Cruise Down One of the Great Rivers

Although for many people the term cruise drums up images of grand ocean voyages, you might find it hard to believe that some of the number one destinations for cruise holidays are actually river destinations. The Amazon, the Nile and the Danube are some of the top destinations for passengers looking to take cheap cruises and explore the cities from its and waterways. Taking a cruise definitely has its benefits over car and plane travel, not only allowing you to visit countries that lack roads and other transport infrastructure, but also avoiding you the hassle of moving your luggage from place to place.



Danube River Cruises



As many of the great European cities developed near waterways, a cruise is the perfect way to explore some of the sights associated with Europe’s most romantic cities, like Budapest and Vienna. The Danube travels through eight different countries as it flows from Germany to the Black Sea, giving you a number of different itinerary options. Some highlights of a Danube River cruise include exploring the natural beauty of Austria, the fascinating countryside of Romania, and immersing yourself in the art and culture of Budapest and Vienna. Depending upon the time of the year you elect to take a cruise, you can often customize your cruises even further by choosing to explore seasonal attractions, like the Christmas markets of Germany. If you want to see more of Europe, many Danube cruise itineraries will combine a trip down the Danube with trips down the Rhine and the Main rivers, allowing you to see Amsterdam, Cologne and many other charming cities throughout the region.



Nile Cruises

A Nile cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime journey for many people. Drifting down the 124-mile stretch from Luxor to Aswan will allow history to come to life, as you see the beauty of the river, and explore the majestic temples along the route. The methods of farming, irrigation and animals have not changed much along the Nile in the past 4,000 years so a Nile River cruise can provide you with an excellent snapshot of what typical Egyptian life was like in the time of the pharaohs and pyramids. The typical Nile River cruise itinerary starts in Luxor where you can visit the Valley of the Kings and includes stops in Edfu, Kom-Ombo, Dendera and Aswan. Some of the highlights are the Temple of Edfu, a well-preserved Pharaonic ruin dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, and the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the gods Sobek, the crocodile-headed god, and Haroeris, the winged god of medicine. From Aswan, known as the gateway to Africa for Ancient Egypt, most cruises offer an optional excursion to Abu Simbel, the home of the great Temple of Ramses II, which is widely considered one of the greatest temples in Egypt.