Top 5 River Cruise Itineraries Beyond Europe
Published Monday, November 14th 2022 - Updated Wednesday, October 23rd 2024
I often recommend the Danube and Rhine Rivers to first-time river cruisers. These rivers are the most popular for river cruising and offer a large variety of itineraries between them. Travelers looking to try something different may opt to venture to the Seine, Rhone, or Duoro rivers in France and Portugal. However, many river cruise options exist beyond Europe, with itineraries in the United States, South America, Africa, and Asia.
Here are five river cruise itineraries for those looking to branch out from traditional European river cruising.
Mississippi River - 15 Days from St. Paul, MN to New Orleans, LA
Experience nearly the entire length of the Mississippi River as you cross the country from North to South. As you sail from the bluffs of the North to the bayous of the South, enjoy relaxing on a scenic sailing as the landscape changes. Learn about the Civil War, American music, and regional cuisines along the way.
Sail through seven U.S. states: Minnesota (St. Paul, Red Wing); Wisconsin (La Crosse); Iowa (Dubuque, Burlington); Missouri (Hannibal, St. Louis); Tennessee (Memphis); Mississippi (Vicksburg, Natchez); and Louisiana (Baton Rouge, New Orleans).
Shorter itineraries sailing just the Upper Mississippi or Lower Mississippi are also options.
Nile River – 12 Days Roundtrip Cairo, Egypt
This itinerary includes three nights pre-cruise in Cairo, where you come face-to-face with the Great Sphinx and the three Pyramids of Giza. After staying in Cairo, you fly to Luxor to board your river cruise ship. You explore ancient wonders like the Temple of Luxor and the Valley of Kings and Queens, including the tomb of Queen Nefertari. As you sail down the Nile, you visit small villages and temples and view hieroglyphics, sphinxes, soaring columns, and more along the way.
Chobe River – 13 Days Roundtrip Johannesburg, South Africa
Check the "Big Five" off your bucket list while exploring South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park, considered one of the world's premier safari regions.
After a one-night stay in Johannesburg, South Africa, you fly to Kasane, Botswana. Begin your exhilarating journey with a four-night wildlife safari by river cruise, where you see the animals in their natural habitat of the Chobe National Park. Then you will be swept up in the sheer beauty and power of the incomparable Victoria Falls for two nights. You return to Johannesburg for two nights, to soak up its rich heritage. Your journey finishes with three nights at a five-star lodge in Greater Kruger National Park. Experience the thrill of game drives, twice-a-day, with highly qualified guides selected for their knowledge and passion.
Mekong River – 13 Days from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
On this unique and inspiring river cruise through Cambodia and Vietnam, you will be immersed in the ancient traditions and cultures as you sightsee and spend time with locals along the mighty Mekong River.
Your adventure begins in fascinating Siem Reap, at the phenomenal Temples of Angkor showcasing an intricacy and architectural grandeur unmatched in the world. Explore the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, by rickshaw. Continue your cruise into Vietnam to discover silk towns, fishing villages, monasteries, and colorful floating markets. This river cruise itinerary concludes in the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, which combines historic architecture with modern skyscrapers.
Amazon River - 11 Days Roundtrip Lima, Peru
Astonishing discoveries await you in the most biodiverse rainforest and river system on Earth. Naturalist guides join you as you get up close to native wildlife, journey through the lush flora and fauna, and meet village locals.
Begin in Lima with a guided sightseeing tour and a visit to the Larco Herrera Museum. You fly to Cusco for guided tours of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. Next, stand in awe as you witness, Machu Picchu.
Then you embark on an adventure to the mighty Amazon, one of the world's vastly unexplored regions. You venture deep into the Amazon jungle searching for elusive wildlife. You will experience panga rides along the river tributaries, swim with pink dolphins, and even visit native communities, all while returning to your five-star river cruise accommodations.
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