3 Day River Cruise Tours & Trips
Three days on rivers gives you a true sample of the area you’re visiting. You could cruise the Rhine, Nile, Danube, the list goes on! Visit riverside towns, taste regional wines, see castles from water level, and experience river life. You're testing whether river cruising suits you, seeing regions differently, relaxing while landscapes float past, and usually, three days usually convinces many people to book longer trips.
10 best 3 Day river cruise tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaRiver Cruise travel expert at TourRadar
- From Aswan 3 Days 2 Nights Nile Cruise
- Amazing 3-Days 2-Nights Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor with Edfu and Kom Ombo Tours
- Amazing 2 Nights Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Tours and Abu Simbel
- 3-Day Downstream Mekong River Cruise from Siem Reap To Phnom Penh
- Enjoy 2-nights Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor with FREE visit to Abu Simbel
- Downstream Mekong River Cruise Tours from Siem Reap To Phnom Penh 3-Day
- From Luxor 3 Days 2 Nights Nile Cruise
- Luxury Overnight Cruise Among Patagonia’s Glaciers from El Calafate
- Amazing 2-Nights Nile Cruise From Luxor To Aswan including All Sightseeing Tours
- 2 Day Mekong River Cruise From Houay Xay to Luang Prabang via Pakbeng (Thailand to Laos Downstream)
From Aswan 3 Days 2 Nights Nile Cruise
“the cruise was wonderful the cabin was warm and wonderful”
Noty, traveled in February
A 5-star ship, rated 4.2/5, carries passengers 133 kilometers from Aswan to Luxor. The route includes Kom Ombo temple at sunset, Edfu by horse carriage, and passage through Esna Lock. Comfortable berth cabins and full board dining complement views of authentic Nubian village life.
Duration 3 days Destinations Aswan, Edfu, Luxor Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Egyptology Travel From
- US$390
Amazing 3-Days 2-Nights Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor with Edfu and Kom Ombo Tours
“Nice trip on the Nile from Aswan to Luxor.”
Kristof, traveled in January
The 5-star Nile ship offers deluxe berth cabins with satellite TV and private bathrooms. Visits include Kom Ombo's dual temple and Edfu's falcon shrine via horse carriage, with Esna Lock crossing, sundeck views and authentic Egyptian entertainment.
Duration 3 days Destinations Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna, Luxor Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Egypt Gift Tours From
- US$550
Amazing 2 Nights Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Tours and Abu Simbel
“Everything is well organized. Much appreciate him.”
Shunsuke, traveled in January
A grand 3-day river voyage from Aswan to Luxor spans 133 miles of ancient wonders. The route features Abu Simbel temples, Kom Ombo's dual sanctuary, and Esna Lock crossing, complemented by 5-star accommodations and sundeck views.
Duration 3 days Destinations Aswan, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Deir el-Bahri Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Egypt Gift Tours From
- US$700
3-Day Downstream Mekong River Cruise from Siem Reap To Phnom Penh
“It was a fantastic journey with beautiful stops like Kampong Tralach and Koh Chen. The whole experience was very well organized.”
Victor, traveled in July
This 3-day downstream trip along the Mekong River goes from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, covering roughly 185 miles through Cambodia's heartland. First, you'll stop at Kampong Phluk floating village on Tonle Sap Lake, then continue to Kampong Chhnang where you can check out pottery workshops by tuk-tuk and pass through green paddies and sugar palms. After that, head to Kampong Tralach for an ox-cart ride and visit Kampong Tralach Temple, with an overnight stay docked at Koh Chen island where silversmiths work on their craft. On the final morning, climb 509 steps at Oudong Mountain to see historic stupas before reaching Phnom Penh around 2 pm on day three.
Duration 3 days Destinations Siem Reap, Kompong Chhnang, Kampong Tralach, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh Age Range Ages 10+ Operator VietLong Travel From
- US$1,030
Enjoy 2-nights Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor with FREE visit to Abu Simbel
“The hot air balloon gave us the best views of Luxor in the morning. The felucca ride on the Nile was the perfect way to relax.”
Leo, traveled in December
The 3-day Nile adventure aboard a 5-star ship covers 133 km from Aswan to Luxor. Highlights include the crocodile-god temple at Kom Ombo, Edfu via horse carriage, and Esna Lock passage, complete with full-board dining and entertainment.
Duration 3 days Destinations Kom Ombo, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Luxor, Edfu Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Operator Egypt cruise travel From
- US$490
The Mekong Dawn carries passengers 200km from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh over three days. Stops include Kampong Phluk floating village, Kampong Chhnang pottery village, and historic Oudong, with panoramic views throughout.
Duration 3 days Destinations Siem Reap, Kompong Chhnang, Kampong Tralach, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator DNQ Travel From
- US$1,037
From Luxor 3 Days 2 Nights Nile Cruise
“The atmosphere on the Nile was magic! The food choice was varied and everything was incredibly good.”
letizia, traveled in December
The 133-mile Nile voyage from Luxor to Aswan unfolds over 3 days on a 5-star vessel. Travelers pass through Esna Lock, visit temples via horse-drawn carriage, and observe traditional village life while savoring meals rated 5.0/5.
Duration 3 days Destinations Luxor, Edfu, Aswan Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Egyptology Travel From
- US$420
Duration 2 days Destinations El Calafate Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Signature DMC From
- US$1,270
Amazing 2-Nights Nile Cruise From Luxor To Aswan including All Sightseeing Tours
“amazing service and an individual german-speaking guide. The visited sights were amazing”
Matthias, traveled in May
Duration 3 days Destinations Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Philae Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator Egypt Gift Tours From
- US$750
2 Day Mekong River Cruise From Houay Xay to Luang Prabang via Pakbeng (Thailand to Laos Downstream)
“The boat was clean and comfortable, with panoramic windows and open decks that offered incredible views.”
Carson, traveled in November
The Mekong flows from Houay Xai through Pakbeng to Luang Prabang. Meet Ban Houa Phalam's 90 families and Ban Baw's whiskey craftsmen. Overnight at Mekong Riverside Lodge before exploring Pak Ou Caves.
Duration 2 days Destinations Huay Xai, Pakbeng, Pak Ou, Luang Prabang Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator VietLong Travel From
- US$399
Reviews of 3 day River Cruise Tours
- From Aswan 3 Days 2 Nights Nile Cruise
We had a very pleasant time on our cruise. We think it's a fantastic way to travel around between the citiess. Easy and fun! The boat food was buffet style and a nice selection of dishes; the desserts could be much better however. The staff was extremely friendly as well on the boat. Our guide was fantastic and so wonderful about ideas and arrangements. We aren't 'cruise' people so 2 nights was perfect for us. This cruise has a massage therapist who was also very nice.
- Amazing 3-Days 2-Nights Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor with Edfu and Kom Ombo Tours
Clean and comfortable with amazing views. Great service and wonderful meals. The temple visits were nice. However, a very busy time to visit each (along with all the other cruise boats). The visit to the temple in Edfu was at 4:30am in the morning. Which wouldn’t be first my choice to visit anything. It’s a nice way to travel from Aswan to Luxor.
- Amazing 2 Nights Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Tours and Abu Simbel
An Unforgettable Experience! I absolutely loved this tour! The guide was knowledgeable and friendly, and the itinerary was well-planned with the perfect balance of sightseeing and free time. Every stop offered something unique, and I came away with amazing memories and photos.
What our customers ask about 3 Day River Cruise Tours & Trips
What are the most popular destinations for 3-day river cruises in Europe?
The Rhine River between France and Germany is a favorite for short cruises, especially around Strasbourg, Colmar, and Breisach. Popular boats like the Victor Hugo and Lafayette take you along both sides of the Rhine. Many travelers love the Upper Rhine Christmas cruise on the Modigliani, where you can visit amazing holiday markets - the one by Strasbourg's cathedral at Place Broglie is especially great. Travelers often tell us they love how these stops mix French and German culture, like in Breisach where you can join locals for Christmas Mass at the old cathedral.
What are the most common destinations for 3-day river cruises?
Three-day cruises cover some really interesting routes worldwide. In Europe, the Rhine between Strasbourg and Colmar is perfect during Christmas market season. Egypt's Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan take you to incredible ancient sites. In South America, Amazon cruises from Manaus let you visit native communities and spot wildlife. The Mekong River between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh shows you floating villages and local life. One traveler told us about their Amazon trip: "Incredible staff and perfect combination of relaxation and activities like fishing for piranhas, seeing pink dolphins, and swimming in Rio Negro."
When should I go on a 3-day river cruise?
It depends where you're headed. For Rhine cruises, December is special with all the Christmas markets in Strasbourg and Colmar. If you're going to Egypt, book between October and April when it's cooler - usually 75-85°F (24-29°C). The Mekong is best from November to February when it's less humid and around 77-82°F (25-28°C). One traveler mentioned: "The December timing was perfect for experiencing the enchanting Christmas markets along the Rhine, with comfortable temperatures for exploring ports."
What food can I expect on a 3-day river cruise?
You'll get all your meals included, with lots of local flavors. European cruises, like those with CroisiEurope on the Rhine, serve French food with welcome drinks and special dinner events. On Nile cruises, you'll try Egyptian dishes alongside international options, sometimes eating lunch in local homes. Drinks with meals and at the bar are included, except for premium options. A recent traveler told us about their Rhine trip: "The Christmas Eve dinner was exceptional with regional specialties and paired wines showcasing the best of French and German cuisine."
What activities and tours are included in 3-day river cruises?
Your cruise includes different local experiences at each stop. European cruises take you to Christmas markets, towns like Colmar, and historic churches. In Egypt, local guides show you around the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Karnak Temple. On the Mekong, you can bike through villages, check out floating markets, and learn to cook local food. Local experts lead most tours and handle all the transportation. One traveler shared: "The guided tour of Luxor Temple at sunset was a highlight, with our Egyptologist bringing ancient history to life."
How much time do I get to explore on my own during stops?
You'll get a good mix of guided tours and free time. In European ports like Strasbourg and Colmar, you usually have a few hours to walk around the markets and see the sights. Nile cruise stops usually have morning tours with free afternoons. Mekong Delta trips give you time in Can Tho to do your own thing or just relax. One traveler told us: "We appreciated having free time after guided tours to wander through Strasbourg's Christmas markets and find local cafes at our own pace."
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