River Cruising
River cruising is a wonderful way to see your destination as you leisurely cruise down rivers and canals that traditional cruise ships cannot access. Most river cruises are taken in Europe such as down the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Rhone or Seine however, you can also enjoy river cruising down the Nile in Egypt, the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia and the Amazon River in Peru. There are plenty of opportunities to get off and enjoy the local sights, with some river cruise companies even offering bicycles for you to use to explore. Each river cruise company offers something different so here are a few of our favourites or contact us and we'll help choose the best cruise line for your perfect holiday.
Image credit: Riviera Travel
Aqua Expeditions
Expect tailored five-star itineraries, a highly exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio and small group expert-guided activities and excursions. On board, you'll have floor-to-ceiling windows offering a constant view of the endless panorama – revealing each destination’s best-kept secrets, from the inner workings of floating villages to the magic of the legendary pink dolphins. After days of adventure and discovery, enjoy world-class cuisine on board and wind down in our elegantly designed social spaces.
Our favourite cruises:
7-night Mekong Expedition Cruise - Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City - on board the award-winning Aqua Mekong, guests experience the most authentic facets of Mekong culture and ways of life, while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Mekong's river base in comfort and luxury. Let the expert English-speaking guides show you the unspoiled nature and ancient traditions; every day on the Mekong is an opportunity to discover something new and surprising.
4-night Aria Amazon - after flying into Iquitos, you'll transfer to Nauta port for embarkation. You'll head out on a birdwatching excursion along the Maranon River and explore the Yanayacu Pucate River where you might see sloths, parrots and Taricaya turtles. Pay a visit to an Amazon village and go fishing for piranhas before heading out in search of nocturnal wildlife along the river. Your third day includes fishing, a picnic lunch and your choice of a jungle walk, canoeing, kayaking or swimming in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. On day four, you'll try to spot sloths and birds along the Maranon River - bring your binoculars! You'll also sail to Puerto Prado where you can see giant water lilies. On your final day, you'll visit the local market and then head to the Manatee Rescue Center before your flight.
Save up to 30% off selected cabins and voyages in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Book by 31 March 2025*
Exclusive Virtuoso benefits apply to selected cruises*
Click here for full Terms and Conditions
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
You'll enjoy all the conveniences of a traditional cruise with the benefits of inland travel. Uniworld ships have an average of 120 travellers with one of the highest crew to guest ratios. Your river cruise includes 5 star cuisine, unlimited premium spirits and wines, all gratuities, Wi-Fi access, onboard entertainment and immersive excursions.
A few of our favourites:
10-day Milan, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto - begin your journey in stunning Milan and head to Venice where you'll stay onboard our floating boutique hotel. Discover Chioggia, a charming southern port loved by fishermen and disembark back in Venice.
15-day Grand France - Experience France from north to south, sailing three rivers and embarking upon in-depth shore excursions. Embarking in Arles, you'll visit Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Lyon, Beaune, Rouen and the Normandy Beaches, Versailles and finish in Paris.
15-day Rhine, Moselle & Belgium Grand Discovery - Meander your way from Belgium to Switzerland, visiting The Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France and Switzerland along the way.
Save up to 40% on selected 2025 departures when booked by 31 March 2025*
Exclusive Virtuoso Voyages benefits may apply*
Click here for full Terms and Conditions
Viking
Viking have been taking well-travelled curious guests to some of the world's most fascinating destinations for 25 years. With no kids, no casinos, and everything you need included, they focus on delivering meaningful experiences, so you can learn and engage with each destination through its culture, countryside and customs. Their smaller ships have a maximum of 930 travellers and include a private veranda on all staterooms, a shore excursion in every port, Wi-Fi, gratuities and wine and beer with lunch and dinner.
On their journey, Viking have accumulated over 450 awards, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 and 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honours from both publications.
A few of our favourites:
8-day Danube Waltz - cruise leisurely from Budapest to Bratislava to Vienna to Krems to Linz and disembark in Passau.
15-day Grand European Tour - indulge your senses on this river cruise embarking in Amsterdam before heading to Kinderdijk, Cologne, Koblenz, Middle Rhine, Main River, Miltenberg, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Main-Danube Canal, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk and the Wachau Valley, Vienna and finish in Budapest.
15-day France's Finest - for everything francais... begin in Paris and continue on to La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Seine River, Rouen, Normandy Beaches, Les Andelys and back to Paris. Onto Lyon, Vienne and the Rhone River, Tournon, Viviers, Arles before disembarking in Avignon.
Enjoy free return flights with any 2025 - 2027 River voyage, valued at up to $2,400 per person.
Book by 31 March 2025*
Exclusive Virtuoso benefits apply to selected cruises*
Click here for full Terms and Conditions
Tauck
Since 1925, Tauck has been committed to enhancing lives through travel. As Tauck approaches their 100th anniversary in 2025, they continue to raise the bar for finding new ways to explore the world. Offering more than 170 distinctive and enriching land journeys, European river cruises, small-ship cruises, and Bridges family adventures across all seven continents, Tauck is honoured to have the trust and guest satisfaction to be voted to Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best” River Cruise Lines list for 15 consecutive years (#1 on Europe’s waterways) and Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards “Best River Cruise Line” list for 10 consecutive years.
A few of our favourites:
12-day The Blue Danube - on this journey featuring a nine-night Danube cruise, you'll enjoy a private dinner in Lobkowicz Palace; an exclusive evening of Imperial entertainment at a Vienna palace; and visits to Salzburg, Budapest’s Castle Hill, and Vienna’s Hofburg or Schönbrunn Palace.
14-day Romantic Capitals: Paris to Prague - our newest river cruise takes you to the heart of Europe’s most romantic capital cities with 9 nights along the Main, Rhine, Moselle, and Danube rivers, a transit through the historic Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, and a special private boat ride on the Seine River to see the Eiffel Tower.
8-day The Seine: Holiday Magic - experience the magic of Paris during the festive season. Explore Christmas markets at Tuileries Gardens featuring artisanal crafts and seasonal delights. Delve into Normandy's historic D-Day beaches or admire the fortified castle of Les Andelys. Conclude with a royal holiday cocktail reception at Château Bizy, an exclusive Tauck event, celebrating the essence of French holiday magic.
Exclusive Virtuoso benefits apply to selected cruises*. Ask us for more information*
AmaWaterways
Each of AmaWaterways river cruise ships is a floating sanctuary. With an average of 156 guests, they can offer the luxury of personal space in larger staterooms with restaurants and lounges never feeling crowded. You'll enjoy a variety of daily shore excursions, high quality Wi-Fi on board, wellness classes and delicious locally-sourced, regionally-inspired cuisine.
Tip: for golf enthusiasts, AmaWaterways offer an exclusive Concierge Golf Program on the 12-night Magna on the Danube.
A few of our favourites:
7-night Taste of Bordeaux (wine cruise) - travel to France’s legendary wine capital, Bordeaux, on an enhanced epicurean experience. Iconic châteaux, timeless vineyards and delicious wine tastings are plentiful on this wine-themed journey. Hosted by a dedicated wine expert who leads tastings and a specially curated food and wine pairing dinner on board, this journey is a must for anyone interested in the best of French wine and cuisine.
12-day Secrets of Egypt and the Nile - explore ancient wonders, such as the beguiling Temple of Luxor and the mystifying Valley of the Kings. Plus, come face-to-face with the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza. Guided by a qualified English-speaking Egyptologist, this unforgettable itinerary includes exclusive experiences, such as a private tour of the tomb of Queen Nefertari and a private lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace.
7-night Charms of the Mekong - a journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. Cruise along the mighty Mekong, discovering a glimpse into another era; one where people still happily honor the timeless traditions passed down through the centuries from their ancestors. Throughout your trip, immerse yourself into the culture and heritage with visits to rural villages, historic pagodas and colorful markets.
Exclusive Virtuoso Voyages benefits apply*. Ask us for more information
Riviera Travel
Riviera Travel has over 40 years of experience and is the UK's leading river cruise operator. You'll enjoy a choice of luxurious cabins and suites along with exceptional dining and a crafted inspirational journey studded with enlightening visits that teach and entertain, but with so many subtle and unique touches included beyond the obvious sights.
Tip: there is a selection of European river cruise departures exclusively reserved for solo travellers. With no additional single supplements on selected cruises and departure dates, you can book the suite you've always imagined.