The world’s rivers provide a canvas for the river boats of the world to explore the towns and countryside that surround them. The world’s great rivers are some of the most beautiful and majestic places on Earth. From the Amazon to the Nile, there are so many remarkable destinations you can visit along the way that it can be hard to choose which one to visit first! In order to help you narrow down your search, we’ve put together this list of the top ten rivers to travel on during your next river cruise adventure. So grab your binoculars and get ready! Here’s our countdown of the world’s top ten rivers you must travel on during your next river cruise vacation!
Mekong River – Southeast Asia
The Mekong (also called Mother of Waters) is the longest river in Asia. It spans over 2,700 miles from its source at Tibet through Yunnan and Sichuan in Southwest China all the way down to Ho Chi Minh City. This epic journey takes you through some of Asia’s most unique landscapes, including tropical rainforests, and expansive valleys. You can choose between overnight river cruises or week-long journeys.
Nile River – Africa
The Nile is one of Africa’s most beautiful and historic rivers. The Nile cruises along Egypt’s north coast are among its most popular. From Aswan, you can take a day trip through Lake Nasser, stopping at Umm Hurair, one of Egypt’s oldest villages and temples. Or, if you like relaxing by waterfalls, try cruise through Kosheh Gorge near Abu Simbel.
Danube River – Europe
The Danube flows through ten countries and serves as an important commercial transportation route between Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and Bulgaria. The river has been vital to European history for centuries. It was instrumental in early commerce (trade routes) and transportation of goods along its shores.
Volga River – Russia
The Volga River is one of Europe’s largest rivers, and it flows through some of its most scenic areas. From Moscow to St. Petersburg, you can tour some of Russia’s iconic landmarks on a river cruise along its waters. If you take your trip during winter, you might even see some ice floes! Before long, you’ll find yourself marveling at picturesque surroundings in cities like Kazan and Nizhny Novgorod.
Yangtze River – China
The Yangtze is China’s longest river, stretching over 6,300 miles. The Yangtze boasts numerous cultural treasures and also holds an important place in Chinese history: It was a major battleground during World War II and more recently became known for its devastating floods.
Zambezi River – Africa
The Zambezi is not only one of Africa’s greatest rivers, but it’s also one of Africa’s longest, stretching more than 2,500 kilometers from Mozambique in southern Africa to its mouth at Victoria Falls. It passes through some of Africa’s most diverse landscapes and habitats as it winds its way across four countries: Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Mississippi River– North America
The second longest river in North America, with a length of 2,320 miles (3,730 km). Highlights include New Orleans, Memphis and Natchez. Amazon – South America: The world’s largest river by volume. Highlights include Iquitos and Manaus. Yangtze – Asia: The longest river in Asia. Highlights include Shanghai and Yichang. Nile – Africa: The longest river in Africa at 4,132 miles (6,650 km). Highlights include Aswan and Luxor.
Rhine River– Europe
The Rhine is one of Europe’s most important rivers, having been used as a trade route since pre-Roman times. It’s particularly beautiful in Germany and Switzerland. Most cruises last between 10 and 20 days, starting from Amsterdam or Basel.
Amazon River– South America
Along with South America’s famous Atlantic coast and Pacific coast, there are other popular cruises along its Amazon river. While it might seem strange to travel up a waterway rather than down one, it’s no less interesting. This river is home to indigenous people who live in one of the world’s largest rainforests as well as exotic animals like sloths and anacondas.
Danube River – Europe/Asia
At over 2,800 miles long, Europe’s Danube is one of its longest rivers. It’s also one of its most famous, thanks in part to an epic poem by Goethe about his trip down it. The current-day river cruise route winds through some of Eastern Europe’s most beautiful landscapes and cultural attractions, from Budapest in Hungary all the way down to Odessa in Ukraine.
