Mediterranean River Cruises
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10 best river cruises through Mediterranean
Compiled by
MelissaMediterranean travel expert at TourRadar
- Islands of the Mediterranean: Spain to Malta
- Mediterranean rivieras
- Mediterranean Wonders from Malta to Ancient Greece (port-to-port cruise)
- Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2026) (Porto to Lisbon, 2026)
- An Epic Italian and Mediterranean Cruise: Exceptional Natural and Historical Heritage from the Adriatic Sea to Valletta (port-to-port cruise)
- Portugal guided-Ebiketour | Douro-River | 8 days
- Flavors of Portugal & Spain (Christmas Cruise) 2025
- Delightful Douro with Lisbon
- Delightful Douro with Madrid
- Discover the Wonders of the Mediterranean & Red Sea
The luxurious Emerald Sakara glides through the Mediterranean, showcasing Mahón's historic harbor, Bonifacio's limestone cliffs, and Porto Cervo's prestigious marina. Passengers can admire Syracuse's ancient ruins and Valletta's UNESCO heritage sites from elegant accommodations.
Duration 11 days Destinations Spain, France, Italy, Malta Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $15,990
50% Off- US$7,985You save $8,005
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 up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $17,590
50% Off- US$8,740You save $8,850
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 up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
50% Off- US$3,371
Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2026) (Porto to Lisbon, 2026)
1 Review 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 up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $5,999
10% Off- US$5,399You save $599
The MS La Belle de L'Adriatique glides through the Mediterranean, offering panoramic views from elegant cabins. The route from Dubrovnik through Italian ports leads to Valletta's Grand Harbor. French cuisine and drinks complement the sailing between historic Mediterranean destinations.
Duration 8 days Destinations Croatia, Italy, Malta Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
10% Off- US$1,756
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 up to 90 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Terranova Touristik From
10% Off- US$3,902
The AmaVida sails through the Mediterranean-influenced Douro Valley, stopping at historic ports. Guests indulge in regional cuisine and unlimited wines while visiting medieval towns and famous wine estates, with guided excursions to UNESCO sites and traditional quintas.
Duration 8 days Destinations Vega de Terron, Barca de Alva, Pinhao, Peso da Regua, Entre-os-Rios, Porto Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Operator AmaWaterways From
10% Off- US$3,899
Scenic Azure stops at Lisbon's Jerónimos Monastery and Porto's wine cellars. The itinerary includes coastal fortifications, riverside quintas, and classical music at São Francisco Church with premium dining.
Duration 11 days Destinations Lisbon, Porto, Pinhao, Barca de Alva, Pocinho, Peso da Regua Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $12,040
46% Off- US$6,545You save $5,495
Scenic Azure visits Porto's UNESCO sites and Douro Valley vineyards. Classical concerts at São Francisco Church, Mateus Palace exploration, and Madrid's cultural treasures await. Luxury suites include butler service.
Duration 11 days Destinations Porto, Pinhao, Barca de Alva, Pocinho, Peso da Regua, Madrid Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $12,355
44% Off- US$6,860You save $5,495
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 up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $35,880
50% Off- US$17,940You save $17,940
What people love about River Cruise Tours in Mediterranean
- Douro Experience 2025
Beautiful ship, great staff, fantastic food. Staff particularly helpful going above & beyond when my friend became ill & had to go to hospital. Bus drivers great & careful drivers.
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."