River Cruises Only ground transport Tours & Trip Packages

River Cruises Only ground transport Tours & Trips

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

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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

"Our trip to Iceland was absolutely stunning and Charlie the Traveler curated an amazing and adventurous trip for us that kept in mind all of the attractions that were on our list and many other gems this beautiful country has to offer. We hit a few roadblocks with our tours due to weather conditions and volcanic activity in the area, but Charlie The Traveler and his team were on it at every moment and were able to provide us with alternative tours that did not take away from the overall experience. His team is led by individuals that truly cares about your experience. If you need a perfect trip planned then Charlie the Traveler is the way to go. This trip has been absolutely perfect and can’t wait to come back and explore it again."

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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

"We tried many special foods, and visited many beautiful temples. The traffic was so bad, but we also did other fun things to explore Thailand and had a great time every day of our trip. Thanks to Alex and Prestigo Asia for making it all happen!"

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Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia: 18 Days of Splendid Discovery
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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
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Angkor Wat, Bangkok, Chiang Mai (Thailand), Ha Long Bay, Hoi An , Phnom Penh , Phuket

Highlights

  • Explore the pristine Van Long wetland on a small boat
  • Experience the local life and make your own lantern in Hoi An
  • Visit the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat
  • Witness the unique temples of Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Relaxing Retreats, Scuba Diving

What travelers are saying

"We tried many special foods, and visited many beautiful temples. The traffic was so bad, but we also did other fun things to explore Thailand and had a great time every day of our trip. Thanks to Alex and Prestigo Asia for making it all happen!"

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7 Days Adventure North of Vietnam
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By S Vietnam Adventures
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
49 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Halong Bay , Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of remote islands, pristine beaches, and lush nature.
  • Enjoy special onboard meals as you cruise through the Bay.
  • Experience a Vietnamese cooking demonstration amidst the wild beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Engage in kayaking and join a sunset party.
  • Take a scenic 1-hour boat trip through the tranquil paddle fields of Tam Coc.
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Themes

Climbing & Mountaineering, Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Trekking & Expeditions, Photography

What travelers are saying

""it was so nice to meet you even though it was brief "

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Across Ohrid and Prespa
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5/5 Excellent
29 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Tirana

Highlights

  • Ohrid Lake
  • North Macedonia
  • Northern Greece and Albania

Themes

Climbing & Mountaineering, Nature & Wildlife, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"Although not a master in skiing this tour met all my expectations for a great holiday in Montenegro. Not only snow but also interior pools."

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Treasures of Indochina 15 Days - Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos
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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
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Angkor Wat, Bangkok, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Hoa Lu, Ho Chi Minh, Luang Prabang, Mekong Delta, Mekong River , Siem Reap, Tonle Sap Lake

Highlights

  • Experience the majestic Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia
  • Marvel at the crystal-clear waters and limestone islands of Halong Bay
  • Visit Pak Ou Cave and witness the beauty of Kuangsi Waterfall in Laos
  • Explore top-rated temples and admire the largest Buddha statues in Bangkok, Thailand

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Relaxing Retreats

What travelers are saying

"We tried many special foods, and visited many beautiful temples. The traffic was so bad, but we also did other fun things to explore Thailand and had a great time every day of our trip. Thanks to Alex and Prestigo Asia for making it all happen!"

Trip dates & details
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7 Days Highlights of Vietnam
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5/5 Excellent
2 reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They have a deep understanding of the regions' diversity in culture & history enabling them to curated the best personalized itineraries.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Saigon

Highlights

  • Visit theHo Chi Minh Mausoleum, his House on Stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, some of Hanoi’s top cultural landmarks. Graze on regional cuisine while exploring Hanoi Old Quarter’s artisanal craft shops and souvenir stands. A water puppet show is also an optional evening activity.
  • Relax on a leisurely cruise across spectacular Ha Long Bay, one of the world’s new seven wonders, among limestone islands and islets and emerald sea. Enjoy a variety of water sports like kayaking, swimming, bamboo boating, etc., or just unwind on a sundeck at night to take in the breathtaking scenery.
  • Many excursions, including an overnight cruise in Halong Bay, a tour of the Cu Chi tunnels, and a tour of Saigon, offer excellent value.
  • In the Cu Chi Tunnels, relive historical times and encounter the underground existence of Vietnamese soldiers.
  • Explore the historic capital of Ninh Binh on bicycles to experience local life.

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Sailing, Photography

What travelers are saying

"Great thank you to Miss Rossie from Asia Authentic Travel for planned itinerary and services provided and support provide during the Vietnam Trip. Did not find any hassle while being in Vietnam in terms of service and transportation and tour guide and driver was too good and well behaved"

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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...

K

Kimberley

Oct 2022

Written on

This trip had the right amount of relaxing and adventurous activities

My friend’s family is from Bohol and she was going to go visit them. She asked if I wanted to join, and of course I did! We planned to go for two weeks, but we wante...

D

Dale

Oct 2022

Written on

This was a great getaway

I felt comfortable booking through CharlieTheTraveler. I could not find a single negative review of the company. They also offered an amazing Philippines vacation wi...

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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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