Where Boutique Luxury Meets the World’s Most Beautiful Rivers
Imagine the charm of a boutique hotel, those special hideaways that feel like you’ve been let in on an amazing travel secret. These are spaces of artistry and intimacy that exude character and a distinct sense of place. Now, imagine your favorite boutique hotel drifting gracefully along the world’s great waterways. This is the essence of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
With an average of just 130 guests, every Uniworld cruise feels personal. Inspired by the elegance of the famed Red Carnation Hotels Collection, each ship is a floating jewel box where thoughtful design, exquisite cuisine, and immersive experiences carry you into the heart of each destination. And perhaps the greatest luxury of all? You unpack once, then let the river carry you from one breathtaking moment to the next.
Why We Love Uniworld
In a world where luxury cruise lines compete to stand out, Uniworld rises above with poise and nuance. Honored as “Best for Luxury River Cruises” by Cruise Critic and “#1 River Cruise Line” by Condé Nast Traveller, they’ve mastered the rare balance of indulgence and authenticity.
A Boutique Hotel Set Adrift
Uniworld’s 17 ships are floating masterpieces. Inspired by the legendary Red Carnation Hotel Collection and shaped by Bea Tollman’s iconic design sensibility, they showcase handcrafted textiles, original artwork, and lavish décor that echo the spirit of the rivers they traverse.
A Butler for Every Suite
Yes, it’s true. Attentive yet unobtrusive, personal butler service in every suite anticipates every whim. Whether pressing garments, arranging custom shore experiences, or simply adding thoughtful touches to your day, their mission is simple: ensure that every moment is effortless, so you can fully relax into the joy of your journey.
A Truly All-Inclusive Escape
All luxury comes, no fine print. Everything is included: gourmet dining, premium spirits and wines, curated excursions, airport transfers, and gratuities. No additional charges. No surprises.
Culinary Journeys Inspired by Place
Food gives us a deeper connection to the world around us. Each locally inspired and sourced menu aboard your Uniworld voyage pays homage to regional flavors. Picture buttery pastries on a misty Seine morning or hearty Bavarian classics as you glide along the Danube. Every bite transports you.
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES BEYOND THE RIVER
The magic continues ashore with excursions that go far beyond the expected. Uniworld arranges small, culturally rich adventures, from private tours of architectural icons to hands-on workshops with local artisans. These are the experiences that leave you not only informed, but transformed.
Share the enchantment of your destination with the special young people in your life. Available on select sailings, these cruises not only feature unique, fun-filled adventures for families to enjoy together, they’re also packed with culturally and historically significant experiences designed to spark creativity and lifelong learning.
Inspiration for Your 2026 Voyages
Step aboard a river cruise that sails like a passage through living art. River valleys are painted in vineyard greens, and cities shimmer with centuries of history. Wander through southern France in the footsteps of Van Gogh and Cézanne, savor the flavors of Burgundy and Provence as you stroll through Arles, stand beneath Avignon’s Palace of the Popes, or cycle through vibrant Lyon. Venture east to Slovenia, where alpine beauty and storybook cities create a captivating backdrop for exploration. In Italy, glide through the Venetian Lagoon, witness the rare glow of a private lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica, and drift past Burano’s kaleidoscopic canals.
Follow the Rhine through lands where castles crown every hillside and Alsatian villages blend French elegance with German tradition. Sip crisp white wines where the grapes are grown, and wander the cobbled lanes of Strasbourg and Rüdesheim. And for those drawn to the cradle of civilization, sail the Nile to the colossal temples of Karnak and Luxor, venture into the fabled Valley of the Kings, and behold Cairo’s treasures, with privileged access to the remarkable Grand Egyptian Museum. Let’s explore five of our current favorite itineraries:
BURGUNDY & PROVENCE
8 Days | Arles to Lyon
Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, enjoying the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine and discovering its many treasures. Stroll the streets of Arles made famous by Van Gogh. Visit Avignon’s majestic Palace of the Popes. Experience “Village Day” in enchanting Viviers. And for those who wish for a more active exploration of the area, you can hike the vineyards of the Rhône and pedal through Lyon, a city designed with bike riders in mind.
GRAND HIGHLIGHTS OF ITALY & SLOVENIA
14 Days | Ljubljana to Rome
Slovenia, with its picturesque cities and astonishing natural wonders, is a destination that should be on your radar. After exploring its highlights, embark on a cruise of the Venetian Lagoon, where you’ll be treated to a private evening lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica, explore the colorful facades of Burano, and sail south to discover Chioggia. Complete your spectacular Italian adventure with a stay in Rome, where a local guide will whisk you away to the city’s most charming and historic sites.
CASTLES ALONG THE RHINE
8 Days | Basel to Amsterdam
Your journey begins with a charming sample of Swiss culture with a stop in Basel. Then, cruise along the Rhine with Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to the Romans. Marvel at castles that were once mighty fortresses and get an insider’s look at the impressive Rheinstein Castle. Visit historic cities, including ancient Cologne and picturesque Strasbourg; stroll through the fairytale town of Rüdesheim; and taste delightful white wines in the villages where the grapes are grown.
Meet the S.S. Marlene: Sailing through the waterways of Central Europe, the S.S. Marlene is an homage to German-born actress and singer Marlene Dietrich. Launching in 2027, the ship is sure to impress travelers with Dietrich’s distinctive flair, drawing inspiration from her time as an old Hollywood film star and, later, a cabaret artist.
Pre or Post Cruise Extension: Extend your time in Switzerland before or after your cruise with 2 nights in the pretty lake town of Lucerne to immerse yourself in Swiss life. Included in your 3-day stay:
2 nights at the Mandarin Oriental Palace, Lucerne (or similar)
Breakfast daily
All service charges, taxes, and porterage
Lucerne city walk with boat ride
Mt. Stanserhorn
English-speaking expert
Transfers throughout the extension are included
PORTUGAL, SPAIN & THE DOURO RIVER VALLEY
11 Days | Porto to Lisbon
Following the Douro River through Portugal and into Spain, you’ll cruise past steeply terraced hillsides, quaint villages, and acres of ripe vineyards. Enjoy private tastings of Port and explore Porto’s historic Ribeira district, home to iconic rabelo boats, cutting-edge cuisine, and a thriving art scene. Wind your way through the dramatic landscapes of the UNESCO-designated Douro Valley, heading ashore to visit charming quintas and meet the winemakers who operate them. See the famous University of Salamanca, Spain, and visit the mountaintop village of Castelo Rodrigo. Your journey ends in Lisbon, the city that launched some of the world’s most renowned explorers. There’s no better way to discover Europe’s best-kept secret than this scenic and all-inclusive river cruise!
SPLENDORS OF EGYPT & THE NILE
12 Days | Cairo to Cairo
For 12 adventure-filled days, experience Egypt and the Nile’s most wondrous sites in style and luxury.* Wander amongst the towering ruins of the Temple of Karnak, the world’s largest ancient religious complex, and the entrancing Temple of Luxor. Follow in the footsteps of renowned scholars and explorers as you venture forth into the Valley of the Kings, the ancient burial grounds of Egyptian royalty.
This captivating itinerary begins and ends in Cairo. Here, you’ll visit the mighty ancient pyramids, gaze upon the Great Sphinx, and enter the largest archeological museum in the world, the Grand Egyptian Museum, to which Uniworld has special access.
Select River Tosca sailings offer the Generations Family Program, featuring unique, fun-filled adventures for youngsters and packed with culturally and historically significant experiences. There will also be an opportunity to meet local children; if your family would like to bring a gift to share with the children (such as school supplies, books, balls, or games), it is welcomed.
