Swan Hellenic has announced five new European river cruises for 2013, sailing on the Danube and the Rhône.

Launched this week, the new ‘River Cruises 2013’ brochure marks the fourth season of river cruising for Swan Hellenic.

Swan Hellenic Sales and Marketing Director, Geoff Lawrence, commented:

“Customer feedback shows that over 60% of our ocean cruise passengers want to try a river cruise with Swan Hellenic. We’ve focussed our 2013 programme to meet the demand for these passengers who are passionate about discovering more hidden secrets in their favourite European towns and cities.”

The five 2013 itineraries depart throughout May and September when temperatures are ideal for exploring the -architectural places of interest, as well as countryside and vineyards. Each river cruise will be accompanied by a Swan Hellenic specialist Guest Speaker to bring the destinations to life. A programme of tailor-made shore excursions such as wine tastings and city walks are also included in the fare.

·      Cruising the Danube – an eight-day cruise of the River Danube, sailing through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Highlights include a full day in Dürnstein where guests can visit the ruins of a castle said to be the former prison of King Richard the Lion Heart. Cruise departs from the UK on 11 May or 21 September 2013 and prices start from £1,595 per person

·      Cruising the Rhône – an eight-day cruise which sails north from Lyon to Châlon-sur-Sâone before cruising to the Mediterranean. Guests will visit the vineyards of one of the finest wine regions in France, Burgundy, before exploring the historic cities of Mâcon and Viviers. Cruise departs on 22 June, 7 September or 14 September 2013 and prices start from £1,695 per person

Guest speakers for the 2013 river cruise programme include Professor Ian Beckett (River Danube, 11 May 2013) who specialises in military history and is well known for his work on the Great War and the British Army and Professor Alexei Leporc (River Danube, 21 September 2013) whose special interests include Austrian Expressionism, contemporary architecture and garden history.

Swan Hellenic’s river cruises are hosted onboard A-ROSA’s superior fleet of river cruisers which feature spacious sun decks, a health spa, gym and sauna, with the majority of cabins enjoying a private French Juliette balcony. Cruise fares include an inclusive shore excursion programme, all gratuities on board and ashore, all meals, return travel by air from London plus transfers or escorted travel by train (Rhône only) and all port taxes and charges.