RIVER & CANAL CRUISES
Reviewed, compared and ranked by the people aboard.
The 15 most popular food & drink cruises, compared side by side. What you see from the water, how long you are aboard, what it costs and which operator to book, so you can pick your boat in a couple of minutes.
1-hour illuminated Seine cruise from the Eiffel Tower with audio guide and a warm waffle near Trocadéro. Great value for $22.
Most Popular“It was cold on the top deck so I would definitely wrap up inside was much nicer, would recommend going at sunset as Paris skyline lights up in the dark and it is much nicer”
Taste Dutch apple pie, fish, Gouda, rotirol and jenever on an Amsterdam food tour with a vintage canal cruise.
“We had such a wonderful time on our walking tour with Maddie! She guided us through Amsterdam with the perfect mix of history, fun stories, and local insight. Along the way, we sampled delicious Dutch treats and drinks, which made the experience even more special. Maddie was warm, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable — the time…”
Short Seine cruise from Port de la Bourdonnais plus a French crepe near the Eiffel Tower, with audio in 14 languages.
“Great cruise but had to fish for our crepes. The walking was too far for a two euro crepe. The gentleman pointed across the street and up the stairs.”
Private 2-hour Douro sail from Gaia for up to 8, with port and rosé tasting and ocean views near Ponte D. Luís.
“What a wonderful experience. Karina and Claudio were fabulous - they pampered us with drinks, blankets, chat and facts about Porto. We were very lucky as we had the boat to ourselves so it was very special. The weather was unbelievably good for November which added to the experience.”
A small-group evening canal cruise in Amsterdam with wine, craft beer, cheese, and a lighting-tuned route through classic sights.
“Fabulous night. Mischa was the perfect host! Highly recommend this cruise! Great wine and cheese lovely relaxing atmosphere.”
Swan Valley cruise and wine day trip from Perth: Swan River captain commentary, tastings, winery + brewery stops, and chocolate.
“Was a great day out . good value for money . The river cruise was relaxing with some great views . Wine tasting and food . Followed by a coach ride to a few wineries, brewery and chocolate shop . Then a coach ride back yo Perth .”
Porto in one smooth sweep: an eco tuk-tuk city loop, an open-ticket Douro rabelo cruise, and a winery Port tasting for $64.
“Our guide, Juliana was excellent, she was very knowledgeable about the area and also pointed out some good local places to eat and drink. This tour was good value for money and a great way to see the highlights of the city in a short space of time, would definitely recommend”
A full-day Douro Valley drive from Porto with Amarante sights, a farm wine tasting, lunch, and a 1-hour river cruise.
“Look to do and see during the tour. Guide at the winery was very friendly and funny. Food was good as well. A relaxing cruise on the Douro to complete the day made it perfect. Would recommend this tour for the price.”
Douro Valley day trip from Porto with Rabelo boat cruise, Lamego wine tastings, Road 222 drive, and free time to explore.
“If I could give 10 stars I would. We had the best day with Paulo he was the most informative and personable tour guide we have ever had. He was so knowledgeable about all the areas we went. Everything was amazing a must do tour. We met as strangers but left as very good friends…”
Porto in a day: car-led landmarks, a 1.5-hour premium Douro sail, and Port wine tasting with snacks, plus optional café and views.
“Notre guide Júlio au top supers échanges en français, petit groupe très sympa nous étions avec deux mexicains c'était génial. Beaucoup d'échanges, notre fils de 6 ans a été ravie et à passer une super journée!! Je conseille!! Nous ferons sûrement d'autres visites avec eux !”
Private Douro cruise from Porto’s Marina do Freixo with 6 bridges, a Dom Luís Bridge guide stop, and port wine tasting in 1.5 hours.
“My family and I had an excellent time touring the Duoro River with Francisco and Andre! We were able to see the sunset and learn all about the bridges as well as other monuments along the way. Francisco and Andre are very knowledgeable and kind. Highly recommend this tour especially during sunset!”
Douro River cruise plus a guided Port tasting at Quevedo Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia. English tour in 2.5 hours, small group.
“Great introduction to Porto and to the food and wine of Portugal. Luis was excellent and we would highly recommend him.”
Porto to Gaia with Old Town walking, an authentic lunch, a Douro cruise, and a 50-minute Port tasting at Solar dos Dragos.
“A 5 star tour that exceeded our expectations! Well worth the money. Our day got off to a fantastic start with Aida picking us up at our hotel and heading to the city core to meet Ricardo for our personal walking tour. Our group was only 4 so it was very personal and paced to…”
A 70-minute Motława River cruise in Gdańsk with freshly made pierogi, crispy onions, and a glass of wine, plus great waterfront views.
“Brilliant! Great guide, very knowledgeable, pierogi’s were tasty and the wine was nice too. Lovely boat ride and enjoyable experience. Definitely worth it and I’d recommend :)”
Hop on a Tiber River boat to Trastevere, then enjoy a 3-course wine pairing at Fabullus in an ancient cistern in Rome.
“Our Tiber river experience was not the best because of the tour guide confusing the time we were supposed to be ending at our food tasting tour. We were too late riving for the food tasting tour and was told it was sold out, but thankfully management reached out to us and scheduled us for…”
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