Travelling along some of the great waterways of the world, river cruising offers a unique way to travel to the heart of a country and discover the real culture and historical cities, whilst experiencing breath-taking views at a leisurely pace.
The added advantage is this is all amidst the ultimate comfort and luxury of a stylish ship, which many liken to a boutique hotel, and includes sightseeing excursions with expert guides who help you to fully appreciate the local culture, sights, history and cuisines of the area.
It’s no surprise that this alternative way to explore the world has grown so quickly in popularity. Here are five ultimate river cruise itineraries that we believe should be added to your ‘must do’ list:
Mekong River – Vietnam and Cambodia
At 2,700 miles long the Mekong is the longest river in South East Asia and has become one of the ‘must visit’ locations for river cruising. This 13-night trip with APT Cruising begins in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) where you will spend two days absorbing the sights of the iconic capital before boarding the luxurious RV Apsara for your full-board river cruise. Combining the intriguing sights of life on the banks of the Mekong River with an in-depth look at the wonders of Vietnam’s and Cambodia’s cities and villages, this exciting voyage provides a fascinating view into this part of the world.
India’s Golden Triangle and Sacred Ganges
This 14-night cruise with Uniworld River Cruises is a fantastic adventure by land and river that will touch all of your senses, from Kolkata to the Rajbari Temples, the Ganges voyage delves deeply into India’s fascinating historical and religious heritage. It starts with five luxurious nights at three different award-winning Oberoi hotels, and includes a rare opportunity to see the Taj Mahal two times—once at sunrise and once at sunset. Once onboard, guests travel to villages lining the Ganges River that only a few people get to see each year. In all, there are nine days of excursions, including four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Danube Delights River Cruise
This seven-night voyage with Emerald Cruises embarks from Budapest and provides an unforgettable journey down the iconic Danube and through the heart of old Europe – covering four countries. A variety of walking tours in the cobblestone streets of Germany, invitations into the homes of locals and sightseeing city excursions in Vienna and Budapest showcase the magnificence of yesteryear. It’s a fantastic way to visit the Austrian and Hungarian capitals, and gain a personal understanding of why the iconic Danube has acted as inspiration to so many. Gratuities, excursions, on board meals, scheduled flights and WiFi are included in this fabulous package.
2022 Beautiful Bordeaux River Cruise
What better way to sample some of Bordeaux’ best wines in iconic locations but via a 10-night river cruise on board the Scenic Diamond? Guests can soak up extraordinary landscapes, delicious fare prepared with the finesse characteristic of the French, winemaking that has been refined to an art, and a wealth of historical riches, from elegant châteaux to historic churches. Visit Grand Cru Classé wine estates, explore the Cognac region and sample its famous brandy, or fresh oysters from the waters of Arcachon Bay, while enjoying the fabulous 5-star service and experiences afforded by Scenic River Cruises.
Experience 6-star river cruising with Uniworld River Cruises, as seen on Channel 5’s Cruising with Jane McDonald, travelling on board the S.S. La Venezia. This 13-night adventure begins in Milan and moves on to romantic Venice, where you can treat yourself to a private evening opening and lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica. This trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without a visit to UNESCO-designated Ferrara and Verona, the famed city of Romeo and Juliet. You will then conclude this fantastic trip with a four-day train trip to Zurich, sleeping on the luxury Golden Eagle Danube Express with ever-changing views at your window – the ultimate follow-up to this fantastic river cruise.
ROL Cruise is the UK’s No.1 Independent Cruise Specialist and has spent the past 25 years’ working with the world’s most exclusive cruise lines to create tailor-made luxurious and inspiring cruise holidays. Clients also benefit from the ROL Cruise Miles® programme, which enables members to accumulate Cruise Miles® and benefit from savings with every booking.
For more information on the destinations mentioned or for details regarding exclusive offers, telephone 0808 239 7126. Alternatively, search to find your cruise at https://www.rolcruise.co.uk/types-of-cruise/river-cruises
