River Cruises Top Travel Experiences

1. Danube River

The godfather of European rivers - the legendary Danube River is truly a marvelous way to travel via river cruise. Flowing through 10 countries, there are several routes and itineraries you can choose from - though it is one of the best river cruise destinations for when you have at least two weeks. The countryside changes constantly and you’ll have the opportunity to learn about several different cultures and histories. For first time travelers to Europe, or first time river cruisers, the Danube is highly recommended.

2. Wildlife Viewing

River cruises offer the opportunity to observe wildlife along the banks and in the water, from a unique vantage point. River life, such as pink dolphins in the Amazon, the elusive Irrawaddy River dolphin, and river otters along the Columbia River in the United States are always a joy to spot. In Europe, you may glimpse forest dwellers like deer. If you have a chance to go on a nature hike in Europe keep your eyes peeled for foxes, red squirrels, and some unique birds to add to your life list.

3. Art and History lectures

Take yourself back to school (but without the stress of homework!) aboard a river cruise when you attend on board lectures. These are often available during sailing to the next port, helping you prepare for the next port, as well as providing unique and in depth context to the surrounding lands gliding by. Most common on European river cruises, lectures are a fun perk to enjoy - led by local experts, historians, and scholars.

4. The Adventurous Amazon

Unlike European river cruises, where the focus is on luxury, fine dining, and quaint villages, when you travel on the Amazon, the river cruise experiences is about adventure, wildlife, and nature.

Both on the water and in the rainforest you’ll encounter incredible species, and learn about the Amazon’s unique biodiversity from local guides and wildlife experts.

On some Amazon river cruises you may also have the opportunity to meet local tribes and learn about their way of life - much unchanged over hundreds of years.

5. Wine Tasting on a European River Cruise

River cruises in Europe are known to serve excellent food and wine aboard. There are many wonderful wine regions throughout Europe, and some cruises offer on board tastings or excursions to wineries.

Wine activities should be available year round - with harvest time occuring in the late summer to late fall - a very exciting time to visit! Consider the Rhone or the Douro rivers for close proximity to vineyards. The Danube will also travel through some lesser known wine regions. For wine enthusiasts, this is an opportunity that should not be missed!

6. Sample Port Along the Douro River

As mentioned, the Douro River is a great choice for wine lovers, especially if you’re interested in port tasting! The Douro travels through the Porto region of Portugal, and given it’s namesake, there’s hardly a better place in the world to sample port wine.

7. The Ancient Nile

For history lovers, nothing could beat a trip down the ancient Nile River. Pass by centuries old structures, archaeological sites, temples, and the picturesque dunes of the Valley of the Kings - conjuring up mysterious stories and tales of ancient Egypt.

Nile River cruises are not typically luxurious, but they are comfortable, and will make several stops along the way where you can disembark to explore the sites. They will usually offer optional guided tours for an additional fee. This is well worth doing, as they are often led by Egyptologists eager to share some special insights into Egypts fascinating past!

8. Three Gorges, Yangtze River

Cruising the Yangtze River through China, one of the top highlights you’ll encounter is the Three Gorges. This stunning stretch of the Yangtze River looks as though it has jumped off the pages of an ancient Chinese landscape drawings. You will sail through 120 miles of picturesque scenery, and get an in depth look at the complexities of Three Gorges dam - some cruises offer a tour of this impressive site.