Riverside Luxury Cruises has opened bookings for its new itinerary, “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, this special itinerary will be curated and led by noted 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 July 29–August 5, 2026. It 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 across multiple countries. 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 center of Amsterdam.
The on-board beer sommelier will take guests on dedicated excursions to sample beer and meet the makers at well-known and craft breweries and public houses, all surrounded by picturesque Gothic cathedrals and medieval castles, not to mention the rolling hills and low mountains of the Rhine Valley.
Onboard, guests will be treated to interactive and educational sessions by Kellow, including beer tastings, beer and food pairings, as well as 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 lovers traveling along the Rhine River can enjoy a well-stocked bar of regional beers onboard supported by recommended food pairings and tasting notes.
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