UK-based river cruise company Uniworld Boutique River Cruises takes guests on exceptional journeys as it introduces its new Ultimate Bucket List Collection.
This new offering is a selection of longer long-haul journeys combining the finest land and rail experiences with the ultra-luxury, one-of-a-kind river cruises for which Uniworld is renowned.
As part of Uniworld’s Spectacular Journeys of the World brochure for 2026, which features Southeast Asia, Egypt, India and South America, there are four Ultimate Bucket List itineraries, each lasting between 18 and 21 days, allowing guests to experience countries or regions more fully in one epic trip.
As to why Uniworld has come up with these new voyages, managing director for the UK and Europe Chris Townson explained: “We have seen a 70 percent increase in long-haul sales in the last 12 months, with the length of stay up 22 percent and average spend up 20 percent year on year. Increasingly our guests want to enjoy as much of these once-in-a-lifetime destinations as possible in a single trip and in ultimate style, having savoured VIP experiences and the world’s most iconic hotels.”
As a result, Uniworld created longer, seamless, full-hosted journeys that are ready to go, saving agent partners the time and complexity of putting them together from scratch, with the confidence that their clients’ expectations will be exceeded.
Townson added: “The new Ultimate Bucket List Collection forms an integral part of our new 84-page Spectacular Journeys of the World brochure, which I believe is our best yet, outlining every detail of these stunning trips, and giving agents all the information they need to close the sale.”
Adventures on land and sea
Each voyage in the Ultimate Bucket List Collection combines immersive land touring with the best river cruising available, and features stays in some of the world’s most celebrated hotels and resorts, from Oberoi properties in India and the Four Seasons in Cairo to Belmond’s exceptional addresses across South America.
Likewise, all itineraries in the collection include a seven-night sailing aboard one of Uniworld’s elegant and intimate vessels which reflect the destinations through which they operate, with beautifully appointed interiors, bespoke furnishings, curated artwork, exceptional dining, thoughtful touches and the highest standards of service on the rivers.
Along the way, guests will enjoy bucket list experiences such as visiting the Taj Mahal at both sunset and sunrise, kayaking amongst the caves and islets of Ha Long Bay, travelling on India’s most luxurious private train the Maharajas’ Express, Bengal tiger spotting in Ranthambhore National Park, exploring the magnificent UNESCO Angkor Wat Temple, spending the day at Machu Picchu, and waking up at the Belmond das Cataratas, the only hotel within Brazil’s Iguassu National Park.
Itineraries under the Ultimate Bucket List Collection
The Ultimate Bucket List Adventure of Southeast Asia
20 days, Ho Chi Minh City (and Ha Long Bay) to Hanoi, from £7,639 per person sharing.
In addition to Ho Chi Minh City, a seven-night Mekong cruise and Siem Reap, Uniworld now includes Hanoi as standard along with an additional two nights’ cruising Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays, at the very highest level of comfort and hospitality. Highlights include all-inclusive fine dining aboard the Super Ship Mekong Jewel, soaking up floating village life along the Mekong delta aboard a traditional sampan, receiving a water blessing from local monks, a profound visit to Cambodia’s Killing Fields and a sunrise Tai Chi lesson from the sun deck overlooking Ha Long Bay.
The Ultimate Bucket List Adventure of South America
21 days, Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu Falls, Lima and the Amazon to Machu Picchu, £12,919 per person sharing.
For the first time, Uniworld is including Rio de Janeiro and Iguassu within a fully-packaged South America journey, staying in world-renowned Belmond hotels with views of Copacabana Beach and the Falls respectively. These showstopping locations, coupled with luxurious expedition cruising on the 16-suite Amazon Aria, and the Peruvian highlights of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Lima, ensure this itinerary covers many of South America’s must-sees in one trip. In the heart of the Amazon, guests will enjoy guided jungle walks to spot the wildlife, flora and fauna of the rainforest, stargaze into the clear skies above the Enchanted Lake and enjoy an exquisite menu from top chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.
The Ultimate Bucket List Adventure of India
20 days, Udaipur to Varanasi, from £10,359 per person sharing.
Starting in Udaipur, this Indian odyssey takes in the Golden Triangle and a seven-night cruise along the Ganges before travelling to the most holy place on India’s beloved river, Varanasi, where the city comes alive every evening with the sense-stirring ritual of the Aarti ceremony. Accommodation includes the famed Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, accessible only by boat, the exceptional Oberoi Rajvilas set in 130,000 square metres of landscaped gardens and the intimate Ganges Voyager II with a maximum on 54 guests on board. As part of the cruise itinerary, guests have a choice of four of Uniworld’s signature Make Travel Matter experiences which are carefully selected for their advancement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The Ultimate Bucket List Adventure of India by Luxury River and Rail
18 days, Kolkata to Mumbai, £18,525 per person sharing.
A truly coast to coast journey across India by luxury train, cruise and land, contrasting the tranquil serenity of the remote villages and rural life along the Ganges with the bustling sights of the Golden Triangle. From the comfort of one of the world’s most luxurious private trains, the Maharajas’ Express, guests will also travel to Ranthambhore National Park, celebrated for its population of Bengal tigers; the Blue City of Jodhpur; Udaipur, known as the Venice of the East, through to cosmopolitan Mumbai on the Arabian Sea.
All itineraries are fully-hosted with a Uniworld tour manager throughout and prices include return international flights, all internal flights and transportation, five-star accommodation, most meals (including local wines and beers throughout the cruise and rail journeys) and a full programme of carefully curated activities onboard and onshore.
