These unforgettable river cruises will take you on a journey to Peru, Portugal, Egypt and more …
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River cruises provide a unique travel experience that combines the grandeur of an ocean voyage with the attention to detail of a boutique hotel. They are ideal for both history buffs and nature lovers, offering an excellent opportunity to explore stunning destinations worldwide. History enthusiasts can visit ancient sites and landmarks, while those who love the outdoors can witness breathtaking landscapes up close.
If you’re looking for a vacation that can provide adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, a river cruise might be the perfect option. The H4C team has compiled a list of the top five river cruises you can book for 2024 or beyond. These voyages offer luxurious accommodations, top-notch amenities, and carefully planned itineraries that can help you create unforgettable memories.
The Amazon – Peru
We couldn’t talk about river cruises without mentioning the mighty Amazon. The largest river in the world by volume, this breathtaking waterway winds through the dense jungles of Colombia, Peru, and Brazil, revealing one of the planet’s richest ecosystems.
In Peru, the Aria Amazon by Aqua Expeditions offers an extraordinary way to explore this vast wilderness in comfort and style. Designed by architect Jordi Puig, the ship is custom-built for navigating the remote Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve while minimising environmental impact. Onboard, guests enjoy luxurious design suites with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views of the rainforest, along with fine Peruvian cuisine crafted by renowned chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, a pioneer of rainforest-to-table dining.
Days on the Aria Amazon bring unforgettable adventures: spotting jaguars lounging on riverbanks, watching technicolour macaws and toucans overhead, and glimpsing sleepy sloths in the canopy. Twice-daily excursions led by expert naturalist guides take you deeper into the jungle for activities like piranha fishing, guided walks, and canoe or kayak explorations of pristine waterways such as the Yanayacu and Pucate Rivers. Other highlights include visiting remote villages, exploring Nauta, and learning about conservation efforts at the Amazonian Manatee Rescue Center. After days in the wild, guests can unwind in the outdoor jacuzzi, sip cocktails in the panoramic lounge, or simply watch the rainforest drift by.
The Aria Amazon offers an incredible blend of luxury and adventure — a floating paradise deep in the heart of the world’s largest rainforest.
Related: A travel guide to exploring Peru – especially for couples!
The Danube – Hungary to the Czech Republic
Europe and river cruises just seem to go together, so it’s no surprise that there’s a huge range of different cruising options. With fascinating culture and scenery, Europe’s Danube stretches across Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.
Uniworld’s Delightful Danube & Prague river cruise takes in a part of the western stretch, from Hungary to Germany. Including stops at Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Germany’s Bavarian villages, the cruise showcases Europe’s enchanting past and exciting present. You’ll enjoy traditional Hungarian hospitality on a horse farm in Budapest, see the works of Gustav Klimt at Vienna’s Belvedere Museum, and go behind the scenes at a BMW factory. Departing from Budapest, the Delightful Danube & Prague cruise includes a flight from the final port of Nuremberg to nearby Prague.
Related: The most romantic things to do in Prague
The Mississippi – USA
Definitely one for the bucket-list, cruising along the lower Mississippi from Memphis to New Orleans is a dream trip for any history buff or music lover. Here lie all the showstoppers of America’s Deep South – Elvis’s Graceland, Nottoway Plantation Resort (the largest existing antebellum mansion), Civil War battlefields, and the colourful streets of New Orleans.
These days, modern riverboats like Viking’s sleek Viking Mississippi bring travellers along this legendary stretch of river in comfort and style. Viking’s Mississippi Delta Explorer itinerary sails between New Orleans and Memphis, offering immersive experiences that showcase Southern culture, music history, and vibrant cuisine. Expect visits to historic Natchez, the Vicksburg battlefield, and the birthplace of the blues in Greenville, alongside scenic sailing past lush wetlands and classic river towns. It’s the perfect way to discover the Mississippi’s rich heritage and soulful rhythm from the water.
Related: The very best things for couples to do in New Orleans
The Douro – Portugal to Spain
If seeing quaint villages, rolling vineyards, historic architecture, and delicious wines sounds like your kind of holiday, a river cruise along the Douro is a must. Flowing from northern-central Spain across Portugal to the Atlantic, the Douro reveals terraced hillsides, charming Portuguese towns, and riverside wine estates.
Emerald Cruises’ Secrets of the Douro itinerary sails entirely within Portugal but includes a day-trip into Spain for a guided tour of Salamanca, a city renowned for its golden sandstone architecture and vibrant tapas scene. Along the way, you’ll savour port wine in Porto, kayak past the vineyards of Pinhão, and discover baroque treasures in Lamego. It’s the perfect blend of Portugal’s warm culture and a tantalising taste of Spain.
The Nile – Egypt
Few rivers on earth carry as much history and mystique as the Nile. One of the world’s longest rivers, the Nile flows through eleven countries in northern Africa, but it’s Egypt that truly showcases its ancient grandeur.
A river cruise between Luxor and Aswan is the ultimate way to explore this spellbinding country. Ships like those from Sonesta Nile Cruises glide past timeless landscapes, revealing spectacular sites from the era of pharaohs and ancient kingdoms. You’ll wander the towering columns of Karnak Temple, visit the beautifully preserved temples at Edfu and Kom Ombo, and marvel at the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, final resting place of Tutankhamun and the sons of Ramses II. One of the journey’s most unforgettable moments comes as the sun sets in golden hues over the riverbanks—a magical reminder of the Nile’s enduring allure.
Related article: Luxury Cruising in Lan Ha Bay: A Serene Alternative to Halong // River Cruising on Australia’s Murray
For more than 30 years, Holidays for Couples has been Australia’s trusted voice in romance travel. From its beginnings as a glossy coffee-table magazine to today’s digital platform, the brand has always championed the best in honeymoons, romantic escapes and stylish getaways for two. The H4C Team curates travel news, hotel openings and destination inspiration, drawing on decades of editorial experience and a passion for helping couples plan unforgettable journeys together.
