A gentle, meandering river cruise is one of the best ways to see and understand a new place. The rivers are always the lifeline of the cities they flow through - the beating heart. It’s on the banks of rivers that cities were founded and flourished. If you haven’t included a river cruise on your bucket list, now is the time to do so. We offer a vast range of fantastic, scenic cruises through some of the world’s most fascinating regions. Much smaller than an ocean liner, the ships the travel specialists’ have chosen will take you into the heart of most cities you visit, giving you more time to “see more” and truly experience your destinations like a local. Check out our selection of the top European river cruises and in the wider world.
Best worldwide river cruises
1. Danube River
The banks of the blue Danube come alive as it flows through some of Europe’s capital cities and charming towns. We offer an excellent range of Danube river cruises that pack in the sightseeing opportunities on an MS Amadeus ship, which combines the elegance of a hotel with the versatility of a modern vessel. Along the cruise, you’ll also stop in Emmersdorf, Austria, where you can enjoy a guided vineyard tour, wander through the town’s medieval streets, and visit one of the world’s most famous sites: the 18th-century Melk Abbey. You can also witness the operatic beauty of Vienna, the bohemian wonder of Budapest, and all the fabulous eastern charm of Bratislava.
2. Douro River
Flowing through the stunning landscapes of northern Portugal, the Douro River offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty. This cruise takes you past terraced vineyards, charming riverside villages, and historic towns. Along the way, you can enjoy guided tours of Porto, famous for its port wine, and visit the picturesque town of Pinhao. Vineyards and wine estates dot the riverbanks, offering opportunities for tastings and insights into the region’s rich winemaking heritage. The Douro promises a peaceful and visually striking journey through Portugal’s most captivating river valley.
3. Nile River
Sail on one of the world’s greatest rivers with a 12-night Egypt holiday along the Nile. You’ll spend a few days in Cairo with a full-day city tour that takes in the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Moving on, you’ll enjoy a relaxing cruise down the Nile with some excursions along the way through ancient temples, and hidden cities. The ship has several viewpoints from which you can admire the scenery on the banks of the great river. Your journey will come to an end with a relaxing few days in the beautiful beach resort of Hurghada, where you’ll unwind in a three-star hotel right by the blonde-sand beaches and Egypt’s Red Sea coast.
4. Rhone River
The Rhône winds through the heart of France, combining scenic beauty with a rich taste of French culture and cuisine. Our Rhone river cruises begin in Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage city, where you’ll explore its vibrant streets, historic architecture, and renowned gastronomy. Along the river, you’ll visit the wine‑growing region around Mâcon, discover the charming town of Chalon‑sur‑Saône, explore the historic city of Avignon with its famous Palais des Papes and have the chance to uncover the captivating Roman history of Arles.
5. Bordeux River
Cruising the Garonne and Dordogne rivers takes you through the heart of southwestern France’s celebrated wine region. Our Bordeaux river cruises begin in Bordeaux city, where you’ll admire elegant architecture at Place de la Bourse, stroll along the historic quays, and soak in the vibrant cultural scene. Along the river, you’ll visit the medieval town of Saint-Émilion to savour world-class wines and wander its cobbled streets, explore the riverside charm of Libourne, and discover the Citadel of Blaye, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vineyards, historic châteaux, and sun-soaked estates dot the journey, offering a relaxed yet immersive experience of French heritage, gastronomy, and scenic beauty.
6. Rhine River
The Rhine is one of Europe’s most iconic waterways, winding through Germany, Switzerland, France and the Netherlands. Our Rhine river cruises offer a perfect blend of scenic beauty and cultural discovery. Along the way, you’ll admire charming riverside towns, historic castles perched above the water, and vibrant cities like Cologne, Basel and Strasbourg, each brimming with history, art and architecture. Whether wandering cobbled streets, savouring regional cuisine, or simply relaxing on deck and taking in the ever-changing scenery, the Rhine promises a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
7. Mosselle & Sarr
The Moselle and Saar rivers wind through picturesque valleys of Germany, Luxembourg and France, offering a beautifully scenic and culturally rich waterway to explore. Our Moselle & Saar river cruises showcase steep vineyard‑clad slopes, fairytale castles and charming riverside towns that feel as though they’ve been lifted from a storybook. You’ll discover historic Bernkastel‑Kues with its medieval market square, enjoy the riverside allure of Saarburg and wander the cobbled streets of Cochem beneath the dramatic Reichsburg Castle. Along the way, the Roman heritage of Trier and the relaxed ambience of small wine‑growing villages add depth to your journey, while serene cruising allows you to savour the ever‑changing landscapes and local culture.
8. Mekong River
The mighty Mekong runs through six countries in Asia and, on this Highlights of Vietnam holiday with Cambodia extension, you’ll experience some fascinating destinations. The first few days will be spent on land where you’ll discover Ho Chi Minh City with a local guide who will steer you through the country’s history, present and future. On your seven-night Mekong River Cruise, you’ll make your way to Cambodia and discover floating villages, floating markets, endless rice paddies and breathtaking scenery along the way. Highlights include a visit to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, a UNESCO world heritage site made up of 12th century stone structures in the jungle near Siem Reap, where you’ll witness one of the most memorable sunsets of your life.
9. The Seine
A cruise along the Seine is a timeless way to experience France. From the heart of Paris, you can admire landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre‑Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. Beyond the capital, the river winds through peaceful countryside and charming towns, including Rouen with its striking Gothic architecture and historic squares. You’ll also discover the artistic village of Giverny, home to Monet’s gardens, and the picturesque port town of Honfleur. Our Seine cruise offers a relaxed and unforgettable way to see northern France.
10. Yangtze River
A Yangtze River Cruise in China combines the old with the new. Here you’ll witness a confluence of ancient traditions with modern cities looking toward the sky. Sometimes called the “Golden River”, the Yangtze is China’s lifeline and the third-longest river in the world. Beginning in Beijing, you’ll explore Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City and the world-famous Great Wall of China, staying in carefully selected hotels. As you journey through China, you’ll visit Xi'an, taking in the famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses and the Giant Panda Breeding Centre in Chengdu. Most of the tour will be conducted on land with some internal flights (included) to get you across this vast country. Three days will be spent on a gentle cruise along the Yangtze, which will take you through the Three Gorges Dam. On the way, you can even benefit from some on-board Tai Chi lessons. No China holiday would be complete without experiencing the glitz and glamour of its most dazzling city Shanghai, where the final leg of the tour will be spent.
Ready to experience a river cruise?
Set sail on a river cruise with us and take in multiple destinations. Each ship offers a range of fantastic facilities so you can sit back, relax and enjoy seeing the sights. If you still need some more persuasion, then check out our other blog post: 10 excellent reasons for taking river cruise.
