The most beautiful river trips around the world

River cruises are very popular with travelers today.

The boats used for these trips are usually much smaller than the giant ships that travel by sea.

Here's an overview of better River cruises around the world

Best River Cruises Around the World

River Cruises – Douro River Cruise (Portugal, Spain)

The Douro River may not be as well known or popular as some other European river cruise destinations, but that's not because it's not worthwhile.

This wonderful little journey, which takes travelers through Portugal and Spain, passes through picturesque vineyards and medieval villages.

It is also especially ideal for those who love to venture off the beaten path.

The Douro River cruise route usually starts at the river outlet at Porto It can include visits to local vineyards, castles and cathedrals.

Douro River, Porto

River Cruises – Mississippi River Cruise, USA

The mighty Mississippi River, the fourth longest river in the world, runs through the heart of America and through some of this country's most beautiful landscapes.

Many of the vessels that ply this river are designed to look like old-fashioned paddle-wheel steamboats.

Which can give the traveler the feeling that he is traveling back to a time when he enjoyed life at a more leisurely pace.

Depending on the itinerary, travelers on a Mississippi River cruise can see quaint towns as well as major cities, such as St. Louis and Louisville.

Again, depending on the itinerary, excursions can include visits to plantation homes as well as sites of the Battle of New Orleans.

River cruises on the Mississippi River can range from a few hours to those lasting three weeks or even longer.

Mississippi River, USA

River Cruises – Volga River Cruise, Russia

The Volga River is the longest in Europe and is often thought of as the national river of Russia.

Depending on your itinerary, you may visit: Saint Petersburg and Moscow Or the cities of the Golden Ring.

A cruise on the Volga River is an excellent way for a traveler to experience both modern and ancient Russia.

Volga River, Russia

Rhine River Cruise, Europe

It is no surprise that a Rhine River cruise is one of the most popular river cruises in Europe.

As the Rhine River flows slowly through a number of countries that are popular travel destinations, including: Switzerland and France and Germany and Holland.

Many consider the section between Koblenz and Bingen in Germany to be the most beautiful part of the Rhine.

Here travelers will enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe and amazing sites.

Including medieval castles, lush vineyards and passing through picturesque towns that look like they came straight out of a fairy tale.

Depending on the route, trips down the Rhine can take half a day, can last 11 days or even longer.

Rhine River Cruise, Germany

Danube River Cruise

For many, a Danube River cruise is a dream.

The Danube River, the second longest river in Europe, runs through nine different countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Serbia and Ukraine.

Depending on the itinerary, which can last from a day to a week or more.

A cruise along the majestic Danube River can also take you past castles and fortresses and through some of Europe's most beautiful cities.

For example, some Danube River cruises visit three European capitals, Budapest in Hungary, Vienna in Austria, and Bratislava in Slovakia.

Danube River

Amazon River Trip

The Amazon River has long captivated explorers eager to discover the secrets hidden in the dense jungle that lines its banks.

In the past, only the most adventurous souls dared to enter the Amazon Basin, but fortunately, this secret world is easier for travelers to visit today.

Although the Amazon River runs through eight South American countries, most large ships' itineraries are limited to sections between the Brazilian ports of Manaus and Belem.

However, smaller river cruise ships can venture deeper into the river's paths.

Amazon River, Brazil

Nile River Trip

Since Egypt was originally built on the banks of the Nile, a river cruise is one of the best ways to see the river and explore various glorious ancient sites, including the pyramids and the Sphinx.

It is estimated that there are over 400 cruise ships sailing the mighty Nile River, so travelers will have many vessels to choose from. 

Some of these river cruise ships offer amenities such as swimming pools, sun decks and spas.

Meals and some excursions are usually included in the price of the tour.

The Nile cruise takes between three and seven days and travels between Luxor and Aswan.

Nile River, Luxor