From the great Egyptian empires of old to the modern-day villages that cluster on the banks of the Mekong, cultures through history (and prehistory) have been defined by their relationships to their rivers. Including a river cruise on your trip enables you to unlock an ancient and important perspective on your destination, whether it’s a multi-day meandering along the Hugli or a one-day jaunt to a local wine estate on the Douro. Here, our specialists have chosen the top river cruises to add to your next trip.
The Nile — Egypt
When the pharaohs themselves wanted to survey their lands, they took to the Nile. Today, the river remains a vital waterway and an essential part of any visit. Not only is it the most comfortable and efficient way to travel, exploring on the Nile reveals the essential perspective of those who built Egypt’s temples, tombs, and monuments.
Most of the Nile cruises take you between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at the major sights for expert-led tours. And you’ll be able to choose from a wide array of different ships, from small, two-masted dahabiyas that haven’t changed much in centuries (or even millennia) to thoroughly contemporary luxury ships.
Get me there: This suggested Egypt trip combines time in Cairo with a classic Nile cruise.
The Mekong — Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam
Forming the “rice bowl” of Asia, the mighty Mekong is the lifeblood of the many countries it runs through — the fertile fan of the delta, in particular, supports a thriving community. A cruise along the Mekong is a great way to explore these cultures, which are tied together by the river’s flow.
A cruise is valuable here because much of the local life happens literally on the Mekong. In Vietnam's Cai Rang floating market, farmers and traders come to hawk their wares on wooden boats propelled by bamboo poles. And on Tonle Sap Lake, you can still see villages built on stilts — during the rainy season, they appear to float on the lake.
Get me there: Spend eight days on the river, as well as time in Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and at the temples of Angkor on this suggested trip.
The Amazon — Brazil & Peru
The far reaches of the Amazon rainforest are known more for creatures than for creature comforts, but a river cruise offers the most luxe way to experience the wilderness. Plying the quiet tributaries of the big river, these ships are like floating boutique hotels. In particular, the options around Iquitos have well-appointed rooms that might include the option of a private Jacuzzi.
Get me there: This suggested trip in Peru includes an Amazon cruise as well as time in Cuzco and Machu Picchu.
The Kerala backwaters — India
A sprawling network of canals and rivers, the backwaters of Kerala wind their way through the forests, spice plantations, fishermen, and rice paddies of the Indian state. Life continues here at a relaxed pace, as it has for centuries, and a cruise on a local houseboat gives you a front-seat tour of the rural people and landscapes.
You can easily opt for a simple day cruise, but an overnight tour gives you the opportunity to really settle into the slow rhythm of the region.
Get me there: Spend the night on the backwaters as part of a suggested trip that also includes time on Kerala’s beaches and in the brightly painted temples of Tamil Nadu.
The Douro — Portugal & Spain
Home to one of the oldest demarcated wines in the world, the Douro Valley, with its steep, schist banks, has been hand-carved into terraces over the millennia. Today, its sunny shores are home to historic wine estates known as quintas. A cruise along the Douro gives you a chance to explore this storied region in a leisurely manner.
You can opt for a simple day sail to take in the snaking canyons and corrugated hillsides, enjoying a regional meal and stopping in for tastings. Or, for a more thorough exploration of the region, choose a multi-day cruise that stops in at quintas as well as various villages and palaces in Portugal and Spain.
Get me there: In addition to the Douro Valley, this suggested trip also takes in Lisbon, Porto, and Madrid.
The Rhône — France
Winding through the gentle hills and sunny fields of Provence, the Rhône is home to some of Europe’s most renowned food and wine, from black diamond truffles to vintages like Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. A cruise here gives you a chance to sample these delicacies in the places they were grown (and fermented).
You’ll also get to stop at cities like Lyon, the culinary capital of France, and Arles, where Van Gogh and Picasso created some of their great masterworks. In Avignon, you can see the Papal Palace, and in Vienne, you might investigate France’s Roman roots with a visit to the ruins.
Get me there: A Provence cruise complements time in Paris on this suggested trip.
The Rhine, Moselle & Main — Luxembourg & Germany
The mighty Rhine, the picturesque Moselle, and the meandering Main — these rivers wend through some of the most scenic parts of Germany, and a leisurely river lets you soak up the sights across the country.
Along the way, you can sample wines from riverside vineyards, learn to make Bavarian pretzels in a Wertheim bakery, and indulge in Bamberg's renowned smoked beer, Rauchbier. You’ll also have time to enjoy the riverside scenery — you’ll see elaborate castles, storied vineyards, and well-preserved hamlets and villages.
Get me there: After time in Paris, board your Germany river cruise in Luxembourg and end in Prague.
River cruising trip ideas
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![Pyramids at Giza, Egypt]()
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![RV Mekong Pandaw]()
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![Jesuit church, Cuzco]()
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![Kerala Backwaters]()
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![Traditional Rabelo boat, Porto]()
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![Views from the river, Lyon]()
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![Nuremberg's historic old town]()
Germany AmaWaterways river cruise, Paris & Prague
Luxembourg, Czechia (Czech Republic), Germany and FranceView this tour
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