Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Tours & Trips 2020

963 trips to Small Ship & Expedition Cruises tours from 287 tour companies. 3,501 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

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Style Style Small Group Tour Small groups are usually defined as between 10 and 24 travelers, often less. If you're the kind of person who enjoys more intimate experiences and personal service this is a good choice. All else being equal you will pay a premium for this style vs a larger group tour.
Private Guided Private tours give you the undivided attention of a guide, and often involve special access to sites and unique experiences not available to larger groups. This is a great option for families, couples, and small friend groups. Expect to pay a bit more for the extra service.
Self Guided Tour A travel company plans your itinerary and arranges all the logistics including lodging, local activities, and transportantion. You have the flexibility of a solo trip while still getting the convience and time savings of expert planning. Get 90% of the benefits of a tour, without a guide.
Group Tour Groups are between 25-60 people, typically ~30-40. Usually there will be many opportunities to split off and enjoy meals and excursions in smaller groups. This is the most economical way to travel, saving up to 40% versus booking the same itinerary yourself.
River Cruise These vessels are smaller than most ocean cruisers, limiting which amenties are available. Passenger counts can vary. One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the ability to dock at smaller ports and local villages.
Small Ship Cruise Small ship cruises usually have a max passenger count of 500. The primary purpose of these trips is to spend time off the vessel in local ports (e.g. Mediterranean) or experiencing nature (e.g Galapagos or Antarctica). Cabins can vary from budget to luxury.
Large Ship Cruise This is the "floating city" experience, with multiple ways to enjoy your vacation aboard the ship as much as on land. Ships are multiple floors, provide several activities, culinary, and shopping options. They often make fewer stops and have less time available for shore excursions.
Retreats Similar to a self guided tour but staying in one location only with activities and day outings included as a part of the stay.

Price

Duration Dropdown

Travelers Age

Lodging Level Lodging Level Camping Typically involves most nights sleeping in tents (sometimes permanent tented sites) or in rustic cabins and lodges.
Basic - 2 star You'll stay in no-frills, but clean and comfortable, hotels or guesthouses. A 'Basic' trip might also involve a few nights of camping.
Value - 3 star Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Premium - 4 star 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Luxury - 5 star The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.

Physical Level Physical Level Very Easy Minimal walking - motor vehicles available for all major parts of trip.
Easy Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments.
Moderate Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
Strenuous All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Extreme Very challenging all day hiking and backpacking carrying significant equipment.

Theme

Attractions & Cities Visited

Activities & Interests

Travel Style Travel Style Flexible schedule A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Full schedule For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Balanced schedule You will have solid amounts of both free time and structured time with some activities and meals included.

Flight & Transport Inclusions

Solo Friendly Solo Friendly Good for Singles Trips that specifically cater to travelers looking to meet other singles.
No Single Supplement Trips where single supplement is usually not required for solo travelers.

Supplier (Company)

Countries Visited

Continents Visited

Rivers & Seas Visitied

Stride Gives Back Stride Gives Back This trip visits a destination impacted by climate change. When you opt in to the Travelstride Gives Back program, we will donate 10% of our net revenue to organizations that help mitigate climate change in these destinations and across the globe. Learn more

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The Danube from the Black Sea to Budapest with 1 ...

Avalon Waterways
Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
12 days
$ 419 / day
$ 4,977
From : $ 6,786
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : Array Relaxed
Physical Level : Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • Welcome to Bucharest
  • Guided sightseeing in Bucharest; onboard welcome reception
  • Guided sightseeing, visit the National History and Archaeological Museum in Constanta; wine tasting
  • Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevet’s Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographic Museum and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or guided sightseeing in Rousse, or walk in the park with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of guided sightseeing to Vidin’s fortress, see the rock formations in Belogradchik or walk with your Adventure Host
  • Cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge; choice of visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site or walk with your Adventure Host; visit to Golubač fortress
  • Choice of guided sightseeing or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture
  • Choice of Novi Sad guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host; choice of honey and wine tasting or hike to the Petrovaradin Fortress
  • Ilok guided tour with wine tasting; Vukovar guided tour
  • Guided tour and organ concert in Pécs or sightseeing in Mohács, visit St. Nicolas watermill
  • Guided tour, see Heroes’ Square
  • Begin your exciting European vacation with one night in Bucharest, Romania, before embarking on your Danube River cruise to Budapest, Hungary
  • Bucharest is known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and historical treasures
Visits:
Belgrade, Belogradchik, Bucharest, Budapest, Croatia, Romania, Brasov, Transylvania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia
View Trip

Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong Ri ...

Avalon Waterways
Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
19 days
$ 383 / day
$ 7,099
From : $ 9,813
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : Array Relaxed
Physical Level : Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • Welcome to Vietnam
  • Visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and Temple of Literature; lunch at Koto; take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter; water puppets performance
  • Cruise on Ha Long Bay
  • Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
  • Walking tour; visit the famous Rex Hotel for a drink, War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market; cooking class
  • Cu Chi Tunnels excursion
  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Visit a local workshop to see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candy are made in Vinh Long; interact with sampan-making and conical hat making families in Cu Lao Gieng
  • Visit a local market and the religious sites at Sam Mountain in Chau Doc; walking tour of Long Khanh A with cotton-weaving demonstration
  • Sightseeing by private cyclo, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum; afternoon at leisure; show by children from a local orphanage
  • Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and visit one of the Cambodian Killing Fields, or visit the lively central market
  • Visit Wat Hanchey and partake in a traditional water blessing by local monks; walking tour in Angkor Ban with school visit
  • Visit the silversmith village of Konpong Louang; ox cart ride through the countryside, and visit a local farmer’s home in Kampong Tralach
  • Fly to Siem Reap; visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Bayon Temple
  • Visit Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, and a noodle-making village; Apsara dance performance
  • Fly to Bangkok
  • Boat ride on klongs; visit the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha
  • Day at leisure
  • On this inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, you’ll be immersed in the cultures and ancient traditions in the most fascinating places along the mighty Mekong River


  • Experience Vietnamese culture with a tour of the captivating capital of Hanoi
Visits:
Cai Be, Chau Doc, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam
View Trip

Danube Symphony with 2 Nights in Munich & 1 N ...

Avalon Waterways
Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
9 days
$ 392 / day
$ 3,527
From : $ 4,761
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : N/A
Physical Level : Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • Welcome to Munich
  • Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
  • Guided tour in Munich, see the Marienplatz; travel by motorcoach to Vilshofen; onboard welcome reception
  • Free time in Linz; choice of visit to St. Florian Monastery or guided tour of Mauthausen Concentration Camp or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of guided tour in Ybbs with Artstetten Castle visit or bike with your Adventure Host; scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided tour in Krems or Wine World Experience with tasting or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of guided sightseeing or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin's Cathedral or a hike to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host
  • Guided tour, see Heroes' Square
  • Experience your Danube River cruise from Germany to Hungary your way with two nights in Munich before your cruise
  • Enjoy a full-day guided tour to Neuschwanstein Castle—home of King Ludwig, and plenty of free time to explore the Munich before your cruise
Visits:
Bratislava, Budapest, Linz, Munich, Vienna, Passau, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
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Best of Antarctica: A White Christmas (Ocean Endeavour)

Intrepid Travel
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
11 days
$ 867 / day
$ 9,540
From : $ 11,734
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : Array Full on
Physical Level : Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level : 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards. Comfort (4*)
Highlights
  • Experience a guaranteed white Christmas as you explore the icy wilderness of the White Continent.
  • The festive season is a wonderful time for wildlife lovers to visit Antarctica, as penguin chicks are hatching and abundant on the peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
  • With over 22 hours of sunlight each day, you’ll have more time for exploration.
  • Enjoy daily zodiac excursions, on-shore landings and take advantage of optional activities during the voyage such as sea kayaking, ice camping and snowshoeing.
  • Benefit from a variety of on-board activities including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology by the expedition team.
  • When you’re not exploring, avail of amenities onboard including expedition lounge, restaurant, bar, pool, jacuzzi, library, gym, sun deck, spa facilities and sauna.
Visits:
Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia, Argentina
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The Blue Danube Discovery

Avalon Waterways
Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
8 days
$ 437 / day
$ 3,499
From : $ 4,724
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : Array Relaxed
Physical Level : Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Scenic sailing, pass through Bratislava; free time in Vienna in the evening
  • Choice of guided sightseeing or bike with your Adventure Host
  • In Dürnstein choice of guided tour or a hike up to the castle ruins with your Adventure Host; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard wine tasting
  • Guided walk
  • Choice of guided walk, see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Onboard lecture; choice of guided sightseeing in Roth, or hike with your Adventure Host or guided tour in Nuremberg, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour
  • Begin this timeless European river cruise vacation in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, sail along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany, and conclude in historic Nuremberg, Germany
  • As you leave Budapest, you’ll sail past the splendid Parliament Building and, along the Danube River, you’ll see Hungary on your left and Slovakia on your right as a 58-mile stretch of the river runs between both countries
Visits:
Budapest, Nuremberg, Passau, Salzburg, Vienna, Prague, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Czech Republic
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Active & Discovery on the Seine (Northbound)

Avalon Waterways
Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
9 days
$ 491 / day
$ 4,419
From : $ 5,966
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : N/A
Physical Level : Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of guided sightseeing or food tour or guided bike tour
  • Choice of excursion to Auvers-sur-Oise, or excursion to Napoleon and Josephine’s Château de Malmaison, or demonstration of crem chantilly in the Château Chantilly, or guided Maisons-Laffite e-biking tour
  • In Vernon choice of excursions to Giverny, or walking tour, or guided canoe tour; onboard crêpes and pastry demonstration; in Les Andelys choice of guided tour, or hike to Château Gaillard or excursion to Lyons-la-Forêt
  • Choice of guided tour, see the Astronomical Clock and visit to the cathedral; time at leisure
  • Choice of full day excursions to Normandy landing beaches, or “A Taste of Normandy” excursion
  • Choice of Le Havre sightseeing, or visit to the Palais Bénédictine in Fécamp or guided bike tour
  • Transfer to Paris; time at leisure
  • Begin your panoramic French river cruise on the Seine with a visit to Paris—"The City of Light
  • ” Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or explore the city by bike or enjoy a walking food tour
Visits:
Giverny, Normandy, Paris, Rouen, France
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Active & Discovery on the Rhine (Northbound)

Avalon Waterways
Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
8 days
$ 475 / day
$ 3,799
From : $ 5,129
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : Array Mixed
Physical Level : Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or e-bike tour in the Black Forest or visit to a local winery
  • Choice of guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or culinary walk, or hike along the river
  • Choice of guided tour of Heidelberg Castle with tasting of local specialties, see the Great Vat, or a hike up Philosophers’ Way, or beer tour; private reception at Rheinstein Castle
  • Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; choice of Koblenz walking tour and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress with cable car ride, or Volcano Tour experience, or e-biking tour in the vineyards; classic concert
  • Choice of guided city sightseeing, or biking tour, or culinary tour
  • Choice of painting class, or kayak tour, or canal cruise
  • Explore the Rhine River your way on Avalon Active & Discovery river cruise
  • Choose included classic sightseeing, Active excursions, or Discovery activities in culture and cuisine
Visits:
Amsterdam, Bonn, Boppard, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Germany
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German Grandeur (Westbound)

Avalon Waterways
Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
9 days
$ 459 / day
$ 4,128
From : $ 5,573
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : Array Relaxed
Physical Level : Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • 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
  • Guided tour
  • Choice of guided tour in Frankfurt, or guided tour in Seligenstadt or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; choice of visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim or hike with your Adventure Host
  • Guided tour, visit to La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral
  • Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or visit to a local winery in Breisach or bike with your Adventure Host
  • See the grandeur of Germany on a European river cruise through its most picturesque destinations along the Main and Rhine Rivers
  • Embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® in Nuremberg, and sail to Bamberg for a guided walking tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties
Visits:
Bamberg, Basel, Boppard, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Rudesheim, Strasbourg, Zurich, Heidelberg, Prague, Heidelberg Castle, France, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic
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Sail Greece: Mykonos to Santorini

Intrepid Travel
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
8 days
$ 194 / day
$ 1,548
From : $ 2,090
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : Array Relaxed
Physical Level : All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included. Moderate
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • What better way to tour the iconic Cyclades Islands than by yacht? Swim in the Aegean Sea off the side of the boat and let the waves rock you to sleep each night
  • Chic waterfront bars line the beaches of Mykonos, serving authentic Greek food and cocktails as the sun goes down. This is a great place to eat well and relax
  • Wedged between the dramatic cliffs of Amorgos, the 11th-century monastery of Moni Hozoviotissis is a unique site for exploration
  • Santorini has some of the most distinctive and attractive landscapes in the world. Pass bleached-white villages that cling to plunging cliffs and along the rim of a volcano
  • The remote Small Cyclades islands are chock-full of tavernas serving fresh seafood, far away from tourists and the rest of the world
Visits:
Mykonos, Santorini, Greece
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Festive Season in the Heart of Germany with 2 Nig ...

Avalon Waterways
Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
8 days
$ 379 / day
$ 3,031
From : $ 4,092
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : N/A
Physical Level : Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Guided tour
  • Guided tour, visit the Bishop's Residence; Christmas market
  • Onboard Christmas Traditions lecture; guided tour, see the Old Town Hall; Christmas market
  • Choice of guided tour or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market
  • Travel to Prague
  • Guided tour, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle Grounds; Christmas market
  • In Frankfurt, board your Avalon Suite Ship®, festively decorated and beautifully dressed up in Christmas color, and embark on this Christmastime river cruise through the heart of Germany
  • Your European river cruise takes you behind medieval walls and towered gates to enjoy a guided walking tour in a picturesque village along the Main River
Visits:
Bamberg, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Prague, Czech Republic, Germany
View Trip

Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong Ri ...

Avalon Waterways
Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
16 days
$ 406 / day
$ 6,359
From : $ 8,774
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : Array Relaxed
Physical Level : Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • Welcome to Vietnam
  • Walking tour; visit the famous Rex Hotel for a drink, War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market; cooking class
  • Cu Chi Tunnels excursion
  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Visit a local workshop to see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candy are made in Vinh Long; interact with sampan-making and conical hat making families in Cu Lao Gieng
  • Visit a local market and the religious sites at Sam Mountain in Chau Doc; walking tour of Long Khanh A with cotton-weaving demonstration
  • Sightseeing by private cyclo, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum; afternoon at leisure; show by children from a local orphanage
  • Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and visit one of the Cambodian Killing Fields, or visit the lively central market
  • Visit Wat Hanchey and partake in a traditional water blessing by local monks; walking tour in Angkor Ban with school visit
  • Visit the silversmith village of Konpong Louang; ox cart ride through the countryside, and visit a local farmer’s home in Kampong Tralach
  • Fly to Siem Reap; visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Bayon Temple
  • Visit Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, and a noodle-making village; Apsara dance performance
  • Fly to Bangkok
  • Boat ride on klongs; visit the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha
  • Day at leisure
  • On this unique and inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia—including a stay in Bangkok, Thailand—you’ll be immersed in the cultures and ancient traditions as you sightsee and spend time with locals in the most fascinating places along the mighty Mekong River


  • Spend time in the bustling Ho Chi Minh City which combines historic architecture with modern skyscrapers
Visits:
Cai Be, Chau Doc, Cu Chi Tunnels, Siem Reap, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam
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Active & Discovery on the Danube with 1 Night ...

Avalon Waterways
Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
9 days
$ 464 / day
$ 3,678
From : $ 5,640
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : N/A
Physical Level : Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of visit to the Jochenstein power station or visit to Engelszell Abbey; choice of guided hike along the Danube trails or scenic cruising around the Schlögen Oxbow
  • In Mauthausen, choice of visit to St. Florian Monastery, or guided tour of Mauthausen Concentration Camp, or guided bike tour; guided tour in Grein, visit the historical theater and Clam Castle to meet its owner the Count
  • Choice of canoe tour, bike tour from Spitz to Krems, Wine World Experience with tasting, or regional products showcase
  • Choice of bike tour, or insider's tour of Vienna, or guided tour, visit to Belvedere Palace
  • Choice of early risers guided tour, with breakfast at a Viennese café, or guided tour, see the Habsburg private art collection and the Italian and Dutch Masters Gallery, or guided tour, see Habsburg private art collection and the Military Museum
  • In Visegrád, choice of medieval knights tournament, or guided hike in Danube-Ipoly National Park, or canoe tour
  • Choice of guided tour with travel writer Kinga Tittel, or guided bike tour, or city sightseeing tour
  • Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, a history buff, or an energetic adventurer, your Active & Discovery cruise on the Danube River offers just-right included activities and excursions to suit your interests
  • With Avalon Choice®, you can select the experiences that are perfect for your interests and pace
Visits:
Budapest, Linz, Vienna, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
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Enchanted Europe (Eastbound)

Avalon Waterways
Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
16 days
$ 472 / day
$ 7,548
From : $ 10,190
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : Array Relaxed
Physical Level : Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of excursion to Black Forest or guided visit to a local winery in Breisach
  • Guided tour, visit to La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral
  • 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 or bike with your Adventure Host in Frankfurt, or guided tour in Seligenstadt
  • Guided tour
  • Guided tour, visit to the Bishop's Residence
  • Guided tour, see the Old Town Hall
  • Full day guided tour in Munich
  • Choice of guided sightseeing in Roth or hike with your Adventure Host or guided tour in Nuremberg, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; onboard lecture
  • Guided walk, see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria
  • Guided walk in Passau; free time in Linz
  • Guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or walk with your Adventure Host; scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley; free time in Vienna
  • Choice of guided sightseeing or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of guided tour, see Heroes' Square or hike with your Adventure Host
  • Your breathtaking river cruise begins on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland
  • You’ll sail to Breisach, your starting point for a Black Forest excursion, and to the city of Strasbourg, France, along the way
Visits:
Bamberg, Basel, Boppard, Budapest, Frankfurt, Linz, Munich, Nuremberg, Passau, Rudesheim, Strasbourg, Vienna, Salzburg, Zurich, Heidelberg, Heidelberg Castle, Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Switzerland
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Active & Discovery on the Danube with 1 Night ...

Avalon Waterways
Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
11 days
$ 436 / day
$ 4,497
From : $ 6,476
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : Array Relaxed
Physical Level : Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • Welcome to Hungary
  • Choice of guided tour with travel writer Kinga Tittel, or guided bike tour, or city sightseeing tour in Budapest; onboard welcome reception; scenic sailing
  • Choice of medieval knights tournament, or guided hike in the Danube-Ipoly National Park, or canoe tour
  • Choice of bike tour, or Insider’s tour of Vienna, or guided tour, visit to Belvedere Palace
  • Choice of early risers walking tour with breakfast at a Viennese café, or guided tour, see Habsburg private art collection and the Italian or Dutch masters works, or guided tour, see Habsburg private art collection and the Military Museum
  • In Krems choice of canoe tour, or bike tour from Krems to Spitz, or Wine World Experience with tasting, or local encounter showcasing regional products; visit Clam castle in Grein and meet the Count
  • Guided walk in Grein, visit the historical theater; in Mauthausen, choice of visit to St. Florian Monastery, or guided tour of Mauthausen Concentration Camp, or guided bike tour
  • Choice of visit to Engelszell Abbey, or visit Jochenstein Power-Station or guided bike tour; choice of scenic cruising around the Schlögener Oxbow, or guided hike along the Danube trails
  • Guided tour in Cesky Krumlov; transfer to Prague
  • Choice of urban hike, or guided city tour see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds
  • Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, a history buff, or adventurer, your Active & Discovery Danube River cruise invites you to experience each destination in ways that are perfect for you
  • With Avalon Choice®, you can select the included excursions that are just right for your preferences and pace—from Active to Discovery to Classic
Visits:
Budapest, Linz, Prague, Vienna, Nuremberg, Passau, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Germany
View Trip

A Taste of the Danube with 2 Nights in Budapest ( ...

Avalon Waterways
Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
6 days
$ 322 / day
$ 1,934
From : $ 2,611
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style : N/A
Physical Level : Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level : Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
Highlights
  • Welcome to Budapest
  • Guided tour, see Heroes' Square
  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of a guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin's Cathedral; or hike to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or walk with your Adventure Host; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; free time in Dürnstein
  • From the Gypsy violins of Budapest to the romantic sounds of Vienna, the “City of Music,” this European river cruise highlights the natural beauty of Austria’s Wachau Valley, and the fascinating capital cities of Hungary and Slovakia
  • Before your cruise, spend two nights in Budapest, with guided sightseeing in the vibrant capital
Visits:
Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
View Trip
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Top Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Attractions & Experiences

Top Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Experiences

    Savoring the tropical breezes and snorkeling opportunities while on a sailing cruise through the Caribbean or South Pacific.

    Stopping at a quiet bay for a lobster bake while cruising the Maine coast on an historic windjammer.

    Watching whales in Alaska for hours simply because you can

    Sailing to Antarctica, following the route of the first explorers

    Exploring the Turkish coast on a traditional gulet, the Kenyan coast on a traditional dhow, or the Vietnamese coast on a traditional junk

    Sliding in and out of hard-to-reach cruise ports, like Split, Croatia, and Kotor, Montenegro

    Taking an expedition-style cruise from Norway to Greenland via Iceland.

    Indulging in the personalized, friendly service of a staff that gets to know you

    Spreading out in more spacious rooms and a less formal atmosphere than some mega-ships

    Following the path of Charles Darwin on a small ship cruise through the Galapagos Islands or the Beagle Channel in Patagonia.

    <Kayaking and sailing along the coastline right from a small cruise ship’s watersports platform

    Taking advantage of small cruise ships’ shallow draft to get closer to the cruise line for wildlife viewing

3,501 Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Tour Reviews - Summary 92% Recommend

4.6 out of 5
Excellent 2,465
Great 766
Average 164
Disappointing 48
Terrible 58
Value
4.6
Guide
4.6
Activities
4.6
Lodging
4.6
Transportation
4.6
Meals
4.6

Tour Reviews Write a Review

Very interesting tour

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0

This is a very interesting tour. It turned out to be much more interesting than I expected at advance. To a large extent, this was facilitated by the Program Director Mrs. Soha Sabbour. I will recommend this tour to my friends.

Read more
Operator SmarTours

Loved the tour

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0

Loved the tour, the guides, the hotels, the cruise ship & the food!! Great trip!! Can't wait to choose my next Smartours destination! Thanks again Luke!!

Read more
Operator SmarTours

another great experience with smarTours

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0

"The Splendors of Egypt" was our eleventh SmarTorus trip. As usual, it was an incredible experience. We can't say enough about our tour guide, Soha. Besides being an outstanding organizer and trouble-shooter, her local background and education as an Egyptologist gave us a welcome extra understanding of the culture(s) and history of Egypt. Her experienced local assistants helped make everything run as smoothly as possible. The riverboat for our Nile cruise was far more comfortable that we had expected, with a spacious cabin and attentive crew. Granted, there are a couple of early wake-ups during this trip, but they were actually welcomed by our experienced group of travelers (just a few good-natured groans) as they allowed us to get a jump on our filled days, and a jump on other tour groups. All in all, another great experience with smarTours. Can't wait for another "smart" adventure. Marsha & Joel

Read more
Operator SmarTours

amazing to see

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0

Our Egyptologist guide, Dina, was a marvel. She enthused the entire trip with her knowledge and love of country. The trip exceeded my expectations, with the exception of the airline controlled timing of the excursion to Abu Simbel. Our time there was frenetic and unfortunately brief. That information was not included in pre-trip sales details. The Movenpick boat was fabulous, and the treasures of antiquity amazing to see.

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Operator SmarTours

great experience

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0

Our trip to Egypt with Smart Tours was great. We traveled with a terrific group of well traveled people ranging in age from the 20s to the 80s! I'd be happy to see any one of them at any future trip. The accommodations were all very good and we were well taken care of by attentive but not overbearing staff. Our guide Tarek was really great. He was passionate about the beauty of the incredible ancient sites of Egypt. There is a concern about safety in Egypt and between the tour company and the tourism department in Egypt we felt safe at all times, with a security agent with us in addition to the guide and also the government provides police escort for the bus. In addition, my husband developed a respiratory bug about 2 weeks before our trip and was sure he was on the mend before our trip, but about a week into it took a turn for the worse. We were so grateful to Smart Tours for the attention they gave him. He was taken to a clinic and was accompanied throughout the appointment with a doctor who took an X-ray, blood test and administered antibiotics and then monitored for the next 2 days with a nurse coming to check on him even. We really appreciated the attentive health care. My only criticism of the way the tour is set up is the tipping situation. I like tipping those people like the guide who was with us the entire trip and driver who was our main driver. I felt that it got a little confusing when we had a different driver for just a day or had the security agent on the bus. I would like those incidental tips to be added to the cost of the trip up front so there wasn't the constant small tipping we did on those days. Overall, I would be confident to reccomend Smart Tours and to travel again with them myself and I want to thank you for this great experience!

Read more
Operator SmarTours

great experience

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0

Our trip to Egypt with Smart Tours was great. We traveled with a terrific group of well traveled people ranging in age from the 20s to the 80s! I'd be happy to see any one of them at any future trip. The accommodations were all very good and we were well taken care of by attentive but not overbearing staff. Our guide Tarek was really great. He was passionate about the beauty of the incredible ancient sites of Egypt. There is a concern about safety in Egypt and between the tour company and the tourism department in Egypt we felt safe at all times, with a security agent with us in addition to the guide and also the government provides police escort for the bus. In addition, my husband developed a respiratory bug about 2 weeks before our trip and was sure he was on the mend before our trip, but about a week into it took a turn for the worse. We were so grateful to Smart Tours for the attention they gave him. He was taken to a clinic and was accompanied throughout the appointment with a doctor who took an X-ray, blood test and administered antibiotics and then monitored for the next 2 days with a nurse coming to check on him even. We really appreciated the attentive health care. My only criticism of the way the tour is set up is the tipping situation. I like tipping those people like the guide who was with us the entire trip and driver who was our main driver. I felt that it got a little confusing when we had a different driver for just a day or had the security agent on the bus. I would like those incidental tips to be added to the cost of the trip up front so there wasn't the constant small tipping we did on those days. Overall, I would be confident to reccomend Smart Tours and to travel again with them myself and I want to thank you for this great experience!

Read more
Operator SmarTours

All small ship & expedition cruises and adventure trips. Find the best guided trips and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Average rating of 4.6 for all Small Ship & Expedition Cruises trips.

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