Mediterranean River Cruises
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10 best river cruises through Mediterranean
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- Islands of the Mediterranean: Spain to Malta
- Mediterranean Wonders from Malta to Ancient Greece (port-to-port cruise)
- Mediterranean rivieras
- 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
- Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro with 3 Nights in Lisbon 2025
- Portugal guided-Ebiketour | Douro-River | 8 days
- Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro 2025
- Discover the Wonders of the Mediterranean & Red Sea
- Adriatic discovery: Venice, Istria & the Croatian archipelago
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 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$2,459
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
Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2026) (Porto to Lisbon, 2026)
1 Review by TourRadar travelersThe 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
MS La Belle de L'Adriatique offers an 8-day voyage featuring Bari's Roman monuments and Syracuse's ancient ruins. The ship provides luxurious cabin accommodations, French dining, and special access to Valletta's Grand Harbor.
Duration 8 days Destinations Croatia, Italy, Malta Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
10% Off- US$2,245
Panoramic suites await aboard the Avalon Alegria as it traverses historic waterways. The itinerary features UNESCO heritage sites, ancient ports, and renowned wineries, complemented by expert-guided tours and regional wine tastings in historic cellars.
Duration 11 days Destinations Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Porto Antigo, Braga, Guimaraes, Peso da Regua, Pocinho, Barca de Alva, SalamancaSee all destinations Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
10% Off- US$5,448+$210 upfront costs
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$3,755
The Avalon Alegria's 37 luxury Panorama Suites provide the perfect vantage point for an eight-day Douro River adventure. The route encompasses UNESCO sites, historic ports, and traditional villages, while regional cuisine enhances the sailing through terraced vineyards.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Porto Antigo, Braga, Guimaraes, Peso da Regua, Pocinho, Barca de Alva, Salamanca, Quinta da Ferradosa Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
10% Off- US$3,998+$210 upfront costs
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
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 up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $12,790
50% Off- US$6,390You save $6,400
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."