Ocean and sea cruises are ideal ways to visit some of the world’s top cities.
However, don’t forget the planet’s most famous rivers also offer some exceptional exploring options. These are 10 of the bestriver cruises to enjoy.
1. The Yangtze River
China’s most famous river, the Yangtze, will allow you to view all of the amazing sites and beauty of the country from Beijing to Shanghai. This means you’ll have the chance to explore some of the nation’s most historical attractions such as the Great Wall of China, Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian, the Shibaozhai Temple, and the Three Gorges Dam.
2. The Mississippi River
This is definitely one of the most famous rivers in North America. It’s 2,320 miles in length and flows through a total of 10 American states.
It runs from the northern state of Minnesota and flows all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico.
Some of America’s most stories and historical cities lie alongside the river, such as St. Louis, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee, and New Orleans. Louisiana. Along the way, you’ll be able to see battlefields from the Civil War, picturesque riverside towns, and plantation homes.
It’s a very artistic area too as it’s the home of jazz and blues music and author Mark Twain also made the river famous in his books.
3. The Amazon River
You can explore two sections of this famous South American river. These include cruises in Brazil along the Lower Amazon, as well as an excursion in Peru down the Upper Amazon tributaries. You can also cruise the Atlantic Ocean and enter the mouth of the Amazon River and cruise the Lower Amazon.
On this river, you’ll see some amazing plant and animal life. These include giant lilies orchids,rainforests, monkeys, rare frogs, toucans, and sloths. You’ll have the chance to explore the local cultures and their arts and crafts.
4. The Nile River
There’s no better way to explore the history and attractions of ancient Egypt than on a Nile River cruise. You’ll see many ancient sites such as the Pyramids of Giza, the statues of Ramses II, the Valley of the Kings, and the Abu Simbel Temple.
You can also take a trip to the Aswan High Dam and treat yourself to a sunset cruise on one of the country’s traditional sailboats, known as feluccas.
5. The Mekong River
This famous waterway takes you through Vietnam and Cambodia. You’ll see small villages, large cities, floating markets and numerous temples. When you reach Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh, you can explore the Solver Pagoda and Royal Palace.
When you hit Ho Chi Minh City, many wartime sites can be visited including the famous Viet Cong underground tunnels and the War Remnants Museum. Angkor Wat is also another of the top sites along the cruise.
6. The Seine River
Most cruises down the gorgeous Seine River begin in Paris, France. There are dozens of historical attractions to visit here including the famous Arch de Triumph, Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, and Notre Dame. Also on the river, you’ll be able to see the colorful gardens of Giverny, Monet’s home, Le Havre, Chateau Gaillard, the beaches of Normandy, and Les Andelys.
7. The Rhine River
This wonderful river features castles and vineyards and is one of the most popular cruising destinations in Europe. Depending on the specific cruise you choose, you’ll be able to explore Basel, Switzerland, as well as Cologne, Germany, and Strasbourg, France. The historical sites are amazing as is the natural beauty of the river and cities.
8. The Volga River
The Volga River flows through the famous Russian cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow. You’ll be able to visit all of the famous sites such as St. Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square in Moscow, as well as the Hermitage Museum and the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg.
Most Moscow – St. Petersburg river cruises also stop at Yaroslavl, which is one of the oldest cities in Russia, as well as Uglich, which is where Ivan the Terrible’s son Prince Dmitri was killed way back in 1591.
9. The Rhone and Saone Rivers
Many cruises in the lovely area of southern France will cover both of these rivers. When sailing down the Saone, you’ll pass through the famous Burgundy region. This will enable you to learn all about the local winemaking businesses and taste some samples.
When you reach the Rhone River, you’ll be able to view the tremendous Provence region as well as the Mediterranean coast. Most ships stop in Lyon, Arles, and the ancient walled-city of Avignon.
10. The Danube River
This river flows from the Black Forest in Germany all the way to the Black Sea. You’ll have the chance to visit the historical and beautiful cities of Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary. You’ll also cruise into some smaller communities such as Melk Austria; Regensburg, Germany, and Passau, Germany. The architecture along this river is simply amazing and there are numerous historical attractions to visit.
(photo by Bohemian Traveler)
