An aerial view of a turquoise blue river bending through a lush green forest in the Philippines

River Cruises

For millennia, rivers have provided a lifeline that has led to the creation of civilizations all over the world. Today, people still live by the world’s most iconic rivers, often side-by-side with the legacies their ancestors have left behind.

For the curious traveller, rivers have a strong and somewhat romantic allure. Follow their course and you are sure to discover people with a fascinating history, culture and a strong sense of place. Our collection of river cruises concentrates on Europe, North Africa and Asia, where rivers shape the lives of the people who depend on them.

Escape the cities and cruise along some of the world’s greatest rivers, exploring lesser-known sites in comfort and luxury. Time spent sailing is incredibly relaxing and a wonderful opportunity to observe picturesque landscapes and watch rural life. Onboard the ship you’ll have the opportunity to try cookery lessons, enjoy a spa treatment or attend lectures from specialist guest speakers.

Morning River Cruise, Amazon Rainforest
Morning River Cruise, Amazon Rainforest

Amazon

The mightiest river of all with the largest volume of water, it is an iconic ‘must see’ destination. The Amazon plays host to one of the world’s most impressive collections of fauna and flora and is the perfect place to explore by boat. Lying on the equator, the Amazon can be visited throughout the year. Travelling by small boat is the ideal way to explore this watery wildernesses of the Ecuadorian Amazon, Brazilian Amazon or Peruvian Amazon. Take advantage of daily guided excursions that get you off the beaten track, exploring the forest, different habitats, tributaries and local communities.

The Mekong River flanked by lush green trees with mountains in the background
Vang Vieng, Laos

Mekong

There can be no tapestry of river life as rich as Southeast Asia’s Mekong. Travel one of the world’s great waterways through Cambodia and Vietnam, exploring these two inextricably linked yet strikingly diverse cultures. There is no better way to uncover the mysteries of Asia than a river cruise on its main artery the magnificent Mekong. Travelling aboard one of our Mekong River Boats, the practicalities for the traveller of a direct shipping link between Saigon and Angkor are apparent. One need no longer suffer the inconvenience of checking in and out of hotels and enduring bumpy roads to visit these magnificent places.

Mekong Cruises

River Nile, Aswan, Egypt
River Nile, Aswan, Egypt

Nile

With so much focus on the Nile, a cruise offers the perfect platform from which to access many of the country’s greatest archaeological treasures and sights. There are many boats to choose from, however, we only work with a handful of the smaller vessels and know each of them personally and can advise which would best suit your holiday depending on the type of experience you are looking for.

Nile Cruises

Yangtze River, Guizhou,  China
Yangtze River, Guizhou, China

Yangtze

Arguably China’s most dramatic river, the Yangtze has been celebrated in poetry and painting for at least 2,000 years. It is one of China’s most important transport routes, carrying a huge amount of cargo and passengers, yet also one of China’s most formidable barriers. During the course of a cruise on the Yangtze, your boat will pass through the most impressive section of the whole river, the famous Three Gorges. The scenery is unrivalled anywhere with crystalline waters, rich forest and soaring rock formations little altered for thousands of years.

Yangtze Cruises

A wooden boat sails on the Ganges River next to a community at sunset
Ganges River, India

Ganges

The cradle of Indian civilisation to many, the Ganges is the start and end of all life to Hindus. On the surface, life on the River Ganges is a mixture of serene calm and bustling movement; each stretch brings a different kind of energy. But dip more than just a toe into this area, and you will discover that the water, the people and the culture are all intrinsically linked. Embarking on a river journey on the Ganges River offers unrivalled experiences and discoveries, allowing one to dive into the depths of a complex and fascinating history influenced by this mighty river.

Cruise Inspiration

Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made cruises ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique cruise adventure.

About our boat selection.

MS Volga Dream Cruise, Russia

Volga Dream River Cruise

Pandaw Cruises, The Mekong Laos to China,China

Pandaw River Cruises

Pandaw Cruises, The Mekong Laos to China,Laos

Pandaw River Cruises – Asia

Manatee Amazon Explorer, Ecuador

M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer

Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau – A Dahabiya, Egypt

Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau – A Dahabiya

Sanctuary Nile Adventurer, Nile & Lake Nasser Cruises, Egypt

Sanctuary Nile Adventurer

Outdoor Top Deck Plunge Pool, Aqua Mekong, Mekong Delta, South East Asia

Aqua Mekong

View from passenger onboard a traditional Chinese rowing boat with men stood rowing through narrow river gorge.

Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer

ABN Charaidew II

ABN Charaidew II

ABN Rajmahal, India

ABN Rajmahal

ABN Sukapha, Farakka, India

ABN Sukapha

Anakonda Cruise

Anakonda

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Childen on a Boat, Ganges River, India
River Cruises

Cruise the holy Ganges River

Discover remote towns and villages lining the banks of India’s sacred Ganges River, cruising between Kolkata and as far north as Varanasi.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Sunset on the River Ganges or Hugli, India
River Cruises

Cruise the Hooghly River

From Kolkata, cruise the charming Hooghly River on the ABN Rajmahal.

Vietnamese booking in a traditional wooden boat on the Thu Bon River in Hoi An at sunrise.
River Cruises

Cruise the Thu Bon River

Depart Hoi An on a sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Yangtze River, China
River Cruises

Cruise the Yangtze River

Glide along hidden Yangtze River tributaries where rural Chinese life, beautiful scenery and 5,000 years of culture remain.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Cherry Blossoms, Sumida River
River Cruises

Sumida River Cruise

See Tokyo’s skyline from the water on a cruise along the Sumida river.

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Sue Grimwood

I was inspired to travel south from an early age. My form teacher when I was nine made us listen to tapes from Shackleton’s expeditions, I didn’t know it at the time, but it obviously left a deep impression on my psyche.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Roxy Dukes

I love to squeeze as much out of my day as possible. An outdoors fanatic, I love to delve into harsh environments having summited numerous mountains and trail running into the unknown whenever I get the chance – whether at home or overseas. Funnily enough, it didn’t start like that. It took a few years for the burning fire of adventure to truly take light with my eyes opened by the adventures travel could afford.

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  • 01285 880 980

Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

Being from a family with Army connections I can from an early age remember travelling. From camping in Europe and then later being sent to boarding school when we lived in Germany at the age of eight, complete with shorts, long socks, a cap and my suitcase. In appearance not too dissimilar to the children evacuated to the countryside during the blitz.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

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