Riverside Luxury Cruises introduces Hops & Heritage: cruising through centuries of brewing craftmanship. Where beer meets fine dining.
Raising a stein to both tradition and innovation, Riverside Luxury Cruises, is redefining the art of river cruising with the launch of Hops & Heritage: Cruising Through Centuries of Brewing Craftmanship – a first of its kind luxury cruise, sailing through the heart of Europe’s legendary beer culture, curated and led by beer sommelier, James Kellow. The journey pairs crafted regional beers with gourmet dining, elevating beer to its rightful place alongside fine wine.
Providing the perfect way to celebrate International Beer Day (August 7) the eight-day Hops & Heritage cruise will take place from 29th July – 5th August 2026 and will showcase the rich heritage of western European beer, giving guests the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the drink and experience the work of seasoned craftsmen at the height of their powers. Along the way, guests will be treated to iconic beers of each region including German pilsners and kolsch in Cologne and grolsch in Arnhem, before concluding in the historical brewing centre of Amsterdam.
The on-board beer sommelier will take guests on dedicated excursions to well-known and craft breweries and public houses, all surrounded by picturesque gothic cathedrals and medieval castles, and not to mention the rolling hills and low mountains of the Rhine valley.
On board the ship, guests will not only be treated to endless luxury and excellent, personalised service, but also interactive and educational sessions by Kellow, including beer tastings, beer and food pairings, and daily recommendations to accompany the à la carte menu in the Waterside restaurant.
For an additional cost, guests can also book the Vintage Room fine-dining experience, where Kellow and the ship’s executive chef work together to create a seven-course celebration of regional beer and locally inspired dishes.
Beyond the eight-day cruise and throughout the month of August, beer aficionados travelling along the Rhine can enjoy a well-stocked bar of regional beers onboard supported by recommended food pairings and tasting notes.
The Hops & Heritage cruise will give travellers a chance to experience Western Europe and its beer in a manner unlike any other, with a distinct combination of top-class beer and food offerings, extensive excursions, and premium luxury.
With prices starting from £3,094, Hops & Heritage: Cruising Through Centuries of Brewing Craftsmanship is now available to book via the Riverside Luxury Cruises website: https://riverside-cruises.com/en/routen/T-ZRA7
For a comprehensive list of all of Riverside Luxury Cruises’ 2025 and 2026 cruises, please head to https://riverside-cruises.com/en/routen.
Images supplied. Food and Drink Images courtesy of Christopher Warren
