river boat cruises uk

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Cruising the canals and rivers of england, scotland and wales.

Top canal cruises & the best river cruises in the UK for 2024!

How to find the hotel boat cruise you want, northern england cruises ;.

• Aire and Calder
• Ashton Canal
• Huddersfield Narrow Canal
• Leeds & Liverpool Canal
• Macclesfield Canal
• Peak Forest Canal
• River Trent
• Rochdale Canal
• Sheffield & S. Yorkshire Navs.

WALES & NORTH WEST CRUISES ;

• Bridgewater Canal
• Caldon Canal
• Erewash Canal
• Llangollen Canal
• Montgomery Canal
• Manchester Ship Canal
• River Weaver
• Shropshire Union Canal
• Staffs & Worcs Canal
• Trent & Mersey Canal

MIDLANDS & WEST  CRUISES ;

• Ashby Canal
• Birmingham & Fazely
• Birmingham Canals
• Coventry Canal
• Droitwich Canal
• Gloucester & Sharpness
• G.U. Leicester section
• River Severn
• Stratford upon Avon Canal
• Worcester & Birmingham

SOUTHERN ENGLAND CRUISES ;

• Basingstoke Canal
• Grand Union Canal
• Kennet & Avon
• Oxford Canal
• Rivers Lee & Stort
• River Thames

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Our specialists are ready to craft your next unforgettable river cruise..

Book with confidence - ABTA & ATOL Protection

We look after your holiday as if it were our own and can happily reassure you that your holiday is fully protected. Our ABTA membership protects all package and tailor-made holidays booked through AG River Cruising, and our ATOL license protects all holidays that include flights. This means you can book safe in the knowledge you are fully protected

We are the UK’s No.1 River Cruise Specialist

Providing impartial advice from our family-based team based in Tunbridge Wells, we are the UK’s No.1 River Cruise Specialist. From matching you to the best cruise to offering exceptional value for money, tailoring the holiday to your needs to uncovering the most unique experiences, we are here to guide and help you with every part of your river cruise, from start to finish.

Our customer reviews speak for themself

We strive to offer a 5★ service. With rave 5-star reviews, we believe that our dedication shines through. Take a read through what our customers have to say about their experience and see for yourself.

We are the top partner for leading cruise operator

As the key strategic partner with major river cruise operators, we foster and develop relationships to make sure we’re providing you with the latest, most exciting and unique river cruise packages available.

Our staff have over 1,000 years’ combined cruise expertise

Our passionate staff have over 1,000 years’ of combined travel expertise from the past 40 years. In fact, some of the founding team members still work for us. They’ve passed their passion and knowledge onto the next generation to ensure we have another 40 years of happy, satisfied customers who return from their cruise with everlasting memories.

Celebrating our ruby anniversary as travel agents

We have been operating as a travel agency for over 40 years and take delight in providing you with unbiased and up-to-date advice. As we open a new door as river cruise specialists, we look forward to providing you with simply unmissable packages and exclusive deals with the world’s top cruise operators in the most incredible destinations on earth.

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River cruise offers.

We have a fantastic range of European & Asia river cruise offers, listed below is a selection of our top deals! You can find more deals on our special offers page, or check out our river cruise blog for up to date cruising news!

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Blue Water Holidays

Blue water holidays is the uk’s leading specialist in small ship cruising, boating and touring holidays..

Based in the picturesque market town of Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales, our team of friendly experts has been booking the right holidays for our discerning customers for over 17 years, offering a wealth of experience and knowledge to ensure customers get the best value for money.

As the UK’s leading agents for all major river cruise lines and small ship, luxury and sailing cruises, we offer unique cruises and exclusive discounts. Visit our award-winning websites to find thousands of cruises, the latest special offers, unbiased advice, customer cruise reviews, detailed deck plans and images for thousands of river and small ships.

Our Escorted Tours website features the most comprehensive collection of guided tours from the world’s leading companies. We offer a fantastic range of tours including small groups, solo travellers, family adventures, cruise tours and rail journeys.

We also offer the best collection of self-drive boating holidays in the UK and Europe, with thousands of boating holidays available from bases all over the UK, France, Portugal, Canada, Ireland, Holland, Italy, Germany and Poland.

Pandaw River Adventures - 2025 Brochure Out Now!

Exclusive Southern Africa Safari Cruise

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ABTA and ATOL bonded for your protection, you can trust Blue Water Holidays to find and book your ideal small ship or river cruise holiday. Call us on 01756 701199 ( +44 1756 701199 from outside the UK) to embark on your cruise experience!

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Ultra-Luxury River Cruises

With Scenic, it’s more than an ultra-luxury river cruise, it’s a seamless journey from start to finish that places you at the heart of everything we do.

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Truly unforgettable experiences  await

Our river cruises take you to extraordinary regions, while immersing you in the rich history, local cultures and culinary delicacies, creating moments that will be cherished for years to come. 

Discover river cruising with Scenic, for unrivalled experiences

From the historic waterways of Europe to the mighty Mekong River in South East Asia, a Scenic 5-star river cruise is in a class of its own. Every detail has been taken care of to the Nth Degree by our world-class crew so you can enjoy the benefits of a truly all-inclusive journey.

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Sightseeing At Its Best

Explore london with thames river sightseeing.

Make the most of your adventure! Join our local skippers and friendly team for an unforgettable Thames River cruise.

THAMES RIVER CRUISE TICKETS

Tickets & packages.

• Thames River Sightseeing Cruise Ticket

Westminster to Greenwich

Travel from Westminster to Greenwich and enjoy beautiful views over London’s famous landmarks with our River Thames Sightseeing cruise.

Westminster to Tower Bridge (Butler's Wharf Pier)

See the best of beautiful London from the waters on this  Thames River Sightseeing cruise, from Westminster to  Tower Bridge.

2 Day River Pass | Hop On Hop Off

Our 2-day hop-on and hop-off Thames River Sightseeing ticket is the best way to explore London from the water – with unlimited river travel over two consecutive days to enjoy at your own pace.

Tower Bridge (Butler's Wharf) to Westminster

Climb aboard our sightseeing cruise at Tower Bridge (Butler’s Wharf Pier) and head to Westminster.

THAMES RIVER SIGHTSEEING

Featured Attractions

There’s so much to see when you’re on your Thames River Sightseeing cruise that you’re bound to find at least one place you’ll want to visit. Explore iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Shard, & more!

• Closest Pier: Bankside Pier

TOWER OF LONDON

• Closest Pier: Greenwich Pier

ROYAL OBSERVATORY

Shakespeare's globe, st. paul's cathedral.

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Are you a group of 15 or more? Book now and get 15% off your tickets. Please select a cruise below and the discount will automatically be applied for group bookings of at least 15 people.

Select a cruise for your group and get 15% off your tickets when check out.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our common answer to your common questions. Didn’t see what you are looking for? Click the button below to read all our FAQs.

The Thames is a chock-a-block full of London landmarks, including the iconic Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Cutty Sark, as well as modern attractions like the London Eye and the Shard. Rest assured your skipper will point out all the points of interest in an entertaining and informative commentary.

• Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London, SW1A 2JH
• Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment, London, WC2N 6NU
• Festival Pier, Riverside Walk, London, SE1 9PX
• Bankside Pier, Bankside, London, SE1 9PD
• Tower Bridge Quay, St Katharine Docks, 50 St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1LA
• Greenwich Pier, King William Walk, London, SE10 9HT

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River Cruises on the River Severn and Gloucester to Sharpness Ship Canal

Three to Six night long itineraries departing April to October.

2024 and 2025 Now Available for Booking

The Ship Canal Explorer Cruise 

Take a relaxing three night break with us to celebrate Easter in 2024. Stops at Berkeley Castle, Slimbridge WWT and Purton Hulks Barge Graveyard. Also available for group charters.

Cruise Length : 3 Nights

Cruise Type : Round Trip from Gloucester

Cruising Area :  Gloucester to Sharpness Ship Canal

Dates : April and October each year.

Price From: £695 pp

The Canal Getaway Cruise -  Group Charters only

Ideal for a weekend with family and friends! Two nights of cruising on the world's first ship canal with destinations suitable for every age including Slimbridge WWT and the Purton Hulks Barge Graveyard.

Cruise Length : 2 Nights (weekends)

Cruising Area :    Gloucester to Sharpness Ship Canal

Dates : Early April and Late October  - 2024 Sold out. Enquire now for 2025.

Severn Vale Discovery Cruise 

The Severn Vale Discovery Cruise was first launched in 2023 and was the most popular cruise of the season. Packed with inclusive guided tours for those that want to be shown around our fantastic destinations.

Cruise Length : 6 Nights

Cruising Area : Gloucester to Sharpness Ship Canal and River Severn

Dates : October availability in 2024 , April to October 2025 available

Price From: £1670pp

The Classic Severn Cruise 

The Classic Severn Cruise has been redesigned for those that want to explore each stop themselves. Ideal if for those that like discover the local destinations to their own timetable.

Cruising Area :  River Severn

Dates : SOLD OUT for 2024 , May to September 2025 available

Price From: £1570pp

Steam Trains and Morgan Motors Cruise 

For Steam and Motor Enthusiasts! The Severn Valley Steam Railway, Gloucester to Warwickshire Steam railway and a private tour of the Morgan Car factory in Malvern! All this whilst cruising the River Severn between Gloucester and Stourport on Severn to some of our favourtie destinations like Worcester and Upton Upon Severn. 

Cruise Length : 5 Nights

Dates :  Sold Out in 2024 , 2025 Dates: 22/4 & 27/5 only

Price From: £1520pp

English Vineyards and Wine Tasting Cruise 

The Severn Vale is blessed with some fantastic award-winning vineyards. Cruise with us on this date and visit three vineyards - with tasting for everyone! Cruising on the River Severn and stopping at some of our favourite moorings. 

Cruising Area :    River Severn

Dates :   Sold out in 2024,  2025 Date: 26/8 only

New Late Availability - Severn Wonders 20th Anniversary Cruise - 9/9/24 ONLY SOLD OUT

To celebrate our 20th year in operation, we are releasing a special one off cruise that covers the entire Severn Navigation on the Gloucester to Sharpness Canal and The River Severn. This is the only itinerary available that visits ALL of our favourite destinations in one cruise.

Dates : 9/9/24 ONLY

Price From: £1990pp

All 2024 Sailing Dates Availability

Our Passengers Say It best...

Watch video interviews of our passengers talking about their cruises on the Edward Elgar

Comfort on Board

Recommending to friends and taking multiple cruises! These passengers love the comfort offered on board.

Traditional English food, done right.

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There is a unique atmosphere on the Edward Elgar. These passengers talk about their experiences.

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Oxford River Cruises

A trip with Oxford River Cruises is so much more than a boat ride. It’s a time to see life through a pleasurable lens. Enjoy stunning scenery and experience the beauty of nature. Float away on a tranquil, sightseeing river experience and immerse yourself in the unique serenity of Oxford.

Oxford Experience Cruise

This popular sightseeing tour offers a lively display of all that the river has to offer.

Afternoon Tea Cruise

Float away down the river whilst enjoying afternoon tea. A truly memorable experience.

Cruise & Dine

Experience a taste of river life with our wonderful partner restaurant The Folly.

Picnic Cruise

Enjoy a freshly made picnic hamper whilst on a beautiful, leisurely 3 hour boat trip.

Evening Cocktail Cruise

Capture the beauty of an Oxford evening accompanied by delicious cocktails.

Cruise & Tasting

A relaxing river trip followed by a spectacular 6-course tasting menu in The Folly.

“Thank you for such an enjoyable day. There cannot be a better way to experience Oxford than being guided through the beautiful sights by your knowledgeable and helpful skippers while enjoying the most delicious food. We loved it.”

NICOLA DOCKING, LIVERPOOL

RIVER CRUISES

Experience tranquillity with Oxford River Cruises. Glide down the river on one of our elegant boats and enjoy great food and beautiful views. Whether you’re looking to explore, indulge or relax, we have a luxury river cruise to suit you.

PRIVATE BOAT HIRE

Create unforgettable memories with a unique experience tailored to your needs. We offer bespoke options or celebration packages. Explore our options for skippered boat hire.

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Luxury river cruises 

Relax on an award-winning river cruise through Europe or journey to Southeast Asia along the Mekong River. 

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Nothing beats an Emerald Cruises luxury river cruise.

Feel like a part of the family from the moment you step on board an award-winning Star-Ship. Celebrate regional cuisine with sommelier-paired wine, enjoy a focus on innovation and wellness, and relish the freedom to explore iconic cities and landmarks with local experts.

Explore the world’s rivers in luxury

The Emerald Cruises experience

A luxury river cruise should showcase the best of each extraordinary destination and provide everything you need to have the most pleasurable and relaxing time. The Emerald Cruises experience is designed to ensure your journey is as enjoyable as possible. 

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Seek inspiration from our most popular itineraries to start planning your unforgettable voyage. Explore our latest Europe river cruises , or Southeast Asia river cruises  offers today.

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Barge Cruising in England, Scotland and Ireland

Cruise through heart of unspoiled ireland wind through idyllic english countryside barging the river thames lose yourself in spectacular mountains, scenery, and wildlife plying the caledonian canal in scotland the barge ladies will help you plan that “perfect barge cruise in the uk.”.

Barge cruising in the United Kingdom is extraordinary when it comes to scenic beauty, historical depth, and whimsical folklore. Both natural and man-made waterways gently meander through the United Kingdom’s countryside, allowing a small collection of luxury barges to explore the royal palaces, majestic castles, formal gardens, and charming villages nestled against these placid rivers and canals. This floating journey through the rustic landscapes of both ancient peoples and modern pleasures is experienced only from the intimate access of a barge cruise. Whether a novice traveler or a seasoned globetrotter, barging within the British Isles offers an unforgettable canal cruise experience.

All About Your Cruise

Taste the boutique whiskeys crafted by artisan specialists, tour the remnants of fascinating castles, or stroll along the towpath into nearby towns, all of which provide the perfect opportunity to vividly explore a specific area through dynamic cultural immersion you will experience on a barge cruise in the UK.

Gourmet Food & Wine

The freshest of local ingredients, wild game, fresh fish, and rustic breads are the cornerstone of the cuisine, while hearty salads, filling soups, and savory tarts augment lunches and dinners. Dinners are coursed affairs with gourmet entrees, desserts, and decadent cheese platters. Wine pairings are selected from both New and Old World vineyards, allowing for new discoveries from around the globe. An after-dinner dram of whiskey or gin provides a perfect cap to the day’s epicurean adventures.

Guided Sightseeing

Explore expansive estates and formal gardens on your daily guided and chauffeured excursion. Discover the remnants of fascinating castles. Wander through lively town squares. Visit craft shops and artist’s studios. Enjoy a pub crawl with your crew and experience the relaxed pace of the local lifestyles

Bicycle Along the Canal or Relax on Deck

Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the England’s River Thames.  Jump off at a lock and explore the breathtaking flora, fauna and natural wildlife encompassing the Caledonian Canal in Scotland. Sip a black velvet as you soak in the hot tub and cruise through the heart of  unspoiled Ireland along the Shannon Waterway.

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75 Must-See Spots and Activities on the Rhine River Cruise: Explore Iconic Cities Charming Villages and Breathtaking Landscapes for unforgettable experiences Kindle Edition

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Vietnam & Mekong River Cruise

18 day cruise holiday – from £3615 £3415, with flights from £4245.

Between cultural and natural wonders, this truly immersive itinerary offers a fascinating insight into both rural and city life in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Highlights:

• Cruise the emerald waters of Halong Bay
• Stroll through the colourful streets of ancient Hoi An
• Enjoy off-ship cultural excursions along the Mekong River
• Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh
• Watch the sunset at Angkor Wat

Choose to sail aboard the stylish riverboats Jayavarman  or  Jahan .

Book now and save £200 per person. Please call for details.

Your Itinerary

You can customise your Mekong River cruise holiday by adding extra nights, activities or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Day 1 – Welcome to Hanoi

Welcome to Vietnam! On arrival, you will be met at the airport for your private transfer to your chosen Hanoi hotel .

You have the rest of the day at leisure, to relax after your flight or explore the local area. A stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake provides a nice introduction to the city; you’ll likely pass Tai Chi sessions and family get-togethers. Cross the wooden footbridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple on an island in the middle of the lake.

If you’ve arrived on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, head to the Night Market in the Old Quarter in the evening. It’s perhaps a little early for souvenir shopping, but you won’t be able to resist the street food!

Your chosen Hanoi hotel

Day 2 – Hanoi

Today you’ll be met at your hotel for a 4 hour Hanoi city tour , taking you through tree-lined streets past grand French colonial buildings, to the city’s recently restored Opera House and the nearly-1000 year old Temple of Literature, then onto the Museum of Ethnology for an insight into the culture and traditions of the 54 ethnic groups that call Vietnam home.

Next, on the front of a cyclo, you’ll weave your way though the labyrinth of streets that make up the Old Quarter, many of which are named after the materials you could traditional buy there, such as Tin Street, Sugar Street and Paper Street.

Day 3 – Halong Bay Cruise

After breakfast, you will be met at your hotel for the roughly 2.5 hour drive to Halong Bay, a mystical seascape where thousands of limestone karsts rise from emerald green waters.

Settle in to your cabin before relaxing on deck as your  overnight Halong Bay cruise sets sail. After a buffet lunch, as you pass the intriguingly named Fighting-Cock and Human Head islets, you’ll stop at Trinh Nu Cave to admire its stalactites and stalagmites, then swim, snorkel or kayak from a private beach.

Dinner is served on board, often accompanied by an unforgettable Halong Bay sunset.

On board your Halong Bay cruise

Day 4 – Halong Bay to Hoi An

Resist the temptation for a lie in this morning so not too miss the sunrise over Halong Bay. The tranquillity is absorbing, as is watching the morning mist slowly disappear from the tops of the karsts.

There will be time to swim or kayak before brunch and your return to Halong City where you’ll disembark and travel to Hanoi airport for your flight to Da Nang. On arrival, you will be greeted at the airport for your transfer to your chosen  Hoi An hotel , for a three night stay.

Your chosen Hoi An hotel

Day 5 & 6 – Hoi An

To wander through Old Town Hoi An is to take a step back in time. Over 800 of the traditional buildings are recognised by UNESCO for their historic importance.

On a guided Hoi An walking tour , you’ll see these, as well as cross the famous Japanese Covered Bridge and visit the wonderfully elaborate Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation.

For a cultural break, you could spend the next day on Cua Dai or An Bang Beach, both fringed by palm trees, bars and restaurants.

Day 7 & 8 – Ho Chi Minh City

It’s a short flight from Hoi An to Ho Chin Minh City, where you’ll be greeted at the airport for your transfer to your chosen Ho Chi Minh City hotel .

The pace of change here matches that in other South East Asian megacities, and is no more evident than from the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower.

You’ll get to enjoy this view on your Ho Chi Minh city tour , after you’ve visited the Opera House and Notre Dame Cathedral, the underground war bunker at the Reunification Palace, the iconic Saigon Central Post Office, and the moving War Remnants Museum.

If you would like to add an extra day in Ho Chi Minh City to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels just let your Travel Consultant know.

Your chosen Ho Chi Minh City hotel

Day 9 – Mekong River Cruise

Leave the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City behind this morning, as you transfer to My Tho to board your Mekong River cruise.

After settling in to your choice of cabin, meet your fellow passengers over a buffet lunch, and then later, canapés and prosecco as twilights falls and the Mekong Delta is bathed in a golden haze.

During dinner, the ship will reach Tan Phong Island, near Cai Be, where it anchors for the night. Head to the onboard cinema or just relax on your private balcony to the gentle sounds of the river.

Your chosen cabin

Day 10 – Cai Be & Binh Thanh

Wake early to embrace the stunning dawn scenery, and perhaps join the daily Tai Chi class, before a buffet breakfast.

The morning’s excursion is to a workshop in the delta town of Cai Be that produces rice paper, cookies and wine, and then to the island of Tan Phong for a motorised buggy tour and a visit to a local family with a garden full of tropical fruits.

Continuing upstream, the ship anchors by the large island of Binh Thanh, for a stroll through a village where traditional mats are woven from dried water hyacinths grown in the delta.

Before dinner, there’ll be a presentation in the lounge about life on the Mekong Delta. The night is spent in Tan Chau.

Day 11 – Tan Chau & River Cruising

After Tai Chi and breakfast, disembark the ship for a ‘xe lio’ (rickshaw) tour of the Tan Chau, a vibrant town famous for its high quality silk. Your personal driver will take you through bustling side streets, past workshops and street vendors, to the local market and then onto a Cao Dai temple where you’ll meet one of the priests to learn about the religion practised by around 5 million Vietnamese.

In the afternoon, slip into ‘cruise mode’ as the ship sails north, crossing the border into Cambodia, en route to Phnom Penh. Relax on the sun deck or your private balcony, or participate in a cooking class and create a popular Vietnamese or Cambodian dish.

Day 12 – Phnom Penh

Welcome to Phnom Penh, a city once known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Your full-day sightseeing tour begins after breakfast, with a meandering cyclo ride to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, home to the small but revered ‘Emerald Buddha’, and a life-sized solid gold Buddha.

Stopping at the infamous S-21 prison provides an opportunity to learn about a darker chapter in Cambodia’s history; the brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge in the late 1970’s, during which 25% of the population were killed.

After lunch, you’ll continue to one of the country’s most famous history museums, “Sosoro,” before a leisurely stroll through the city’s French Quarter, and to Wat Phnom, on the only ‘hill’ in town.

An open-air barbecue and gala dinner, accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance, caps off this eventful day!

Day 13 – Koh Chen & Kampong Chhnang

Before the sun peeks over the horizon, your Mekong cruise sets sail, entering the Tonle River, en route to Koh Chen , a village known for its local artisans who breathe life into silver, copper and brass, crafting intricate art pieces and jewellery, some of which once adorned Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace.

Sailing upstream, lunch is followed by a ‘fashion show’ of traditional Khmer outfits worn on special occasions.

Arriving at Kampong Laeang, you’ll disembark for a tuk-tuk tour of Kampong Chhnang, on which you’ll discover the art of pottery making and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. Depending on the season, you can also enjoy  a panoramic view of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields from a vantage point near town.

Back onboard, the ship continues downstream to Kampong Tralach, where you’ll anchor for the night.

You chosen cabin

Day 14 – Kampong Tralach & Prek Bangkong

A unique experience awaits this morning; a ride in an ox-pulled cart through the countryside of Kampong Tralach, along the riverside and down winding back roads, flanked by picturesque rice paddies. Arriving at a small village, you will have the opportunity to learn about the local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can visit a nearby 300 year old temple and Buddha shrine.

At the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers lies Prek Bangkong, the former residence of the Royal Family before they moved to the Royal Palace. You’re visiting however, to see the village’s famed silk weavers at work, before a short tour of the former house of H.E. Sam-El, an architect who worked for the Royal Family.

The rest of the day is spent sailing up the Mekong River. Cocktails will be served poolside, before dinner.

Day 15 – Angkor Ban & Kampong Cham

Ease yourself into the day with the morning Tai Chi session, before disembarking to visit the delightful village of Angkor Ban. Many of the houses here are on stilts, and have traditional bamboo floors. At the monastery you’ll have the chance to meet monks and villagers during their morning class – a real insight into local life.

Continuing up river, you’ll reach town of Kampong Cham, an important trade and transportation hub. The city centre is a mix of French, Chinese and Khmer-style buildings. A quite incredible bamboo bridge connects it to Kaoh Pan Island, where life remains more rural.

You’ll visit Cheung Kok, a hamlet on the outskirts where you can buy various handmade crafts.

Afterward, your Mekong River cruise makes its final journey, mooring near Stueng Trang, with a farewell drink along the way.

Day 16 – Siem Reap

Gaze out across the Mekong River as you enjoy your final breakfast on board. A roughly 4 hour transfer will take you to your chosen hotel in Siem Reap , Cambodia’s second largest city and the gateway to one of South East Asia’s greatest ancient wonders; the incredible Temples of Angkor.

You have the rest of the day at leisure, to relax by the pool or explore the local area, perhaps visiting the impressive Wat Damnak temple, or picking up a few more souvenirs at the Old Market.

Your chosen Siem Reap hotel

Day 17 – Temples of Angkor

Ensure to have a hearty breakfast this morning, as you have a busy day ahead! You’ll be collected at your hotel around 08:00 for the short drive to Angkor Thom, where you’ll start your tour of the wonderous Temples of Angkor .

Angkor Thom translates into English as the ‘Great City’. Built in the late 12th Century, it was centre of Jayavarman VII’s empire. You’ll see the Elephant Terrace, the pyramid temple Bayon and 54 stone figures from Hindu mythology that line the causeway to the South Gate.

Next you’ll visit the temples of Ta Phrom, now interwound by the roots of tropical trees, before enjoying a whole afternoon exploring the famed Angkor Wat. On the temples, towers and terraces of the Khmer empire’s most important religious site are carved o ver 1,700 apsaras and devatas ( celestial dancers and guardians). You’ll have no doubt seen photos, but to witness the sunset at Angkor Wat tonight will be a moment you’ll never forget.

Day 18 – Farewell from Siem Reap

Your Vietnam and Cambodia cruise holiday comes to a close today, as you are met at your hotel for your private transfer to the airport for your flight home, on which you can start planning your next South East Asian adventure…

Welcome to Hanoi

Halong bay cruise, halong bay to hoi an, day 5 & 6, day 7 & 8, ho chi minh city, mekong river cruise, cai be & binh thanh, tan chau & river cruising, koh chen & kampong chhnang, kampong tralach & prek bangkong, angkor ban & kampong cham, temples of angkor, farewell from siem reap, this cruise holiday includes, flights & more.

Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.

They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for. Popular options include:

• Extra nights in Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City or Siem Reap
• An upgrade to your riverboat from the Jayavarman to the Jahan
• Time on the beach in Koh Samui or another Thai island

Please get in touch with our Asia Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.

Offer available for a limited period and subject to availability.

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room. Flights, hotels and tours are subject to availability and seasonal variations may apply. Please call Freedom Destinations for details.

The  Mekong River cruise   itinerary shown is based on ‘low water’ season, typically mid-November to end August. During ‘high water’ season, the ship can continue past Kampong Leaeng to sail the length of Tonle Sap, with the cruise ending nearer Siem Reap.

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Who says six million cubic feet of concrete is boring? A river cruise in Portugal is full of surprises

A cruise on the River Douro offers the 'dam' fine delights of northern Portugal with vineyards, soaring eagles, fine food and drink and delightful towns and cities

• 06:00, 28 Sep 2024

I’m at the bottom of a vast chamber surrounded by six million cubic feet of concrete, with algae and dripping water everywhere. It feels like being an ant in a bathtub.

Yet this is one of the highlights of my holiday and I’m awestruck by a wonder of civil engineering. It might not be pretty – but the Carrapatelo Dam in northern Portugal is pretty incredible. Specifically, I’m in a huge lock on board a cruise ship discovering that a voyage along the River Douro offers surprises on a breathtaking scale.

Yes, with the beauty of the place, golden eagles soaring over terraced, port wine vineyards, charming towns, fine food and drink and friendly locals, it’s an easy place to enjoy.

But I’d not got the memo about Europe’s highest lock being here and was intrigued when I joined the excellent Douro Splendour in Porto for a seven-night trip with Intrepid Travel and spotted the Barragem do Carrapatelo on day two of the itinerary.

Built between 1964-72 on the orders of Portuguese dictator Antonio Salazar, it’s one of five dams designed to tame the turbulent Douro for coal transportation and generate hydroelectricity. With a water level rise and fall of 115ft, it’s also the second largest in the world.

Being inside is Lilliputian in the extreme and pretty much every one of Splendour’s 110 passengers is on the sun deck to take photos, shoot videos and marvel at what a tight fit our ship is, with just a couple of inches on either side.

Ironically, not one lump of coal was ever transported but it does allow river cruise ships to navigate this fabulous corner of Portugal five decades on. Monumental civil engineering aside, a trip on the Douro is a bit like seeing a plate of those yummy pastel de nata tarts, you’ll definitely want to go back for more. Here’s why…

Northern Portugal is the home of port– with brands such as Sandeman, Warre, Cockburn and Taylor based in and around Porto and the valley for more than 200 years. Even if it’s not your normal choice of drink it’s still worth joining the included Riviera tours to various port “quintas” (vineyard estates) during the cruise.

Quinta da Pacheca, dating from 1738 in a lovely setting near Peso da Régua, was our first tour and tasting (tawny not for me, ruby better) followed by a fine meal of asparagus soup, beef fillet with beans and potato gratin and Portuguese cheese accompanied by quinta wines.

Having passed the neatly terraced vineyards of Warre, Taylor and Cockburn eyeballing each other across the river, we joined a tour to Quinta Sao Luiz, near Adorigo. It’s the oldest in the region – established in 1638 – and is perched high over the river with 220 acres of premium grapes.

The Kopke brand is produced here and ports up to 90 years old are on sale in the bottle store. It’s the best setting of our week (the bar is high) with killer views for your Insta feed and an on-site hotel with a fabulous infinity pool set in the hillside. Leave me here.

Another pleasing surprise was the amount of birds we saw from the sun deck – from those golden eagles to red kites via black storks and swallows feeding on the wing. (There was some lively passenger debate in the bar about whether they were swallows, swifts or martins! Portugal is known for its swallows, so swallows it is. Probably.)

Another day, another tour, this time to Castelo Rodrigo – a hilltop, walled village reached via mountain roads and across landscapes of olive groves, scrubland, rocks of myriad shapes and sizes, a few villages and not much else.

You realise what a remote (and hot) part of Europe this is. The village has fine views, the castle ruins to look around plus an interesting old church and souvenir shops selling items made from local cork such as bags, hats, shoes and purses plus delicious flavoured almonds and almond liqueur. We noticed a few passengers decamped straight to the sunny hilltop terrace at the village bar for a lager or Aperol spritz and figured they’d been here before!

Inside the world's sunniest city where thermometers hit 47C during the hottest ever summer

Halfway through the trip, Douro Splendour reaches the end of the navigable river and moors just across the Spanish border. It’s an early start for an excursion to Salamanca, the Golden City of Spain named for the colour of its fine sandstone buildings glinting in the strong sun.

It’s a two-hour coach ride and the luxury vehicles travel with the ship and you have the same vehicle and driver for each excursion – in our case the charming and annoyingly good-looking Ricardo, who also turns out to be a part-time fireman and impressive dancer when there’s live music after the dinner at the Quinta da Pacheca.

On arrival, we passengers get a couple of hours to explore on our own, so after a €2.60 coffee in the glorious Plaza Mayor we headed via the House of Shells, a 15th-century knight’s home decorated with scallop symbols, to the city’s joined-at-the-hip New and Old cathedrals.

The New was built between ­1513-1733, adjoining the 12th-13th century Old, which was due to be demolished as it was too small for the growing city but was retained in a reduced size. After an audio tour we dropped in at the indoor market, where you can buy all forms of meat imaginable (some frankly unimaginable – cow’s nose, anyone?), cheese and fish, and enjoyed an included lunch with a lively flamenco show in a hotel by the square.

At that lunch we road tested the traditional Salamanca hornazo – a hearty pie made with pork loin, chorizo and hard-boiled egg– before a guided tour with local expert Mamen, an engaging source of fascinating facts about this delightful city and in particular its university, the fourth oldest the world.

Other tours included Lamego and Mateus Palace. The former is a town with the hilltop 18th-century Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, reached by 686 spectacular steps with blue tiled decor. If it all gets a bit much there is a bar two thirds up to recuperate.

Lamego is a pleasant town with individual shops, restaurants and cafes and a fine cathedral. Whiling away a couple of hours here is no chore. At the latter, yes, another surprise; Mateus Rosé wine is not made at the 1744-built Mateus Palace, and never has been. It’s made elsewhere in Portugal from Douro valley grapes but the family which owns the palace has licensed the logo.

Rosé outlook aside, the palace tour features a wealth of artefacts and lovely gardens. And there’s a shop selling… Mateus Rosé.

Sorry, we’re back to civil engineering again. This time Dom Luís I, one of the finest bridges in the world. The iron double-deck arch – designed by Théophile Seyrig, a colleague of Gustave Eiffel – is the showstopper icon of Porto at 1,297ft long and 148ft high and is used for vehicles, light rail and pedestrians.

A walk across is unmissable, as is much of Porto’s hilly old town and we saw as much as we could before heading home. A ride on the cable car south side of the bridge has excellent views and it’s right by the pier where Splendour docks, along with some pleasant bars.

The cabins on the ship, which can hold up to 121 passengers, are contemporary, well-equipped and cosy but not cramped. We liked the floor-to-ceiling window in ours on the Upper Deck which opened halfway for fresh air views. We also liked the food; genuinely never a bad meal with some real standouts among Portuguese and international dishes and friendly, attentive service.

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Dishes through the week included superb sea bass, pork cheeks, salmon carpaccio and the cheese boards of the gods, all accompanied by lovely local wines. And who knew courgette soup was a thing? Well, it was yet another surprise to me and delightful for a soup superfan.

After days exploring this beautiful part of the world and on the spacious sun deck, Spendour’s evening entertainment was low-key but fun and varied with quizzes and music including Portuguese Fado.

We’d not travelled with Riviera before and were impressed by the pre-trip thoroughness which included a booklet with comprehensive advance flight and voyage information and luggage tags. The holiday itself was well organised throughout, the crew were lovely and guides Mafalda, Ana and Lucilia, led by cruise director Helena, were all great.

You would not be surprised to learn that we thought the Douro Splendour was pretty “dam” good…

Book the holiday

• Riviera Travel offers an eight-day Douro, Porto and Salamanca river cruise from £2,249pp. Departs from Porto, Portugal, on July 10, with ports of call and visits including Mateus Palace Gardens, Castelo Rodrigo, Salamanca, Peso da Régua and Lamego. Includes Gatwick flights, transfers and superior drinks package; regional flights also available. rivieratravel.co.uk
• More info at visitportugal.com spain.info

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