River Cruises Tours & Trip Packages

River Cruises Tours & Trips

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

815 Trips match your criteria (601 - 620 shown)

Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Visits

Porto, Salamanca

Highlights

  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of guided sightseeing in Braga and Guimarães, or Romanesque tour
  • Choice of guided sightseeing Peso da Régua and Lamego or farm visit with tasting
  • Choice of guided sightseeing in Freixo de Numão or guided sightseeing in Vila Nova de Foz Côa
  • Choice of guided sightseeing in Salamanca or guided sightseeing in Freixo de Espada à Cinta
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My first Avalon cruise/land tour to Vietnam/Cambodia was the best experience of my 80 plus cruises. We recently took the Avalon Egypt/Jordan cruise/land tour and it was the polar opposite. Most sites were awesome but the tour needed a guide in addition to the Egyptologist, who didn’t look out for the safety/best interests of the guests. I submitted a detailed review of Egypt and Jordan but have not yet heard back."

Trip dates & details
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The Rhine & Moselle: Canals, Vineyards & Castles with 2 nights in Paris
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Koblenz, Luxembourg, Paris, Rudesheim

Highlights

  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Canal cruise
  • Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; in Rüdesheim choice of visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument; free time in Koblenz in the evening
  • Sail through the Moselle Valley; choice of guided walk with visit of Reichsburg Castle or cable-car ride and hike with your Adventure Host or visit to the Historische Senfmühle (mustard mill)
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My first Avalon cruise/land tour to Vietnam/Cambodia was the best experience of my 80 plus cruises. We recently took the Avalon Egypt/Jordan cruise/land tour and it was the polar opposite. Most sites were awesome but the tour needed a guide in addition to the Egyptologist, who didn’t look out for the safety/best interests of the guests. I submitted a detailed review of Egypt and Jordan but have not yet heard back."

Trip dates & details
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Enchanted Europe (Eastbound)
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Bamberg, Basel, Boppard, Budapest, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Heidelberg Castle, Linz, Munich, Nuremberg, Passau, Rudesheim, Salzburg, Strasbourg, Vienna, Zurich

Highlights

  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of excursion to Black Forest or visit to a local winery in Breisach visit to Freiburg or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Guided tour, visit to La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, cable-car ride to the Niederwald Monument in Rüdesheim, or a hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; scenic cruising through the Rhine Gorge; time at leisure in Boppard
  • Choice of guided tour in Frankfurt, or guided tour in Seligenstadt
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My first Avalon cruise/land tour to Vietnam/Cambodia was the best experience of my 80 plus cruises. We recently took the Avalon Egypt/Jordan cruise/land tour and it was the polar opposite. Most sites were awesome but the tour needed a guide in addition to the Egyptologist, who didn’t look out for the safety/best interests of the guests. I submitted a detailed review of Egypt and Jordan but have not yet heard back."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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Paris to Normandy
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Giverny, Normandy, Paris, Rouen

Highlights

  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle or walk with your Adventure Host; choice of guided walk or guided hike in Les Andelys; onboard crêpe tasting and Pastry Demonstration
  • Choice of excursion along the “Normandy Abbeys Route” or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of full-day excursions to Normandy landing beaches or 'A Taste of Normandy' excursion
  • Choice of guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral or bike tour
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My first Avalon cruise/land tour to Vietnam/Cambodia was the best experience of my 80 plus cruises. We recently took the Avalon Egypt/Jordan cruise/land tour and it was the polar opposite. Most sites were awesome but the tour needed a guide in addition to the Egyptologist, who didn’t look out for the safety/best interests of the guests. I submitted a detailed review of Egypt and Jordan but have not yet heard back."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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German Grandeur with 2 Nights in Munich (Westbound)
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Visits

Bamberg, Basel, Boppard, Frankfurt, Munich, Nuremberg, Rudesheim, Strasbourg

Highlights

  • Welcome to Munich!
  • Full day excursion to Neuschwanstein Castle
  • Guided tour in Nuremberg; onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of guided tour, see the Old Town Hall or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of guided tour, visit to the Bishop’s Residenz or bike with your Adventure Host
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My first Avalon cruise/land tour to Vietnam/Cambodia was the best experience of my 80 plus cruises. We recently took the Avalon Egypt/Jordan cruise/land tour and it was the polar opposite. Most sites were awesome but the tour needed a guide in addition to the Egyptologist, who didn’t look out for the safety/best interests of the guests. I submitted a detailed review of Egypt and Jordan but have not yet heard back."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Danube Dreams (Westbound)
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bratislava, Budapest, Linz, Passau, Prague, Vienna

Highlights

  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of guided tour, see Heroes’ Square or hike with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of guided sightseeing in Bratislava, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral or hike up to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of guided sightseeing, or Künsthistorisches Museum visit, or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of guided walk or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein; cruise through the Wachau Valley or bike along the river with your Adventure Host; choice of guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk, Ybbs city sightseeing with Artstetten Castle visit
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My first Avalon cruise/land tour to Vietnam/Cambodia was the best experience of my 80 plus cruises. We recently took the Avalon Egypt/Jordan cruise/land tour and it was the polar opposite. Most sites were awesome but the tour needed a guide in addition to the Egyptologist, who didn’t look out for the safety/best interests of the guests. I submitted a detailed review of Egypt and Jordan but have not yet heard back."

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

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Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro with 3 Nights in Lisbon
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Visits

Coimbra, Lisbon, Porto, Salamanca

Highlights

  • Welcome to Lisbon
  • Guided sightseeing, see Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries
  • Excursion to Palàcio Nacional de Sintra
  • Guided sightseeing of Coimbra; transfer to Porto; onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of guided sightseeing in Braga and Guimarães, or Romanesque tour
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My first Avalon cruise/land tour to Vietnam/Cambodia was the best experience of my 80 plus cruises. We recently took the Avalon Egypt/Jordan cruise/land tour and it was the polar opposite. Most sites were awesome but the tour needed a guide in addition to the Egyptologist, who didn’t look out for the safety/best interests of the guests. I submitted a detailed review of Egypt and Jordan but have not yet heard back."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Christmastime from Budapest to Basel with 2 Nights in Budapest
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Visits

Bamberg, Basel, Budapest, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Munich, Nuremberg, Passau, Rudesheim, Strasbourg, Vienna

Highlights

  • Welcome to Budapest!
  • Guided tour, see Heroes' Square; Christmas market
  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Scenic sailing, pass through Bratislava; Austrian cookies tasting on board; free time in Vienna in the evening
  • City sightseeing; Christmas market
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My first Avalon cruise/land tour to Vietnam/Cambodia was the best experience of my 80 plus cruises. We recently took the Avalon Egypt/Jordan cruise/land tour and it was the polar opposite. Most sites were awesome but the tour needed a guide in addition to the Egyptologist, who didn’t look out for the safety/best interests of the guests. I submitted a detailed review of Egypt and Jordan but have not yet heard back."

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

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.

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