The Prices of River Cruises to the Mediterranean
Jump to: Best Tours | Tour Prices
There's something enchanting about discovering a place from the water. River cruises offer the perfect blend of leisurely sailing and exciting stops at iconic cities, towns, and natural wonders. Picture this: stunning landscapes, quaint villages, and rich cultural landmarks, all from the comfort of your cruise, gliding through the Mediterranean.
In this article, we'll dive into the costs of river cruises in the Mediterranean, highlight some of the best options out there, and share some of the most scenic routes that make these tours a magical way to travel. We've done the research for you, comparing prices, quality, and destinations to find the best value river cruises for your adventure. So, whether you're a river cruise rookie or a seasoned pro, it's time to set sail on your next unforgettable journey in the Mediterranean!
Why does the Mediterranean appeal to river cruise passengers?
River cruises in the Mediterranean appeal to travelers for their relaxed pace, scenic views, and access to culturally rich, often less-touristed destinations. Rome, Istanbul, and Seville offer plenty of amazing museums and sights to explore. Rome is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Rome, Istanbul, and Amalfi are foodie destinations with fantastic cuisine and world-class restaurants. With easy, all-inclusive travel arrangements and immersive stops in culturally rich areas, river cruises provide a convenient and enriching way to explore multiple regions in comfort and style.
How much do River Cruises in the Mediterranean cost?
The average price per day for river cruises in the Mediterranean is $343, based on our analysis of 56 tours. While the overall prices can vary greatly, when we look at the daily price of these tours, the costs range from $102 to $723 per day.
Budget-friendly tours average around $177 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $523 per day.
Budget tours will usually provide less luxurious accommodation, have larger group sizes, and visit less expensive destinations. They will also sometimes have you pay for more activities on your own instead of including everything up front.
Mid-range tours often provide a step up in accommodation and transportation, and include more guided activities.
Luxury tours usually provide the highest levels of service, luxury hotels, more gormet food choices, comfortable transportation, and offer more all-inclusive payment options.
We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.
The Best Cruises in the Mediterranean
Budget-Friendly Cruises
Budget-friendly and affordable river cruises in the Mediterranean average $177 per day, with daily prices from $102 to $237. Budget tours usually include hotels, meals, and activities that are not quite as nice as other tours. Often, they might only include transportation, lodging, and some activities, leaving you on your own to pay for meals and other attractions during the tour. This can be a very convenient and economical way to visit France without spending too much money, as it gives you control over the amount you spend on meals and extra services. If you're looking for a really great option, check out Europa Railroad: Urban Vibes & Alpen Heights here.
Mid-Range Cruises
For typical river cruises in the Mediterranean that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $328 per day. Daily prices range from $238 to $421. Taking this step up in price from the cheaper tours to mid-range will often get you plenty of extra amenities and service for a great price. These tours usually include very comfortable hotels, meals at delicious local restaurants, comfortable transportation, knowledgable guides, and entry to many of the top attractions. One of the best tours is Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2027, Porto to Lisbon).
Luxury Cruises
Luxury river cruises in the Mediterranean average around $328 per day, with daily costs ranging from $423 to $723. At this price, you'll be very well taken care of and pampered on your journey through the scenic destinations. Knowledgable guides, the best accommodation options, the finest restaurants, comfortable transportation, and quick entry into attractions are all part of the itinerary. Every luxury and detail has been planned and thought about so that you don't have to deal with any hassle, you simple show up and enjoy your vacation. One of the best luxury tours here is Croatia Land & Sea.
Which tour companies offer these trips?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer river cruises in the Mediterranean. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
CroisiEurope River Cruises
Focusing on river cruise tours through France, Germany, Cambodia, and Vietnam, CroisiEurope River Cruises is a well established tour provider. Most participants on their tours are adults and their tours range in length from 2 days to 3 weeks. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers.
See All Tours from CroisiEurope River Cruises
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Focusing on river cruise tours through Germany, France, Hungary, and the Netherlands, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is a well established tour provider. Most participants on their tours are adults and their tours range in length from 5 days to 12 weeks. Most of the tours provided by Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service.
See All Tours from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Wingbuddy
Wingbuddy is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Spain. There are opportunities to customize some tours to specifically meet your needs. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is a large company with a focus on river cruise tours through Germany, Austria, Hungary, and France. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 8 days to 3 weeks. The tours offered by Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection are usually luxurious, high-end, and provide a top-tier level of service.
See All Tours from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Departure Destinations in the Mediterranean
Wondering where tours launch from in the Mediterranean? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
Split
Split is the second largest city in Croatia and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It sits on the Adriatic Sea and is filled with water sports, beaches, historic sights, and nightclubs. The city is popular with backpackers for its fun social scene, but families and couples will appreciate the beauty and cuisine of the area as well.
Trogir
Trogir is a town on the Adriatic Coast that has an old town on a small island. It's connected to the mainland by a bridge and there are many Renaissance and baroque buildings. Also nearby are beaches and beautiful islands.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is one of the most popular tourist cities in Croatia. It sits dramatically on the edge of the Adriatic Sea and its surrounded by medieval stone walls that you can explore. The old town includes stone churches and lively squares. There are pedestrian areas where you can shop as well as restaurants where you can sample local seafood. Outside of the old town you'll find larger hotel chains, and inside there are Airbnbs and local residences where you can rent a room.
This historic city has a famous walled old town. It sits beautifully along the coast and offers stunning views of the area.
Korčula
Korcula is a scenic island in the Adriatic Sea. It's a beautiful place to explore with a charming old town in Korcula Town. There are also many hiking and walking trails around the island as well as beaches and beautiful blue water.
The old town is charming and the surrounding natural areas are pristine and beautiful. The ancient buildings of the town set against the bright blue water make for a photogenic contrast.
More
Other popular destinations for river cruise tours through the Mediterranean include Salamanca, Vukovar, Osijek, Ilok, and Makarska.
Which is cheaper?
Is independent travel less expensive than booking guided river cruises? The answer varies. Organized tours package essential services like accommodations, transport, meals, entrance fees, and activities into a single price, while independent travel involves booking each aspect separately. To assess which is more economical, compare the tour price with what you'd spend arranging everything yourself. If you prioritize budget options or premium experiences, the cost comparison could swing either way. Always review the details of what's included in the tour package to decide.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
More Tour Options
See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to the Mediterranean, The Best Wildlife Tours to the Mediterranean, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Historical Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best 10-Day Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best 3-Day Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best 2-Week Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best 3-Week Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Extended Trip Tours in the Mediterranean, One Month or Longer, The Best Bicycle Tours in the Mediterranean, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in the Mediterranean, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Christmas Market Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Coach Bus Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Adventure Tours to the Mediterranean, The Best Eco Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Train & Rail Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in the Mediterranean, The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Sightseeing Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Cultural Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Music Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Photography Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Gap Year Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Camping Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Educational Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in the Mediterranean, The Best Self Drive Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Safaris in the Mediterranean, The Best Budget Safaris in the Mediterranean, The Best Nightlife Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Religious Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in the Mediterranean, The Best Walking Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Mountain Biking Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Honeymoon Tours in the Mediterranean, The Best Tours Under $1000 in the Mediterranean, The Best Luxury Tours to the Mediterranean, The Best Budget Tours to the Mediterranean, The Best Tours for Seniors to the Mediterranean, The Best Contiki Tours to the Mediterranean, or The Best G Adventures Tours to the Mediterranean for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.