Luxury River Cruise Holidays

Embark on some of the world's best river cruises with Scott Dunn, complete with ever-changing views you won't forget in a hurry.

  • Experience river cruise holidays with fully bespoke itineraries
  • River tours brought to life with five-star amenities onboard
  • Get 24/7 support from our dedicated team
  • Book with award-winning travel experts
Barges and river cruises

What can I expect from luxury river cruise holidays with Scott Dunn?

Discover a secret side to an iconic destination on our relaxing river cruises. Drift by villages, vineyards and other hidden gems that pass many others by. Whether you want to explore the waters of the mighty Amazon or sample the local delicacies of the Champagne region, we’ll find the perfect barge or riverboat cruises for you.

Imagine floating along the Mekong, watching daily life unfold in the riverside villages of Vietnam and Cambodia, and exploring monasteries during your on-shore excursions. Perhaps you see yourself cruising on the Amazon surrounded by millions of acres of rainforest, with the chance to see hundreds of species, from the pink Amazon dolphin to the giant river otter.

If cities are more your thing, how about a river tour along the Danube, soaking up the history, architecture and culture in locations such as Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest? Or why not charter a barge in the south of France with family and friends where medieval towns, mouthwatering meals and local wines await?

With a wide selection of barge and river cruise holidays around the globe, we're ready to craft a bespoke itinerary just for you, whatever floats your boat.

What can you expect from the barges and riverboats on our luxury river cruises?

Looking for an immersive adventure that doesn't scrimp on life's little luxuries? High-end river tours with all of the amenities and service levels of a five-star hotel will mean you can travel in optimal comfort. We've been fussy about hand-picking barges and riverboats that will transport you to another world, take you off the beaten track and show you beautiful places from a whole new perspective.

While you can stay aboard overnight on many of our riverboat cruises, others provide luxurious accommodation nearby. We can discuss these details when it comes to planning your trip.

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1 - 8 of 8 Tour Ideas
Private cruise on the Seine

Private cruise on the Seine

Paris, France

Set sail on the Seine in your very own private cruise along one of the most famous rivers in the world. Cruise past all the highlights of Paris and have a unique opportunity to see the city from a different perspective.

Couples Short Break Cruise Culture
Kinabatangan River - Afternoon River Cruise

Kinabatangan River - Afternoon River Cruise

Kinabatangan River, Borneo, Malaysia

In the late afternoon set off by boat to explore the Kinabatangan River. Enjoy the scenery as the sun sets, watching the colours change across the sky. You may be lucky enough to spot the fireflies begin to twinkle along the riverbanks as night falls.

Lisbon by private yacht

Lisbon by private yacht

Lisbon, Portugal

Appreciate Lisbon from the sea, gaining a different view of the city’s sights while relaxing on board a private yacht. Discover the maritime history of the city that transformed Portugal into a colonial power with Lisbon at the heart of its empire.

Sailing & surfing
Private boat trip on the Douro

Private boat trip on the Douro

Douro Valley, Portugal

Experience the beauty of the Douro Valley in style - cruise along the river in your very own private boat. Admire the incredible scenery en route and stop for a delicious traditional lunch.

Couples Cruise Culture
Sukau Rainforest Lodge - River Cruise

Sukau Rainforest Lodge - River Cruise

Kinabatangan River, Borneo, Malaysia

Take a cruise along the Kinabatangan River, keeping an eye out for the local wildlife, which can include crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, hornbills and sometimes even the elusive orangutan.

4 Nights Nile Cruise

4 Nights Nile Cruise

The Nile, Egypt

Experience the legendary river, passing through Egyptian heritage sites, including the West Bank as well as the temples of Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. In Aswan, sail by traditional Felucca to Agha Khan.

Activities at Matetsi Victoria Falls

Activities at Matetsi Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls - the Zim side, Zimbabwe

Matetsi Victoria Falls is ideally located to be able to offer guests both a safari experiences such as game drives and boat cruises, as well as access to the iconic Victoria Falls and the activities available in the region.

Irrawaddy Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Irrawaddy Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Bagan, Burma

A glorious sunset cruise along the famous Irrawaddy River, cocktail in hand. This is a unique way to appreciate Bagan’s incredible temples from afar and an opportunity to see scenes of daily life play out on Burma’s largest waterway.

1 - 8 of 8 Tour Ideas
1 - 10 of 14 Hotels
Belmond Afloat in France

Belmond Afloat in France

South of France

Discover the waterways, canals and rivers of rural France in style with the Belmond Afloat in France programme. Belmond’s seven barges are among the most luxurious in Europe and offer a unique way of seeing some spectacularly beautiful countryside.

Couples Cruise Culture
Delfin III

Delfin III

Iquitos, Peruvian Amazon, Peru

Cruise along the mighty Amazon River on board the luxurious Delfin III, a modern and elegant vessel which boasts 21 cabins and has all the amenities of a hotel, whilst allowing you to explore untouched corners of Peru's Amazon Rainforest in total comfort.

Cruise Wildlife Adventure Couples
The Oberoi Zahra

The Oberoi Zahra

Nile, Egypt

The Oberoi Zahra is the finest and most luxurious ship operating on the Nile. The leisurely 7-night cruise gives the perfect balance between sightseeing and relaxation – with on board spa treatments that pamper you like a Pharaoh.

Cruise Culture Spa & health
Sanctuary MS Nile Adventurer

Sanctuary MS Nile Adventurer

Nile, Egypt

The Sanctuary MS Nile Adventurer is a modern boat with all the amenities for a perfect cruise down the River Nile. Choose between a three night cruise (Aswan – Luxor) or a more relaxing four night cruise (Luxor – Aswan).

Adventure Cruise Culture
Aqua Mekong

Aqua Mekong

Mekong River - Vietnam & Cambodia

On board the Mekong's first floating boutique hotel, Aqua Mekong, journey up the river towards Cambodia or down towards Vietnam. En route you will explore the fascinating scenery and culture along the river during off-shore excursions.

Adventure Couples Cruise Culture
Aqua Nera

Aqua Nera

Iquitos, Peruvian Amazon, Peru

Experience the Amazon Rainforest in Peru from the comfort of the luxurious Aqua Nera, the newest cruise vessel to operate in these waters. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you explore the rich ecosystem of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

Gypsy, Mekong River Cruise

Gypsy, Mekong River Cruise

Mekong River, Northern Thailand, Thailand

Artfully crafted from teak and thatch, the exclusive two-suite Gypsy is a beautifully appointed vessel that charts a path along the Mekong River, stopping as and when you wish to curate a voyage of discovery between the Golden Triangle and Luang Prabang.

Luang Say Cruise

Luang Say Cruise

On the Mekong, Laos

Travelling by boat is the way to really explore the lush and more remote parts of this extraordinary and idyllic region. The Luang Say Cruise makes this journey from the comfort of a luxurious converted rice barge and is a highlight of any trip to Laos.

Culture Adventure Couples Cruise
M.S Yangzi Explorer

M.S Yangzi Explorer

Yangtze River, China

Cruise the world's third largest river in decadent style and luxury on board the small and intimate M.S. Yangzi Explorer. See the 'life line' of China, The Yangzi River, unveil before you whilst you relax in comfort.

Cruise
Nour El Nil Nile Cruises

Nour El Nil Nile Cruises

Nile, Egypt

Uncover the wonders of ancient Egypt on board one of Nour El Nil’s six elegant dahabiyas. Cruise for 6 nights in total comfort and style down the majestic River Nile from Luxor to Aswan.

Cruise Culture Adventure
1 - 10 of 14 Hotels
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European River Cruises

Whether you choose a private yacht experience along the coastal gems of the Mediterranean or a river cruise past the vineyards of the Douro Valley in Portugal, you can enjoy Europe's standout destinations in a whole new way.

Visit France and drift through Paris on a private custom-built Venetian water taxi along the River Seine, or spend days floating through the countryside on an all-inclusive river cruise with Belmond. Choose between romantic Champagne, rustic Provence and lush Burgundy, and explore nearby quaint villages and vineyards at your leisure with a complimentary guide.

Elsewhere, you can set sail in Lisbon on a private yacht along the Tagus River and soak up the red rooftops in this Portuguese paradise.

River Cruise Holidays Outside Europe

If you plan to venture a little further for one of our scenic river cruises, you have plenty of choice across a wide array of destinations.

Drift along the Kinabatangan River to spot crocodiles and pygmy elephants in Borneo or enjoy a sunset riverboat cruise along the Zambezi River after a daytime safari in Zimbabwe. In South America, our Amazon river cruises show a side of this rainforest seldom seen, as you drift in luxury on 3, 4 or 7-night expeditions. Hike through the jungle with a naturalist guide in search of unique wildlife, and spend evenings enjoying personal service and dining on Peruvian gastronomy.

Alternatively, you can indulge in a four-night Nile cruise in Egypt. Travelling between Luxor and Aswan, you'll uncover some of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, including the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.


Meet our Riverboat Cruise Travel Specialists

Our team of specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure. Contact us today to start planning your tailor-made trip.

River Cruise Holidays FAQs

  • How long are your river cruise holidays?

    We offer a mix of river tours with options that last less than a day and others being multi-night river cruises. Some overnight river cruise holidays have strict timelines, offering only 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries, while others are more flexible and mould to your schedule. When you get in touch, we’ll get to know what type of tour and river cruise holiday you’re looking for, and from there we’ll tailor your perfect trip.

  • Can I incorporate a river tour into a wider holiday itinerary?

    Yes, we offer many holidays that include riverboat cruise segments lasting a single day or several days – which means it will be built into your overall itinerary.

    For example, in Cambodia, you can unwind in paradise on the Koh Rong Archipelago and soak up the history of the capital city, Phnom Penh, before cruising down the Mekong River on a boutique-style hotel boat. The beauty of our luxury river cruise holidays is that you can incorporate them into a bespoke itinerary.

  • Do you offer river tours that don't involve staying onboard overnight?

    While some of our river cruise holidays include overnight stays on the boat, others include accommodation on land, as the river tours themselves last less than a day.

    When it comes to shaping your trip, our team will explain the different options based on your chosen location. We will do our best to tailor your river tours in any way we can.

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during your river cruise holidays?

    Many of our scenic river cruise holidays, such as the Egyptian Nile cruises, include accommodation on the boat. For example, the Oberoi Zahra includes 25 luxury cabins, a gym and a private terrace.

    Another example is the Aqua Mekong, which is a floating boutique hotel along the Mekong River that travels between Vietnam and Cambodia. Set across a spacious 62-metre vessel, it's fitted with an outdoor pool and observation deck. Five-star facilities are common across many of our overnight river cruises.

    Other river tours will involve staying in accommodation on land, ranging from rainforest lodges to five-star hotels depending on your chosen location and preferences.

    As always, if you have any specific requirements that will help tailor the trip to fit your needs, please share them with us.

  • What types of activities can I enjoy during a river cruise holiday?

    Depending on where you go and what your accommodation offers, you can enjoy a huge variety of activities.

    Take Peru, for example, where you can set off on trail walks to soak up the local scenery and swim with pink dolphins in the Amazon. You'll even have the opportunity to meet local indigenous communities.

    Alternatively, for days when you want to unwind, you can enjoy the amenities on your boat. You can spend the day by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment or relax on the observation deck. Games rooms, libraries, gyms and even theatres can also be enjoyed onboard across many of our luxury river cruise holidays.

  • Do you offer other types of cruises?

    Beyond our river cruise holidays, we also offer ocean cruises, private yacht charters and expedition cruises, so you can take to the water in a way that allows you to experience your chosen destination to its fullest.

    Find out more about our cruise holidays.

  • Do you offer family river cruises?

    Many of our luxury river cruises are suitable for families. You have the option to hire boats privately, which means you'll have plenty of space to enjoy.

    The safety of you and your family is a huge priority, which is why all of our riverboat cruises are hand-selected. We only work with reputable companies and local experts to bring you an unforgettable experience. The crew will also run through key safety information before your trip.

    We always encourage you to share any specific requirements so that we can ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible, whether you want family river cruises suited to families with toddlers or those with multiple generations.

View of cruises on the river
Book Your River Cruise Holidays with Scott Dunn

Set off on the adventure of a lifetime with luxury river cruise holidays by Scott Dunn. To get started, simply get in touch with our expert team today by filling out our online enquiry form.

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Call us on 020 3918 9367 to start planning your holiday

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