Walt Whitman once wrote...
“Sit by a river, find peace and meaning in the rhythm of the lifeblood of the Earth".
He could not have written a more appropriate prologue to a river cruise vacation had he tried. There is something so inspiring, so rejuvenating, so mystical about bodies of water like rivers and oceans. Maybe it’s because we all draw our roots from the water or maybe it’s something more ethereal than we can put into words — but they are special places for most of us and there's no better way to explore the world's great rivers than on a luxurious river cruise vacation.
Rivers are not only inspiring and rejuvenating, they are enablers that allow us to touch, feel and experience over 5000 years of incomparable history along the majestic Yangtze River, the alluring Nile or the enchanting Danube. It’s this incredible attraction and appeal that so many find when traveling on a river cruise (not to mention, by the way, that you can’t get seasick). Think of it this way: many of the world's historically important civilizations were built along rivers, the super highways of bygone eras, with many of them located in countries or regions sure to be on your “bucket list” of places to visit.
For a more comprehensive view of the rivers of the world you can visit aboard a luxurious river cruise ship, please read through our in-depth reviews and articles for each of the major rivers, destinations, and river lines by using the links below — we’re sure you'll find it very informative. If there’s something you need more information about, just give one of our river cruise experts at Premier a call, or click here to send us an email for more information. Now, please get started reading about the rivers of the world!
"Close to home" cruising throughout North America is more popular than ever before.
If you want to stay a bit closer to home, Premier offers a myriad of river and small ship cruises on premium river and small ship cruise lines such as American Cruise Lines, Blount Small Ship Adventures, and American Queen Steamboat Co. Their cruises, aboard remarkable U.S. flagged ships with all-American crews, extend across North America and include extraordinary trips on the Mississippi River, the Snake & Columbia Rivers, Alaska's Inside Passage, the Hudson River, Chesapeake Bay, and New England's islands and coastal waterways, to name just a few destinations.
River cruises on Europe's Rhine, Main and Danube rivers are absolutely a must.
Imagine two magical weeks traveling the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. Imagine the vistas as you sail by Holland’s wooden windmills and then walk through the majestic tulip fields — maybe buying some for your cabin. Imagine the view from the deck as you sail down the Rhine River, looking up and marveling at the fairy-tale castles and vine-covered hillsides. Picture yourself sailing through the engineering marvel of the Main-Danube Canal, a liquid highway connecting Western Europe and Eastern Europe, through the awe inspiring Wachau Valley and Austria, home of Mozart, the Waltz and the scrumptious Sachertorte. Stroll along the cobblestone streets and charming town squares of Durnstein and linger for a while in a café watching the world go by — it can’t get any more rejuvenating.
France's Seine, Rhone and Saone, and Dordogne river cruises will set your senses on fire!
If you’re into food and wine, guess we need say no more than France to set your mind ablaze with both culinary and fine vintage wine thoughts. Meander down France’s scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers where around each bend is another stunning vista, another marvelous experience. You’ll explore Burgundy and the lavender fields of Provence, visit Roman ruins in Vienne and in Arles, walk where Van Gogh got much of his inspiration. Visit the Papal Palace of Avignon known as the “City of the Popes.” And, of course learn about the country’s winemaking traditions and its culinary excellence in Lyon — thought of by many as the food capital of the world. As if that isn't enough, a number of river cruise lines offer exciting cruises on the Dordogne river in France's Bordeaux wine region. On those cruises, you will experience some of the world-renowned, historic wine estates and their wine (Not to mention the culinary delights of this region!) with exclusive visits and private wine tastings to such towns as St. Emilion and Pomerol. To top it all off, most river cruises in France begin or end with a stay in Paris, the “City of Light.”
Volga river cruises offer insight into Russia's fabled history and culture.
If you want to follow in the footsteps of the Cossacks, then Russia and its fabled Dnieper and Volga rivers are for you. Moscow with the Kremlin, Red Square and all those onion domes; St. Petersburg with Catherine’s Palace in Pushkin and the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and many more sights along the rivers you’ve probably not heard of.
Do your interests lean more toward that of the ancient Egyptians?
If so, look no further than a glorious Nile River cruise? Egypt has inspired and amazed visitors for millennia, and the Nile is your gateway to its treasures — it’s like watching 5,000 years of history and culture unfold before you as your ship glides laziliy along the Nile. You’ll not miss a sight as you enjoy Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel. Ride a camel, walk the Pyramids, gaze at the inimmitable Sphinx, and see Luxor’s unimaginable temple of Karnak at night with a private light show.
Looking for a new experience in the Far East? Like China and Southeast Asia?
CHINA. China and her incredible Yangtze River with its three Gorges region, the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an awaitbyou when you take an enchanting river cruise along the Yangtze. For you shoppers, add a few days before or after in amazing Hong Kong. And yes… there are still bargains to be had.
VIETNAM and CAMBODIA. The Mekong River flowing leisurely through Vietnam and Cambodia, is the 12th longest in the world, but in terms of history, cultural and ecological richness — the Mekong has no equal. Ancient history, modern wars, and even the French have not changed the warmth of the people who welcome Americans with open arms and an invigorating smile. The Mekong, untouched by time, is the region's lifeline serving thriving fishing villages, bustling trade centers and ancient temples along its banks. Imagine a rickshaw ride in Ho Chi Minh City (old Saigon), a stroll in Hanoi, or explore Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex containing the most temples in all Southeast Asia — it is truly an emotional and immersive vacation which is made even better by the deluxe accommodations available aboard a beautiful river cruise ship — your home away from home.
MYANMAR (Previously called Burma). In the last few years, as Myanmar has really opened up its doors wide to visitors, several premium river cruise lines in addition to Pandaw, have added intriguing itineraries on the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers. AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Waterways, Scenic, and Viking have created amazing itineraries that will introduce you to the sights, sounds, ancient history, and a culture that hasn't been experienced by those outside Myanmar for many, many decades — in part due to internal political strife and turmoil, and the fact that the country was just too under-developed to make traveling into the interior easy and feasible. That has all now changed as the country continues to develop, making it easier to get around its rugged landscape both by overland routes and on the rivers. What better way to get to know this beautiful, welcoming and friendly country than on a luxurious, state-of-the-art river ship! 7- to 16-day cruises are available beginning in either Rangoon or Mandalay. Myanmar is definitely a must-add to your river cruise "bucket list."
How about a river cruise on the Ganges, India's sacred river?
Bet you didn't know that incredible river cruises have been saililng for a few years on this ancient, sacred river! In 2016, Uniworld began offering its 13-day itinerary: India's Golden Triangle, sailing from new Delhi to Kolkata aboard the Ganges Voyager II. For more information and all-inclusive prices on this incredible cruise, please give us a call at 1-855-255-1200.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Unless otherwise noted, prices and offers are in USD, cruise only per person, based on double occupancy and do not include airfare, taxes or fees. The displayed prices are based on minimum category riverview window stateroom and applicable only to the sailing date(s) shown. Prices for other dates may vary based on the date and stateroom selected. Other than “Hot Deal” offers, price does not reflect any cruise line or Premier savings. Where Premier includes “prepaid tips” in an offer, it applies only to the cruise portion of the trip and not any land portion or shore excursions. To obtain the best price, please use the "Get Quote" button or call one of our river cruise and small ship cruise specialists. Certain discounts or prices may require full payment at the time of booking in order to be eligible. We urge you to book early as river and small ship cruises sell out almost a year in advance. Prices and availability may change without notice and are not guaranteed until a deposit is received and applied to your reservation. Call 1-855-255-1200, for complete details. We reserve the right to correct any informational or typographical errors. ©2010-2023 Premier River Cruises, LLC, a Travel of America Company. All rights reserved worldwide. CST #1015320-40.
