If you are trying to find the best river cruise for your 2024 getaway look no further than this list. We have compiled the best cruises from Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Emerald River Cruises, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
Viking River Cruises - European Sojourn
The European Sojourn is a 23-day river cruise offered by Viking River Cruises that takes passengers on a scenic journey along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers from Amsterdam to Bucharest. This luxurious cruise is designed to give travellers a comprehensive look at the many fascinating and historic destinations that can be found throughout Europe.
The adventure begins in Amsterdam, where passengers board their comfortable river vessel, the Viking Longship Alsvin. From there, the ship will sail down the Rhine River, stopping at such iconic destinations as Cologne, Rüdesheim, and Heidelberg. Along the way, passengers will be able to explore picturesque medieval towns, visit historic castles and cathedrals, and sample some of the finest wines and foods that Europe has to offer.
After exploring the Rhine, the Viking Longship Alsvin will then sail down the Main River, stopping at such enchanting destinations as Bamberg, Würzburg, and Frankfurt. Passengers will be able to explore these historic towns and cities on foot, taking in their charming architecture and unique culture. They will also have the opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine, which is famous for its hearty flavours and traditional recipes.
The final leg of the journey takes passengers along the Danube River, where they will visit such stunning destinations as Vienna, Budapest, and Belgrade. These historic cities are renowned for their beautiful architecture, fascinating history, and vibrant cultural scenes. Passengers will have plenty of time to explore these amazing cities on their own or take part in guided tours that will help them discover the hidden gems of each destination.
Throughout the European Sojourn, passengers will enjoy the luxurious accommodations of the Viking Longship Alsvin, which features spacious staterooms, fine dining, and a range of onboard amenities. They will also be able to take advantage of the many cultural and educational activities that are available onboard, including lectures, cooking demonstrations, and musical performances.
The European Sojourn is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the many wonders of Europe in style and comfort. With its combination of breathtaking scenery, historic destinations, and luxurious accommodations, this river cruise is sure to be an unforgettable experience for all who embark on it.
AmaWaterways - Enticing Douro
The Enticing Douro River cruise is a unique and memorable way to explore the Douro River Valley, one of the most scenic regions in Portugal. This 7-night river cruise offered by AmaWaterways takes passengers from the vibrant city of Porto to the Spanish border and back, allowing them to experience the best that this region has to offer.
The cruise begins in Porto, Portugal's second-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and delicious port wine. Passengers will have the opportunity to explore the city's charming streets and visit its iconic landmarks, such as the Palácio da Bolsa and the Sé do Porto cathedral, before embarking on their journey along the Douro River.
The cruise takes passengers through the heart of the Douro Valley, known for its breathtaking landscapes, terraced vineyards, and picturesque villages. Passengers will have the opportunity to visit the historic town of Regua, known as the capital of the Douro Valley, and explore the Mateus Palace and Gardens, a stunning baroque palace and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.
The cruise also includes stops in the charming towns of Pinhão and Vega de Terrón, where passengers can sample some of the region's famous port wine and immerse themselves in the local culture. Passengers can also take part in guided excursions to the Douro Museum and the Castelo Rodrigo fortress, among other landmarks.
Throughout the journey, passengers will enjoy luxurious accommodations on board the AmaWaterways river vessel, fine dining, and a range of onboard amenities. They will also have the opportunity to participate in cultural and educational activities such as lectures and wine tastings.
In conclusion, the Enticing Douro River cruise offers a unique and unforgettable experience to explore one of Portugal's most iconic regions. Passengers can indulge in the local cuisine, immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the region, and enjoy the luxurious accommodations on board. This cruise is ideal for travellers who want to discover the best of the Douro River Valley in comfort and style.
Avalon Waterways - Active & Discovery on the Moselle with 2 Nights in Paris
The Active Discovery on the Moselle with 2 Nights in Paris river cruise offered by Avalon Waterways is a unique and active way to explore the picturesque Moselle River and its surrounding regions. This 10-day river cruise takes passengers from Paris, France, to Remich, Luxembourg, and back, allowing them to experience the best that these regions have to offer.
The cruise begins in Paris, where passengers will have the opportunity to explore the city of lights and visit its iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Passengers will also enjoy a two-night stay in Paris before embarking on their journey along the Moselle River.
The cruise takes passengers through the heart of the Moselle River Valley, known for its stunning landscapes, terraced vineyards, and charming medieval towns. Passengers will have the opportunity to visit the historic city of Trier, one of the oldest cities in Germany, and explore its Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and stunning cathedral. Passengers can also take part in guided excursions to the picturesque town of Bernkastel, known for its charming half-timbered houses and world-famous Riesling wines.
In addition to exploring the region's history and culture, passengers will have the opportunity to participate in a range of active and immersive experiences, such as hiking and biking through the scenic countryside, attending a cooking class with a local chef, and sampling the region's famous wines and cuisine.
Throughout the journey, passengers will enjoy luxurious accommodations on board the Avalon Waterways river vessel, fine dining, and a range of onboard amenities. They will also have the opportunity to participate in cultural and educational activities such as lectures and wine tastings.
In conclusion, the Active Discovery on the Moselle with 2 Nights in Paris river cruise offers a unique and active way to explore the picturesque Moselle River Valley and its surrounding regions. Passengers can indulge in the local cuisine, immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the region, and participate in a range of active and immersive experiences. This cruise is ideal for travellers who want to discover the best of the Moselle River Valley and Paris in comfort and style while enjoying an active and immersive experience.
Emerald Waterways - Bucharest to Amsterdam - Discover the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers
The Bucharest to Amsterdam itinerary is a 23-day river cruise that takes passengers on an unforgettable journey through the waterways of Europe. Embark on this Emerald Waterways trip which starts in Bucharest, Romania, and ends in Amsterdam, Netherlands, covering a total of 12 countries, 3 rivers, and over 2,000 kilometres of stunning scenery.
The first few days of the trip are spent in Romania, where passengers can explore the capital city of Bucharest and visit the famous Bran Castle, the legendary home of Count Dracula. The cruise then sets sail on the Danube River, where passengers can witness the beauty of the Iron Gates, a narrow gorge that forms the boundary between Romania and Serbia.
After cruising through the Danube, the ship will dock in Hungary, where passengers can enjoy a day exploring the beautiful city of Budapest. The next stop is Austria, where passengers can visit the stunning Benedictine Abbey of Melk and the historic city of Vienna, with its grand palaces and ornate architecture.
The cruise then continues down the Danube River into Germany, where passengers can visit the medieval town of Regensburg, the picturesque city of Nuremberg, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bamberg. The trip then continues onto the Main River, where passengers can explore the charming city of Würzburg and the stunning fortress of Marienberg.
The final leg of the journey takes passengers along the Rhine River, where they can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Rhine Gorge and visit the charming city of Rüdesheim. The cruise then makes its way to the Netherlands, where passengers can explore the historic city of Cologne, with its iconic cathedral, before ending in Amsterdam.
Throughout the journey, passengers will be treated to exceptional service and amenities on board the luxurious Emerald Dawn ship, which features stylish cabins, gourmet dining, and an array of entertainment options. Additionally, the cruise offers a range of excursions and activities, from wine tastings to guided tours of historic sites, ensuring that every passenger can create the perfect experience.
Overall, the Bucharest to Amsterdam itinerary is an unforgettable journey that combines stunning scenery, rich culture, and exceptional service to create a once-in-a-lifetime river cruising experience. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a first-time cruiser, this trip is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises - Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong
The "Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong" is a 12-day river cruise itinerary offered by Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. This exotic river cruise begins in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and ends in Hanoi, Vietnam, with stops in various cities and towns along the Mekong River.
Guests will start their adventure with a two-day stay at a luxurious hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, where they will enjoy guided tours of the city's landmarks, including the Reunification Palace and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. They will also have the opportunity to explore the city's vibrant street markets and savour the local cuisine.
On Day 3, guests will embark on the Mekong Jewel, a luxurious cruise ship, and head towards My Tho. They will have a chance to witness local artisans at work and visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda before continuing to Cai Be. In Cai Be, guests will see the floating market and visit a rice paper-making workshop.
Day 4 will take guests to Sa Dec, where they will visit a local brick factory and a historic house that inspired the novel "The Lover" by Marguerite Duras. The ship will then sail to Tan Chau, where guests will see a traditional silk-weaving factory and a local fish farm.
On Day 5, guests will visit Hong Ngu, a small village, where they will witness local brick kilns in action. The ship will then continue to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Day 6. In Phnom Penh, guests will enjoy guided tours of the city's landmarks, including the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum. They will also learn about the country's history at the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
On Day 7, the ship will visit Koh Chen, a small village known for its silver and copperware. Day 8 will feature a visit to the iconic temples of Angkor Wat, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Guests will explore the temples, witness the beautiful scenery, and learn about the area's history and culture.
On Day 9, guests will return to Vietnam and visit the village of Binh Thanh. Here, they will see how traditional handcrafted items are made, such as baskets, hats, and mats. Day 10 will feature a visit to the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi. Guests will explore the city's landmarks, including the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. They will also have the chance to attend a water puppet show, a traditional form of Vietnamese entertainment.
On Day 11, guests will enjoy a boat tour of the breathtaking Ha Long Bay, known for its towering limestone pillars and beautiful scenery. The final day of the trip will include breakfast before guests disembark from the ship in Hanoi.
Overall, the "Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong" itinerary offers guests the chance to explore Southeast Asia's most beautiful landmarks and experience the local culture and cuisine in luxurious comfort.
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