In search of cultural engagement, culinary exploration and authentic moments, travellers are turning more and more to river cruising, the fastest-growing segment in travel today. And with good reason — the allure of river cruising appeals to both experienced travellers and first-time cruisers alike.
Photo: View of The River Seine and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France - Photo Credit: Chris Karidis from Unsplash
During your cruise, you’ll dock at the very center of quaint villages and cosmopolitan cities, allowing you to step off the boat and into history. The day is yours to explore the destination in depth, either on your own or through a wide range of included shore excursions. Back onboard, you'll have an elegant dinner inspired by the region you are sailing through, complete with complimentary, local wines, all while cruising past awe-inspiring scenery.
The entire experience is so beguiling, many people book back-to-back river cruises to explore further down the river and make the most of their time abroad. Wherever you wish to explore, there’s a river that will take you to the very heart of your destination. Read ahead for what rivers you can journey down on a river cruise.
North America
Embark on a modern paddlewheeler deep into the heart of America. The lower and upper Mississippi, Ohio, Illinois, Tennessee, Cumberland, Columbia and Snake rivers are filled with natural beauty, Civil War battlefields, vineyards and more.
Top destinations:
Portland
New Orleans
Memphis
Minneapolis
St. Louis
Louisville
Cincinnati
Photo: View of the east side of downtown Portland, Oregon - Photo Credit: Robin Davidson from Unsplash
Europe
On the Rhine, Moselle, Seine, Douro, Danube, Main and Rhône rivers, you will glide through the continent’s most compelling destinations, passing by medieval castles, lush riverbank vineyards, ancient towns and storybook villages.
Top destinations:
Paris
Vienna
Budapest
Prague
Amsterdam
Strasbourg
Cologne
Photo: Budapest Parliament seen from a Danube river cruise at sunset - Photo Credit: Tudor Stanica from Unsplash
South America
The vast jungles, Maya history and unique wildlife of South America is best seen up close. River cruises here, which often include side trips to landmarks, can be found on the Amazon, Colombia’s Magdalena River and the Galapagos Islands.
Top destinations:
Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley
Iquitos
San Cristobal
Photo: Machu Picchu in Peru - Photo Credit: Eddie Kiszka from Unsplash
Southeast Asia
A journey in Asia will reward you with exotic landscapes and ancient temples. Sailing down the Ganges or Mekong rivers, you’ll have a front-row seat to the jewels of India, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Top destinations:
Ho Chi Minh City
Hanoi
Siem Reap
Ha Long Bay
Kolkata
Photo: Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam - Photo Credit: Lieu Cap from Unsplash
Africa
Journey down the backbone of Egyptian civilization, the ancient Nile River, to experience incredible sights that include ancient temples, tombs and local villages.
Top destinations:
Luxor
Aswan
Valley of the Kings
Photo: The Philae temple in Egypt - Photo Credit: AXP Photography from Unsplash
Don't delay and book a river cruise today!
Reprinted with permission from Travel Leaders Network | Jonathan Hermann | August 31, 2021