Riviera River Cruises will be the exclusive partner for Classic Journeys’ European river cruise program, which will present its limited-edition “cruise within a cruise” aboard Riviera’s five-star ships on the Douro, Danube and Rhone Rivers next year.

A Classic Journeys local expert will travel with the guests in Riviera River Cruises serving as on-board host and leading private shore excursions, according to a press release.

“We’re delighted that Classic Journeys has chosen to partner with us for their European river cruise program next year,” said Marilyn Conroy, Riviera River Cruises’ Vice President Sales and Marketing North America. “Riviera’s river cruises perfectly match the Classic Journeys standard, with both companies offering innovative itineraries and a high standard of accommodations, food and service.”

Edward Piegza, President and Founder of Classic Journeys, said their guests are intrigued by the idea of river cruising.

“And we are excited to welcome them to river cruising taken to a whole new level. Think of it as a ‘cruise within a cruise. Of course, you get the unpack-once ease of a luxury five-star ship, plus an exclusive collection of daily handcrafted cultural and walking activities beyond anything river cruise passengers are used to enjoying.”

The MS Emily Bronte, MS Oscar Wilde and MS William Wordsworth’s will sail through to the coastal Porto in Portugal and all the way to Salamanca and the Spanish countryside. Danube, Austrian villages and the vineyards are on the way as well as Vienna, Budapest and Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic.

Riviera’s MS William Shakespeare will take guests to the France of Cézanne and culinary highlights, sailing to Burgundy and Provence, from Lyon to Avignon, through the countryside, meeting olive growers and cooking with a Michelin-starred chef.