One of the greatest benefits of traveling around the world is that each continent has incredible bodies of water to explore. In Europe, every major city is built near a river. In the Americas, huge rivers flow through diverse landscapes and run for hundreds of miles. In Africa, the famous River Nile shares its banks with the mysteries of ancient societies. In Asia, the rivers give life to vibrant cultures and cuisines.
There are so many rivers to tour and if you are planning a vacation to a major part of the world, you must book a river cruise to get the most out of your experience. These seven cruises explore some of the most beautiful places in the world and are a must for anyone’s travel bucket list.
Rhine River Cruise
The Rhine River is famous worldwide for its path through stunning European locations like Basel, Strasbourg, Cologne, and Düsseldorf. If you are into history and old castles, this is the river cruise for you. The banks of this river are spotted with castles ranging all the way back to the 12th century.
Many different cruise companies run their cruises on this river because it allows passengers to see a large portion of Western Europe. The river itself runs through six countries: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, France, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands.
A journey from start to finish on this river will make you an expert in European culture and give you memories to last a lifetime.
Traverse the Many Canals in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a city known for many things and one of those is its intricate network of canals that section of the city.
A week in Amsterdam is not complete without a leisurely cruise through the canals and under the many bridges of the city. It is one thing to see the city from the streets, but a cruise with canal cruise Amsterdam offers a totally new perspective on the capital of The Netherlands. Any city that contains a big river should be seen from the water, but Amsterdam is uniquely special because of the way that the Dutch have integrated the canals into their way of life. With audio guides and a see-through roof to shield you from the inevitable rain, a canal cruise is a fun experience for people of all ages.
Explore the Southern United States on the Mississippi River
A journey on the Mississippi will bring you to a place that is reminiscent of a Mark Twain novel. The muddy banks of this river are full of history and culture that can’t be missed.
Nowhere else in the world can you take a cruise on an antique paddle wheel ship while listening to some swinging jazz music. The whole experience will transport you back in time and give you an appreciation for the culture of the Deep South.
Feel the Power of the Colorado River
A river as powerful as the Colorado River must be seen to believe. This powerful water source carved out the Grand Canyon, another iconic landmark in the American Southwest, over millions of years.
It is a top destination for white water rafting and other water sports. If your taste is a bit more easygoing, there are also plenty of relaxing river cruises through scenic areas in Utah, Arizona, and Colorado.
The surrounding states also offer some of the best national parks in the country that will enhance your Colorado River cruise experience. The American Southwest is defined by this powerful river and the region boasts friendly people, great food, and some of the best sunsets in the world.
Amazon River
The Amazon rainforest has always been a mysterious and wild place. Many explorers over the years have waded through the murky waters of the vast river that snakes through the dense forest. Nowadays, the river is a much friendlier place with many established tour routes that take you through this unique landscape.
Because the river spans over most of the Northern part of South America, you can reach the river from several different countries. Countries that you can visit while navigating the Amazon River are Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador, with the majority of the river existing in Brazil.
The river itself has been a source of intrigue and entertainment in both an academic and fictional context. From the novel Lost City of Z to extensive research done by scientists and explorers over hundreds of years, there is plenty to read up on before you journey into this incredible region.
Take a Passage through the Mekong River
If Southeast Asia is on your bucket list already, the Mekong River is a must-do addition to your trip. This part of the world is known for its amazing cuisine, rich agriculture, and history.
A trip down the Mekong River will allow you to see diverse wildlife and different ways of life all while relaxing on a ship.
Cruise Down The Nile
One of the most well-known rivers in the world, The Nile River is rich in history. The source of the Nile is home to some of the oldest advanced civilizations in human history.
A river cruise will lead you past ancient monuments like the pyramids of Giza, Luxor, and The Valley of the Kings.
Now that you’ve gotten a taste of how exciting a river cruise could be, it’s time to start planning your next river vacation!
