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Destinations
Europe (165)
Italy (55) United Kingdom (29) Germany (17) Spain (16) France (12) Austria (9) Netherlands (5) Czech Republic (4) Portugal (4) Croatia (3) Ireland (3) Slovakia (3) Switzerland (3) Finland (2) Greece (2) Malta (2) Albania (1) Armenia (1) Belgium (1) Bosnia and Herzegovina (1) Bulgaria (1) Cyprus (1) Denmark (1) Estonia (1) Georgia (1) Montenegro (1) Poland (1) Romania (1) Serbia (1) Iceland Latvia Lithuania Norway Sweden
Americas (6)
USA (3) Argentina (1) Bolivia (1) Chile (1) Peru (1)
Middle East & Central Asia (7)
Turkey (4) Uzbekistan (2) Oman (1) Kyrgyzstan (1) Jordan
Asia (9)
India (4) Japan (3) Cambodia (1) Vietnam (1)
Africa (4)
Morocco (2) Egypt (1) Tunisia (1)
Australasia (1)
Australia (1)
Themes
Art & Architecture (119)
History (35)
Music, Opera & Ballet (34)
Archaeology (22)
Houses & Gardens (19)
Gastronomy (12)
Christmas & New Year tours (8)
Walking (5)
Literature & Drama (3)
Event types
Tours for small groups (173)
Martin Randall Festivals (7)
Cruises (7)
Short Music & History events (5)
Online talks (4)
Private groups
London Days
tour calendar
2025 2026

Deck aboard RV Mekong Pandaw © Pandaw River Cruises

Amadeus Nova © Lueftner Cruises

A stretch of the Douro near Pinhão, Rui Alves ©

Cultural river cruises

Our river cruises take you along waterways that have been the arteries of cultural exchange for centuries. Whether it's exploring the gilded palaces of Vienna from our exclusive Danube charter or sailing to Angkor Wat after a journey through the Mekong Delta, we immerse the traveller in the treasures that line the world's great river systems.

Browse our river cruises

European and Asian river cruises: exploring cultural heritage by water

Rivers have always been central to humankind’s great cultural achievements. The Danube propagated the ambitions of the Habsburg Empire across Central Europe, threading together Vienna and Budapest and the fertile lands between. The Mekong nurtured the temple cities of the Khmer empire. Along the Rhine, medieval cathedrals rise high, while the Douro winds through Portugal's terraced wine country, past quintas that have perfected the art of port-making for centuries.

Our river cruises follow these currents of history with our expert lecturers breathing life into every recital, ruin and church. Whether we're deciphering the Buddhist carvings at Banteay Srei, understanding the musical innovations that flowered in the Rhineland, or exploring Douro viticulture, we enjoy unrivalled access to cultural treasures at the comfortable pace of river travel.

Our river cruises: at a glance

Transport


We offer flight options and/or rail travel from London with all of our river cruises.

Please click the specific cruise to view your options.

Transfers

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Transfers from the airport or rail termini are included in the price of the cruise. These are timed to meet departures and take you directly to the ship.

Ships

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We have exclusive charter of the most modern and comfortable vessels for our European and Asia cruises.

Expert speakers

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All Martin Randall cruises are accompanied by expert speakers pre-eminent in their fields. Offering insights during onboard lectures and onshore excursions, their knowledge is second-to-none.

Meals

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All meals, from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last, with wine, and interval drinks are included on our Music Festival cruises.

Cruises with longer onshore excursions include breakfasts and most meals, with some independent dinners on land.

River cruise highlights

Speyer

Separated from the river by wooded parkland, the little city of Speyer is dominated by the largest Romanesque cathedral in Germany, burial place of the Salian emperors.

Moor here on: 'Music along the Rhine'

Porto

A historic port wine city with baroque churches, azulejo tiles, dramatic bridges spanning the Douro, and British trading legacy at Vila Nova de Gaia.

Visit on: 'Cruising the Douro'

Angkor Wat

Dominated by its quincunx of corncob-shaped towers, Angkor Wat is exceptional for both its scale and astounding detail. We visit before most other tourists arrive.

Visited on: 'Cambodia by River'

Budapest

The result of the triumphant amalgamation of Buda and Pest in 1873, today Budapest is the principal metropolis of East-Central Europe, a city of vitality and splendour.

Moor here on 'History & Art on the Danube'

Český Krumlov

Laying in the foothills of the Bohemian Forest, The UNESCO World Heritage town of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic is resplendent with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

Optional visit on: 'History & Art on the Danube'

Schloss Mannheim

In the mid-18th century the court orchestra of Mannheim was famous throughout Europe; Mozart called it an army of generals. The great Baroque Schloss is one of the largest in Europe.

Piano recital here on 'The Rhine Piano Festival'
Cambodia by River
Cruising the Douro
Music Along the Rhine
Cruising the Douro
Cambodia by River
" Freddie Matthews made the trip very special. Having two local archeologists at Angkor added even more to my understanding of the sites. This was the only trip that I have ever found with six nights and days at Angkor. " Cambodia by River - From the Mekong Delta to the city of Angkor
" Having Martin as lecturer with such intimate knowledge of the region, with so many historic and current connections to the area, was a treat. " Cruising the Douro - Wine, gardens, history and architecture from Porto to the Spanish border
" Excellent boat with efficient attentive staff. Good variety of concerts. Superb expert speaker in Dr Katy Hamilton. " Music Along the Rhine - Outstanding music, beautiful countryside and historic towns along Germany’s principal river
" Gerald Luckhurst was a fantastic lecturer. Great depth of knowledge, wonderful communication skills, a delightful sense of humour. " Cruising the Douro - Wine, gardens, history and architecture from Porto to the Spanish border
" Accommodations and food were excellent throughout. " Cambodia by River - From the Mekong Delta to the city of Angkor
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