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03 May 2022, 09:00

Saga Travel’s 2023 river cruise schedule launched with a tranche of new and included benefits

New benefits introduced to mirror Saga’s ocean cruise experience including:

• Both ‘Spirit’ river ships operating as all-inclusive from 2023
• Up to 25 per cent off when booked early (discount included in the pricing below)
• The introduction of back-to-back cruises with an extra 10 per cent off
• Dedicated solo traveller cabins allocated on every cruise

As part of  Saga’s 2023 river cruise  itineraries released today for Saga’s new ships Spirit of the Rhine and Spirit of the Danube , the travel specialist has also announced that both ships will become all-inclusive from the 2023 season, so all meals and drinks will now be covered including in the intimate, speciality restaurants.

The change comes as part of a range of updates that will align the customer experience more closely to that of Saga’s ocean cruise proposition.

Other new benefits also include the option to book back-to-back cruises, which will be clearly marketed as such and guests selecting them will receive a further ten per cent off their booking. This is in addition to the introduction of a simpler pricing model that means early bookers are rewarded with discounts of up to 25 per cent off the full price. If, for any reason, the price should be reduced after a guest books, Saga will automatically give them the difference back as part of its price promise .

Each cruise will also guarantee a proportion of dedicated cabins for solo travellers, although travellers should book early to secure them as they are always very popular.

Other already excellent inclusions remain in place such as the complimentary door-to-door chauffeur service, travel insurance with up to £5m covid-cover, at least three sight-seeing excursions on all seven-night cruises and up to eight included on longer cruises and gratuities.

Nigel Blanks, CEO of Saga Cruises, said: “We know our guests want an exceptional experience and real value for money so the ‘Spirit’ cruises moving from 2023 to all-inclusive, along with back-to-back itineraries with 10% off and discounts starting from 25% off are all in response to their feedback. And these are in addition to the complimentary chauffeur service, travel insurance and a range of included excursions we already offer.

“We’ve got a lovely line-up of itineraries too, with plenty of new cruise options on-board the brand-new Spirit of the Danube and Spirit of the Rhine along with some firm favourites and our guests can travel with us safe in the knowledge that everyone on our ships must have both vaccines and at least one booster, and our covid safe protocols remain firmly in place.”

All of this is in addition to an exciting line-up of cruises with itineraries ranging from between seven and 16-nights across the two brand-new ‘Spirit’ ships, which only had their official naming ceremony last month.

New to the line-up for 2023 will be:

The Golden Age of Art on the Rhine where guests will cruise the Dutch waterways stopping to view iconic artwork in the world-renowned galleries of Amsterdam, Utrecht and The Hague. Joined on board by famous art-dealer and Antiques Roadshow star, Rupert Maas . Seven nights on board Spirit of the Rhine , departing May 8, 2023 starts from £1,241 per person.

Autumn Colours of the Danube is a beautiful ten-night journey on Spirit of the Danube taking in the seasonal scenery along the famous river, with stops in Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. Prices start from £1,574 per person, departing on November 11, 2023.

Art on the Danube takes in Budapest’s Hungarian National Gallery, the Danubiana Meulensteen Museum, Bratislava’s City Gallery and a plethora of galleries in Vienna. The eight-night art-themed river cruise departs on October 27, 2023 on Spirit of the Danube with prices starting from £1,499 per person.

Firm favourites:

Flowers on Parade with Charlie Dimmock is a popular seven-night cruise on Spirit of the Rhine that travels through Antwerp, Utrecht and Zaandam visiting the 17th annual Floralia Brussels flower show, Utrecht botanical gardens, Keukenhof, Haarlem annual flower parade and finishing with a tour of Amsterdam. The cruise departs on April 17, 2023 and prices start from £1,649 per person.

To book guests can visit saga.co.uk/rivers-2023 or call 0808 258 2031 .

Spirit of the Rhine and Spirit of the Danube build on Saga’s boutique design philosophy of its ocean-going vessels,  Spirit of Adventure  and  Spirit of Discovery , and offer a luxury cruise experience for customers on Europe’s famous riverways.

With designs inspired by the nature and culture found along the iconic waterways, both ships have been built with guests central to their design. Each vessel has four passenger decks and 91 guest cabins, hosting up to 182 customers and up to 50 crew. Each ship also features the first-class Saga facilities that guests have come to expect, complete with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in shower. There are two different types of cabin available on both ships. All have a clean, sophisticated design with  Spirit of the Rhine  reminiscent of Saga’s larger ocean ships and  Spirit of the Danube  based on an Art Nouveau and Danube Delta theme, with elements such as migratory birds used throughout the ship.

Saga will also be introducing four new owned river ships between 2023 and 2026 (one per year), capitalising on the growing popularity of river cruising.

The full brochure of cruises can be found on Saga’s website .

A factsheet on the new river cruise ships can be found here at the Saga Newsroom .

Images of the new ships can be located here and a selection of 2023 river cruise images, here .  

May 3, 2022

For further information, please contact [email protected] .

Amanda Allan

Notes to editors

Notes to editors:

• Terms and conditions apply, check saga.co.uk for details
• Air and ground transfers to the river ships are included
• Prices above reflect the current discounts of up to 25% off
• Prices correct at time of sending and subject to availability
• All prices are per person based on two sharing
• Saga’s 2023 charter river cruise schedules will be announced this summer
• Saga requires all guests and crew to have had both Covid-19 vaccines and at least one booster more than 14 days in advance of travel. The operator also continues to maintain stringent covid safe protocols on board.

SHP Spirit of the Rhine EXT 17641

Saga River Cruises. Availability & Offers 2024/2025

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About the Saga River Cruises

Discover the enchanting allure of European river cruising with  Saga River Cruises , an esteemed UK-based company specialising in experiences for mature travellers. Each cruise delivers a journey tailored for over-50s, weaving together tranquillity and excitement into an unforgettable holiday. Traverse majestic rivers like the Rhine, Saar, Moselle, Danube, Douro, or the Oder, and dive deep into the heart of European culture and history.

Sail away on one of Saga’s best-sellers, whether it’s exploring the formidable castles of the Rhine, or discovering the sun-dappled vineyards along the Saar and Moselle. Delight in Prague’s architectural splendour or savour the captivating contrasts of Budapest on a Danube adventure. These experiences, and more, await aboard Saga’s varied fleet, including the Spirit of the Danube and the forthcoming Spirit of the Douro.

The all-inclusive approach of Saga ensures an effortless journey. From doorstep to ship deck, every detail is curated for guest comfort. This includes complimentary drinks and dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi, travel insurance, and a portfolio of enriching excursions. Rest easy knowing first-class service accompanies you every step of your holiday.

For the intrepid travellers Saga invites you to explore the winding canals of Dutch waterways, the commanding Rhine, and the sun-kissed Douro aboard the Spirit of the Douro. Saga also proudly offers no-fly river cruises, making their enchanting journeys more accessible than ever.

Why book a Saga River Cruise

All-Inclusive:  Enjoy worry-free travel with Saga’s all-inclusive offering including meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and return travel.

Tailored Experiences for Mature Travellers: specially designed with the over 50s in mind.

Door-to-Door Service:  Experience the convenience of a professional chauffeur service from your doorstep to the departure point and back.

Insurance Included:  With Saga’s comprehensive travel insurance, you’re covered for medical emergencies and cancellations.

Explore Ashore:  Dive into local cultures with included excursions at select ports of call.

Saga River Cruise Ships

Spirit of the Danube:

The Spirit of the Danube, an emblem of modern river cruising, elevates comfort, service, and style since its 2022 launch. As it sails the legendary Danube, passengers enjoy an all-inclusive experience enveloped in first-class service and exceptional facilities.

Spirit of the Douro:

Launching in 2024, the Spirit of the Douro is set to illuminate the Douro River, one of the world’s most ancient wine regions. This exquisite river ship pledges to create indelible memories for its guests, symbolising a new era of luxury and elegance.

Spirit of the Rhine:

A symbol of boutique cruising, has delighted guests since its inception. Journeying along the renowned Rhine or the scenic Moselle, this ship offers an entrancing voyage rich with history and astonishing views.

Unveiled in 2023, the Amadeus Elegant effortlessly reaches ports where larger vessels cannot, paving the way for distinctive itineraries. Embarking on a holiday on this ship means diving into the mesmerising landscapes of France and Germany, whether along the picturesque Moselle or the peaceful Saar.

Douro Spirit:

A harmonious blend of elegance and modern amenities, is a premier choice for navigating Portugal’s Douro Valley. Guests can immerse themselves in one of the world’s oldest viticultural areas while enjoying the tranquillity of their holiday aboard this vessel.

With two decades of service to Saga’s guests, the Rex Rheni has curated a legacy of unforgettable river holidays. As it embarks on its final year of operation in 2023, it provides a singular opportunity for one last extraordinary voyage.

Amadeus Provence:

In 2023, the Amadeus Provence sails deep into France’s stunning countryside. Guests can soak in the rustic charm of the Saone and Rhone rivers, ensuring an unmatched holiday experience that’s quintessentially Provencal.

Johannes Brahms:

Compact and stylish, the Johannes Brahms manoeuvres through the lesser-known canals and locks of the Elbe and Oder with ease. This unique ability unveils Europe’s concealed treasures, promising intimate encounters and unforgettable experiences on every holiday.

Saga Cruises Cruise Offers

Scenic gems of the danube budapest to vienna.

Saga Cruises aboard Spirit of the Danube

23 April 2024 for 7 nights

Region/River: Danube

Itinerary : Budapest - Budapest - Esztergom - Budapest - Bratislava - Krems - Melk - Me...

Fly Cruise from £2,526pp

Rhine in the springtime.

Saga Cruises aboard Spirit of the Rhine

23 April 2024 for 8 nights

Region/River: Rhine

Itinerary : Düsseldorf - Düsseldorf - Cologne - Rüdesheim - Koblenz - Rüdesheim - S...

Fly Cruise from £2,578pp

Douro explorer.

Saga Cruises aboard Spirit of the Douro

25 April 2024 for 7 nights

Region/River: Douro

Itinerary : Porto - Porto - Régua - Pinhão - Vega de Terrón - Pinhão - Vega de Terr...

Fly Cruise from £3,627pp

Lisbon and the heart of the douro.

Itinerary : Lisbon - Porto - Régua - Porto - Pinhão - Pinhão - Vega de Terrón - Bar...

Fly Cruise from £4,059pp

Contrasts of the rhine, main and moselle schweich to frankfurt.

Saga Cruises aboard Saga MS Amadeus Elegant

26 April 2024 for 9 nights

Itinerary : Schweich - Schweich - Bernkastel-Kues - Schweich - Bernkastel-Kues - Traben...

Fly Cruise from £3,259pp

Scenic gems of the danube vienna to budapest.

30 April 2024 for 7 nights

Itinerary : Vienna - Vienna - Krems - Melk - Krems - Bratislava - Bratislava - Esztergo...

Fly Cruise from £2,630pp

Ypres and flanders fields.

1 May 2024 for 6 nights

Region/River: Dutch Waterways

Itinerary : Amsterdam - Dordrecht - Gent (Ghent) - Gent (Ghent) - Brussel (Bruxelles) -...

Fly Cruise from £2,351pp

2 May 2024 for 7 nights

Fly Cruise from £3,670pp

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Saga Travel   Reviews

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Great holiday, seamless travel arrangements - delighted!

My trip was organised by Saga's representative Martin Johnson who listened carefully to my requirements and provided a seamless travel and hotel experience. Transfers and flights were all as planned and a simple itinerary with all the information was provided beforehand. This was my first solo trip and first long haul travel for many years so I was anxious but everything went according to plan and the hotel was perfect. I had a lovely stay. Will certainly use Saga again.

Date of experience : 09 April 2024

Reply from Saga Travel

Hi Martin, Thanks for taking the time to share your review of your experiences. We're delighted to hear that you had such a great time and that Martin organised everything for you so well. We look forward to helping your with your future travel plans, Best Wishes, Nick Saga Travel

Great self-drive trip to Costa Rica

Our self-drive trip to Costa Rica was a wonderful experience. Sarah Hunt was an excellent person to deal with in the Uk. She was always pleasant and efficient and tailored the holiday to our particular requirements. All the travel arrangements went well, including pick up and drop off of the hire car which conveniently was equipped with wi-fi which helped with the still developing road network. We enjoyed our stays in all the chosen locations and the accommodation was good and almost always set in beautiful gardens with very good breakfasts too. Self-drive felt like an adventure but it was reassuring that everything was so well organised. We had a fabulous time in a beautiful and fascinating country. Thank you, Saga. A great trip at a good price.

Date of experience : 12 March 2024

Hi Beverley, Thanks so much for taking the time to share such a fabulous review of your trip to beautiful Costa Rica. It sounds like you had a wonderful time and made some great memories. We're really pleased that Sarah organised everything for you so well and we look forward to helping you with your future travel plans, Best Wishes, Nick Saga Travel

A fine introduction to Tuscany

We have just returned from the Essence of Tuscany escorted holiday from Saga/Titan. The programme was well designed, including both well known towns and small quaint villages. The inclusion of a wine tasting at a winery and a cheese tasting was an interesting insight into the local economy, as well as being delicious. Our tour manager, Heather, was excellent; extremely organised and knowledgeable, always smiling, kind and supportive. The two hotels chosen were very different but both were comfortable with obliging staff. We would seriously consider another tour on this basis.

Date of experience : 24 April 2024

The staff did everything they could to enable me to enjoy my stay

I have just returned from a most enjoyable holiday in Bermuda. The people were welcoming and friendly and went out of their way to make my stay enjoyable. The hotel complex was beautifully situated with superb sea views and delightful cottages However it is very hilly and some of the slopes have very steep inclines and there are steps with no hand rails to negotiate in order to access the various cottages and public buildings. I have mobility problems which the hotel was aware of before I arrived. They allocated me a room with only one step needed to access. However even one step prevented me taking my mobility scooter into my room but with in hours of my arrival maintenance had made and fitted a ramp. The Bell Boys were incredibly helpful not only transporting me around the site in the hotel golf buggies but lifting my scooter up, down and over steps. They really did go the extra mile to enable my stay to be as good as they could make it.

Date of experience : 08 April 2024

Hi Jane, Thanks so much for sharing your review. We're really pleased to hear that the team at the hotel looked after you so well and that you had such a good stay. We look forward to you joining us again, Best Wishes, Nick Saga Travel

I would like to thank Saga for…

I would like to thank Saga for organising our tailor made holiday to Singapore and Malaysia. The hotels were good and transfers efficient. Everyone involved were a pleasure to deal with. It all worked well and thanks to Sarah Hunt in the UK and Saga's partners in Malaysia. My wife and I had a wonderful time.

Date of experience : 20 March 2024

Hi David, Thanks so much for taking the time to share such great feedback for Sarah and the team in Malaysia. We're delighted to hear that you had such a great time and that everything ran smoothly. We look forward to you joining us on another Saga adventure, Best Wishes, Nick Saga Travel

Truly irritating

I would never book a cruise with Saga based on my experience of trying to unsubscribe from the emails they keep on sending me. If they can't even get this right ...

Hi Julian, We're really sorry to read your review. This is clearly not the kind of feedback we hope to receive. As this site is for Saga Travel Group holidays, we are unable to access Saga Cruise bookings, however, if you could send your details through to [email protected], the Cruise team will be happy to ensure you that you are removed from the marketing data base. Kind regards, Nick Saga Travel

There is no information on how to check in

There is no information on how to check in in the final travel documents. In FAQS on line it says to check in on line with Turkish Airlines but on the phone I was told I cannot do this and must check in when I get to the airport. I had the same problem last year when flying to Johannesburg. I was told on the phone that the group would be checked in at the airport and in fact I checked in myself at the airport with the help of a Saga rep. But others in the taxi had already checked in on line so this worried me as we were later than three hours before the flight when getting to the airport. So Saga, please put HOW TO CHECK IN on the travel documents so we know what to do.

Date of experience : 22 April 2024

Hi Mary, We're really sorry to read your review. This is clearly not the kind of feedback we hope to receive. The check in process depends on the airline you are travelling with and the type of booking you have. If you could please send your booking reference details through to [email protected], our team will contact your directly to answer your queries and address your concerns. We do hope that despite these issues, you have a great holiday, Best Wishes, Nick Saga Travel

I think Saga are an excellent

I think Saga are an excellent Company to book a holiday with. I have been on four of their river cruises and five European holidays and have had a really great time on all of them.

Hi Margaret, Thanks so much for taking the time to share your review. We're delighted to hear that you have always enjoyed your trips with us and that you have booked again. We hope you have another great Saga holiday, Best Wishes, Nick Saga Travel

Problems will always occur Sage work hard to resolve any issues.

Problems will always crop up, Saga staff will go the extra mile working hard to ensure a Happy Saga Customer!!!

Hi, Thanks for taking the time to share your review. We're so pleased to hear that our agents were able to help you confirm your booking and we hope you have a wonderful holiday, Best Wishes, Nick Saga Travel

If you offer a timeslot to ring a…

If you offer a timeslot to ring a customer then keep it. Once emailing then speaking to an actual person things improved

Date of experience : 17 April 2024

Thank you Susan, for your feedback. We're sorry you had to wait for your call-back. I see our sales agent Sophie has been in touch with you and your holiday has been confirmed. Kind regards, Nic Saga Travel

Excellent website

Excellent website. Easy to book online. When I had a problem it was dealt with promptly and sorted without any problems

Date of experience : 23 April 2024

Hi Linda, Thanks for sharing your review. We're pleased to hear that you were able to confirm your booking and we hope you have a fantastic holiday, Best Wishes, Nick Saga Travel

Can actually speak to someone who will…

Can actually speak to someone who will go through various options with you and can book straightaway so you know exactly what you are getting. Very helpful if you need any alterations to the itinerary and actually get back to you when they say. All sorted with no stress!

Date of experience : 14 April 2024

Hi Sandra, Thank you for your feedback about your booking experience. We're looking forward to seeing you on your Saga holiday. Kind regards, Nic Saga Travel

SAGA DIFFICULT TO PAY !!!

Really disappointed to be doing this but SAGA are no help to this old man at all. Have a holiday booked trying to make a payment. They are insisting on the full amount. Which my bank will not accept as it is outside my credit limit. Want to make stage payments. SAGA insisting on full amount Need help urgently Holiday Booking number is 11065539

Date of experience : 05 April 2024

Hi Mike, Thanks for sharing your review. We're really sorry to hear about your booking experience. This site is for Saga Travel Group holidays rather than Saga Cruises, however if you could email your contact details over to [email protected], the cruise team will be happy to contact you directly to address you concerns. Best Wishes, Nick Saga Travel

If I book another saga holiday I feel…

If I book another saga holiday I feel it would be easier to speak directly to saga and not book online. This way, I feel, I’d know my booking was available.

Date of experience : 16 April 2024

Thank you for your feedback, please do call our sales and aftersales team if you require any assistance with your booking.

Pleasant service

The two people I spoke to about this holiday were both very pleasant and appeared efficient but the delay we experienced getting confirmation of the availability of two single rooms was ridiculous and extremely annoying

Date of experience : 25 April 2024

Hi Jennifer, Thanks for sharing your feedback. We're really pleased that our agents were able to help you confirm your booking but we're sorry to hear about the delays with confirming your rooms. Please be assured that your feedback will be passed to the relevant teams for their information and review, We hope you have a wonderful holiday, Best Wishes, Nick Saga Travel

Book with Saga

Excellent knowledge from customer service colleague Clive. Not rushed .Explained in detail about tour being booked. Very friendly. I felt satisfied when completed booking with Saga

Hi Christine, Thank you for your kind comments about our Sales Agent Clive, we are delighted your booking experience was enjoyable. Kind regards, Nic Saga Travel

Brilliant service

Easy booking. VIP service to the airport. Insurance covered, food and drinks covered and excursions included. Everything you need when you are a senior.

Date of experience : 19 April 2024

Thank you for your review.

Excellent service and understanding of…

Excellent service and understanding of anxieties going on a solo trip. My advisor was 100% amazing, understanding and efficient. So far I can not fault the service I’ve received.

Date of experience : 21 April 2024

Hi, Thanks so much for taking the time to share your booking experience. We're so pleased to hear that our agents were able to answer all your queries and help you confirm your booking. We hope you have a fantastic experience on your upcoming trip, Best Wishes, Nick Saga Travel

Saga Customer Care DONT CARE!

Booked a holiday to include the Panama Canal and Big Sur for 70th Birthday celebration. Saga made various changes some of which were beyond their control but the ship advertised changed and no notification of this was given. Have communicated with Saga over various issues and they do not communicate with you, even Senior Management phone you, make promises but don’t deliver, still waiting for an email from Charlotte Hingston confirming how she intends to make amends for the appalling service. Very reluctant to book any further travel with Saga, the only time they are helpful is when you are making a booking and they want the deposit.They do not comply with ABTA Code of Conduct STILL WAITING FOR A RESPONSE 21/4/24 had a phone call from Charlotte Hingston following this review and was promised a phone call back on the Friday and an email - no surprise heard absolutely nothing! Maybe the CEO would like an update on SAGA/Titan so called customer service.

Date of experience : 10 April 2024

Hi Christine, We're really sorry to read your feedback. This is certainly of not the type of review we aim to receive. We understand that our senior managers are aware of your issues, are investigating your concerns and will be in contact with you directly to address the complaints that you have raised. We do hope that we can go some way to restoring your faith in us, Best Wishes, Nick Saga Travel

A 5 star review here but mainly for…

A 5 star review here but mainly for Martin Johnson of Saga tailormade department. We booked a tour to Sicily for our 50th wedding anniversary and were very disappointed when our hotel accommodation was changed to a completely unacceptable alternative & flights from BA to Easyjet. Wishing to cancel by chance we came across Martin who thankfully enabled us to change our trip to the Bel Jou hotel in St. Lucia. A lovely hotel in Castries with beautiful gardens, great food and lovely staff. The hotel bus runs regular transfers to the town and beach & entertainment in the evenings. A huge thankyou to Martin who rescued us from what would have been a huge disappointment for such a special occasion.

Date of experience : 23 November 2023

Hi Peter, Thanks for taking the time to share your review. We're so pleased to hear that you had a great time celebrating your anniversary and that Martin was able to organise everything so well. We look forward to you joining us again, Best Wishes, Nick Saga Travel

Nile River cruises

Ancient sights and egyptian treasures.

Nile River cruise holidays take you into the realm of ancient Egypt . Embark on a Nile cruise and you’ll instantly be transported back to a time where romance, intrigue and adventure where bywords in travel.

The world’s longest river is aligned with archaeological sites and dramatic landscapes. It’s a symbol of hope to the people of Egypt and North Africa as well as an exciting opportunity to explore in the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Karnak.

From the ancient city of Thebes and the tombs of the Pharaohs to luxurious cruise ship cabins and delicious Egyptian specialities – if you’re looking for a Nile cruise, here’s where you set sail.

GROUP TOURS

Egypt’s Timeless Riches - a week on the River Nile

From £ 1,865 per person

Magic of the Nile

From £ 2,515 per person

Egypt’s Nostalgic Nile by Dahabiya

From £ 4,115 per person

Cairo, Alexandria and a Nile Cruise

From £ 2,615 per person

Magic of the Nile - Solo

From £ 2,965 per person

Cairo, Alexandria and a Nile Cruise - Solo

From £ 3,815 per person

Ancient Egypt marks the midpoint between Africa and the Middle East . It’s a country that’s cultural threads stretch back in time in much the same way as the River Nile snakes from the capital city of Cairo to Aswan before crossing the border and flowing through neighbouring Sudan. Explore amongst the architectural remnants of the Ottoman Empire and the pyramid goliaths of Giza before embarking on a cruise to see the magnificent monuments set on either side of the Nile River Valley.

If you’re looking for a golden sand beach and an offshore coral reef, the Red Sea resorts around Sharm El Sheikh and El Quseir provide perfect places to hang out before or after a Nile River cruise. Situated to the south of the biblical settings of the Sinai Peninsula, the Red Sea has become one of Egypt’s best loved locations for holiday makers with several all-inclusive beach resorts adding to the magical mix of ancient treasures and romantic river journeys.

No cruise along the River Nile is complete without experiencing Egypt’s most intriguing architectural feats. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of the Kings, especially, is where you’ll find some of the region’s world-famous rock hewn tombs and hieroglyph daubed walls. Located on the opposite west bank to the temples of Luxor and Karnak, this is the most exciting section of a cruise along the Nile and a great precursor to Kom Obmbo Temple that sits at the approach to Aswan.

The flight time from the UK to Cairo is roughly four and a half hours.

You don’t need a visa to visit Egypt from the UK as long as you stay for less than three months. Go to GOV.UK for entry requirements to Egypt or, alternatively, visit CIBT visas for more information.

The River Nile is one of the hottest places in Egypt with July and August showing peak temperatures. As river cruises run all year round, it’s well worth visiting outside of summer when the climate’s more comfortable and there will be fewer crowds around the main monuments at Karnak and Luxor.

Egypt is on Eastern European Time and therefore three hours ahead of the UK.

Arabic is the official language of Egypt and widely spoken throughout the Nile regions. English is also commonly understood in tourist areas and around the beach resorts on the Red Sea.

MS Nile Odyssey

MS Nile Plaza

Livingstone

Dahabiya cruises

With the widest choice of holidays and travel experiences than ever before, you can now personalise your trip so you are in complete control. All this is backed up by the high-standards and service you’d expect from Saga.

70 years’ experience

Experienced travellers have been enjoying great value Saga holidays for over 70 years.

Peace of mind

You’re in safe hands with Saga. We’re an ABTA member and your holiday is ATOL protected.

Great value

We’re constantly monitoring prices and negotiating the best deals with our travel partners.

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Danube river cruises: an ultimate guide to cruising Budapest and beyond

Why, when and how to sail along Europe’s second-longest river, which meanders through the likes of Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest

Its banks are lined with dramatic, unspoiled landscapes, postcard-perfect towns and villages, and grand, opulent cities . Take a river cruise down this majestic river and you’ll encounter some of the world’s most stunning countryside, including the UNESCO-protected Wachau Valley, along with an array of fascinating cultures.

Cruising Europe’s waterways is a great way to see more of the region in a short period of time than you might do by land, and a river cruise can be the ideal introduction to cruise holidays for first-timers.

While ships are smaller than those traversing across oceans, river cruise itineraries often feature big-name guests onboard – as is the case with our seven-night sailing along the Danube , when one of the UK's best-loved historians, Lucy Worsley (pictured below), joins guests on a private visit to Vienna’s Royal Lipizzaner Stables and Spanish Riding School.

What is the best time of year to cruise the Danube River?

The Danube is a year-round destination with the exception of January and February, when few cruise lines operate here. Summer, when the weather is hottest, is peak season and as a result Europe’s cities are particularly crowded. Because of that, we recommend taking a Danube river cruise in April, May, September and October. Good Housekeeping's seven-night itinerary sails in September, when the weather should still be balmy and dry, but the summer hordes have gone home.

Where does a Danube river cruise start and end?

The Danube either flows through or delineates part of the border of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine. Many cruises traverse the stretch between the capital cities of Vienna, Austria and Budapest , Hungary, starting or ending at either location.

Our seven-night Danube river cruise with Lucy Worsley departs from the city of Engelhartszell in Austria before calling at Vienna (pictured below), the pretty town of Esztergom in Hungary and Budapest. You'll then loop back down the river, calling at Slovakia's capital Bratislava and the Wachau Valley in Austria before returning to Engelhartszell.

Is a Danube river cruise worth it?

Absolutely! If you love dazzling landscapes, magnificent architecture and fabulous food, a Danube river cruise is hard to beat. Exploring Europe by water requires no internal flights and train rides and eliminates schlepping around with your luggage in tow.

On a river cruise, you can discover multiple destinations – and even get to the heart of them with a guided tour, should you wish – in just one trip, all the while returning to the same luxurious stateroom and comfy bed each night.

What are the best things to do on a Danube river cruise?

One of the highlights of any Danube cruise is the Austrian capital, Vienna, with its musical heritage, imperial palaces, array of art museums, stunning Lipizzaner stallions, and delectable cuisine (a slice of Sachertorte chocolate cake is a must when in town!).

Secondly, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, boasts breath-taking architecture as well as historic thermal baths (pictured above), while Bratislava shouldn’t be overlooked with its lively 18th-century Old Town and impressive reconstructed hilltop castle from which you can look down over it.

Other hotspots along the Danube include the verdant Wachau Valley in Austria, which tumbles down to the riverbanks; and medieval Esztergom, Hungary’s former capital, which is home to the country’s largest church, Esztergom Basilica.

And that’s all without mentioning the entertainment and facilities onboard your ship. Join us on our seven-night Danube cruise and you’ll sail aboard A-ROSA FLORA, which boasts an onboard spa offering beauty and body treatments, gym, spacious sun deck, heated outdoor pool, outdoor restaurant with canopy top, bar and dancefloor, lounges and plenty of evening fun.

Which cruise lines offer Danube river cruises?

Among the companies offering cruises along the Danube are A-ROSA Cruises , with whom we have partnered to bring you our remarkable river cruise . A-ROSA has 20-plus years of experience in sailing couples, families, groups and solo travellers along some of Europe’s loveliest rivers in laidback style, giving you lots of freedom to explore port stops at your own pace.

How much does it cost to cruise the Danube?

Danube cruises can be great value, with our cruise through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia starting just over £2,000 per person for a week. All meals and drinks, including sparkling wines and cocktails, are included, as are snacks and afternoon tea. Also included is the use of the sauna, gym and top-deck heated swimming pool. You'll also get 15% off treatments in the onboard spa.

Sail the Danube and visit Vienna's famous riding school with Lucy Worsley in September 2024.

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Saga cruises back to growth as over 50s return to the high seas

S aga, the UK’s specialist in products and services for people over 50, has reported a jump in revenue and profit off the back of higher demand for its holiday packages .

The company told the market this morning that underlying revenue for the year to the end of January had risen 13 per cent to £732.7m, and trading earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) had jumped 26 per cent to £116.5m.

However, despite the higher revenue and EBITDA figures, Saga still reported a loss before tax of £129m for the year, although this was much improved on the -£272.7m loss reported for fiscal 2023. The group’s underlying profit before tax was £38.2m, up 146 per cent compared to the prior year.

The biggest drag on the company’s results was its insurance business, which has been a headache for years.

Insurance Broking reported an earned underlying profit before tax of £39.8m, compared with £71.5m in 2023. The year-on-year decline of £31.7m was driven by the “challenging insurance environment and, in particular, the impact of net rate inflation.”

Insurance Underwriting reported an underlying loss before tax of £1.4m, a fall of £12.1m compared to 2023’s levels. Due to a “sustained level of claims inflation,” the firm’s underwriting combined ratio – a measure of underwriting profitability – improved marginally from 117.1 per cent to 120.5 per cent.

On the other hand, Saga’s ocean cruise business roared back to life with underlying profit before tax hitting £35.5m , compared to an underlying loss after tax of £0.7m in the previous year. Revenue at the ocean cruise business rose 28 per cent overall.

Mike Hazell, Saga’s chief executive officer, said: “Ocean Cruise had an outstanding year and, as a result, we far exceeded our initial earnings targets, while River Cruise and Travel both returned to profit for the first time since the pandemic.”

He added: “While our Insurance business continued to be hindered by challenging conditions, with inflationary headwinds…we are investing in price to improve our competitive position and stabilise our policy volumes and early signs indicate that this is delivering the expected benefits.”

“I am confident in our strategic direction, which underpinned by the strength of our brand, allows us to continue to serve our unique customer base. Our decision to accelerate our partnership strategy will provide us with a capital-light route to growth, reducing debt and delivering long-term sustainable value for all our stakeholders,” Hazell summarized.

Saga U-turn on selling underwriting business as insurance division hit by hikes