Palmer Holidays unveils first river cruise collection

Coach tour operator Palmer Holidays has launched its first collection of river cruises, which are featured in the firm’s new 2025 Autumn & Festive brochure.

Based in Normanton, West Yorkshire, the company is part of The UK Holiday Group and a sister brand to mature travel specialist Grand UK Holidays.

It offers a free door-to-door service with pick-ups across West Yorkshire and the northeast of England.

Alongside the new river cruises, the new brochure features festive and New Year holidays and trips to Christmas markets.

A new seasonal addition is the Fairytale German Christmas Markets tour which includes Dusseldorf and Cologne, along with the Velvet Caves in Valkenburg, plus overnight ferry travel between Hull and Rotterdam. It costs from £799 for six days.

Lisa Palmer, Palmer Holidays’ manager, said: “Having operated coach holidays throughout the UK and Europe for several years, it seemed a natural progression to include river cruises as they’re such a relaxing and unique way to experience several destinations while staying on a floating hotel.

“We’ve seen a rise in our customers telling us they’re taking more shorter breaks over the year rather than one long holiday, they often don’t like the hassle of airports and prefer the convenience of a coach holiday, especially as we offer a door-to-door service within our catchment area.”

She also said the operator can visit agencies and help with training if required.

The new cruises are offered in partnership with CroisiEurope and feature sailings along the Rhine, the Normandy coast and in the Netherlands, plus coach and ferry travel.

Holland in the Springtime featuring Keukenhof Gardens is a seven-day itinerary from £1,149, departing April 11, 2026. It visits Bruges, Antwerp, Keukenhof Gardens, Amsterdam and Vollendam.

Wonders of the Normandy Coast, including Honfleur and Claude Monet’s Garden is a nine-day itinerary, departing July 10, 2026, from £1,899.