Uniworld Boutique River Cruises announces its inaugural Rivers of the World cruise for 2023.
The 46-night trip will depart on May 20th, 2023, and take travellers to nine countries aboard five luxury ships combining both cruise and land.
“At Uniworld, we always have elevation at top of mind and strive to continuously take steps forward in fresh and exciting ways,” said Ellen Bettridge, chief executive of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
“We’re so proud to announce the inaugural ‘Rivers of the World’ itinerary; our longest and most action-packed sailing to date spanning nine countries aboard five of our world-class Super Ships.
“It’s an itinerary like none other and a true holiday of a lifetime with surprises at every turn.”
The journey begins in the home of the world’s first river cruises, Egypt, with a celebratory kick-off event and two-night land stay in Cairo, followed by a weeklong cruise aboard the brand-new super ship S.S. Sphinx.
Guests will then cross the Mediterranean Sea and fly into the Swiss Alps with two nights in in the stunning lake town of Lugano, followed by two nights in chic Milan prior to boarding the new S.S. La Venezia for a week-long cruise along the Venice Lagoon and Po River.
Next, guests will continue to Hungary and sail on the S.S. Maria Theresa from Budapest to Passau through the heart of the former Holy Roman Empire; board the S.S. Joie de Vivre in France and explore the best of Northern France along the Seine; and complete the itinerary in Portugal, beginning in Porto with a cruise aboard the S.S. Sao Gabriel through the Douro River Valley, followed by a three-night land stay in Lisbon and closing event.
The Itinerary
Part 1
Ship: S.S. Sphinx
Destination: Egypt
Days: 11
The Nile was home to the world’s first river cruises, so it’s apt that we start our voyage here. Join us as we celebrate our inaugural Rivers of the World Cruise in style at our opening event in Cairo. Then embark on the first part of your epic journey with luxury hotel stays in Cairo and onboard our newest Super Ship–S.S. Sphinx. Along the way, you’ll be joined by an expert Egyptologist and explore such fascinating ancient wonders as the temples at Abu Simbel.
Part 2
Ship: S.S. La Venezia
Destination: Italy, Switzerland
Days: 11
Cross the Mediterranean Sea as you fly into the Swiss Alps to stay at the beautiful Lake Town of Lugano, situated on the border of Switzerland and Italy. Then move onto a land tour in chic Milan before setting sail on the Venice Lagoon and Po River for your cruise through Northern Italy on the newly transformed S.S. La Venezia.
Part 3
Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa
Destination: Hungary, Austria and Germany
Days: 7
Cruise through the heart former Holy Roman Empire onboard a ship inspired by its most famous queen, Maria Theresa. Expect stunning natural landscapes, hidden gem villages and awe-inspiring regal architecture—which you’ll get VIP access to on such experiences as a private tour of the Schönbrunn Palace.
Part 4
Ship: S.S. Joie de Vivre
Destination: France
Days: 7
Head to the Seine for the penultimate leg of our trip. Here, you’ll indulge in the casual elegance of Paris, enjoy sumptuous wine and cuisines, explore a unique array of charming local towns in Northern France and form a profound emotional connection with the historic beaches of Normandy. Culminate your time in France with an iconic show at the Moulin Rouge, sure to be a highlight.
Part 5
Ship: S.S. São Gabriel
Destination: Portugal, Spain
Days: 11
Experiencing the spectacular Douro River Valley onboard the new S.S. São Gabriel is the perfect ending to this once-in-a-lifetime cruise, with no shortage of colorful cities and lush river views. Cap off your incredible journey with a land tour in Lisbon, during which you’ll visit the one-of-a-kind cities of Sintra and Cascais, and a glamorous Farewell Event in Lisbon.