Mediterranean River Cruises
Imagine cruising through Venice's canals, visiting Athens while stopping at hidden gems along the way. Dubrovnik's medieval walls tell a thousand stories, Kotor's streets wind up into the mountains, Krka National Park's waterfalls cascade everywhere you look. Keep going and you'll hit Santorini's white cliffs, Rhodes with its medieval quarter, Cyprus and ancient Paphos. It's all there, flowing past your cabin window.
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Stephen • traveled in October, 2025
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Douro Experience 2026 - JM
Jean • traveled in April, 2025
Despite the fact that we couldn’t go through some of the locks and dams because the water was too high the staff made arrangements for bus excursions so we were able to see more of the countryside than might have been possible.
Gems of the Douro (Porto to Porto Cruise) - C
Cristiano • traveled in July, 2025
I just returned from a 4-day trip aboard the Spirit of Chartwell, and it exceeded all my expectations. The ship is beautiful and elegant, the staff is warm and attentive, and the scenery along the Douro River is simply stunning. If you're thinking about visiting Portugal, this cruise is an amazing way to explore the region in style and comfort. Highly recommended!
Douro Luxury Cruise - Spirit of Chartwell (4 Days)
10 best river cruises through Mediterranean
Compiled by
MelissaMediterranean travel expert at TourRadar
- Adriatic Jewels Venice → Athens (2026)
- Mediterranean Wonders from Malta to Ancient Greece (port-to-port cruise)
- Adriatic discovery: Venice, Istria & the Croatian archipelago
- Family Club - The Splendors of the Northern Adriatic Sea - Historic and Naturally Beautiful Ports of Call in Croatia and Montenegro (port-to-port cruise)
- Portugal geführte Radwanderung Douro-Fluss 8 Tage
- Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2026) (Porto to Lisbon, 2026)
- Slovenia, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2026) (Ljubljana to Venice, 2026)
- Unforgettable Douro
- Mediterranean rivieras
- Discover the Wonders of the Mediterranean & Red Sea
This 8-day river cruise from Venice to Athens aboard the 48-passenger MS Caledonian Sky stops at 7 historic Mediterranean ports including Otranto, Lecce, and Itea. The UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi makes for a memorable visit, while Baroque Lecce (known as the 'Florence of the South') and Otranto's 12th-century cathedral floor mosaic provide architectural highlights. Pass through the famous Corinth Canal and have 20 included meals featuring regional Mediterranean cuisine.
Duration 8 days Destinations Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
- US$4,620+$469 upfront costs
The elegant MS La Belle de L'Adriatique sails from Valletta's historic port to Athens. Guests savor panoramic views of Kefalonia and Ithaca from the sun deck, French cuisine in the restaurant, and comfortable cabin options across four decks. All drinks and excursions included in the fare of around $2,500.
Duration 8 days Destinations Malta, Greece, Spain, Israel Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$3,564
The yacht-like Emerald Kaia provides exclusive passage past Venice's St. Mark's Square, Piran's gothic architecture, and Mali Lošinj's natural harbor. Seven nights of luxury await with premium dining and complimentary beverages.
Duration 8 days Destinations Italy, Slovenia, Norway, Croatia Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $13,390
62% Off- US$5,090You save $8,300
Sail the Adriatic Sea to the lush Elaphiti Islands and Brijuni National Park, a Mediterranean paradise. The ship passes through Kvarner Gulf with views of the Velebit Mountains, then stops at Rovinj's peninsula where a Venetian bell tower rises above the waterfront. Mali Losinj's palm-tree-lined promenade and Pula's Roman Forum and Temple of Augustus line the rocky Mediterranean coastline.
Duration 8 days Destinations Croatia, Italy, Montenegro Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
62% Off- US$2,856
Portugal geführte Radwanderung Douro-Fluss 8 Tage
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The bikes were excellent and the daily rides were tremendous.”
Marilyn, traveled in October
A-ROSA ALVA winds through Portugal's wine country from Porto's UNESCO Old Town to the Spanish border. The seven-night journey includes stops at historic quintas, guided tours, and Port wine tastings, with elegant outside cabins for comfortable rest.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, Douro International Natural Park, Vega de Terron, Barca de Alva, Almeida, Lamego Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German Operator Terranova Touristik From
62% Off- US$4,383
Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2026) (Porto to Lisbon, 2026)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
The S.S. São Gabriel welcomes guests aboard to Porto's historic port and the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley. Luxury riverview accommodations provide comfort while passing terraced vineyards and picturesque riverside towns.
Duration 11 days Destinations France, Portugal, Spain Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $5,971
30% Off- US$4,180You save $1,791
Duration 11 days Destinations Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Postojna, Venice, Burano, Chioggia Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $4,999
30% Off- US$3,499You save $1,500
Duration 11 days Destinations Porto, Entre-os-Rios, Peso da Regua, Vega de Terron, Pocinho, Pinhao Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $6,764
25% Off- US$5,089You save $1,675
The Emerald Azzurra takes guests from Civitavecchia to Lisbon through azure waters. Visit Cartagena's Roman Theatre, Palma's Cathedral of Santa Maria, and Tangier's historic Kasbah while enjoying luxury suite accommodation with infinity pool access and gourmet dining.
Duration 12 days Destinations Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, Portugal Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $17,590
57% Off- US$7,540You save $10,050
The Emerald Azzurra introduces guests to Cyclades highlights like Delos and Mykonos. Local experts guide tours of UNESCO sites including Rhodes' Medieval City and Patmos' Monastery, before crossing the Suez Canal with infinity pool access.
Duration 22 days Destinations Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $47,580
50% Off- US$23,790You save $23,790
What our customers ask about Mediterranean River Cruises
What are the most popular Mediterranean river cruise routes and destinations?
Mediterranean river cruises follow three main waterways: the Douro River connecting Portugal and Spain the Po River flowing through Northern Italy and the Guadalquivir River in Southern Spain. Ships dock at key cities like Porto Lisbon Venice Burano and Seville. The routes highlight distinct regional characteristics. The Douro Valley stands out for its steep vineyard-lined banks while Venice-based cruises navigate the city's network of waterways and lagoon islands. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The scenery along the river was breathtaking with endless vineyards cascading down the hillsides and charming quintas dotting the landscape."
Which major Mediterranean ports do river cruises typically visit?
The port roster includes major destinations like Barcelona Naples Valletta and Porto. Emerald Cruises' "Islands of the Mediterranean" route stops at Mahón in Menorca Bonifacio in Corsica Porto Cervo in Sardinia and Syracuse in Sicily. Uniworld's Venice program explores the Venetian Lagoon with visits to Chioggia Burano and Mazzorbo. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Each port offered something unique - from Valletta's historic grandeur to Porto Cervo's modern luxury."
What are the best times of year to take a Mediterranean river cruise?
The best sailing window spans April through October with July and August marking peak season. Tours like Emerald Cruises' Mediterranean Rivieras operate during these months when weather conditions are ideal for exploring coastal cities like Porto Cervo Trapani and Syracuse. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) bring milder temperatures and smaller crowds at popular stops like Barcelona and Valletta. A TourRadar traveler shares: "Beautiful scenery and perfect weather made our September cruise absolutely magical."
What types of cabins are available on Mediterranean river cruise ships?
Ships offer various room categories from standard staterooms to premium suites. The S.S. São Gabriel features five options: Grand Suites regular Suites French Balcony cabins Deluxe Staterooms and Classic Staterooms. Standard amenities include hotel-style beds private bathrooms panoramic windows or French balconies climate control and WiFi. Select vessels like the Emerald Radiance feature Owner's Suites with wraparound terraces. A TourRadar reviewer notes: "Our French Balcony cabin on the S.S. La Venezia was beautifully appointed with plenty of storage and a wonderful view of the passing scenery."
What is the typical group size on a Mediterranean river cruise?
River cruise vessels typically carry between 100-200 passengers creating a more personal atmosphere than ocean liners. Emerald Cruises' luxury yachts accommodate 100 guests with 72 crew members while CroisiEurope's MS La Belle de L'Adriatique welcomes 198 passengers. A TourRadar traveler reports: "With only 100 passengers we quickly got to know our fellow travelers and received excellent personal attention from the crew."
How long are typical Mediterranean river cruises?
Most itineraries run 7 to 11 days though some extended voyages combining multiple regions stretch to 22 days. Uniworld's Portugal and Douro River cruise spans 11 days while CroisiEurope's Andalusia journey takes 8 days. Some lines like Emerald Cruises blend river cruising with land excursions offering extended trips such as their 22-day Mediterranean journey from Athens to Lisbon. TourRadar travelers note: "The 8-day format was perfect - enough time to explore each destination thoroughly without feeling rushed."