River cruise companies have gone above and beyond in their range of ships and global itineraries. 

So, what are the best river cruises?

While the Danube and Rhine are two of the most popular and beautiful rivers to cruise, there are so many other estuaries to explore in Europe and Asia, Africa, South America, and more. Here are the best rivers in the world to add to your river cruising experience.

1. Danube

It’s one of the best ways to see old Europe, as the river runs through 10 countries, and it is also a great way to be introduced to river cruising. The Danube River is the perfect place to see iconic cities like Amsterdam, Budapest, Vienna, and much more. If exploring cities with cobblestone streets and majestic castles like Cesky Krumlov (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is right up your alley, this river cruise is for you.

Attending evening concerts or cycling through European cities are also possible itinerary options. Itineraries along this river can range from five to 23 days, with Uniworld offering itineraries that go beyond to explore the Main Danube Canal.

2. Seine

The famous Seine River, which flows through Paris and into the English Channel, needs little introduction. River cruising on the Seine lets you explore France’s cities, country, and seaside villages.

Tauck River cruises offer 10-day itineraries that bring you to the historic Normandy beaches, Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny, Honfleur, where the impressionist painting style first began, as well as a medieval castle, Chateau Gaillard. It is a return cruise that departs from Paris.

This way, you won’t miss out on any of the iconic Parisian landmarks and experiences, such as visiting the Louvre and Eiffel Tower or just people-watching while enjoying French pastries and macarons.

Seine River
Don’t miss the Parisian landmarks and experiences such as visiting the Louvre and Eiffel Tower or just people-watching while enjoying French pastries and macarons.

3. Douro

Douro River flows through Portugal, which roughly translates from Portuguese as ‘river of gold’. The waters get its name from its liquid gold gleam at sunset, and you’ll get to witness it as you glide through Douro Valley, which is yet another UNESCO World Heritage site. This itinerary is perfect for wine lovers as vineyards adorn both sides of the river in this 2000-year heritage wine-growing region that is renowned for its rosé and port.

There will be many opportunities to visit the vineyards and indulge in wine tasting. You will also be able to enjoy the historic architecture and local life in cities like Salamanca, which dates all the way back to the Iron Age. Scenic river cruises offer an 11-day return itinerary departing from Porto or a 14-day option that begins in Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal.

4. Volga

The Volga River flows through Central Russia, allowing you to see ancient towns with features from the 10th century, like Uglich and Yaroslavl. You will also get to cross Lake Beloye, formerly known as the ‘czar’s fishing grounds’, and explore Kizhi Island’s Church of the Transfiguration (UNESCO world heritage site), an architectural marvel that looks like it came straight from a Russian fairy tale.

River cruise lines like APT also often include iconic cities like St Petersburg and Moscow in their itineraries. In these cities, you can tour lavish imperial palaces, take in art and history at the Hermitage Museum, the second-largest art museum in the world, or even catch a Russian ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre.

Visit some of the best European river cruises.

5. Amazon

The Amazon River is the largest in the world, and river cruising here is a great way to discover the Amazon jungle. Some of the world’s best river cruises take you to rainforests with protected wildlife areas only accessible by boat, such as the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Scenic river cruises offer three-day cruises where you can explore remote Amazon River tributaries, spot monkeys and birds whilst walking along a jungle trail, visit local villages, and even meet native Amazonians. Their itineraries usually include exploring Peru, Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro, ranging from a two- to three-week escape.

Amazon River
Cruising on the Amazon takes you to rainforests with protected wildlife areas only accessible by boat

6. Nile

The longest river in the world goes to the famous river of Egypt, the Nile. Its impressive length flows through nine countries in north-eastern Africa, and river cruising is especially popular in Egyptian waters. Uniworld offers a 12-day return itinerary that departs from Cairo and features an eight-day voyage along the river.

While onboard, you’ll stop by the Temple of Karnak, the world’s largest ancient religious complex, and the Temple of Luxor. Along the way, you’ll visit many other temples dedicated to mythological figures and the country’s first female ruler. You will also visit the Valley of the Kings, the ancient burial grounds of Egyptian royalty, and even enjoy a ride on a traditional Nile River sailboat. It, too, is among the best river cruises.

Abercrombie & Kent to debut bespoke Nile riverboat in 2025

7. Chobe

Seeing Africa’s big five is a bucket list item for many, and you can cruise the Chobe River in Botswana aboard APT’s Zambezi Queen. The luxury ship, with its panoramic balconies and public spaces, is designed for wildlife viewing.

On excursions by boat or open-air vehicle, you’ll encounter elephants, giraffes, leopards, lions, gazelles, zebras, and buffalos. Conclude your journey with two nights at the legendary Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. This spectacular holiday also includes visits to local African villages and winery tours.

Chobe River
On the Chobe River, you’ll encounter elephants, giraffes, leopards, lions, gazelles, zebras, buffalo, and so much more.

8. Mekong

The Mekong begins in China and flows through six Asian countries: Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. River cruising on the Mekong is a perfect introduction to the Southeast Asian region, which boasts cultural and ecological diversity. The most common itineraries sail the lower Mekong to explore Vietnam and Cambodia. You’ll get the chance to go on walking tours in rural villages to discover their food and artisanal specialities and see how Cambodian Silk is made.

Heritage Line river cruises offer four- to five-day short escapes and longer journeys that are just over a week-long if you want a longer getaway. Meanwhile, Travelmarvel offers a just over two-week itinerary for people who want to visit Myanmar. For cruisers who are looking to explore the upper Mekong, Pandaw offers 11-day expeditions to experience Laos and 15-day expeditions that bring you all the way to China from Laos.

9. Ganges

The Ganges, which originates from the Himalayas and flows through the North and East of India, is central to Indian Civilization and sacred to Hindus. River cruising the Ganges is an option to consider if you would like to explore India while avoiding congested roads as much as possible. The river boasts sights such as mosques, terracotta temples, the Maha Bodhi temple (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and palaces.

Daily excursions will also take you to the famous Bihar School of Yoga, a centre of silk production and even the world’s largest opium factory. Pandaw River Cruises offers seven-day itineraries that focus on the lower Ganges or a 14-day itinerary that takes you to the upper Ganges, where you can also drive through the Indian landscape.

Travelling the rivers of the world

Embark on a journey of wonder with a Cruise Passenger’s guide to spectacular river cruises around the globe. From the majestic rivers of Europe to the exotic waterways of Asia and beyond, we showcase the world’s most breathtaking and unforgettable rivers to give you cruise experiences that promise to leave you in awe.