Garden TV star and royal experts to join new Riviera cruises

Riviera Travel has created new themed river cruises for 2024, with one featuring gardening star Charlie Dimmock and the other with two royal experts.

The gardening TV presenter will join the Gardens & Natural Beauty of the Rhone cruise, taking part in onboard lectures and joining guests during excursions.

The eight-day cruise includes visits to Parc de la Tête d’Or’s botanical garden in Lyon, Jardin des Villes in Vienne, Rocher des Doms in Avignon, and a guided tour of Arles to see the landscape garden L’Escape Van Gogh.

It departs on October 11 and costs from £2,149.

Elsewhere, former royal butler Grant Harrold and royal chef Colin Alderson will be on the eight-day Regal Rhine Cruise to Switzerland, providing expert talks onboard and joining excursions. Ports of call are Strasbourg, Koblenz, Rüdesheim and Speyer.

The cruise departs on October 17 and prices start from £1,949.

Will Sarson, head of product cruise and long-haul at Riviera, said: “Demand for themed cruises is growing, as guests seek holidays with a difference.

“Itineraries such as these allow us to expand our reach and appeal to those who have yet to take a river cruise.

“They are also ideal for repeat guests who want to try something new. We’re excited to have Charlie Dimmock. Grant Harrold and Colin Alderson join us on board to share their captivating insight.”

Pictured: Charlie Dimmock (left) and Grant Harrold. Grand Harrold picture credit: Chris Whatt