Destination
River Cruises
Castle-crowned riverbanks, vineyard-draped valleys, and the heart of a continent gliding past your balcony each morning.
European river cruise season runs from March to December. Spring (April-May) brings tulip season on the Rhine and pleasant Danube temperatures. Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather and longest days. Autumn (September-October) delivers harvest festivals, wine season, and golden foliage through the Wachau Valley and Rhine Gorge. November and December are dedicated to enormously popular Christmas market cruises along the Rhine and Danube — book well in advance. The Mekong (Vietnam and Cambodia) is best from November to March during the dry season. Egypt's Nile is ideal October to April, while the Mississippi runs year-round with spring and autumn the most comfortable.
River cruises are intimate affairs on purpose-built longships carrying 100-190 guests, docking in the centre of towns and cities rather than at industrial ports. In Europe, the Danube connects Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, and Passau through the stunning Wachau Valley and dramatic Iron Gates gorge. The Rhine threads through Amsterdam, Cologne, the castle-lined Rhine Gorge, Strasbourg, and Basel. The Main-Danube Canal links the two great rivers, enabling grand voyages from Amsterdam to Budapest. Other popular European waterways include the Rhone (Burgundy and Provence), the Seine (Paris to Normandy), and the Douro (Portugal's port wine country). Beyond Europe, the Mekong winds through Vietnam and Cambodia past floating markets and ancient temples. Egypt's Nile reveals Luxor, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings. America's Mississippi traces the jazz and plantation heritage of the Deep South. Expect included walking tours, wine tastings, cooking classes, and cycling excursions, with most meals and drinks included.
Our River Cruises specialists can help you find the perfect voyage — from first-time cruisers to seasoned travellers.