Why tour the world’s most striking riverside destinations on land when you can experience them from the water?
Setting sail on a riverboat is one of the best ways to tour famous international waterways. Luxury river cruises offer a unique perspective of new and familiar locales in Europe, Asia, and other worldwide regions. From the Egyptian desert to the Australian wilderness, you’ll have a memorable time admiring spectacular views from the comfort of your cruise ship.
Splurge on a deluxe river cruise for a one-of-a-kind sightseeing vacation on the water.
AmaWaterways Legendary Danube, Germany/Austria/Hungary
Hop aboard the Legendary Danube river cruise offered by AmaWaterways, and prepare to be amazed. The cruise departs from Nuremberg, a charming German city, and sails for seven days through Austria, ending in Budapest, Hungary.
Legendary Danube is the ideal European vacation for history lovers. Passengers will tour UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sample regional delicacies, and admire the centuries-old architecture. The ships that make this voyage have elegant amenities for a 5-star stay from start to finish.
American Cruise Lines Lower Mississippi River Cruise, US
Discover a new appreciation for American history aboard a Lower Mississippi River Cruise. American Cruise Lines is a top choice for service and facilities that go above and beyond. The eight-night journey begins in Memphis, Tennessee, passes through Mississippi, and ends in New Orleans, Louisiana.
During your cruise of the Mississippi River, you’ll create lasting memories. In Memphis, passengers will learn about local music legend Elvis Presley and sample delicious Southern barbecue. Vicksburg, Mississippi, boasts grand riverside estates from the Civil War, while New Orleans has fun jazz clubs and mouthwatering eateries.
Chobe National Park Zambezi Queen, Botswana
Gear up for a memorable African safari down the Chobe River. Chobe National Park in Botswana is a top vacation spot for thrill-seekers. A two-night trip on the Zambezi Queen will help you unwind in luxury and reconnect with nature.
The Zambezi Queen more closely resembles a hotel-on-water than a boat. Every aspect, from the spacious rooms to the plunge pool, contributes to the ship’s serene and intimate atmosphere. Watch for herds of elephants, buffalo, and hippos from the Zambezi Queen’s open-air viewing decks.
Uniworld A Portrait of Majestic France, France
A Portrait of Majestic France, coordinated by Uniworld, is a fabulous option for couples. This Seine River cruise is a romantic getaway that begins in Bordeaux and finishes in Paris. Over 14 nights, tourists will taste world-renowned wines while admiring medieval cathedrals and the picture-perfect French countryside.
Uniworld lets you customize your cruise vacation according to your travel preferences. Join guided tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites or wander through charming French villages at your own pace. Regardless of your choice, you’ll leave A Portrait of Majestic France with lifelong memories.
Viking Portugal’s River of Gold, Portugal/Spain
Portugal’s River of Gold is one of the most unique ways to sightsee this beautiful country. Operated by Viking, this cruise takes place on the Duoro River. The tour includes eight nights in Portugal and one in Spain, exposing tourists to numerous culturally significant landmarks.
Viking’s itinerary features several guided tours for guests to immerse themselves in Portuguese and Spanish cultures. You’ll see medieval fortresses, intricate architecture, and scenic valleys along the way. Food lovers will also enjoy sampling the local cuisine, like port wine, cheese, and olive oil.
American Cruise Lines Columbia & Snake Rivers, US
See some of Oregon and Washington’s most picturesque regions on a Columbia & Snake Rivers cruise. American Cruise Lines operates this eight-night voyage through lush areas of the Pacific Northwest. Ships traverse the rivers between Portland, Oregon, and Clarkston, Washington, providing unique views.
The Columbia & Snake Rivers tour highlights legendary American landscapes, from thick forests to towering waterfalls. Guests can learn about famous areas like Mount St. Helens and Multnomah Falls from local guides and continue their experience with onboard presentations.
Uniworld Ultimate European Journey, Central Europe
Are you craving a grand European adventure? Uniworld’s 24-night Ultimate European Journey is a vacation like no other. This epic river odyssey travels between Romania and The Netherlands, covering eight countries.
The 24-night trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour famous European cities, historical landmarks, and natural wonders. The S.S. Beatrice ship, on which the cruise takes place, is elegant and upscale, with delicious dining options and luxurious accommodations.
Nour El Nil, Egypt
Nour El Nil is an exclusive boat tour on Egypt’s Nile River. Guests spend five nights traveling south from Esna to Aswan. Along the way, the riverboat passes archaeological sites, ancient ruins, and striking desert terrain.
All of Nour El Nil’s boats are stylish and modern. Enjoy comfortable rooms and unparalleled service while cruising the world’s longest river. Experiencing famous Egyptian towns from a boat offers a unique perspective of this beautiful country.
Aqua Expeditions Mekong River, Southeast Asia
The Mekong River cruise is a renowned tour available through Aqua Expeditions. It takes tourists through the diverse riverside landscapes of Cambodia and Vietnam. This ship is a luxurious option to sightsee without sacrificing comfort.
Trips down the Mekong River last three to seven nights. Each voyage includes off-boat activities to enhance your time in Southeast Asia. Aqua Expeditions coordinates unforgettable itineraries featuring rustic villages, lush tropical scenery, and holy temples.
St. Lawrence Cruise Lines Canadian Connection, Canada
Explore some of Canada’s most picturesque regions on the Canadian Connection cruise. St. Lawrence Cruise Lines operates this six-night trip between Lower and Upper Canada. Sailing the St. Lawrence River is a beautiful way to see the country.
Cruise highlights include the bustling cities of Montreal and Quebec City. Book a Premier Stateroom for top-tier accommodations. While rooms aboard the Canadian Empress are simple, they boast exceptional views and cozy beds for a good night’s sleep.
Delfin Amazon Cruises Delfin III, Peru
The Delfin III is a classy river tour of Peruvian Amazonia. This region encompasses portions of the Amazon jungle and is famous for its flora and fauna. Delfin Amazon Cruises allows guests to immerse themselves in the rainforest setting while maintaining high standards of luxury.
Suites on the Delfin III are chic and equipped with plush amenities, like floor-to-ceiling windows and fine cotton bedspreads. Optional excursions during your three- or four-night trip include kayaking, bird-watching, and hiking. When not exploring the Amazon rainforest, recharge at the ship’s pool, gym, or spa.
Yangtze River Cruises Yangtze Explorer, China
For a 5-star river cruise experience, you can’t go wrong with the Yangtze Explorer. The ship is managed by Yangtze River Cruises, which offers three- or four-night tours of this stunning river in Central China. Your time on the Yangtze Explorer will be equally thrilling and relaxing.
Each cabin features a balcony to admire the dramatic landscapes, and guests can participate in enriching activities like Chinese calligraphy and cooking classes. You can choose from several Yangtze Explorer itineraries featuring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, mountains, caves, and more.
Pandaw The All Ganges, India
Embark on The All Ganges, an exclusive Pandaw river cruise, to see the best of India. The All Ganges is a 12- or 14-night voyage along the iconic Ganges River. Highlights of the boat tour range from ancient temples to quaint villages.
Passengers will sail on the RV Kalaw Pandaw, a modern and comfortable ship. Every room is designed for relaxation, with thoughtful touches like panoramic windows and dreamy mattresses. An expert chef prepares onboard meals, and the boat offers fun tours and performances to educate visitors on the local history.
Murray River Paddlestreamers All the Rivers Run, Australia
Tap into your adventurous side on Murray River Paddlestreamers’ All the Rivers Run tour. Spend seven nights aboard a historic riverboat while admiring Australia’s rugged beauty. The Murray River flows through Southeast Australia and is a thriving habitat for native wildlife like kangaroos and wallabies.
Passengers aboard the PS Emmylou will experience various art, history, food, and nature tours. The ship has a distinct blend of Old World charm and modern convenience. Its exclusive amenities, like a restaurant, bar, and premier cabins, guarantee an unforgettable stay.
Escape to a food lovers’ paradise on your next vacation
Sampling the local cuisine is an excellent way to enhance your travel experience. Next time you crave a change of scenery, indulge in a trip to the world’s most delicious destinations.
Unplug and unwind from the chaos of daily life
Vacations are the perfect excuse to disconnect from the hustle and bustle. Visit an off-the-grid location to achieve total bliss and relaxation.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
