Intimate Waterway Journeys
River Cruises
Wake up in a new town every morning. Drift through medieval villages, vineyard-lined valleys, and historic city centres. unpacking only once.
Start Planning→The Off-the-Beaten-Path Journey
A river cruise takes you on an off-the-beaten-path journey across towns and villages, where you will enjoy scenic sights between ports. River cruising offers a way to travel in a relaxing, intimate environment. The calm waterways also eliminate many concerns of seasickness.
Ships typically carry between 98 and 190 guests. creating a genuine sense of community. It is not uncommon for families, friends, and organisations to buy out an entire boat for a private charter experience.
"Enjoy gourmet food, decadent cocktails, and entertainment on board. then explore a variety of activities and tours at each port."
. BTA River Cruise Philosophy
AmaWaterways
The World's Best River Cruise Line
AmaWaterways consistently earns the title of world's best river cruise line. Their ships are purpose-built for European waterways — narrower, more intimate, and designed to dock in the heart of every town. The signature Twin Balcony staterooms (French balcony + full walking balcony) are an industry first. The culinary program is exceptional: a dedicated Chef's Table restaurant, cooking demonstrations, and destination-inspired menus crafted fresh daily. Active excursions — hiking, biking, kayaking — are included alongside classic guided tours.
- ✦Twin Balcony staterooms — French + full walking balcony
- ✦Chef's Table specialty restaurant on all ships
- ✦Active excursions: hiking, biking & kayaking included
- ✦Wine-inclusive sailings on select itineraries
- ✦Family-friendly and solo traveler programs available
Culinary: Chef's Table: an intimate specialty restaurant featuring a rotating menu of regional dishes. Daily cooking demonstrations, wine pairing dinners, and market visits bring each destination's flavors aboard.
✦ Interactive experience — co-branded site under construction
Explore AmaWaterways→
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
The World's Most Luxurious River Cruises
Uniworld is the Ritz-Carlton of river cruising. Every ship is individually designed as a floating boutique hotel — no two are alike. Original artworks, hand-crafted furnishings, and antique pieces from the destination regions adorn each vessel. The all-inclusive fare covers all meals, premium beverages, shore excursions, gratuities, and Wi-Fi. The culinary program draws on the destination's finest ingredients, with menus that change daily and a dedicated sommelier on every ship.
- ✦Every ship individually designed as a floating boutique hotel
- ✦All-inclusive: meals, premium beverages, excursions & gratuities
- ✦Original artworks and hand-crafted furnishings throughout
- ✦Dedicated sommelier on every voyage
- ✦U by Uniworld — adults-only boutique ships for younger travelers
Culinary: Destination-driven menus change daily, sourced from local markets. A dedicated sommelier curates wine pairings for every meal. Cooking classes and market visits are offered on select itineraries.
Viking River Cruises
Exploring the World in Comfort
Viking River pioneered the modern river cruise concept and remains the largest river cruise line in the world. Their ships are consistently among the newest and most modern on European waterways. The Scandinavian design philosophy — clean lines, light-filled spaces, an Aquavit Terrace — creates a calm, sophisticated atmosphere. All fares include shore excursions in every port, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and beer and wine with lunch and dinner. Adults-only (18+) throughout.
- ✦Largest river cruise fleet — newest ships on European waterways
- ✦Shore excursions included in every port
- ✦Specialty dining, Wi-Fi & beer/wine with meals included
- ✦Adults-only (18+) — calm, sophisticated atmosphere
- ✦Aquavit Terrace — signature outdoor dining space
Culinary: The Restaurant features destination-inspired menus with live cooking stations. The Aquavit Terrace offers al fresco dining. Cooking demonstrations and market visits are offered on select itineraries.
Tauck
The Standard of Excellence in Guided Travel
Tauck is the gold standard for guided travel — river cruises and land tours that combine seamlessly into multi-destination journeys. Their river ships are among the most intimate on European waterways, carrying just 98 guests. The all-inclusive fare covers everything: shore excursions, gratuities, specialty dining, beverages, and exclusive access to venues closed to the general public. Tauck's Roam program brings active, multi-generational adventures to families and groups.
- ✦98-guest ships — among the most intimate on European rivers
- ✦Exclusive access to venues closed to the general public
- ✦All-inclusive: excursions, gratuities, dining & beverages
- ✦Tauck Roam — active and multi-generational travel
- ✦Seamless river + land combination itineraries
Culinary: Destination-inspired menus featuring local ingredients. Exclusive dining events at private venues — châteaux, historic estates, and local restaurants not accessible to other cruise lines.
Riverside Luxury Cruises
Premium European River Travel
Riverside Luxury Cruises offers premium European river travel with a focus on value and contemporary design. Their modern fleet sails the Rhine, Danube, and Main rivers, with itineraries ranging from 7 to 15 nights. All fares include meals, select beverages, and guided shore excursions.
- ✦Modern fleet on Rhine, Danube & Main rivers
- ✦Meals, select beverages & guided excursions included
- ✦7 to 15-night itineraries
- ✦Contemporary design throughout
Culinary: European-inspired menus featuring regional specialties. Select beverages included with meals. Cooking demonstrations on select sailings.
River Cruising
BTA also books luxury ocean cruises, premium ocean cruises, and expedition cruises.
Discover River Journeys
Your River Awaits
From the Rhine to the Mekong, our advisors know every bend in the river. Let us design a voyage that takes you deeper into the heart of each destination.