The Prices of River Cruises to the Netherlands
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Sailing down a river offers a perspective you just can't get from the ground. River cruises in the Netherlands give you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the journey as you pass by charming villages, historical landmarks, and spectacular landscapes. From cultural gems to natural wonders, these cruises let you experience the Netherlands in a whole new way, all while you sit back and unwind.
In this article, we'll break down the costs of river cruises in the Netherlands, share the top cruise options, and highlight the must-see routes that make these tours an unforgettable travel experience. We've taken the time to analyze a wide range of cruises, comparing prices, quality, destinations, and included amenities to bring you the best value. So, whether you're a first-time cruiser or an experienced traveler, let the river guide you on your next adventure!
Why does the Netherlands appeal to river cruise passengers?
River cruises in the Netherlands appeal to travelers for their relaxed pace, scenic views, and access to culturally rich, often less-touristed destinations. Amsterdam, Leiden, and Lisse offer plenty of amazing museums and sights to explore. Amsterdam is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Leiden, The Hague, and Rotterdam 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 Netherlands cost?
The average price per day for river cruises in the Netherlands is $349, based on our analysis of 48 tours. While the overall prices can vary greatly, when we look at the daily price of these tours, the costs range from $117 to $766 per day.
Budget-friendly tours average around $176 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $561 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.
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The Best Cruises in the Netherlands
Budget-Friendly Cruises
Budget-friendly and affordable river cruises in the Netherlands average $176 per day, with daily prices from $117 to $217. 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 From Berlin to Amsterdam (port-to-port cruise) here.
Mid-Range Cruises
For typical river cruises in the Netherlands that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $308 per day. Daily prices range from $221 to $444. 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 Through authentic Holland (port-to-port cruise).
Luxury Cruises
Luxury river cruises in the Netherlands average around $308 per day, with daily costs ranging from $450 to $766. 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 Rhine Highlights with Switzerland 2026|2027 - 12 Days.
Which tour companies offer river cruises?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer river cruises in the Netherlands. 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.
A-ROSA
A-ROSA offers local river cruise tours through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, the Netherlands, and others. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 5 days to 3 weeks. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.
Avalon Waterways
Focusing on river cruise tours through Germany, France, Hungary, and the Netherlands, Avalon Waterways is a well established tour provider. Most participants on their tours are adults and their tours range in length from 5 days to 4 weeks. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Most of the tours provided by Avalon Waterways are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service.
See All Tours from Avalon Waterways
DCS Touristik
DCS Touristik offers local river cruise tours through Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and others. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 3 days to 12 days. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.
See All Tours from DCS Touristik
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
River Cruise Destinations in the Netherlands
Wondering where river cruise tours visit in the Netherlands? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands and it is filled with canals and narrow row houses. The city is famous for its party-hard atmosphere, but it's also rich in history and culture. There are many famous museums, including the world renowned Rijksmuseum. Cycling is a huge part of the Dutch culture and you'll see bikers commuting everywhere in the city.
With its beautiful canals, historic churches, and relaxing parks, this is a beautiful city.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is a large port city that has a long running maritime history. It hosts several weekly markets and also has a large international food hall. The city's architecture has mostly been rebuilt since World War II, so you'll find many modern buildings and a modern development style.
Utrecht
Utrecht is a historic city that is filled with character and personality. The old town is surprisingly large with beautiful canals and a very livable atmosphere. Locals often outnumber tourists here, which is a nice change from nearby Amsterdam. You'll also find a huge number of bikers, as this is often listed as one of the world's best cities for biking. On the south side of the old town you'll find great thrift stores, and in the northern side you'll find restaurants and more retail shopping.
The town is filled with beautiful canals and cozy cafes. The lights in the evening are nice and the buildings have a historic charm.
Delft
Delft is a beautiful and historic city in the Netherlands that has a rich cultural and art history. Many visitors enjoy walking through its picturesque Old Town, with its lovely shops, cafes, and landmarks like the New Church and Old Church. Delft is also home to a vibrant student population, adding youthful energy to the city's mix of tradition and modernity.
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Other popular destinations for river cruise tours through the Netherlands include Middelburg, Veere, Arnhem, Dordrecht, and Nijmegen.
Which is cheaper?
Can you save money by traveling independently instead of joining guided river cruises? It's not a simple yes or no. Tours usually include key expenses such as lodging, transportation, meals, entry fees, guides, and activities, which you'd need to manage and pay for individually on your own trip. To figure out the difference, compare the total tour price with the cost of making your own arrangements. Depending on your choices—like opting for budget hotels or premium dining—the cost of a tour might be higher or lower. Be sure to examine the tour inclusions carefully when comparing.
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 Netherlands, The Best Historical Tours in the Netherlands, The Best 10-Day Tours in the Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in the Netherlands, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in the Netherlands, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in the Netherlands, The Best Coach Bus Tours in the Netherlands, The Best Adventure Tours to the Netherlands, The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in the Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in the Netherlands, The Best Cultural Tours in the Netherlands, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in the Netherlands, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in the Netherlands, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in the Netherlands, The Best Luxury Tours to the Netherlands, The Best Budget Tours to the Netherlands, or The Best Tours for Seniors to the Netherlands for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.
Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam for more package tour options.
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.
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