night "Rhine Chateaux & Gateaux" itinerary through southern Germany and Switzerland, while TUI Aria will offer the four-night "Northern Rhine Highlights" cruise, calling at Amsterdam, Cologne and Mainz.

Douro sailings continue through winter

TUI Luzia, the first purpose-built vessel in the fleet, will operate its first winter season on Portugal's Douro River. Four departures of the "Douro Discovery" itinerary are scheduled from November 2027, sailing between Porto, Entre os Rios, Peso da Régua, Vega de Terrón and Barca d'Alva.

The sailings will be supported by flights from London Gatwick and London Stansted to Porto.

Danube cruises and expanded flight programme

On the Danube, TUI Maya and TUI Isla will continue to operate winter itineraries, including New Year's cruises. One highlight is the "New Year on the Eastern Danube" itinerary aboard TUI Maya, which will spend New Year's Eve in Budapest.

TUI River Cruises is also expanding its regional flight programme by introducing a third TUI Airways departure from Birmingham to Düsseldorf. The new service complements existing flights from London Gatwick and Manchester, providing easier access to Rhine itineraries.

More choice for winter travellers

According to TUI River Cruises, the expanded programme reflects growing demand for winter river cruising and provides customers with a broader range of travel options.

“Winter 2027 marks an exciting step forward for TUI River Cruises as we expand both our fleet and our offering. With the addition of TUI Elara for her first winter season, new Rhine itineraries, winter Douro itineraries and calls to new Belgian ports, we’re giving customers more choice and flexibility than ever before from festive Christmas market sailings to solo cruises and a wider range of regional flight options,” said Katy Berzins, Head of River Cruises at TUI River Cruises.

Prices for the winter 2027/28 programme start from £869 per person for the "A Taste of Christmastime on the Rhine" itinerary.

Image Credit: © TUI