13 Spectacular River Cruises You Can’t Miss
For many Americans, a cruise is the optimal way to visit multiple countries in a short amount of time. Most cruises have planned stops and offer activities that allow you to avoid excessive planning while still enjoying the sites.
You’ll still need to plan where you want to go and what you want to see. If you are on the fence in your future travels, consider these river cruises that adventurers love.
1. Rio Serrano, Chilean Patagonia
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There are very few landscapes as diverse as Chile’s. The country is filled with lush rainforests in the North and ice fields in the southern region of Patagonia.
On a cruise down the Rio Serrano, visitors get to see natural wonders, including the Southern Icefield, on the way to Seno Ultima Esperanza, otherwise known as the Fjord of the Last Hope. You can take a smaller boat for a more intimate experience with the massive Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers.
2. The Murray, Australia
The Murray is the longest river on the island of Australia. Starting in South Australia, it zig-zags its way through the inland outback until it reaches New South Wales. The variety of ecosystems and small communities make for one fantastic adventure.
People on board the cruise will enjoy stops at local wineries, riverside towns, and animal sanctuaries. It is like going on an Australian safari, unlike any experience you will find in the major tourist cities of Sydney and Melbourne.
3. The Ganges, India
The 1,500-mile Ganges River flows from the Western Himalayas through India to the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh. It has a rich history of people seeking it out as a pilgrimage to spiritual awakening.
As you sail down the Ganges, you will stop at ancient cities like Varanasi (The City of Temples), Rishikesh, Haridwar, and one of the holiest cities in India, Allahabad. Each city will leave you feeling refreshed as you fall asleep and wake up to the pink sun off the water’s horizon.
4. Venetian Canals, Italy
No trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride through the romantic canals of this classic Italian town. For countless years, artists and wanderlust travelers have been enthralled with the charismatic waterways that maze through the city center.
Tourists of Venice can stop and relax at the many cafes, boutiques, and galleries as they explore. Top sites include Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge. And, of course, you cannot beat a Venetian sunset on the water.
5. The Mississippi, United States
Listen, the Mississippi River is not the most pristine river in the world. Afterall, it didn’t get the nickname, “The Big Muddy,” for nothing. Still, the river has a rich history and certain charm that makes it a great cruise vacation.
The Mississippi makes stops along some of the U.S.’s most historic cities. St. Louis is the “Gateway to the West,” Memphis is arguably the birthplace of rock’ n roll, and lastly, you get to New Orleans, where you will find authentic Creole cuisine and a lively jazz scene.
6. The Danube, Europe
The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe and is ideal for a river trip. Starting in southern Germany and flowing to the Eastern Black Sea, the Danube passes through some of the most gorgeous cities in Europe.
Cruisers can explore elegant towns like Vienna, Budapest, Deggendorf, Belgrade, and many other quaint Eastern European cities. There is no better way to view classic architecture, taste local foods, and sip on some of the best wines in the region than a trip down the Danube.
7. The Nile, Egypt
A cruise along the Nile River is the perfect way to transport back in time to the ancient Egyptians. Some people feel a magical presence when they are out on the river, which has transported humans over a million years.
The cruise will start in Luxor and take you to ancient Egyptian temples, tombs, and the Valley of the Kings. You will see the Great Pyrimads, the Sphnyx, and the many other ruins of Cairo.
8. The Seine, France
The Seine stretches for over 500 miles but is mainly known for passing through Paris, the “City of Love.” A day cruise through the city can show you some of the best sites.
Hop onboard a tour boat and take an educational tour of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Grand Palais. Just be sure to finish your wine before you explore the famous Louvre. There, you can see some of the world’s most precious art, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory.
9. The Amazon, South America
Starting in the Andes Mountains of Peru, the river flows all the way to the Atlantic Ocean in northeastern Brazil. A cruise along the Amazon will give travelers an exotic look at some of the world’s most dense rainforests.
The river is over 4,000 miles long and has stops in Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil. No matter which part you visit, you will be amazed by the green landscapes and local wildlife. You will see curious monkeys, lazy sloths, pink dolphins, and an elusive jaguar if you are lucky enough.
10. The Loire, France
The Loire River spans 170 miles through the central region of France, known as “The Cradle of the French,” or the Loire Valley. The area is home to countless vineyards, orchards, and local farms. It is also home to some castles that look like they inspired Disney princesses.
These castles line the Loire and create perfect day trips for exploring the fascinating architecture, as well as rolling hills of farmland. Make sure you try some of the world-class wine as you imagine living in one of the massive chateaus that are as lavish as they come.
11. The Dutch Waterways, the Netherlands
Much like Venice in Italy, Amsterdam is built on intertwining waterways. There are plenty of canals to transport you to the city center, as well as the neighboring city of Jordan, where you can view the famous windmills and tulip fields.
In the downtown center, visitors have many attractions to visit. The Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum are home to some of the most important parts of Dutch culture, including many famous Rembrandt pieces. Afterward, you can stroll through Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s version of Central Park.
12. The Douro, Portugal
A trip on the Douro River is a wine lover’s dream. The river flows along the Iberian Peninsula, then west to León into northern Portugal. Along the way, the countryside is scattered with wineries that have been producing quality wine for over a century.
Each stop will give you the opportunity to taste local grapes, learn about the land, and taste local products from the renowned cellars of Porto. Lastly, the cruise will take you to Vega de Terron, the golden city of Salamanca in Spain.
13. The Yangtze, China
The Yangtze River travels almost 4,000 miles from the Qinghai province to the East China Sea in Shanghai. It is Eurasia’s longest river, bringing visitors along sky-scrapping mountains, deep gorges, deserts, grasslands, and roaring rapids.
A cruise down the Yangtze River passes many natural wonders. Along the path, you will see the Three Gorges, the Wu Gorge, the Shennong Stream, and the temples of Fengdu Ghost City..
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Author: Adam Spraker
Title: Trending Topic Writer
Expertise: Cars, Sports, Music, Finance, Pop Culture, Travel, Restaurants
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Adam has been a trending topic writer for a little over a year now. He specializes in cars, sports, pop culture, travel, and international foods.
A native to Southern California, he recently ditched the beach for a life in the peaceful peaceful western North Carolina mountains. When he isn't working, you can find him riding his bike, searching for the best tacos in North Carolina, or exploring a new brewery with his best friend Gilly, a two-year old Beagle Labrador pup.
