Our look at the best river cruises in the world rolls along with more from Europe and two which require no introduction or hyperbole. All in all, these destinations offer the best in river tours, both in terms of adjacent sights and towns, as well as unspoiled natural beauty.
We begin the second part of our countdown in familiar territory - Europe, or to be more specific, Germany.
One of the most popular river cruise destinations in the world, the Rhine evokes much emotion and passion from natives along her shores and tourists alike. Many momentous events in Europe’s history have gone down here, as the Rhine represents one of the most geographic features on the continent. For Germans, the river is the symbol of the country and the historic heart of commerce, industry and trade.
In terms of significant port towns, the Rhine is king and not confined to Germany. Stops may include Strasbourg in Alsace, France; Rotterdam, Netherlands or Basel, Switzerland, all wonderful destinations on their own. But the best of the Rhine is in Germany, as some of the most exquisite architecture in Europe unfolds along the way. From ancient Bamberg to Dusseldorf, Cologne, Mainz and Bonn, the Rhine cruises through the best of Germany.
For Francophiles and wine connoisseurs, a cruise on the Saone River is a must. From Burgundy vineyards to old Gallic towns, the Saone affords some of the best views in the country and also presents a nice break from Paris and the Cote d’Azur. In terms of great food, wine, architecture and culture, the Saone may be the best cruise excursion in Europe.
Perhaps the most notable city on the way is Lyon, which to many, is the culinary heart of France. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is splendid and virtually unmatched in France. A cruise in the Saone may also meander by Macon, site of several monuments and with a lineage that dates back over 2,000 years. The area also produces some of the best Chardonnay in the world. Another vital town on the Saone is Beaune, home to some of the most famous wine producers in all of Burgundy.
To explore Russia is a venture of incomparable scope. The country is a gargantuan beast that stretches from Europe to Asia and from the Pacific to the Arctic. If you want a taste of Russia as a whole, a Volga river tour might be your panacea. A cruise here will include the all important big two of Moscow and St. Petersburg but also many other sites unfamiliar to many neophytes.
As the watery heart of this massive land, the Volga holds much mystery and history to the people of Russia. Eleven of the country’s twenty largest population centers are situated on the mighty river’s shores. Needless to say, the Volga and her confluents provide a way of life to millions upon millions of Russian citizens. As a result, a cruise here represents the ideal way to explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of Russia. Aside from the obvious Moscow and St. Petersburg, one can also explore the historic towns of Nizhni Novgorod, Kazan, Volograd and Kostroma.
No river inspires more mystery, folklore or awe. The Nile may have the Amazon beat in terms of length but in every other category, the natural wonder of record in South America reigns supreme. With a total flow that surpasses the next ten competitors combined, the importance of the Amazon basin and river system to the world cannot be overstated. We all know about the precarious position the Amazon rainforests find themselves in. As a result, the time is ripe to visit the area and take a cruise along this spectacular waterway river.
The beauty along the Amazaon, visible from your watercraft, is lush, gorgeous and simply not in existence anywhere else on Earth. While the most beautiful parts are probably not accessible by standard cruise operators, most will nonetheless take you to the Upper Amazon. From here, ports like Iquitos, Peru and Leticia, Colombia await discovery, not to mention a dizzying array of exotic wildlife, flora and hospitable local people. When available, tributary cruises are a must and reach some of the most pristine and ecologically rich nether-regions of the Amazon landscape.
Explore magical Peru hotel before you venture out into the Amazon wilderness.
A visit to magical Egypt would not be complete - not by a longshot - without a cruise down the Nile River. A journey by which to measure all others, it remains the hallmark feature of any vacation to the area. The simple fact remains the when on the Nile, you are nestled in the cradle of human civilization. In many respects, it all begin here, in this part of Africa. Remarkable developments in cultivation, science, mathematics, architecture and much more. Indeed, a cruise on the Nile is more than just an idyllic way to relax. It traces vital roots of human development that go back five millenia.
All the inherent sites are ancient and deeply spiritual. From the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and Temple of Karnak in Thebes, to the nearby Valley of the Kings, where dozens of pharaohs were entombed, a Nile cruise visits unforgettable locations. The Temple of Horus, over 2,000 years old and in astounding condition, and the prodigious dam at Aswan are major highlights as well. Most Nile tours include the best of Cairo, as well as the major Pyramid attractions.
If you liked this post subscribe to our feed to get regular updates.
