Boat trips · HISTORICAL TOURS
Good historical tours fill up weeks ahead and the calm mornings go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Cruise Budapest’s Danube aboard a historic paddle steamer with a welcome drink, heated seating, blankets, Wi-Fi, and audio guide.
“a relaxing way to explore the River Danube. the paddle boat is fun and unique. it doesn't feel crowded as everyone has their own table and exceptional views. Go for the evening trips to enjoy the lights!”
Review of Porto’s Douro Valley day tour with Amarante, scenic viewpoints, lunch, Rabelo boat cruise, and three-wine tasting.
“I think this day trip is very good if you only want to go to one winery (three tastings) versus three wineries and don't feel confident driving yourself or hiring a personal driver / tour guide (where you could customise your trip and visit more townships etc). Be aware the cruise requires you to download an app and listen to an audio recording. It would be helpful if the link to the app / recording was sent to participants before the tour commenced (in the confirmartion email) and suggest bringing your own headphones. I did not enjoy having the tour guide speak in two languages (e.g. French then English or…”
See the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan skyline on a 90-minute NYC cruise with guides, decks, restrooms, and free photos.
“Right on time, smooth ride, great guide…. More seats on the upper deck might be nice”
Cruise Gdańsk on a 12-seat wooden boat, see the shipyard and Old Town canals, and hear lively stories from an English-speaking guide.
“Great informative and engaging guide. The tour was excellent value for money on a lovely boat. Blankets and umbrellas were at the ready for weather changes, but we were lucky and went on a very sunny day! The trip leaves from an interesting location and there is a shop there for drinks/snacks. Great tour, highly recommended!”
Review of Charleston’s 90-minute harbor cruise to Fort Sumter, with history, sunset views, seating advice, pricing, and practical tips.
“The person we had was very knowledgable about the history of Charleston and also gave us alot of great info and trivia about the city and its history.”
Review of Starship NYC’s 90-minute cruise, with Statue of Liberty views, live narration, pricing, seating tips, and honest drawbacks.
“They did a great job. Very friendly and very informative. I took my fiancé and we had a great time. I would recommend.”
Review of Boston’s one-hour historical harbor cruise, with USS Constitution views, lively narration, practical tips, price advice, and honest drawbacks.
“Amazing views of the Boston skyline and super fun & informative information by the guide!! A must do!!”
Cruise from Wannsee to Potsdam past palaces, lakes, bridges, and Prussian landmarks with English and German commentary.
“As the last day in Berlin, we needed to rest our feet and also we carried heavy backpacks so tour such this seemed like a good idea. Be aware that it leaves from the place that is far away from Berlin center so give it time to arrive there. This boat tour is relaxing and it is a pleasant experience when you are tired. Though it can get a bit boring and too long in general. Nature is beautiful, you can see some buildings and bridges but not very much. It is more a relaxing activity if the weather is nice and not a "must see". The chairs on the…”
Review of Boston’s one-hour historic harbor cruise, with USS Constitution, Boston Light, skyline views, guide tips, price value, and practical advice.
“It was a great ride with a very knowledgeable guide who also interesting. I would recommend! Great views of Portland.”
Cruise Charleston Harbor aboard a 1920s-style steamer, seeing Fort Sumter, 75 landmarks, dolphins, and sunset views in 90 minutes.
“It was quite enjoyable. we loved the views the commentator and the ride”
Review of Big Island’s historical dinner cruise to Kealakekua Bay, with sunset views, Hawaiian music, local stories, dinner, tips, and honest value advice.
“Great tour. 12 hours goes fast. Dave was a great guide- such a volume of information. Many stops - shopping opps at coffee and bakery stops. Glad we brought layers (December) as got little unlucky with rain on volcano stop and east side of island (pretty typical honestly). Lunch was good. 1.3 hours goes fast drive home nice for nap time.”
Cruise the Mississippi to Chalmette Battlefield aboard the Creole Queen, with local history, New Orleans views, and an optional buffet lunch.
“Totally fabulous experience. Commentary given by the tour guide, Charles, was the best I have ever had. Food was delicious and a real authentic experience of New Orleans cuisine. Drinks were reasonable, with no queuing. Battlefield tour guide was knowledgeable. This experience is highly recommended. Perfect few hours.”
See Lisbon from the Tagus on a two-hour small-group cruise with city history, sunset views, Portuguese green wine, and friendly guides.
“Awesome tour, the two hosts where both friendly and super knowledgeable. Felt at home on the yacht would recommend”
See Gdańsk at sunset from a 12-seat wooden galley, with shipyard cranes, Old Town sights, live commentary, and blankets for $26.
“The boat trip was lovely and calm, sunset was amazing, it was a bit chilly when boat moving but they do provide blankets which did help! Good descriptive guide and ours was in English. After the sunset view we came through the town centre and this was beautiful with everything illuminated Would defo recommend 🤩👌🏼”
Cruise Rotterdam Harbor aboard historic Nehalennia for 90 minutes of architecture, working ports, audio commentary, and waterfront views.
“this is a very nice experience. you can sit down comfortably at the table, both inside the boat and outside, and watch the passing-by landscape while enjoying refreshing drinks. the tour guide offers interesting pieces of information all throughout the trip. the boat isn’t going too fast, so you have a lot of time to appreciate the view and take pictures.”
River hour, cave run, whale ground or a deck with lunch on it.
