River Cruises Group Tours & Trip Packages

River Cruises Group Tours & Trips

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

32 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Group Tour
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
Show more

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."

Trip dates & details
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Pyramids, Temples and the Nile: the Ultimate Egypt Experience | August 25, 2022
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, 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
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety

More
Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam
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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

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
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France Bike & River Cruise: Lyon to Nice
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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

Arles, Avignon, Lyon, Nice, Paris

Highlights

  • Admire the magnificent vistas of France’s most renowned wine regions by river and by bicycle.
  • Enjoy the best of both worlds: an all-inclusive river ship cruise and VBT Bicycling Vacation.
  • Ride among the lush, fertile vineyards of Burgundy and Provence, pausing at your leisure for wine tastings and tours.
  • Learn the history of the magnificent Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage site’s museum, and savor a delicious picnic lunch.
  • Walk the cobbled and historic streets of Lyon and Avignon as a local guide brings them alive with history and lore.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife, Sailing, Photography

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
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The Netherlands Bike & Boat: Springtime in Holland, Aboard the Princesse Royal
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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

Alkmaar, Amsterdam, Den haag, Gouda, Haarlem, Leiden

Highlights

  • Learn how historic windmills work and how they are used to reclaim land called “polders.”
  • View rare and historic flower bulbs at the flower garden museum, Hortus Bulborum.
  • Explore the living catalog of spring flowers at Keukenhof Gardens.
  • Explore Holland’s “Green Heart,” a rural and peaceful nature zone.

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife, Sailing, Photography

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
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Vietnam: Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An & Saigon
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

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An , Hue, Mekong Delta, Saigon

Highlights

  • Explore Hanoi on two guided tours and a cyclo (rickshaw) ride.
  • Attend a performance that’s unique to Vietnamese culture: a water puppet show.
  • Delve into Vietnam’s ancient history on a guided tour of the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City of Hue.
  • Admire shifting landscapes of fish and duck farms, rice paddies, palm forests, mountains, and coastline on scenic cycling routes.
  • Savor the local cuisine—including a hands-on class at a cooking school.

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife, Sailing

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
Holland & Belgium Bike & Boat: Bruges 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, Bruges, Holland

Highlights

  • Cycle along tranquil rivers and past meadows, dairy farms, quaint villages, and polder countrysides.
  • Get acquainted with local people — and local life — during a visit to a family home.
  • Join a local guide for a boat tour of Ghent, whose history dates to around 600 AD.
  • View the famous Kinderdijk windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Sip authentic Belgian beer during a special tasting on board.

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Local Immersion & Homestays, Nature & Wildlife, Sailing

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
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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

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...

R

Randy

Oct 2022

Written on

The Philippines make for a great exotic vacation

The Philippines make for a great exotic vacation. I booked my trip to the Bohol, Dumaguete, and Cebu area through CharlieTheTravaler because they included so many si...

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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 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.

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