Mediterranean River Cruises
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10 best river cruises through Mediterranean
Compiled by
MelissaMediterranean travel expert at TourRadar
- Adriatic Jewels Venice → Athens (2026)
- Islands of the Mediterranean: Spain to Malta
- Mediterranean Wonders from Malta to Ancient Greece (port-to-port cruise)
- Adriatic discovery: Venice, Istria & the Croatian archipelago
- Family Club - The Splendors of the Northern Adriatic Sea - Historic and Naturally Beautiful Ports of Call in Croatia and Montenegro (port-to-port cruise)
- Douro Delights with Madrid and Lisbon Madrid → Lisbon (2026) (12 destinations)
- Unforgettable Douro 2026|2027
- Mediterranean rivieras
- Discover the Wonders of the Mediterranean & Red Sea
- A voyage from Greece to Cyprus
Duration 8 days Destinations Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
- NZ$7,868+$799 upfront costs
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 Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $27,837
50% Off- NZ$13,901You save $13,936
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 All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
50% Off- NZ$5,160
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 Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $22,266
50% Off- NZ$11,124You save $11,142
Duration 8 days Destinations Croatia, Italy, Montenegro Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
50% Off- NZ$4,015
Luxury Mediterranean cruise aboard MS Estrela through world's oldest wine region. Visit Porto's historic port lodges, enjoy traditional fado at Palácio da Bolsa, and explore Douro Valley's prestigious quintas.
Duration 14 days Destinations Madrid, Salamanca, Vega de Terron, Barca de Alva, Pinhao, Peso da Regua, Entre-os-Rios, Porto, Coimbra, LisbonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
50% Off- NZ$14,315+$970 upfront costs
Duration 11 days Destinations Porto, Entre-os-Rios, Peso da Regua, Vega de Terron, Pocinho, Pinhao Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $10,835
28% Off- NZ$7,835You save $3,000
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 Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $30,622
50% Off- NZ$15,215You save $15,407
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 Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $62,463
50% Off- NZ$31,232You save $31,232
The Emerald Kaia sails from Piraeus to Larnaca, stopping at iconic harbors along the way. Local guides lead tours of UNESCO sites including Delos' ruins and Paphos Archaeological Park, while premium beverages and gourmet dining enhance the onboard experience.
Duration 11 days Destinations Greece, Turkey, Cyprus Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $30,100
50% Off- NZ$15,050You save $15,050
What people love about River Cruise Tours in Mediterranean
Very scenic cruise on the Douro and enjoyable excursions. Mostly German speaking guests but English guides and staff onboard so no problems with communications. Food was amazing, staff went above and beyond to make the trip stress free. Would definitely do another ARosa cruise.
Douro Experience 2025
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."