Picking up where we left off with our last blog post about small-ship cruising, today we visit the most storied rivers of the world, those that have a story to tell and offer a relaxing and insightful cruise experience. Again, we stress the benefits and appeal of small-ship cruising. With smaller-capacity limits, river-cruise vessels allow you to get out and explore, while keeping your exposure low.

Here are our top picks for small-ship river cruises. We’ll offer suggestions on where to go, which itineraries to choose and what you can expect. Enjoy! 

Egypt 

Go Back in Time on the Nile

For anyone interested in ancient history, archaeology and the world’s earliest cultures, a Nile River cruise (with or without lake Nasser) delivers in spades. From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the Temple of Isis, you’ll find yourself immersed in the fascinating stories of this region. A river cruise is, quite simply, the best way to see it all - Luxor, Karnak, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Dendera and the Valley of the Queens and Valley of the Kings (where you really should take a hot-air balloon ride). Tack on an overland adventure to Luxor Temple and the massive rock temples of Abu Simbel. 

Europe 

Experience the Magic of Christmas Markets 

If you love the winter holidays, you really have to experience a European Christmas market. You’ll go gaga for gluhwein - mulled wine - and fulfill every last wish on your holiday gift list. Even if you’re not religious, you’ll be wowed by the festive light displays, enormous decorated Christmas trees and the general sense of bonhomie. 

The Christmas market tradition dates back more than six centuries - while a winter market popped up in Vienna in 1298, the first true Crhistmas markets originated in Bautzen and Frankfurt, Germany, in the 14th century. Today, your river cruise can deliver you to a Weihnachtsmarkt or Christkindlmarkt in  Nuremberg, Dresden, Florence, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow or Strasbourg for some seasonal food, drink, caroling and shopping for handicrafts. Want more than one market? Choose a river cruise on the Danube, that include Hungary, Austria and Germany, or the Rhine, which visits Switzerland, Germany, France and the Netherlands. 

Peru 

Discover the Secrets of the Amazon 

Immerse yourself in the world-famous Amazon forest on a river cruise out of Iquitos, Peru - the best way to experience the region’s rich biodiversity. You’ll sail 600 miles along the mighty river in a small river vessel, plus take smaller boats to go farther into the river’s various tributaries. In scenes straight out of The Jungle Book, you’ll see howler monkeys, iguanas, pink river dolphins, tropical birds in riotously bright colors and, hopefully, the big cats, such as jaguars and ocelots who move slyly and quietly along the rainforest’s floor. Cruisers also have the chance to meet the welcoming Ribereños people who reside here and learn about their way of life. 

Ready for the river? Let’s chat. And stay tuned for our next installment of top small-ship cruise destinations … Asia!  Not already subscribed to our weekly newsletter that delivers these blogs right to your inbox with no advertising or pop ups? Please sign up below: