55 Day Uniworld River Cruise from Lima to Ho Chi Minh City 2024

Day 1 Lima

Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and escort you to the beautiful Country Club Lima Hotel. Its charm and comfort will offer you the perfect home for your exploration of the city.

Day 2 Lima

Known as the “City of Kings,” Lima was founded in 1535. A melting pot of cultures, flavors, and history, this bustling metropolis has something for everyone, and today you get to discover it all.

Day 3 Lima, Fly To Iquitos (Nauta) (Embark)

You will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the airport for your flight to Iquitos. Upon your arrival at Iquitos International Airport, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and escort you to the Aqua Nera.

Day 4 Yanayacu-Pucate River, Marañón River

Your day starts at the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, the second- largest protected natural area in Peru. We’ll do an early morning bird watching, followed by a cruise along the Yanayacu-Pucate river in the comfort of our state-of-the-art skiffs. Once the sun sets, we’ll gaze at the night sky, where you’ll have a crystal-clear view of planets and constellations.

Day 5 Samiria River, Nauta Caño (Amazonian Natural Park)

Today we’re exploring the vibrant wildlife and lush greenery thriving in the Amazon. Your naturalist guide will teach you all about the diverse flora and fauna unique to the region before setting off on a guided jungle walk.

Day 6 Nauta, Amazon River

Boarding our skiffs, we start the day like Amazon River dwellers, cruising along the Ucayali River. As the farmers and fishermen go about their business, we search for pink river dolphins in these pristine waters. Later in the day, we return to the skiffs to ride along the black waters of the Pacaya River at dusk, searching for the mysterious wildlife that comes out after dark.

Day 7 Ucayali River, Pacaya River

The rewards of our early start today are plentiful, including an excursion by skiff along the Pacaya River, going deeper into the pristine landscape shared by great egrets, capuchin monkeys, and taricaya turtles. After lunch onboard, we will have a paiche fishing demonstration, the second largest river fish in the world. Later, we venture out by skiffs on the Ucayali River alongside the banana boats transporting their jungle products to the port of Requena.

Day 8 Clavero Lake, San Jose De Sarapanga Forest

Head out to go jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking, or swimming on the Yarapa River or Clavero Lake. In the afternoon, see the unbelievable giant water lilies of the San Jose de Sarapanga forest.

Day 9 Nauta (Iquitos), (Disembark), Fly To Cusco, Urubamba (The Sacred Valley)

Take a morning walk through the town of Nauta before disembarking the ship. Your guide will take you on a few excursions on your way to the Iquitos airport for your flight to Cusco. Once you’ve landed in Cusco, you will be taken to the Tambo del Inka Hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Day 10 Urubamba (The Sacred Valley), Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)

Today you will explore the heartland of the Inka Empire, known as the Sacred Valley. Your guide will take you to Moray and Ollantaytambo, two historical sights of significant importance. You’ll experience a unique way of living in the Sacred Valley as you meet locals. We finish the day with a train ride to Aguas Calientes, the small villages nestled at the bottom of Machu Picchu.

Day 11 Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), Cusco

A breathtaking, historical sight, Machu Picchu is one of the “must-see” archeological sites in the world. This remarkable Inkan Empire site was never found by the Spaniards and was rediscovered during the 20th century. Today, archeologists continue to excavate this ancient city. While many mysteries still surround it, Machu Picchu tells a story of a history that goes back thousands of years. Following your day at Machu Picchu, you will take a train to Ollantaytambo, and then a motor coach will take you to the Belmond Monasterio Hotel in Cusco.

Day 12 Cusco

Located in the Andes Mountains, Cusco was the heartland of the Inkan Empire. Today, you will explore all the wonders of this city as you admire the cobblestone streets, colorful textiles, and art galleries. A perfect blend of ancient Andean cultures with Spanish colonial influence, Cusco is not to be missed. Overnight, you will stay in the Belmond Monasterio Hotel.

Day 13 Cusco, Fly To Iguazu Falls

Explore Cusco at your leisure today, perhaps visiting the San Pedro Market or asking your concierge for tips on the neighborhood around your hotel. Later join a wonderful early dinner that we’ve organized for the group ahead of our late-night flight to Iguazu Falls, a brand-new Uniworld destination!

Day 14 Iguazu Falls

Arrive in Iguazu Falls, where we’ve secured an early morning check-in to the charming Belmond das Cataratas. This pastel-pink hotel sits on the Brazilian side of the falls and offers some truly incredible views. Our explorations today will take us across the border to the Argentinian side, where you’ll take the train to go to the Upper Circuit and appreciate panoramic views of the falls, and witness the Devil’s Throat, the park’s stunning and iconic horseshoe shaped waterfall. Lunch is served at Salto Los Hermanos, the most incredible venue inside the park. Enjoy the exclusive and private view in a natural setting where your lunch has been exclusively organized.

Day 15 Iguazu Falls, Fly To Rio de Janeiro

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the Brazilian side of the falls today before checking out of your hotel and boarding a flight to Rio de Janeiro, where we’ll spend our final day in South America. Upon arrival, we’ll check in to the Copacabana Palace, a glamorous Belmond property on Rio’s beachfront. The rest of the day is at your leisure, so go out and soak up the city however you’d like!

Day 16 Rio de Janeiro, Fly To Amsterdam

Soak up as much of Rio as you can as we explore the city today before our overnight flight to Amsterdam. We’ll take in Christ the Redeemer’s view from the top of Corcovado Mountain, enjoy a local lunch together, and more.

Day 17 Fly to Amsterdam (Embark)

Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, where you will be transferred to the S.S. Beatrice. This beautiful Super Ship doesn’t typically sail this path, but we thought our Rivers of the World guests deserved something extra special.

Day 18 Amsterdam

Enjoy the luxury of a full day in the “Venice of the North,” starting with a delightful tour of the Rijksmuseum. Afterward, explore the city’s canals by boat. In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 19 Cologne

Enjoy a delightful tour of Cologne’s Old Town, where three medieval gates remain standing, as does the old city hall with its stunning Renaissance façade. Wander through the historical center and take in its charming atmosphere and narrow alleyways flanked by old houses. You’ll also have ample free time to explore the city on your own.

Day 20 Rüdesheim

Experience the most spectacular scenery on the Rhine this morning as you cruise past the famous Middle Rhine Valley. Later, experience Germany’s fabled Rheingau in one of two ways: take in spectacular views of the region’s famous vineyards from the perspective of an aerial cable car, or venture within an atmospheric medieval monastery and taste the Rieslings made on site. Like many cities along the Rhine, Rüdesheim has a lengthy history that stretches back to Roman times. These days, the town is best known for its narrow avenue of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse and its impressive Niederwald Monument.

Day 21 Frankfurt (Heidelberg)

Vibrant Frankfurt, often referred to as the “Mainhattan” of Europe, boasts world-class museums, soaring skyscrapers, cozy wine taverns, and lovely parks. Choose a brief tour that gives you an overview of this major European financial and trade center, or visit romantic Heidelberg and its Renaissance castle.

Day 22 Wertheim

After today, you may never eat a pretzel again without thinking of the town of Wertheim. You’ll meet one of Germany’s best pretzel makers, as well as the owner of a historic wine estate. If you’re more in the mood for a scenic bike ride, you are welcome to do that instead.

Day 23 Würzburg

Your ship will dock in the charming Franconian town of Würzburg, where you can visit the extraordinary Würzburg Residence, one of the most opulent Baroque palaces in Europe.

Day 24 Cruise The Main River, Kitzingen (Rothenburg)

Step into a fairytale version of the Middle Ages in Rothenburg, where a rainbow of half-timbered houses line the cobbled streets

Day 25 Bamberg

Your floating boutique hotel takes you to Bamberg today, a well- preserved town that offers a fascinating glimpse of medieval times. Explore the city on foot or opt to head deeper into the Franconian countryside to experience an authentic slice of rural life—including a tractor ride. Like Rome, the city is built on seven hills—but in Bamberg, a church tops each one.

Day 26 Nuremberg, Cruising The Main-Danube Canal

Head up to the top deck or find a seat with a good view—you won’t want to miss seeing the ship navigate its way through a marvel of modern engineering, the Main-Danube Canal. A formidable set of locks, 16 in all, lifts your ship to the crest of the European “continental divide.” Arrive in the archetypal medieval German city of Nuremberg. You’ll choose between two memorable ways of exploring this exceptional city. You can join a tour of the pencil manufacturer Faber-Castell’s factory and expansive headquarters, or you can accompany a local expert to the city’s most important WWII sites.

Day 27 Regensburg

Bavaria’s first capital, Regensburg, owes its impressive historical lineage and rich architectural heritage to 600 years as a Free Imperial City, a fact recognized by UNESCO in 2006. Today, you’ll discover how the beautifully preserved medieval city coexists with a vibrant modern urban center.

Day 28 Passau

Located at the confluence of three rivers—the Danube, Inn, and Ilz— Passau is well known for its ornate baroque cathedral. Today, the city is unusually well preserved, having been spared the brunt of Allied bombing during WWII, as you’ll see on your walking tour.

Day 29 Weissenkirchen (Melk), Vienna

Named for its white church, Weissenkirchen may very well be the prettiest village in the Wachau Valley. A local expert will show you around and introduce you to some regional delicacies, including a wine tasting. Prefer to go for Baroque? Visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinarily opulent library. Later, you can stretch your legs with a vineyard hike. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Vienna, where our next highlight awaits. A private Mozart & Strauss concert at a historic venue, typically a Masterpiece Collection add-on experience, has been made complimentary for our Rivers of the World guests.

Day 30 Vienna

Vienna is a cultural treasure trove revered for its art and music (and sinfully rich pastries). Begin your day at the Vienna Art History Museum, then embark on a tour of the city’s imperial highlights. A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening

Day 31 Budapest

Called the “Queen of the Danube,” Budapest is an enchanting city that vibrantly mixes East and West, medieval and modern. Made up of two parts—Buda (the hills) and Pest (the flatlands)—and divided by the Danube, Hungary’s capital presents an array of architectural styles that reveal its long and varied history.

Day 32 Budapest (Disembark), Fly To Lyon (Embark)

Disembark the S.S. Beatrice and board a flight to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to the S.S. Catherine to begin Part 3 of our journey.

Day 33 Lyon

Lyon is a city of tantalizing contrasts. There’s much to explore here, from secret passageways to silk weaving. After your choice of excursions, embrace the locals’ favorite mode of transportation with a bike ride—a great way to see the sights.

Day 34 Mâcon (Beaune)

The pace of life is decidedly more relaxed in Burgundy, where endless rows of grapes hang heavy on the vine. The capital of the region’s wine trade, Beaune is renowned for its history, beauty, and highly prized wine, as well as its medieval-era hospital—the Hospices de Beaune. A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Day 35 Tain-L’hermitage (Tournon)

If you love fine wine, you’ll love the twin villages of Tournon and Tain- l’Hermitage. Tournon may be a small town, but stirring events took place here: A castle was raised on the hilltop in the 10th century to protect the region, and new fortifications were added over the centuries, including two “new” towers built to defend against Protestant attacks in the 16th century. You’ll see the handsome houses constructed by wealthy merchants and garrison officers when you walk through the Rue de Doux area, and you’ll pass the 14th-century church and the oldest secondary school in France.

Day 36 Viviers

On one of our highlights included for Rivers of the World guests, travel to a family-owned truffle farm for a tasting of their “black diamonds,” accompanied by a local wine. Meet the farmer for an introduction to the mystery and complexity of black truffles, partake in a hunt led by truffle dogs and learn about the production of this highly valued ingredient.

Day 37 Avignon

The walled city of Avignon is one of the most fascinating towns in southern France, with a host of historic gems to explore—including the fortress residence of rebellious popes who broke from Rome and once lived and ruled here. You’ll see the Palace of the Popes and much more today, and you’ll also have a chance to kayak under a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct. A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Day 38 Arles

Explore a sun-drenched Provençal town today with an allure all its own. Known for its remarkable Roman ruins, Arles so inspired Van Gogh that he painted some 200 paintings there. Arles has existed since the sixth century BC, when the ancient Greeks founded it and named it Theline. It was here that the Romans built their first bridge across the Rhône River, creating a vital overland route between Italy and Spain. Another exceptional experience has been made complimentary for our Rivers of the World guests today: a visit to a local olive farm for an oil tasting.

Day 39 Arles (Disembark), Fly To Hanoi

Disembark the S.S. Catherine and transfer to Marseille Airport for your overnight flight to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.

Day 40 Hanoi

Once you’ve cleared customs in Hanoi, you’ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative who will help you with your luggage and take you to your luxury accommodations, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel. In the evening, a dinner will be held at the hotel to mark the beginning of the final leg of our journey.

Day 41 Hanoi

Hanoi’s elegant boulevards are lined with trees and handsome buildings, as you’ll see on today’s fascinating tour of the city. At the same time, this lively cultural center—Vietnam’s capital city—is replete with bustling streets, food vendors, museums, and historic sites, making for an intriguing study in contrasts that rivals any other metropolitan destination.

Day 42 Hanoi, Ha Long Bay

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel in Hanoi, you’ll board a motorcoach that will carry you on a scenic drive to the bay, where you’ll be transferred by speed boat to board the luxurious Paradise Grand and begin your breathtaking cruise. Precipitous limestone pillars and isles—hundreds of them—rise out of the emerald water of the bay. Settle into your stateroom, then enjoy lunch with a matchless view as you sail among these astonishing formations, the result of eons of tides and rain. You will have time for optional kayaking around the beautiful Ao Ech area. Enjoy a delicious BBQ buffet dinner prepared by the boat’s chef. Afterward, relax on deck and enjoy more scenic sailing

Day 43 Ha Long Bay, Fly To Siem Reap

Welcome your second day onboard Paradise Grand with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises. The first destination is Viet Hai village. You can explore the majestic landscapes and the simple life of local people there by going cycling or hopping in an electric car. We’ll pass by a fish farm and bee houses, experience a fishpond foot massage, and sit for lunch on the boat. After Viet Hai, you can visit Castaway Island with a swimming and/or kayaking trip. Afterward, transfer to Hanoi’s airport for a flight to Siem Reap, where we’ll check into the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort.

Day 44 Siem Reap

Today is a bucket list kind of day as you explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, a gigantic religious complex that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also climb aboard a remork—a small open-air carriage hitched to the back of a motorcycle—for a city tour. Enjoy the breeze and get an excellent view of the city as you drive around for a relaxing tour of the streets of Siem Reap, with stops at several artisans’ workshops that will introduce you to Siem Reap’s thriving arts scene.

Day 45 Siem Reap

Today you will enter the spectacular remnants of Angkor Thom, the royal city. Built during the heyday of the Khmer dynasty in the 12th century, this extraordinary complex of Hindu and Buddhist monuments was once lost to the world for many years, hidden under dense jungle vines. We’ve arranged a spectacular candle light dinner at the Angkor Wat temple complex, and traditional Apsara show.

Day 46 Siem Reap, Kampong Cham (Embark)

Today, you’ll have free time to explore Siem Reap, a place name that means, literally, “Defeat of Siam”—which tells you something of its history. It is the gateway to Angkor, the legendary archaeological site. Later check out of your hotel and transfer via executive motorcoach to Kampong Cham where you’ll embark on the beautiful Mekong Jewel— your elegant home for the next seven nights.

Day 47 Wat Hanchey (Angkor Ban)

Today is a celebration of Cambodia’s bright future. You’ll meet young children at a local school and friendly villagers in their homes, and have a rare opportunity to receive an unforgettable water blessing from local Buddhist monks.

Day 48 Phnom Penh

Today, you’ll discover the thriving capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. It stands at the juncture of three captivating rivers and represents a dizzying blend of architectural styles—French colonial, Khmer, modern, and everything in between. Here, you’ll find an alluring riverside esplanade amid numerous bewitching Buddhist temples, palaces, and artifacts.

Day 49 Phnom Penh

Today’s featured excursion may be the most profound and memorable experience of your entire journey. You’ll learn about the infamous Killing Fields of the Khmer Rouge and visit a former school-turned-prison that is now a genocide museum.

Day 50 Cruising The Mekong River, Hong Ngu (Long Khanh A)

You leave Cambodia behind and cross into Vietnam today, delving into a region where traditional and modern lifestyle elements mingle. Agriculture may still reign supreme, but TV satellite dishes dot rooftops of houses built on stilts. You’ll visit the local island village of Hong Ngu, a major producer of the traditional Khmer scarves located not far from the Vietnam-Cambodia border. Since they’re woven in many homes around the village, you’ll have the opportunity to see the process first-hand. You’ll also stop at a local temple dedicated to a unique religion founded in this area of Vietnam, Hoa Hoa. And perhaps the most interesting visit of the day? A visit to the local home of a retired VC General.

Day 51 Cu Lao Gieng Island, Sa Dec

Following breakfast, you’ll venture to Gieng Island, where you’ll experience how a local family makes incense sticks and the conical hat. Later, your journey continues via sampan, where you’ll observe the daily routines of the villagers in Sa Dec and visit a colorful temple.

Day 52 Ving Long

Today, you’ll witness the hustle and bustle of delta river life as the local traders take their produce to market. After breakfast, you’ll board a traditional sampan and explore the narrow canals and backwaters of this famed region. The untouched island of Tien Loi awaits on a unique excursion created exclusively for Uniworld guests, where you can see how local farmers make rooster cages, decorate bonsais in their yards.

Day 53 My Tho, Dise, Ho Chi Minh City (Disembark)

Experience how ancient history melds with the boisterous present in Vietnam’s largest city, where skyscrapers tower over ancient temples and motorbikes putter along picturesque alleys.

Day 54 Ho Chi Minh City

Today’s featured excursion provides a fascinating glimpse of the Viet Cong’s vast network of incredibly narrow tunnels dating back to the Vietnam War. A Rivers of the World Farewell Celebration dinner will be held tonight.

Day 55 Ho Chi Minh City

You’ve reached the end of the journey of a lifetime. If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight home.