7 Amazingly Scenic River Cruises
What’s your ideal vacation? A leisurely trip by the water, basking in the sun, or perhaps a whirlwind adventure, exploring multiple places to take in everything? It might seem ambitious, but imagine experiencing it all in one journey – breathtaking panoramic views, wine tastings, visits to historic cities, stunning countryside, charming medieval towns, and more, all at a relaxed pace from the comfort of your ship. And the best part? No seasickness to worry about.
Sounds like a fantastic deal, doesn’t it? Let’s explore what awaits you along some of these incredibly scenic riversides worldwide.
1. SEINE RIVER CRUISE
Where: Northeast France
What to expect:
It gets as romantic as it can get with champagne aboard and sights to savor, like Notre Dame Cathedral, the iconic Eiffel Tower and Orsay Museum, casting their illuminated reflections in the waters of Seine. If you choose to stick around for a
longer stretch, you can take a cruise down the river all the way to Normandy.
Great for: Romantic Escape, Photo Shoots
Most scenic stretch: The Norman countryside around Lyons-la-Forêt offers a chance to catch a glimpse of the picture-perfect French countryside.
The best time to visit: May to August
Image by Danor Aharon from Pixabay
2. RHINE RIVER CRUISE
Where: Switzerland, Germany, Holland
What to expect:
If seeing Europe via its waterways is your idea of travelling then a cruise down this river’s got to satiate your hunger for this adventure. This is the best way to explore quaint towns and majestic castles sitting on the banks of the river
for time immemorial.
Great for: Romantic Escape, Long River Journey, Photoshoots
Most scenic stretch: The cruise from Koblenz to Bingen offers some enviable views of Germany. The Rhine Gorge is also steeped in beauty, with dramatic castles dotting every inch of its shores.
The best time to visit: May to September
Image by Siggy Nowak from Pixabay
3. DANUBE RIVER CRUISE
Where: Austria, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Croatia, Germany, Serbia, Moldova
What to expect:
If you were to stay aboard and sail only this river, I bet you’d be able to see all of Europe, since this river passes through ten major countries here. You get to sail through Vienna, Prague and Budapest which are immersed in culture and heritage.
Great for: Romantic Escape, Long River Journey, Photo Shoots, Wine Tours
Most scenic stretch: The Wachau Valley between the cities of Melk and Krems offers unbeatable views of quaint timber towns alongside the river that is teeming with enchanting greens from the innumerable vineyards.
The best time to visit: May to September
Image by Rainhard Wiesinger from Pixabay
4. NILE RIVER CRUISE
Where: Northeastern Africa, mainly Egypt
What to expect:
Whether you choose five-star luxury or a regular cruise, you will still not be far away from the eminence that the land of Egypt exudes through its majestic tombs, temples and ruins.
Great for: Romantic Escape, Historic Sojourns, Photoshoots
Most scenic stretch: Luxor to Aswan is where you will witness some of the most ancient relics in human history.
The best time to visit: December to March
Image by DEZALB from Pixabay
5. VOLGA RIVER CRUISE
Where: Central Russia
What to expect:
A cruise along this river is like sailing the lifeline of ornate Russian culture and is the best way to experience and
explore the nation. In addition to docking at the eleven largest cities in Russia, the cruise also takes you through some countryside villages that are so picturesque they seem unreal.
Great for: Romantic Escape, Historic Sojourns, Photoshoots
Most scenic stretch: The stretch along the interconnected waterways between Moscow and St Petersburg with its historic Kremlins and onion-domed structures make it score quite high on scenic quotient.
The best time to visit: May to July
Image by Stepan Soloveiv from Pixabay
6. MISSISSIPPI RIVER CRUISE
Where: North America, mainly USA
What to expect:
Imagine what this fourth-longest river in the world has in store for you! You can cruise the river for a few hours or stay on board for weeks together to enjoy the slow pace of life, with which these steamer-like ships move. The decks will give you a view of the picturesque ports like St. Louis, Louisville and battlefields of New Orleans, thriving by the waters.
Great for: Photo Shoots, Long River Journey, Adventure
Most scenic stretch: As you sail towards the Lower Mississippi and approach the Wisconsin area, you will start noticing things getting more panoramic and serene. The banks are more remote and suffused with natural beauty, particularly in the fall.
The best time to visit: March to December
7. RHONE AND SAONE RIVERS CRUISE
Where: Switzerland, France
What to expect:
If you are a wine fanatic and wish to see it all in France, then this will bring you to the heart and soul of it. Since you know the wine regions of France are unimaginably beautiful, you won’t run out of scenic vistas to sigh at from your yacht cabins. You will also dock at some of these to witness the age-old traditions of winemaking. Based on the cruise route you choose, Rhone and Saone will take you through the gorgeous Burgundy region, colorful Provence, historic Normandy and France’s gastronomical capital of Lyon along with some French countryside villages that lie hidden from the world, only for you to discover.Great for: Photoshoots, Wine tasting
Most scenic stretch: Cruise from Burgundy and Provence to stunning Cote d’Azur to catch awe-inspiring glimpses of French
Riviera.
The best time to visit: May to August
Image by Enrique from Pixabay
