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River Cruises Private Guided Tours & Trips
532 River Cruises trips. Tours from 27 tour companies. 480 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.
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5 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsLodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Highlights
- Relax and unwind on a private island of white-powdered beaches and aqua-marine sea.
- Take advantage of the fantastic water sports and enjoy the warm Caribbean waters.
- Spend time with the extended family, or a group of friends in privacy.
8 days$1,586 / day
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsLodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Highlights
Ecuador may be slightly dwarfed by other South American countries, but it punches well above its weight. It’s tempting to pass through only the mainland en route to the celebrated Galapagos Islands, but our specialists would urge you to holiday in continental Ecuador, too. They’re able to help you experience all the country’s beguiling variety in a tailor-made Ecuador itinerary.
13 days$539 / day
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsLodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Highlights
- Carefully step past sleeping sea lions on a pristine beach.
- See the famous Galapagos giant tortoises at close quarters.
- Spot marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, penguins, land iguanas and a feast of fearless birdlife.
11 days$713 / day
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsLodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Highlights
Pyramids rise above sun-baked sands. The Sphinx stares, unblinking, into a relentlessly blue sky. Boats wend their way down the waters of the Nile. Traders hawk their wares in the dusty bazaars. In many ways, Egypt seems timeless, unchanging. However, modern politics are very present in this ancient land and our specialists continue to visit Egypt to gauge the atmosphere and levels of service available throughout the country.
7 days$302 / day
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsLodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Highlights
A country by name, but a continent in scale, India in one word is diversity. To guide you where to go when faced with such rich variety, our India specialists use the experience of their own travels to create your tailor-made holiday to India.
13 days$304 / day
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By Intrepid Travel
premier
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsLodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Highlights
- Start your trip in Barcelona, the city of Gaudi, wander the streets and marvel at the architectural feats, from the incredible La Sagrada Familia Basilica to the lush gardens of Park Guell.
- Walk the picturesque waterways and cobbled streets of Bruges, maybe visit a local brewery and try one of the iconic regional beers.
- Stroll stunning Salzburg, backdropped by the Eastern Alps, with a free day to wander the Old City and the New City, divided by the Salzach River.
36 days$266 / day
By Exodus Adventure Travels
premier
Why we love them
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsLodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Highlights
- Join an expert Egyptologist to discover ancient wonders and cruise the Nile
- Marvel at the magnificent Giza pyramids and mysterious Sphinx
- Uncover thousands of years of history, visiting crumbling temples and pharaoh tombs
9 days$275 / day
By Insight Vacations
premier
Why we love them
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsLodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Highlights
- Amsterdam: Cruise along the waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
- Wurzburg: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Würzburg Residence.
- Wurzburg: Stand on the statue-lined Alte Mainbrucke and see the Marienburg fortress.
11 days$379 / day
By Contiki
preferred
Why we love them
Their trips create life-long memories for young people setting off to discover the world.
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsLodging level
Standard - 3 star
Highlights
Short on time but want to see Europe’s snazziest sights? In 10 days, we'll prove that adventures don’t need to be long to be absolutely EPIC. Discover the canals of Amsterdam and Venice, the magic of Munich, the remote beauty of the Swiss Alps, the unique charm of Paris and more with a squad of like-minded 27-35s.
10 days$228 / day
By Exodus Adventure Travels
premier
Why we love them
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsLodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Highlights
- Take a guided tour of the beautiful Old Town in Prague
- Explore the cobbled streets and quaint squares of Cesky Krumlov
- Visit the magnificent Lednice Chateau estate, a Unesco-listed masterpiece
8 days$375 / day
By Luxury Gold
premier
Why we love them
They understand that true luxury lies not only in lavish hotels and gourmet dining but also in the immersive experiences that leave a lasting memory.
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsLodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Highlights
See the wonders of New Zealand on this 19-day guided tour. Explore the Southern Alps and see Franz Josef Glacier up close with a local Expert. Travel to the lakeside town of Wanaka where you will discover fields of lavender and enjoy a lake cruise surrounded by majestic Mountains. On your way to Queenstown, stop in the wine region of Gibbston Valley for a wine tasting of local pinot noirs, and visit the picturesque village of Arrowtown. In Queenstown choose to e-bike on a guided scenic tour or travel to Walter Peak Country station for an eco farm tour. Journey through Fiordland National Park to Doubtful Sound, a stunning fiord with ancient valleys, waterfalls and wildlife where you'll embark on an overnight nature cruise complete with an onboard naturalist, activities and lectures. In Rotorua, walk the Redwoods Treewalk - a maze of forested suspension bridges - and tour a working kiwi nursery and hatchery, where you can learn more about the flightless bird. Savour a flavourful Māori Hāngī feast and descend the Footwhistle Cave to see glow worms illuminate the caverns, then toast your trip during a celebration dinner in Auckland.
19 days$716 / day
5 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Best River Cruises Tours by Duration
Best River Cruises Tours by Price
River Cruises Reviews & Ratings
A
Nile Cruise
This was a wonderful trip - I enjoyed it enormously. Visit to the temples at Karnak & Luxor Khaled Lotfy was an excellent & inspirational group leader. He ...
A
History in the Heat
I've always been interested in Egyptian history and when friends suggested joining this holiday I booked straight away. And it didn't disappoint. Seeing & bein...
A
postscript
Sorry, I meant to add that Exodus should perhaps delete the reference to the "library" on the cruise from the Trip Notes. The library consisted of 16 dog-eared bo...
A
Nile Cruise
I do not have a very long 'bucket list', in fact Egypt is the only destination on it and this holiday did not disappoint. From the flight to Cairo to the flight ho...
A
Egypt - Truly a Wonder of the Wordl
I have always dreamt of visiting Egypt and seeing for my self the many ancient wonders going back to the dawn of history. This trip was a dream come true. Having b...
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 River - Rather 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 River - Portugal'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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