Top Western Europe Small Ship Cruise Trips &amp; Packages In 2025/2026

premier

5/5 Excellent

Small Ship Cruise

Why we love them

They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Croatia, Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik, Split

Highlights

What better way to see the historic towns, protected forests and stunning islands of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast than aboard a private yacht? All aboard for a week in paradise.
Explore beautiful Split, where tradition, modernity and a variety of European influences come together. A visit to the Diocletian’s Palace reveals some of the Adriatic Coast’s most important surviving Roman buildings.
Bliss out on Brac’s world famous Zlatni Rat beach, a spit of white sand jutting out into turquoise waters.
Opened to the public only in 1989, the island of Vis boasts coastal scenery and a military history just waiting to be discovered. Also, the local vugava wine is rather nice.
Stari Grad, Hvar’s Old Town, is quite literally one of the oldest towns in Europe, and a charming one at that. It provides a great base from which to explore the island.

Themes

Sailing, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

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$3,210

8 days From$2,378

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Sail Greece: Santorini to Mykonos

premier

4.8/5 Excellent

Small Ship Cruise

Why we love them

They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Akrotiri, Mykonos, Santorini

Highlights

Spend your days island-hopping in the Cyclades, swimming in the clear waters of the Aegean and sleeping aboard a yacht.
See Santorini, where the blue and white villages cling to the rim of an ancient volcano – don't worry, the only fire you’ll see is in the island’s magnificent sunsets.
Break bread with locals in the sleepy fishing villages of the Small Cyclades islands, away from the typical tourist trail.
Taste rural life on the large island of Naxos – a mix of historic neighbourhoods and Kitron liqueur.
Explore a place where Europe’s chic and beautiful come to play – you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the beauty, charm and sunsets of Mykonos.

Themes

Sailing, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

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$2,562

8 days From$1,898

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Greece Sailing Adventure: Cyclades Islands

premier

5/5 Excellent

Small Ship Cruise

Why we love them

They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Mykonos, Santorini

Highlights

A Santorini sunset around the caldera is a sight to behold. Walk along the volcanic rim of the island past white villages that cling to plunging cliffs and watch as day turns to night in the most stunning of ways.
Sail the Aegean Sea on your small group yacht and island-hop through the Cyclades, taking regular stops to swim off the side of your boat and letting the pitch and roll of the ocean help you sleep at night.
Feast on fresh seafood at a sleepy waterfront taverna in the Small Cyclades islands – far away from tourist crowds and deep in the local way of life. This is island living, Greek style.
Step back in time among the Venetian architecture of Naxos and consider learning about rural life with a daytrip to a country village – a couple of the many experiences to be had around the Cyclades.
No Greek island adventure is complete without a stop in Mykonos. Embrace your hedonistic side with its boutique culture and nightlife or relax on one of the many beaches dotted along the coast.

Themes

Sailing, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

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$3,497

10 days From$2,590

Health Safety +

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Croatia Sailing Adventure: Dubrovnik to Split

premier

5/5 Excellent

Small Ship Cruise

Why we love them

They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Croatia, Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik, Split

Highlights

What better way to see the historic towns, protected forests and stunning islands of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast than aboard a private yacht? All aboard for a week in paradise.
Set sail out of beautiful Dubrovnik. The World Heritage-listed walled city plays host to film crews every year.
Wander the length of car-free Lopud in the idyllic Elafiti Islands.
Discover the lush forests of Mljet, which are yet to be spoilt by mainstream tourism.
Visit Odysseus Cave where, according to legend, the king of Ithaca once found refuge after surviving a shipwreck.

Themes

Sailing, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

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$3,278

8 days From$2,428

Health Safety +

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Sardinia & Corsica Sailing Adventure

premier

4.5/5 Excellent

Small Ship Cruise

Why we love them

They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Porto

Highlights

Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and take the opportunity to go snorkelling among colourful fish and marine wildlife at each destination.
Explore the ancient citadel of fortified Bonifacio in Corsica, as well as the many medieval houses, chic bars, historic buildings and bustling Old Town.
Delight in the wildlife in beautiful Caprera, like the wild goats that roam freely. Look out for the varied birdlife on the island, too – declared a natural reserve for the seabirds that live here.
If you choose, cycle around the lively city of Maddalena, a town in the archipelago of the same name that boasts many cafes, bars, restaurants and shops perfect for exploring on foot or wheel.
Watch the sunset each night from a local, white-sanded beach or rise nice and early each morning to watch the sunrise on the deck of your group’s yacht – this setting couldn’t be more perfect for some rest and relaxation.

Themes

Sailing, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."

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$3,447

8 days From$2,553

Health Safety +

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Romantic Rhine with Swiss Alps, 1 Night in Lucerne & 3 Nights in Lake Como (Southbound)

By Avalon Waterways

none

4.7/5 Excellent

River Cruise

Why we love them

They combine the assurance of working with a large cruise operator with the warmth and personal service of a boutique provider.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Very Easy

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Basel, Heidelberg, Heidelberg Castle, Koblenz, Lake Como, Lucerne, Rudesheim, Strasbourg, Zurich

Highlights

Onboard welcome reception
Choice of canal cruise or off-the-beaten path walking tour
Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host
Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host
Choice of guided walk in Mainz with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, or a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or walk the Philosophers’ Way with your Adventure Host

Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lovely with great views."

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$6,207

12 days From$4,926

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The Rhine & Moselle: Canals, Vineyards and Castles

By Avalon Waterways

none

4.7/5 Excellent

River Cruise

Why we love them

They combine the assurance of working with a large cruise operator with the warmth and personal service of a boutique provider.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Very Easy

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Paris, Rudesheim

Highlights

Onboard welcome reception
Choice of guided tour in Luxembourg or wine walk or bike with your Adventure Host
Choice of guided tour in Bernkastel or hike to its Castle Ruins with your Adventure Host; wine tasting
Choice of guided walk with visit of Reichsburg Castle or cable-car ride and hike with your Adventure Host or visit to the Historische Senfmühle (mustard mill); sail through the Moselle Valley
Choice of visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; classical concert

Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lovely with great views."

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$5,129

8 days From$3,899

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Spectacular Switzerland with Romantic Rhine

By Avalon Waterways

none

4.7/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Why we love them

They combine the assurance of working with a large cruise operator with the warmth and personal service of a boutique provider.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Very Easy

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Basel, Geneva, Grindelwald, Heidelberg, Heidelberg Castle, Innsbruck, Koblenz, Lake Como, Lucerne, Rudesheim, Strasbourg, Vienna, Zermatt, Zurich

Highlights

Welcome to Switzerland
Zürich orientation tour; stop in Biel/Bienne, explore the historical center; Stop in lakeside Neuchâtel
Guided sightseeing, visit the Reformation Park
See the Rhône vineyards in Évian-Les-Bains; visit the castle in Gruyères; visit the famous Maison Cailler chocolate factory in Broc
Orientation tour in Gstaad; free time in Interlaken; travel to Grindelwald

Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lovely with great views."