Boutique River Cruising
Unpack once and wake to a new town every morning
River cruising is one of the most relaxed ways to see Europe and the world. Little Travel House matches you with the right waterway, ship, and sailing, then builds the flights and stays around it.
The intimacy of a small ship, in the heart of every destination
A river cruise sails a small vessel along an inland waterway, docking in the centre of towns and cities rather than at distant ports. You unpack once, settle into your cabin, and let the scenery and the destinations come to you. Most mornings bring a new place to step off and explore, often with a guided walk or visit included.
Smaller ships have been part of Little Travel House from the beginning. Andrew and Cathy founded the business in the midst of Covid-19 because they saw travel becoming more intimate: smaller groups, smaller ships, and bespoke arrangements with local guides. River cruising fits that belief naturally.
As an independent business affiliated with the Envoyage Group, an arm of the Flight Centre Travel Group, we bring small-business attention to detail together with big-business buying power on the river lines and sailings we book.
River cruising suits travellers who
- Want to see several places without packing and unpacking
- Prefer a relaxed pace with scenery at every meal
- Like stepping straight off the ship into a town
- Enjoy guided excursions without organising them
- Are travelling as a couple, with friends, or solo
The choices we help you navigate
A river cruise sounds simple, but the waterway, the line, and the sailing all matter. Here are the common decisions we help travellers work through.
Which river and sailing to choose
We match the waterway to your interests and the season, whether that means castles on the Rhine, wine on the Douro, or temples on the Mekong.
Understanding what is included
We explain what each line covers, from excursions and drinks to flights and transfers, so you can compare sailings on more than price alone.
Choosing the right cabin and deck
We advise on cabin location and category based on how you like to travel, balancing views, value, and access to the ship's facilities.
Getting to and from the ship
We book your flights, pre- and post-cruise hotels, and transfers so your whole journey connects smoothly around the cruise.
The right waterway, then the whole journey around it
We do not run our own ships. We work with trusted river cruise lines and use our knowledge to match you with the right waterway, sailing, and cabin for your style and budget. Then we build the rest of your trip, flights, pre- and post-cruise stays, and transfers, so the cruise sits inside one seamless journey.
A dedicated human advisor
You speak with Andrew and Cathy directly, not a call-centre queue, from first idea to safe return home.
Envoyage Group buying power
Affiliation with the Envoyage Group, an arm of the Flight Centre Travel Group, brings competitive pricing and supplier contracts to your booking.
The whole trip, not just the cruise
We coordinate flights, hotels, and transfers so your river cruise flows as one journey rather than a set of separate bookings.
Rivers and waterways we plan often
These are the waterways we are asked about most. Each can be shaped around your dates and interests, with the right line and sailing for how you like to travel.
The Rhine
Castles, vineyards, and historic towns from the Netherlands through Germany and France to Switzerland, with easy access to Cologne, the Rhine Gorge, and Basel.
The Danube
A classic passage through central Europe, linking Passau, Vienna, Budapest, and beyond, with imperial cities and riverside wine regions along the way.
The Douro
Portugal's winding wine river, sailing from Porto through terraced vineyards and historic port estates into the Douro Valley.
The Mekong
A slower, warmer journey through Vietnam and Cambodia, with floating villages, temples, and a natural link to Angkor Wat and the temples of Siem Reap.
The Nile
Ancient Egypt from a different angle, with temples and tombs reachable from the deck, and time in Luxor, Aswan, and Cairo on either end.
The Seine & beyond
From Paris to the Normandy coast, plus the Rhône, the Volga, and other waterways we can match to the season and style you have in mind.
Availability and itineraries vary by operator and season. We advise on the right waterway and sailing for your dates and interests.
Two very different ways to cruise
A clear look at how river and ocean cruising compare, so you can choose the style that suits your trip. Both have their place, and many journeys blend them.
Comparison reflects typical characteristics. Specifics vary by line, ship, and sailing.
From first conversation to safe return
A straightforward, human process that keeps you in control while we handle the work.
We talk it through
Share your destination ideas, dates, and how you like to travel. There is no obligation.
We match a waterway
We recommend the right river, line, and sailing for your interests, season, and budget.
We build around it
We add flights, pre- and post-cruise stays, and transfers, then book everything with Envoyage Group buying power.
You cruise with support
With the cruise and your connections in place, you travel with a human contact before, during, and after.
Common questions, answered
Build on your river cruise
These services pair naturally with a river cruise and can be added to a single itinerary.
Bespoke Travel
Personalised itineraries built entirely around your interests, pace, and wish list. No two journeys are ever the same.
Independent / FIT Travel
Flexible Independent Travel (FIT) gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace with all logistics handled for you.
Small Group Tours
Organised small-group touring where the itinerary, logistics, and authentic experiences are thoughtfully planned.
Small-Ship & Ocean Cruises
Ocean and small-ship cruising with expert guidance, from selecting the right cabin to coordinating shore excursions.
Day Trips & Activities
Handpicked day trips, cooking classes, walking tours, and private cultural experiences woven into your itinerary by a human advisor.
Flights & Accommodation
Competitive airfares and handpicked accommodation, from boutique hotels to villas, backed by Envoyage Group buying power.
Ready to find your waterway?
Tell us where you would like to sail and how you like to travel. Andrew and Cathy will match you with the right river, line, and sailing, with the buying power of the Envoyage Group behind every booking.