Looking for the ultimate river cruise getaway? Weโve curated a selection of itineraries from our trusted partners at the River Cruise Collective, giving Cruise Passenger readers an insight into the very best deals on unforgettable river journeys.
Adventure awaits with A&K’s Wild October Sale, offering up to 40% off some of the world’s most most extraordinary wilderness and river cruise experiences, from the Amazon to the Nile. There’s no time to waste though โ this offer ends on Wednesday, October 22.
Other highlights include Avalon’s incredible deal, offering savings of up to $11,400 per couple on their Rhine & Rhรดne Revealed wine lover’s cruise. Tauck’s all-inclusive French itineraries will have you sailing in style down the Seine, with all costs covered upfront and no hidden charges. APT’s Mekong Serenity luxury sailing takes guests through Cambodia to Vietnam, on a thoughtfully curated journey beneath the surface of local history, culture and traditions. AmaWaterways’ celebratory Anniversary Sale continues, with savings of up to $3,750 per stateroom on select 2025 and 2026 sailings in Europe, Asia, Egypt and Colombia.
LAST CHANCE: A&K’s Wild October Sale
It’s your last chance to save with A&K’s Wild October Sale, which features some of their ultimate wilderness adventures for up to 40% less. Book by October 22 to secure the offer.
1. A&K Sanctuary Limited Edition Nile Cruise in Egypt
- Spend eight days exploring three stunning destinations on this land and river cruise.
- Embark on a four-night Nile River Cruise aboard Sun Boat IV.
- Save up to 40% when you book an A&K Sanctuary Limited Edition itinerary by October 22.
The highlights:
On this luxurious journey, which lasts just over a week, guests will experience the breathtaking antiquity and history of Egypt through intimate tours, specially curated visits and four days aboard the sleek Sun Boat IV. From the pyramids of Giza to the temples and tombs found along the Nile, this itinerary showcases the country’s most unforgettable treasures.
Sailing with A&K means that you’ll experience utmost comfort and exclusive guided tours. Be among the first visitors to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, home to a vast collection of antiquities, including the entire collection of Tutankhamun’s tomb artifacts. Take in the remnants of ancient glories in storied Cairo, including the iconic Great Sphinx and famous Great Pyramids of Giza.
After two days in Cairo, you’ll fly to Luxor, the site of the ancient city of Thebes. Step aboard Sun Boat IV, an elegant river cruiser and enjoy lunch on board before disembarking to explore the Temple of Karnak, where generations of pharaohs wished to record their names. Stroll through the Great Hypostyle Hall among its expertly aligned columns, which reach 80 feet high, absorbing the ambience of the ages it has witnessed. You’ll also visit the striking Temple of Luxor, where you’ll view the three soaring statues of Ramses II.
Other highlights on this incredible itinerary include the chance to sail around the Aswan Islands in a felucca (traditional sailboat) and a visit to the granite quarries and site of the Unfinished Obelisk, a monolith taller than any other ancient Egyptian obelisk.
What’s included:
- Embark on a four-night Nile River cruise, gliding in comfort through desert landscapes and going ashore to discover some of ancient Egyptโs most awe-inspiring sites.
- Be among some of the first visitors to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, perusing its massive collection of antiquities, including the entire collection of artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun.
- Step from sun-drenched day into the dark confines of a pyramid and view the enigmatic Great Sphinx on the Giza Plateau
- Uncovered over 100 years ago, the tomb of Tutankhamun (King Tut) still astounds, as you discover on a guided exploration of the famous site.
- Make a day-long exploration of Luxor, including the temples of Hatshepsut and Karnak.
- English-speaking local guides.
- Internal Air Included (Economy Class, AU$765 value) Cairo/Luxor; Aswan/Cairo.
- Airport meet and greet with private transfers.
Price:
From $6,884.
Book your river cruise here.
2. A&K Sanctuary Limited Edition Peruvian Amazon (6 Days)
- On this six-day adventure, you’ll spend three nights aboard the A&K Sanctuary, Pure Amazon.
- You’ll travel from Lima to Iquitos, navigating the Pacaya River.
- Save up to 40% when you book a A&K Sanctuary Limited Edition itinerary by October 22, 2025.
The highlights:
Your luxury A&K journey will begin in Lima, Peru, where the A&K team will meet you at the airport and provide a seamless journey to your first hotel, the contemporary luxury Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol Lima Airport. After a relaxing night, you’ll travel by plane into the Peruvian countryside, reaching Nauta, a remote village set on the banks of the Maraรฑรณn River, where you will be met by your river guide and welcomed aboard Pure Amazon.
Aboard Pure Amazon, you’ll venture into the rich biodiversity of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, whcih features more than 400 species of bird, from scarlet macaws to swallow-tailed hummingbirds. You’ll spot some of the regionโs most colorful and curious winged creatures on a guided birding excursion, with an expert answering all your questions along the way. Midday lectures are available to attend for those who want to broaden their knowledge of the stunning area. At night, guests can choose to board a skiff for a rarely seen glimpse of the Amazon, with a guided after-dark safari that may reveal eyes of dozens of caimans and other nocturnal river dwellers.
Other exciting highlights on the journey include a visit to a local village community in the Amazon Basin, where you’ll meet ribereรฑos, or river people, and learn about their culture, as well as another skiff ride down the Pacaya River, with allows for close-up encounters with the lush flora and iconic fauna, including supine sloths and long-limbed spider monkeys.
What’s included:
- With the help of an expert, see how many of the Amazonโs 400 species of bird you can spot.
- Learn about the culture of the ribereรฑos (river people) who call the Amazon Basin home.
- Navigate tighter corners of the river in a skiff boat to spot spider monkeys, sloth and monk saki.
- Bed down in your private Adriana Granato-designed cabin on Pure Amazon, an A&K Sanctuary.
- English-Speaking Local Guides.
- Airport Meet and Greet.
- Entrance Fees and Taxes.
- 24/7 A&K On-Call Support.
- Internal Air Included (Economy Class, AU$612 value) Lima/Iquitos/Lima.
Price:
From $7334 per person.
Book your river cruise here.
3. Avalon: Rhine & Rhรดne Revealed For Wine Lovers (Southbound)
- Sail through three different countries over 15 days with Avalon.
- Journey from Amsterdam to Arles aboard the sleek Avalon View or Avalon Poetry II.
- Save up to $11,400 per couple ($5700 per person).
The highlights:
Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Rhine, Saรดne, and Rhรดne Rivers. A Certified Sommelier will accompany you on your European river cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.
Spectacular views begin in Hollandโs popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River, where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Continue your Rhine River cruise to Speyer for a guided walk and visit to the Wine Museum, or take an excursion to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle.
Youโll find that Strasbourg, located on the French-German border, is a blend of the best of the two cultures. In Breisach, known as the gateway to the Black Forest, you can visit the dense, enchanting woodland that inspired countless fairytales, or venture on an excursion to the storybook village of Colmar, complete with a visit to a charming chรขteau wine cellar.
Cruise to Tournus for an excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar. Continue to Lyon, a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture, to explore a maze of medieval alleyways in the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a culinary walk and enjoy a tour of the famous wine region of Beaujolais. In Avignon, visit the Palace of the Popes and take a guided tour to Chรขteauneuf du Pape. An Avalon European river cruise promises unforgettable moments and cherished travel memories that will stay with you for years to come.
What’s included:
- Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favourites.
- Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients.
- Avalon Fresh offers healthy cuisine options at every meal.
- OpenโAir Balconies and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama Suites.
- Comfort Collection Beds with a choice of mattress firmness.
- Active shore excursions, both included and optional.
- Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day.
Price:
WAS: $14,160, NOW: $8460 (save $11,400 per couple).
Book your river cruise here.
Tauck: All-inclusive savings
- All-inclusive covers all shore and onboard experiences.
- Pay one upfront price, with no additional options.
- No single supplement charges ever for all Category 1 staterooms.
Tauck stands out as the river cruise line that consistently delivers exceptional value through its all-inclusive pricing, offering extensive savings every time, not just during limited-time deals. As such, they proudly promote the benefits of an all-inclusive itinerary to a greater degree than almost any other cruise line, making luxury and comfort a standard, not an upgrade.
If it means a better travel experience, Tauck includes it โ aboard and ashore. Exclusive cultural experiences ashore are found nowhere else. All shore excursions. Superb accommodations. All gratuities. Entertainment, admissions, tastings, on-tour transportation, and transfers upon arrival and departure are all covered in one upfront price. And no options are sold, ever.
In addition to the all-inclusive savings, Tauck guarantees that no single supplement is ever charged for all Category 1 staterooms on every itinerary offered. Itโs a strong message for single travellers.
4. La Belle Vie: The Rhone, Geneva & the Riviera
- Spend 14 days cruising through nine cities.
- Sail aboard the sleek ms Lumiรจre through some of the most charming cities in Europe.
- Price from $13,890 per person.
The highlights:
You’re 14-day journey will begin in Marseille, France’s sun-drench Mediterranean gateway. You’ll explore the city’s rich maritime history with visits to the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, the atmospheric Old Port and the charming Le Panier district before enjoying some free time to sample Provenรงal flavours or wander the Corniche. Next, it’s off to Aix-en-provence, where artistic heritage and lively markets meet to bring the vibrant city to life. After ample time to explore the storied town, you’ll travel to Arles to board your riverboat, ms Lumiere.
In Arles, explore Roman ruins or cycle through the countryside before enjoying an indulgent feast in the Camargue. Continue to Avignon to tour the Palais des Papas and enjoy a gala dinner in Uzรจs. Visit Saint-Rรฉmy and the vineyards of Chรขteauneuf-du-Pape, then sail north through Tain L’Hermitage and Mรขcon to discover Burgundy’s rich wine traditions and medieval heritage in Beaune, Tournus and Chalon-sur-Saรดne.
Your journey ends in Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, with visits to its UNESCO-listed old town and the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-Fourviรจre before a farewell dinner onboard. Disembark to explore the fairytale charm of Annecy, then travel to elegant Geneva for lakeside views, historic sights and one final dinner to toast the end of your adventure.
What’s included:
- All gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director.
- All private Tauck shore excursions, AUD $8,682 Value.
- Exploration of the Rhรดne and Saรดne wine country with vineyard visits and wine tastings.
- Tasting tour of local food shops in Chalon-sur-Saรดne.
- Visits to historic Cluny Abbey, Avignon’s Palais des Papes.
- Unlimited complimentary beverages aboard ship now include regional wine, beer and premium spirits in addition to specialty coffee, water and soft drinks.
- Airport and train station transfers upon arrival and departure as noted.
- 32 meals; select meals in local restaurants; service charges, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharges.
Price:
From $13,890 per person.
Book your river cruise here.
5. The Seine: Holiday Magic
- Spend 8 days cruising through Paris, Rouen, Les Andelys, Vernon, and Poissy.
- Journey aboard the newly redesigned riverboat, ms Serene.
- Enjoy private Tauck shore excursions included in the price, valued at $2344.
The highlights:
Celebrate the magic of the holidays on a stunning river cruise along the Seine, where Paris and its charming riverside towns come alive with festive spirit. Sail past storied landmarks, explore Christmas markets brimming with artisan crafts and enjoy exclusive experiences, including a holiday feast in a grand chรขteau and plenty of immersive guided tours. From the glittering streets of Paris to the historic shores of Normandy, this journey captures the very best of France in winter.
After beginning your cruise in iconic Paris, youโll sail on to Rouen, a city of Gothic spires and half-timbered charm immortalised by Monet, and choose between exploring Normandyโs D-Day beaches or admiring Impressionist masterpieces at the Fine Arts Museum. Next, youโll arrive in Les Andelys, where youโll enjoy festive activities before driving to the gracious Chรขteau Bizy for a private tour and an afternoon holiday cocktail reception with musical entertainment. Youโll then reboard your riverboat in Vernon and depart for Paris, celebrating the incredible journey with a final farewell dinner aboard the ship.
Whatโs included:
- All meals aboard ship, snacks and complimentary all-day beverages onboard, including regional wine, beer and spirits, specialty teas and more.
- All private Tauck shore excursions, valued at $2,344.
- A private cocktail reception at Chรขteau Bizy.
- Lunch and afternoon tea at Chรขteau Vaux-le-Vicomte.
- Visits to Christmas markets in Paris and in Honfleur or Rouen, schedule permitting.
- A choice of sightseeing visits in Paris to the Cluny Museum or Sainte-Chapelle.
- A choice of guided excursions to Normandyโs D-Day beaches or the Rouen Fine Arts Museum.
- Onboard activities including a hands-on presentation with a local artist.
- Airport and train transfers upon arrival and departure as noted.
- All gratuities to Tauck Directors, ship staff, and wait staff on included meals.
Price:
From $6790 per person.
Book your river cruise here.
AmaWaterways Anniversary Sale: save up to $3,750 per stateroom
AmaWaterways is inviting you to celebrate their anniversary milestone and save up to $3,750 per stateroom on select 2025 and 2026 sailings in Europe, Asia, Egypt and Colombia.
6. Enticing Douro (Festive Delights)
- Sail down the Douro on this stunning seven-night cruise.
- Enjoy your stay aboard one of AmaWaterways stunning ships, AmaDouro, AmaSintra or AmaVida.
- Save $3000 per stateroom.
The highlights:
Take in the highlights and holiday traditions as you immerse yourself in one of Europeโs most unspoiled regions and the worldโs oldest demarcated wine region. Sail roundtrip from Porto, the beautiful โCity of Bridgesโ; visit Regua, the โcapitalโ of the Douro Valley; and marvel at Salamanca, the UNESCO-designated โGolden City.โ Taste wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europeโs most unadulterated landscapes during this festive time of the year.
Begin your cruise in Rรฉgua, a tranquil village that offers an authentic slice of Douro River life. Visit the Baroque-style Palacio de Mateus and its gardens. Inside the house, youโll see interesting furnishings, paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. The gardens here are considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal.
You’ll continue to Vega De Terrรณn, where you’ll drive to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built of golden sandstone. Next is Pinhรฃo, where you may visit a local vineyard for a port wine tasting. Join a specialist from the vineyard on a private tour of the wine cellars, an exclusive opportunity to learn about centuries-old winemaking methods and to taste the vineyardโs specialty wines. Afterwards, be treated to an exclusive dinner at Quinta da Roรชda. Nestled in the heart of the Douro Valley, this historic estate is celebrated for its centuries-old vineyards and iconic terraced landscapes.
You’re cruise will conclude in Porto, a colourful city that blends the best of the old and the new. Choose between an escorted tour of the histric quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Cathedral, one of the cityโs oldest monuments; and the Sรฃo Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. If you prefer to get more active, you can go on a guided hike.
What’s included:
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with outside balconies).
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues.
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Captainโs Welcome Cocktail and Dinner.
- Immersive tours in every destination.
- Guided hikes and Special Interest Tours.
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options.
Price:
WAS: $6759 per person, NOW: $5259 per person.
Book your river cruise here.
7. APT: Vietnam and Cambodia Highlights
- Spend seven nights on the boutique luxury ship, Mekong Serenity.
- Cruise from Cambodia to Vietnam, and experience excursions in 13 destinations.
- Save $2200 per person ($4400 per couple).
The highlights:
Journey from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City as you explore World Heritage-listed sites, intriguing temples and diverse wildlife. Begin with a visit to Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire, known for its array of awe-inspiring Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Youโll journey to Ta Prohm, which is commonly referred to as the โTomb Raider Templeโ due to it being used as a location in the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, which starred Angelina Jolie. A thick jungle of fig trees and vines has enveloped the structure, giving it a mysterious, lost-world feel.
APTโs Signature Experiences include something for everyone, including private gallery visits, sunrise viewings of temples and Tuk Tuk tours. Youโll eventually reach Tan Chau in Vietnam, where youโll embark on a rickshaw tour, gliding past small shops and meeting friendly locals. In Ho Chi Minh City, take part in a private gin tasting at Lady Triแปu Distillery, or opt for dinner at Vietnam House, which will offer a special cocktail designed specifically for APT guests.
Whatโs included:
- Experiences in 13 destinations.
- Freedom of Choice inclusions in three locations.
- Locally inspired dining โ a total of 31 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages.
- Seven-night cruise aboard APTโs boutique luxury river ship, the Mekong Serenity.
- Witness the sun rising above Cambodiaโs Angkor Wat.
- Be welcomed by monks into a traditional Buddhist blessing in Oudong.
- Enjoy VIP seats and meet the performers of Phare Circus backstage.
- Dine on a specially selected multi-course fusion meal at the highly awarded Vietnam House in Ho Chi Minh City.
Price:
WAS: $9795, NOW: $7595 (save $2200 per person).
Book your river cruise here.
