"For 40 years, Abercrombie & Kent has been internationally
recognized as the first name in luxury escorted travel. Founded in
1962 as a safari company in Nairobi, Kenya, A&K's unparalleled
travel and tour operations now extend to more than 100 countries on
all seven continents and include River Cruises (22 canal
and river cruisers throughout Europe). Itineraries include safari
and wildlife viewing, active adventures, family holidays, canal and
river cruising, train travel, and luxury and expedition cruising.
Knowledgeable local guides, luxurious accommodations, comfortable
transportation and a choice of activities and amenities are standard
on every A&K tour. Trips combine a commitment to conservation with a
mission to provide memories of a lifetime, while giving guests
privileged access and special insight."
$400 to $600 per person per day.
De Luxe
Collette
River Cruises
(Rhine river to Switzerland)
"In business since 1918, Collette Vacations knows what it takes
to deliver a memorable Europe experience. They choose features that
bring out the flavor of an area: centrally-located hotels that
mirror the architectural style and ambiance of the city; cultural
entertainment that's fun and educational; unique dining experiences
that turn into memorable events. With Collette Vacations, not only
can you travel to more than 50 countries on all seven continents,
you can also choose from escorted and independent travel packages -
or a combination of both."
$100 to $350 per person, per day.
Insight River Cruises
Insight does great land tours (we have extensive experience of
these), but its river cruise options are limited. In 2009 it offered
a Ukraine, the Black Sea and Istanbul tour which was very
attractive, but apart from that its main option was a combination of
its Rhapsody tour with a Budapest-Passau river cruise.
Tauck River Cruises
"All Tauck riverboat cruises feature a well-paced mix of active
sightseeing with leisurely travel. Some days we explore two or
three different towns along our route. Other days begin with a
guided walking tour of the historic town where your ship is docked,
followed by time to explore on your own. Or we may spend an entire
morning or afternoon cruising to our next port of call, a great time
to discover your shipboard amenities."
"Tauck’s riverboat cruises offer the opportunity to see stunning
art and architecture, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, explore
culturally rich cities, and view landscapes splashed with a rainbow
of colors. Enjoy carriage rides and canal boat trips, performances
of folkloric dancing and horsemanship, special palace dinners and
Vienna concerts on a Tauck Europe river cruise."
$200 to $400 per person per day.
First Class
AMA WaterwaysRiver Cruises
AMA WATERWAYS was founded in 2002, and caters primarily to
English-speaking passengers with its multinational crew. "The AMA
Waterways lineup for 2010 includes popular itineraries on the
historic Danube, Main, Rhine and Mosel rivers, as well as the Douro
River in Portugal, the Rhône in France and the Volga-Baltic
waterways in Russia. New land programs will bring AMAWATERWAYS
passengers to some of Europe’s most legendary, historic and scenic
locations."
$80 to $275 per person per day.
AvalonRiver Cruises
Avalon Waterways, a member of the Globus family of travel
companies, operates river and small ship cruises to Austria,
Hungary, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland and France in
Europe. In 2010, Avalon Waterways is featuring nearly 100 departure
dates from the English Channel to Mediterranean Sea and is now
cruising Normandy and Côte d’Azur. They claim new levels of smooth,
quiet sailing with their state-of-the-art engineering.
$80 to $275 per person per day.
APT (Australia) River
Cruises
APT conduct tours throughout six continents, with offices all
over Australia, in New Zealand, the UK, the US, Canada and Germany.
APT River Cruises give you a hassle-free all inclusive
holiday without the inconvenience of packing and unpacking, checking
in and out of hotels, or travelling on congested highways.
"Whether touring by road, rail, river or sea, you can be assured
of enjoying the most luxurious touring vehicles and vessels
available. Our state-of-the-art touring coaches are fitted with
reclining seats, seat belts, rest room facilities, audiovisual
equipment and the latest in advanced safety features. Our rail tours
take you through some of the world's most spectacular scenery in
comfort and style, and our river cruising and small ship sea cruises
feature luxurious modern vessels with service and facilities to meet
your every need."
Brendan
River Cruises
"We have been sharing the World of Brendan with our travelers for
36 years. In 2005, your choices for river travel range
wider than ever, including the brand new ms Poetry and the beautiful
ms Symphony and ms Artistry. Whatever the destination you select,
you can count on Brendan to make your exploration of the rivers of
Europe unforgettable.
Our proudest claim in all of our destinations is that Brendan has
“been there." Our travel specialists, Ship Captains and Cruise
Managers have personally experienced the rivers, castles and
villages, and absorbed all the history and culture that makes travel so rewarding. We are eager to share our insights and
knowledge with you. We look forward to welcoming you on board as you
cruise these extraordinary rivers."
$80 to $275 per person per day.
Brennan
River Cruises (Globus)
"Leisurely cruising along the great rivers of the world -
Europe's Rhine, Danube, Moselle and Main, and the great Yangtze
River in China - is an idyllic way to experience each destination's
history, landscape and cultures. With Brennan Vacations, you'll pull
into port in your deluxe river cruise ship, then explore a Gothic
cathedral - a medieval abbey - or a centuries-old Chinese pagoda. In
Europe we partner with Avalon Waterways' luxurious ships
Artistry®, Imagery®, Poetry®, Scenery,
Tapestry®, and Tranquility. In Egypt you'll sail
aboard the Royal Lotus. In China you'll sail aboard the
premier river cruiser Victoria Anna. Cruise the Galapagos
Islands aboard the La Pinta or the M/V Santa Cruz."
$100 to $350 per person per day.
CIE Tours
River Cruises
CIE Tours International has specialized in high-quality escorted
and independent tours of the British Isles since 1932 with the
emphasis on coach touring. They have now expanded into river
cruising with over a half-dozen different cruise itineraries
exploring the waters of the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, and Main rivers.
$80 to $275 per person per day.
Gate 1 River
Cruises
"Founded in 1981, Gate 1 Travel has become a leading
international river cruise company. Take a River
Cruise with Gate 1 Travel. We offer vacation packages to suit your
time and budget. Tour Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary,
Luxembourg, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and France."
$80 to $275 per person per day.
General
Tours River Cruises
"Founded in 1947, General Tours is one of the oldest tour
companies based in America. Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel
Magazine has named General Tours as “One of America’s Top
Travel packagers.” Today, General Tours' combination of
experience, value and expertise creates opportunities for you to
enjoy River Cruises at great prices. The company believes
small ship (river) cruises are one of the most popular, economical
and convenient ways to travel.
$80 to $275 per person per day.
Globus River Cruises
"Experienced travelers agree that a river cruise is one
of the most enjoyable and hassle-free ways to explore Europe's
castles, cathedrals, and picturesque villages. And now, Globus
offers its inaugural year of river cruising in China and Russia
— two new exotic alternatives! Regardless of the continent you
choose to explore, your opportunities to discover the very best
these destinations have to offer are endless with Globus River
Cruises.
Travel along the famous rivers of Europe, China and Russia, and
discover fascinating history and authentic experiences with
comprehensive sightseeing — plus your own exploration. It's a simple
way to travel, and you're in the middle of the action. Plus, there's
plenty of time to unwind. Think of river cruising as your own
personal journey of discovery."
$80 to $275 per person per day.
Gutsy Women
Travel River Cruises
Gutsy Women Travel is a division of Gate 1 Travel specializing in
escorted tours and cruises designed uniquely for women. The
company's River Cruises were offered in Europe and China, but I
couldn't find any on their website for 2009 or 2010.
$80 to $275 per person per day.
Scenic Tours
(Australia) River Cruises
Scenic now owns four of the latest riverboats with unique outside
balconies.
"River cruising allows you to experience the very best of Old
Europe’s famous sights, as you cruise from city to town along
ancient trade waterways. And gives you the freedom to stroll around
deck, or relax with a cocktail, as your luxury 5-star cruise ship
meanders between ports. And the best part is you won’t have to pack
and unpack everyday!
Moor right in the heart of cities and towns, with plenty of time to
explore rarely visited medieval villages, magnificent castles and
grand palaces. And with all shore excursions and meals included as
part of your cruise, river cruising represents outstanding value for
money!
With the largest range of River cruising programs available
in Australia, Scenic Tours lets you travel the length and breadth of
Europe. Whether you prefer to discover the delights of the
Netherlands, the rich wine growing areas of Burgundy in France, the
legendary Rhine and Danube regions in Germany, or exotic Russia and
the Ukraine, you’ll find a River cruising itinerary just
perfect for you!"
Trafalgar River Cruises
Founded in 1947, this company operates escorted tours on six
continents and now operates River Cruises in partnership with
Uniworld (see below). They also cover Russia and
Egypt.
"On a Trafalgar River Cruise, you'll embrace the real magic of
Europe. We'll take you to extraordinary destinations and show you
unforgettable sights.
"Enjoy the best of both worlds. An all-inclusive luxury river
cruise combined with exciting onshore excursions...
"And when you step off your floating hotel, you're in the very
heart of Europe's breathtaking attractions, with plenty of time for
precious moments ashore, either on our included excursions or when
exploring on your own. $80 to $275 per person per day.
Uniworld
River Cruises
Uniworld is now partnering with
Trafalgar to offer River Cruises.
"Uniworld River Cruises, Inc., is a leading river cruise and tour
company offering premium level vacations in Europe, Russia, China
and South America. The company provides an all-inclusive experience
to discerning, experienced travelers in an all-English speaking,
non-smoking environment.
Uniworld offers 20 itineraries; 7 to 21 night Grand River Cruises
on all major rivers in Europe: Dutch and Belgian Waterways, cruises
on the Rhine and Danube, cruises from Vienna and Budapest to the
Black Sea; Grand Cruises from Amsterdam to Vienna, Budapest or Constanta; cruises through France, Northern Italy and the Douro
River through Portugal and Spain. $80 to $275 per person, per day.
Viking River Cruises
"Viking River Cruises
itineraries journey along the rivers of Europe, Russia, and China
allowing you to explore fascinating destinations up close and in
comfort. All-inclusive vacation packages include roundtrip air,
cruises, shore tours with English-speaking guides, deluxe river view
cabins and gourmet meals.
"Viking River Cruises visit at least one port a
day on virtually every itinerary and you can explore small villages
off the beaten path that are inaccessible via an ocean cruise.
Docking in the heart of town, you'll have more time to see the
cities, not just travel to the cities. You'll experience
ever-changing riverside scenery as well as local nightlife when your
ship overnights in port." $80 to $275 per person per day.
Budget
Cosmos (Russian)
River Cruises (Globus)
"For more than 45 years, Cosmos has been the travel style of
choice for the savvy, practical traveler. With affordable travel
packages to the world's most engaging destinations, Cosmos is the
smart way to go. We provide air, accommodations, transportation and
the services of a knowledgeable Tour Director for much less than if
you booked them individually on your own." $60 to $115 per person per day.