River Cruises Culinary & Wine Tours & Trip Packages

River Cruises Culinary & Wine Tours & Trips

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

33 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Culinary & Wine
Cambodia To Vietnam By Waterway Deluxe Tour In 15 Days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They focus on the details to ensure that their travelers get a great introduction to their home country of Vietnam.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Angkor Wat, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An , Mekong Delta, Mekong River , Phnom Penh , Siem Reap

Highlights

  • Explore the wondrous ancient temples complex of Angkor Wat
  • Cross the border between Cambodia and Vietnam by speed boat
  • Take an overnight river cruise along the Mekong river
  • Immerse yourself in the beauty of Central Vietnam
  • Meet with a Vietnam war veteran and visit his tea plantation
Show more

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Our family had an amazing time with Realistic Asia’s package. The tour was very suitable for my family, which included children since we loved trekking. We enjoyed the stunning views, and the trek was at an easy pace for our kids. The tour guides and the staff are very professional and enthusiastic. I was very impressed with their attitude. We were very happy with the service and the places we have been to."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Northern Thailand: Culture, Communities, and Elephants
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

Blue Temple, Chiang Mai (Thailand), Chiang Rai, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Lampang, Longneck Karen Hill Tribe Village, Mae Kok River, Meo Hill Tribe Village, Thapae Gate, Warorot Market, Wat Rong Seua Ten, Wat Suan Dok Temple

Highlights

  • Immerse in tribal life, learn customs, and witness traditions in Chiang Mai's highlands.
  • Master authentic Thai cuisine secrets in a personalized culinary session.
  • Meet and understand those gentle elephants, supporting their well-being and conservation.
  • Explore a unique temple and discover the distinctive Longneck Karen culture in Chiang Rai.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

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
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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

Amsterdam, Den haag, Koblenz, Zurich

Highlights

  • Enjoy the best of both worlds: an all-inclusive river cruise and VBT Bicycling Vacation.
  • Touch the shores of four countries—Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands—but unpack your bags only once.
  • Delve into the wine culture of Alsace as you cycle France’s famous Route des Vins.
  • Explore the historic cities of Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Koblenz, and Cologne with local guides.
  • Cruise the charming canals of Amsterdam.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, 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."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Cycling on the wine roads of Provence
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Intura Travel
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
94 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
They are true experts in walking & cycling trips in France & Portugal, exploring places and routes few other operators offer.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Avignon

Highlights

  • The wine-making villages of Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Châteauneuf du Pape
  • Cycling along country roads surrounded by vineyards at the foot of the Mont Ventoux
  • The perched villages of Venasque and Crillon le Brave
  • 1 dinner included
  • 1 half day wine tour in Chateauneuf du pape with a wine specialist
Show more

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography

What travelers are saying

"The variation in the scenery from La Brigue to Menton was spectacular, especially as we took it day by day and could see the gradual difference as we descended through the Maritime Alps. Our favorite towns were St. Agnes and Menton. We did our one-week tour in June, with super weather both in the Alps and down on the coast. This was the perfect way to get away for one week, but feel like we had been on a two-week holiday - fresh air, exercise, good food and nothing to arrange or worry about. Thank you"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Vietnam Culinary Treasures
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

Halong Bay , Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An , Mekong Delta, Saigon

Highlights

  • Explore the bustling streets of Saigon with a local guide, discovering hidden gems and savoring authentic street food.
  • Immerse yourself in a hands-on cooking class in the ancient town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved architecture and rich culinary heritage.
  • Embark on a serene cruise through the picturesque Mekong Delta, known as the "Rice Bowl" of Vietnam.
  • Discover the fascinating history and culture of Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi.
  • Experience the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on an overnight cruise.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

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
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Vietnam Family Odyssey: From Hanoi to the Mekong Delta
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

Angkor Thom, Bakheng Temple, Banteay Srei, Bayon Temple, Cu Chi Tunnels, Halong Bay , Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An , Kompong Chhnang, Mekong Delta, Oudong, Phnom Banan, Phnom Penh, Prasat Bannon temple, Takeo Temple, Ta Prohm Temple, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Wat Ek Phnom

Highlights

  • Experience the captivating art of Vietnamese water puppetry in a local village and engage with the artisans.
  • Embark on a family-friendly bike ride through the picturesque villages of Hoi An, immersing yourselves in rural life.
  • Delve into Vietnam's wartime history with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, offering a comprehensive understanding of the underground network.
  • Glide through forest-fringed waterways, explore renowned floating markets, or embark on a countryside bike ride in the Mekong Delta.
  • Experience Saigon's colonial heritage, Vespa food tour, and the War Remnants Museum.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

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
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Italy at its best between art & countryside
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Top Travel Italy
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
18 reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Their flexible and customizable approach, along with their expert local guides, sets them apart from other tour operators and travel agencies in Italy
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Florence, Rome, Tuscany, Venice

Highlights

  • St. Mark and Venice Highlights walking tour Romantic Gondola experience
  • Murano and Burano private tour
  • Florence Highlights, Accademia, and food tour
  • Private Excursion to Pisa and Lucca
  • Discover San Gimignano,Cooking class Experience
Show more

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Train & Rail Journeys, Photography

What travelers are saying

"It was a leap of faith for us to use Zicasso, a service that connected us to Top Travel Italy, and to book a trip with a travel agent because we've always planned our own vacations in the past. It turned out great! Their model works. Zicasso recommended two agencies in Italy, our destination country, and we chose Top Travel Italy based on their responsiveness. What fun to create a customized itinerary based on their recommendations -- we told them how many days we could travel, what our budget was, and roughly what we wanted to do. They came back with a first draft and we tweaked it from there. Everything worked smoothly while we were in Italy -- we had good hotels and great tour guides, but I think the highlight for me was the private drivers! Driving in Cinque Terre, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast would have been stressful and it was wonderful to leave that to the professionals. And always, Top Travel was a phone call or an email away if we needed them."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety

More
Journey into Nature: 13-Day Deluxe Eco Tour in Vietnam
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An , Mekong River , Pu Luong

Highlights

  • Discover the hidden retreat of Pu Luong
  • Cruise overnight through emerald waters in Ha Long bay
  • Immerse in Hoi An's countryside

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Local Immersion & Homestays, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Relaxing Retreats, Trekking & Expeditions

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
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety

More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip
33 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Culinary & Wine
...

1

2

...

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...

Write a Review

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.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 815 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.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!