From behind-the-scenes tours to Europe's biggest waterfall: TUI unveils 10 new cruise excursions

Sarra Gray
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:29:59 +0000

TUI River Cruises is bringing 10 new excursions to its European programme this summer, giving travellers even more ways to explore the continent's waterways.

This comes as Kladovo in Serbia is joining the route as a brand-new port, opening up the famous Iron Gates region to guests for the first time.

It is a milestone summer for the cruise line's fleet. TUI Aria, the company's fourth river ship, will be making its maiden voyage along European rivers this season.

Passengers aboard TUI Aria, TUI Isla, TUI Maya and TUI Skyla can now choose from a broader selection of cultural experiences along the Danube and Rhine.

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New excursions

HPP Derdap I & Iron Gates Technical and Scenic Tour: Guests travel to one of the Danube's biggest hydropower plants, where an expert explains how the river generates energy. The route passes through the dramatic Iron Gates Gorge with its towering limestone cliffs, plus a photo stop at Trajan's Bridge ruins. Priced at £79.

Kladovo Walking Tour: A guided stroll through Kladovo takes in the Djerdap Museum and the 16th-century Fetislam Fortress, with views across the Danube included. Costs £45.

Cologne City Tour & Time Ride: A two-hour experience combining a walking tour past Cologne Cathedral with a 45-minute virtual reality adventure through the city's history. Available on TUI Aria only for £49.

Europe's Biggest Waterfall Experience at Rhine Falls: This six-hour coach trip from Basel visits Europe's mightiest waterfall, with viewing platforms, optional boat rides, and time at a thousand-year-old Schloss Laufen. Priced at £95.

Walking and Tasting Tour in Ghent: Explore Ghent's food scene with tastings of East Flemish beers, local cheeses, regional meats with Tierenteyn mustard, and chocolates at Sophie's Sweets. Costs £48.

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Kinderdijk by Boat: A half-day trip from Rotterdam takes visitors to the UNESCO-listed 18th-century windmills, including a working mill tour and museum visit. Priced at £55.

Old Amsterdam Cheese and Wine Tasting: A walking tour through Amsterdam's centre leads to a tasting of five mature Gouda varieties paired with wine, plus free time for shopping. Costs £47.

Linz City Express: A relaxed three-and-a-half-hour tour aboard the City Express covers major landmarks, including the Neo-Gothic cathedral and Ars Electronica Centre. Available on TUI Skyla only for £25.

Mannheim City Discovery: A guided walk through the grid-style streets takes in the Baroque palace and Water Tower, with a stop for local Drecker cake. Available on TUI Aria only for £62.

Vukovar Retro Vehicle Eco Tour: A two-hour ride in a retro vehicle visits Eltz Castle, the Vukovar Water Tower, and a prehistoric museum, finishing with Slavonian wine. Priced at £58.

Head of river cruise, TUI River Cruises, Katy Berzins, said: “With our newest port, Kladovo in Serbia being added to the programme and the latest refurbished ship TUI Aria sailing this summer, we’re expanding our excursion programme to offer even more unique experiences along the European Waterways and beyond.

"Customers travelling aboard our European fleet, TUI Aria, TUI Isla, TUI Maya and TUI Skyla, can now enjoy a wider range of cultural highlights.

"From a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic Iron Gates, to exploring the new port of Kladovo with a walking tour, this enhanced programme brings greater flexibility and choice for those holidaying with us during the Summer 2026 season.”