River cruise

A river cruise offers you a unique experience, far from the crowds and the big seaside resorts. By choosing a river cruise, you can immerse yourself in the heart of the regions you pass through, while enjoying the comfort and serenity of a vacation on a boat. Whether you are passionate about culture, nature or gastronomy, a river cruise promises a tailor-made, intimate and memorable trip.

At Filovent, we offer a wide selection of boats to suit your desires, so that your river cruise is a real escape. Discover our different types of boats and our must-see destinations.

The types of boats for your river cruise

River boats: authenticity on the water

River boats are ideal for a quiet and intimate cruise. You will enjoy a warm atmosphere during your journey through nature and culture. On the side of the boat, comfortable cabins and a convivial living space will allow you to enjoy your river cruise in the best possible way!

We also offer license-free river boats that will give you great freedom during your vacation in an accessible way. I can only recommend a river cruise on the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will delight young and old alike!

Barge: comfort and practicality

Riverboats are perfect for those looking for a cruise that combines comfort and craftsmanship. They are recognizable by their bamboo batten sails, which give them excellent maneuverability and great resistance on the windward side. Add to that spacious cabins, typical common areas and modern facilities, and you have one of the best vessels for a river cruise.

Dahabieh: travel like an Egyptian king

The dahabieh, whose name means "golden boat" in Arabic, is the most commonly used boat for cruises on the Nile. Peace and quiet are guaranteed on the side of the boat! With a capacity limited to around twenty passengers, the dahabieh offers an intimate and serene atmosphere, far from the crowds of the large boats. Its privileged access to historical sites and isolated villages allows you to transform your cruise on the Nile into a total immersion in Egyptian culture.

Our best destinations for a river cruise in Europe

The Danube: a journey to the heart of Central Europe

If you're looking for a cultural cruise in the heart of Europe, you'll find what you're looking for on the Danube! The second longest river in Europe after the Volga, the Danube flows through no fewer than ten countries and links exciting capital cities such as Vienna, Budapest and Belgrade, and is one of the most beautiful river cruises in Europe.

• When to go: May to October, when temperatures are pleasant and the cities come alive, is the best time to sail on the Danube to fully enjoy it.
• Activities: A multitude of activities are available in the many cities you will be visiting: attend a classical music concert in Vienna in the magical setting of Schönbrunn Palace, admire the wild birds along the Dunajské luhy protected park on arriving in Bratislava, or have a drink in one of Budapest's legendary "ruin bars", a unique experience to liven up your nights on the town.

The Rhine: between castles and vineyards

The Rhine, this emblematic European river, has been a major trade route since Roman times. Today, it has become one of the most popular river routes for cruises. It flows through many countries: Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands and along the border of France, allowing you to see many diverse and varied landscapes. It is steeped in history, dotted with medieval castles and picturesque vineyards, I highly recommend the experience!

• When to go: The ideal period is from May to September, with a charming peak in spring thanks to the vibrant colors of nature. You can avoid the crowds of August and fully enjoy the wonders it has in store for you.
• Activities: Activities include visits to castles, notably the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein, which is well worth a visit, wine tastings in the Rüdesheim vineyards, walks in the Keukenhof flower park to admire the famous Dutch tulips, visits to historical museums and much more..

The Douro: sun and authenticity

The Douro is Portugal's treasure! A cruise on this river, with its hills hauled in by terraced vineyards and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique experience of unspoiled nature and cultural discovery.

• When to go: From the end of August to October, you can enjoy the long, warm days but above all attend the grape harvest, a magical moment when the grapes are trodden in the traditional way in a festive and friendly atmosphere that attracts crowds.
• Activities: The towns offer a thousand wonders, but it is from the side of the boat that the magic happens. The landscapes are majestic, with the vine trellises and the winding curves in particular, which are a spectacle that you will never tire of. The numerous locks are also worth mentioning, especially the Carrapatello lock, which is the highest in Europe with a 35-meter drop. Finally, the best thing to do is to rest after a day of sightseeing on the deck of your boat, a glass of port in hand, admiring the scenery, trust me!
• Our prices: Depending on the size of the boat, the crew and the sailing itinerary, the rates may vary. We have put together a table for your information, showing the prices per person.

• Included: meals on the river boat, bedding, water, a guide, some activities and drinks.
• Not included: airfares (unless specified), activities, tips and extras.

Our best destinations for a river cruise around the world

The Mekong: an adventure in the heart of Asia

Sailing on the Mekong is the ideal way to discover the hidden treasures of Southeast Asia. This river, which flows through Vietnam and Cambodia, opens the doors to a region rich in culture, history and nature. Our all-inclusive cruises allow you to explore this region in a unique way, on the side of the boat where each cabin is private while offering a friendly atmosphere with other travelers. The professional crew ensures your comfort throughout your trip.

• When to go: The best time for a cruise on the Mekong is from November to April, and particularly from November to February, during the dry season. The rainy season (May to October) also offers a unique experience, with fewer tourists, but heavier rainfall and stronger winds.
• Activities: During your cruise, you will take part in cultural activities such as visits to temples, towns and local markets. You can also discover culinary workshops, tea tastings, visits to rice paddies, tai chi classes and tuk tuk rides. Each visit is accompanied by a French-speaking guide, and between each stopover, you will enjoy refined meals before setting off again, lulled by the rhythm of the river.
• Our prices: For 2 people, the cabin rate may vary depending on the boat, the desired period and the chosen cabin. Here we give you a dead reckoning based on the duration of your cruise for a classic double cabin.

• Included: hotels, internal flights, transfers, meals and activities mentioned in the program, local guide service and repatriation insurance.
• Not included: visa fees, cancellation and baggage insurance, tips for the crew (allow $5/day/passenger for guidance) and meals and activities not mentioned in the program.

The Nile: a journey back to the time of the pharaohs

With Filovent, a cruise on the Nile is mainly done on the side of the boat, in order to experience a true immersion in the history of ancient Egypt. You can admire spectacular desert landscapes and enjoy incomparable tranquility, far from the hustle and bustle of the major tourist sites. From Luxor to Aswan, each stopover transports you to the heart of ancient civilizations, where you will have the chance to discover majestic temples, royal tombs and impressive archaeological sites, witnesses to the golden age of the pharaohs.

• When to go: The ideal time for a cruise on the Nile is from November to March, when the temperatures are milder. These months offer a pleasant climate, allowing you to sail comfortably while discovering the historical treasures and enjoying the natural beauty of the river.
• Activities: During your cruise on the Nile, guided excursions will allow you to visit emblematic sites such as the temples of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and the temple of Hatshepsut. You will also be able to discover local life through the encounters during the stopovers but also thanks to your passionate guides, mostly French-speaking, who will share with you fascinating stories and well-kept secrets of ancient Egypt... In terms of activities, you will have a multitude of choices to fully enjoy yourself!

Our prices: Depending on the size of the boat, the crew and the sailing itineraries, the rates may vary. We have put together a table for your information, showing the prices per person.

• Included: meals on the dahabieh, bedding, water, a guide, some activities and drinks.
• Not included: airfares (unless specified), activities, tips and extras.

Book your river cruise with Filovent

Ready to embark on an unforgettable experience? It's time to book your river cruise today on the Filovent website. To do so, request a quote for the offer you are interested in and one of our advisors will call you to refine your request and find you the best cruise!