River Cruises Tours & Trip Packages

River Cruises Tours & Trips

814 River Cruises trips. Tours from 159 tour companies. 392 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

814 Trips match your criteria (1 - 20 shown)

Best of Cambodia: Siem Reap & Phnom Penh
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Phnom Penh , Siem Reap

Highlights

  • See the mysterious smiling faces of Bayon Temple
  • Catch the magical sunrise over the Angkor Wat
  • Ride a boat deep into the floating villages in the Tonle Sap Lake
  • Take in the stunning architecture of Royal Palace

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Relaxing Retreats, Photography

What travelers are saying

"I cannot say enough good things about Odynovo, both on the coordination end (we worked with Laura Li, who was fantastic!) to the on-site people (shout out to our airport contact in Cairo Hassan, our skilled driver Ahmed, our fun Cairo guide Mai, and our knowledgable Aswan/Luxor guide Hazem - BEST crew EVER!!!) who make your trip a seamless, safe, exciting, educational, and all-around transformative life highlight. This experience was seriously a bucket-list one for my husband and me, and I can NOT emphasize enough how important the Odynovo team was to making Egypt an infinitely easier context to navigate. If you've watched travel vloggers and social media influencers attempt to navigate Egypt on their own and complain about a negative experience, fear not - if you go with Odynovo, every. single. thing. will be taken care of. There is NOTHING to worry about, and the experience was entirely positive. The people, the food, the culture, the historical sites and stories - with Odynovo taking care of all the logistical details, these are the only things you need to focus on. I am full of gratitude for the experience I had in Egypt, and I credit Odynovo for it. I will absolutely use them in the future for other destinations, and I urge you to do the same. I know my Egypt experience would not have been nearly the same had I not gone with Odynovo. Check out our adventure here: https://youtu.be/vMlAmVk7vBY Also, a passionate recommendation from my experience: DEFINITELY make the trip to Abu Simbel!! It was a major highlight (we went in a private car that left Aswan around 9am since we'd flown in from Cairo that morning). We stopped at the High Dam first, so by the time we arrived at Abu Simbel, the tour busses were on their way back to Aswan, and we had the whole of the site almost entirely to ourselves. It was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life. Do it. Stay the night in Abu Simbel if you can in order to avoid the crowds. It was amazing. ✨"

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Pyramids, Temples and the Nile: the Ultimate Egypt Experience | March 10, 2022
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5/5 Excellent
12 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Aswan, Cairo, Luxor Temple, Nubian Desert, Pyramid of Giza

Highlights

  • Gaze in awe at the Great Pyramid and Sphinx of Giza
  • Discover the overlooked architectural wonders of Cairo's historic centre
  • Explore the ancient Luxor Temple illuminated by candlelight
  • Enjoy a cocktail party on a traditional felucca at sunset
  • Cruise down the Nile on a luxury ship
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Photography

What travelers are saying

"A Culture Trip curated trip is a must for anyone burnt out planning their own trips or going to a remote or unfamiliar area. Having a local insider was the highlight of the trip. From the moment we landed to the moment we had to go through security to leave, we were completely taken care of. Our insider gave us great recommendations for restaurants and was very adaptable to any situation that arose."

Trip dates & details
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Danube Bike & River Cruise: Budapest to Prague
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Budapest, Prague

Highlights

  • Unpack once, then bike and boat along the Danube in four countries and three cultural capitals—all on one trip.
  • Follow the car-free and scenic Danube and EuroVelo 6 bike paths in this bicycle-friendly region.
  • Enjoy an exclusive Viennese concert with the music of Strauss and Mozart.
  • Choose to be as active or relaxed as you wish from our menu of cycling routes and walking tours.
  • Visit one of the oldest breweries in the world in Weltenburg.

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"This tour was one of our favorites. The tour leaders (Claudio and Tiziana) were great. The Dolomites and Italian Alps were breathtaking and the bike paths and towns were well chosen to give us a great appreciation of this Alpine countryside. Once out of Venice you really feel like you are in the country with beautiful mountains, alpine chalets and in some areas mostly German speaking residents. The biking was mostly flat with some crazy fun downhill rides. Almost all of the cycling was on bike paths, so very safe and quiet riding. As expected, VBT delivered a great tour with very good accommodations, good food and a really great group of travellers."

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Philippines (Bohol & Cebu): in 6 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours
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By Charlie The Traveler
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Travelers report that traveling with CharlieTheTraveler is a life-changing experience, in the best possible way.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Apo Island, Badian, Bohol, Cebu City, Dumaguete, Manila, Oslob, Samboan

Highlights

  • Swimming with Whale Sharks
  • Swimming with Sea Turtles
  • Canyoneering & Cliff Jumping at Kawasan Falls
  • Climbing Waterfalls (a.k.a. Canyoning) at Aguinid Falls
  • Seeing Chocolate-Looking Hills
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Photography

What travelers are saying

"Charlie provided incredible guides with great knowledge, stories and expertise. The tour was well organized. Can’t wait to take another trip with Charlie"

Trip dates & details
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Best of Istanbul & Cappadocia
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
For their reputation for flexibility, personal service, and trustworthiness throughout the planning process and during every moment of your trip
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Bosphorus Strait, Ephesus, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Pamukkale, Topkapi Palace

Highlights

  • Hippodrome: Step into the grandeur of ancient entertainment at this colossal arena, where iconic monuments like the Egyptian Obelisk and the Bronze Serpentine Column stand as silent witnesses to centuries of spectacle.
  • Blue Mosque: Marvel at the timeless elegance of this architectural masterpiece, its azure tiles shimmering under the Istanbul sun, casting a spell of enchantment over the skyline.
  • Hagia Sophia: Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring magnificence of Byzantine architecture at this timeless symbol of divine wisdom. Adorned with breathtaking mosaics, it stands as a testament to the ingenuity of human craftsmanship.
  • Basilica Cistern: Descend into the depths of history at this subterranean marvel, where ancient whispers echo amidst ornate columns and tranquil waters, offering a glimpse into Byzantine engineering genius.
  • Grand Bazaar: Lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleys of this bustling marketplace, where the aroma of exotic spices mingles with the vibrant tapestry of goods, beckoning adventurers and treasure seekers alike.
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Excellent service"

Trip dates & details
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Heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia 10 Days
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By PrestiGo Asia
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
60 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Angkor Wat, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Siem Reap, Tonle Sap Lake

Highlights

  • Visit the world's largest religious monument complex, Angkor Wat, in Cambodia
  • Explore the historical significance in Cu Chi tunnel and cultural diversity of the Mekong Delta
  • Fall in love with the beauty of Ha Long Bay and its thousands of islands

Themes

Climbing & Mountaineering, Cultural, Family Friendly, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"I can't say enough good things about Prestigo Asia and their 18-day tour in three countries. The landscapes we explored were diverse and stunning, and the local experiences were a highlight. The accommodations were comfortable and well-located. I had an incredible time and would do it all over again!"

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Best of Vietnam
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Da Nang, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An

Highlights

  • Discover significant sites and cultural delights in Vietnam's capital of Hanoi
  • Cruise through dramatic karst scenery on a boat tour of Halong Bay
  • Experience net fishing aboard a traditional basket boat in Hoi An
  • Explore historical landmarks within Ho Chi Minh City, along with Cu Chi
  • Tunnels and Mekong Delta

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Sailing, Photography

What travelers are saying

"I cannot say enough good things about Odynovo, both on the coordination end (we worked with Laura Li, who was fantastic!) to the on-site people (shout out to our airport contact in Cairo Hassan, our skilled driver Ahmed, our fun Cairo guide Mai, and our knowledgable Aswan/Luxor guide Hazem - BEST crew EVER!!!) who make your trip a seamless, safe, exciting, educational, and all-around transformative life highlight. This experience was seriously a bucket-list one for my husband and me, and I can NOT emphasize enough how important the Odynovo team was to making Egypt an infinitely easier context to navigate. If you've watched travel vloggers and social media influencers attempt to navigate Egypt on their own and complain about a negative experience, fear not - if you go with Odynovo, every. single. thing. will be taken care of. There is NOTHING to worry about, and the experience was entirely positive. The people, the food, the culture, the historical sites and stories - with Odynovo taking care of all the logistical details, these are the only things you need to focus on. I am full of gratitude for the experience I had in Egypt, and I credit Odynovo for it. I will absolutely use them in the future for other destinations, and I urge you to do the same. I know my Egypt experience would not have been nearly the same had I not gone with Odynovo. Check out our adventure here: https://youtu.be/vMlAmVk7vBY Also, a passionate recommendation from my experience: DEFINITELY make the trip to Abu Simbel!! It was a major highlight (we went in a private car that left Aswan around 9am since we'd flown in from Cairo that morning). We stopped at the High Dam first, so by the time we arrived at Abu Simbel, the tour busses were on their way back to Aswan, and we had the whole of the site almost entirely to ourselves. It was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life. Do it. Stay the night in Abu Simbel if you can in order to avoid the crowds. It was amazing. ✨"

Trip dates & details
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Classic 7 Churches Tour
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
For their reputation for flexibility, personal service, and trustworthiness throughout the planning process and during every moment of your trip
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Acropolis, Ephesus, Istanbul, Pamukkale, Pergamum, Philadelphia, Temple of Zeus

Highlights

  • Ephesus: Explore the ancient city of Ephesus, known for its well-preserved ruins including the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, and the Great Theater.
  • Pamukkale and Hierapolis: Visit Pamukkale to see the stunning White Terraces of Cotton Castle, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters, and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, known for its Roman ruins and necropolis.
  • Laodicea: Venture to Laodicea, one of the seven churches of Revelation, and explore its archaeological remains, including a stadium, theaters, and ancient water pipes.
  • Philadelphia: Discover the ruins of Philadelphia, another of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation, and explore its historical sites, including ancient churches and theaters.
  • Sardis: Explore the ancient city of Sardis, renowned for its association with the biblical book of Revelation and its historical significance as a center of trade, wool dyeing, and religious diversity. Highlights include the Temple of Artemis, a restored synagogue, and archaeological excavations.
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Excellent service"

Trip dates & details
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River Cruises Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
392  Reviews
See all River Cruises tour reviews
Excellent
75
Great
11
Average
1
Disappointing
0
Terrible
1
A

Australian Traveller

Feb 2020

Written on

Excellent tour of Cambodia

We enjoyed a week's tour of Cambodia (Siem Reap - Battambang - Phnon Penh) with Odynovo, with many attractions and activities included. It was easy to book online, a...

K

Kaeleigh

Mar 2022

More authentic experience than I would have booked on my own....

I had always been hesitant to try a group tour, because they seemed so stuffy and restricting. I like to do things off the beaten trail when I travel, and I try as b...

T

Tonita

Mar 2024

Written on

Awesome Philippine Adventure

Charlie provided incredible guides with great knowledge, stories and expertis...

R

Russel

Oct 2022

Written on

Emphasized the beauty of these island

I went with this company for many reasons, but the biggest reason was the reviews online. Everyone that has taken this tour to Bohol and Cebu, along with every other...

K

Kathleen

Oct 2022

Written on

This was a great value

This was a great value for everything that was included—the activities, meals, and other accommodations. CharlieTheTraveler definitely had a lot to offer on this tou...

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River Cruises Tour Selection Trips

  • Find the right cabin: If you value space, look for cabins that are at least 170 square feet in size.
  • Read the fine print to check what’s included: To judge the best value as opposed to just the lowest price, watch for how many “extras” are included in the base rate – such as port excursions, alcohol, balcony cabins and even free international airfare – that could add considerably to the cost if purchased separately.  
  • Avoid unnecessary expense: You could easily find yourself paying premium prices for luxuries that you might not be interested in: butler service, for example, or unlimited top-brand spirits, or crystal chandeliers in the lobby.  
  • Evaluate the shore excursions: The quality of port excursions (which may or may not be included in the base price) is especially crucial on river cruises, since you’ll be spending more time on shore than you do on ocean-going vessels.
  • Check out the guides: Knowledgeable, personable guides – who speak good English – can add immeasurably to your enjoyment, as can well-planned side trips to nearby cities, towns, wineries, or historic sites.
  • Book as early as possible: If you don’t want to lose out on that balcony cabin you’ve been eyeing, or on some nice early-booking discounts, get your deposit down as soon as possible. Demand is outpacing supply in Europe, especially, so booking a year in advance is necessary on some lines.
  • Consider the clientele: Some cruise lines attract a wide-ranging international clientele, while others appeal mainly to Americans. Similarly, some river cruise lines market almost exclusively to ages 50 and up, while others also cater to younger passengers, including families.
  • Compare and contrast the itineraries: While many itineraries may appear similar for the same rivers, some lines may offer more time in port, some less, or offer a few different ports and side-trip options than their competitors.  
  • Review the dining options: On some ships, everyone eats at the same time in one dining room, while others offer several dining choices both as to venues – including alfresco dining -- and hours. Table size can vary, too.  
  • Weigh the costs of going solo: If you plan on traveling alone on your cruise, check into the cruise lines’ policies on charging for single supplements, and whether or not they will match you with a same-sex roommate if you’d like to avoid the extra charge.

Additional details

River cruising is an extremely popular mode of travel, especially among older travelers. It's perfect for a relaxing getaway that you can make as active or as laid back as you wish - participating in shore excursions, or simply staying on board watching the world go by from your balcony. 

Only unpack once, and enjoy the slow travel approach!

Classic River Cruise Destinations

Europe dominates when it comes to a “classic” river cruise experience. Sailing in luxury past forested banks, with castles and small villages poking out - enjoying fine european wines and in depth lectures aboard - this is the pinnacle vision of a classic European River Cruise.

Some of the most classic destinations for a European River Cruise include:

1. The Danube River - When most people think of a river cruise, they probably think of the Danube. Among the longest rivers in Europe, the “Beautiful Blue Danube” covers 10 countries and is one of them most popular river cruise destinations for seniors and baby boomers.

Danube River Cruises are either eastbound, typically beginning in Germany and ending in Prague or Budapest, or westbound - departing from Prague or Budapest and ending in Germany.

2. The Rhine RiverRather than flowing in an east-west direction, the Rhine is great for travelers interested in a north-south view of western Europe. Covering 6 countries, the Rhine will visit Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, the Rhine.

3. The Douro RiverPortugal's Douro is a great destination for wine lovers, especially port wine. It’s one of the shorter rivers travelers can choose for a river cruise, covering the Iberian Peninsula. Douro River cruises are usually heavily weighted in Portugal, with a little bit of time in Spain.

Exotic and Adventurous River Cruise Destinations

1. The Nile River - The Nile River is a popular river cruise destination for adventurous travelers who love history and are more interested in interesting port stops and archaeological tours than a luxury travel experience. When you travel down the Nile, be prepared to be transported as you pass by ancient sites, learning about the mysteries of Egypt and the essential role the Nile has played over the centuries.

2. The Mekong River - Flowing through the heart of Vietnam, travelers who take a river cruise down the Mekong are treated to many classic Southeast Asian views. You’ll see beautiful green rice paddies, small villages, and mountainous terrain, as well as visit major cities and cultural sites.

3. The Amazon River - The Amazon is another kind of river cruise all together, great for young adventurous travelers and anyone wishing to expand their comfort zone. You’ll encounter plenty of unique wildlife, both on the water and on the shore, and have the opportunity to learn about the Amazon’s incredible biodiversity from knowledgeable local guides.

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On Travelstride you can find 814 trips to River Cruises and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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