Traveling by river has always served as necessity, while also being enjoyed as a form of leisure. Even in the modern world, river travel allows for the shipment of raw and finished goods, imports and exports as well as some of the most enjoyable river cruising that has ever existed. Everyone is familiar with the opportunities available through luxury, open sea cruise liners, whether cruising the Mediterranean, the Pacific or the Atlantic and Caribbean, yet few are aware of the ability to enjoy luxury cruising on some of the world’s most famous rivers.
The Beautiful, Blue Danube
The Danube River runs through Eastern Europe, and through the ages. One of the most fascinating ways to enjoy cities such as a Budapest, Vienna, Linz, Passau, Nuremberg, as well as many others. The River itself stretches through 10 nations, and includes multiple National and natural park areas in each of these countries. Cruising on a river such as the Danube allows for all the joys and romanticism of traveling by ship, while also offering the perspective of a changing landscape, both geographically and culturally.
The Storybook Rhine River
Another incredible river cruise in Europe takes place on the picturesque Rhine, which runs through 9 of the most desirable European destinations, over a 766 mile stretch, joining the Danube in western Germany. The Rhine is famous for possessing some of the world’s most beautiful castles along its banks. Some of the great Rhine River cruises allow for the exploration of some of the world’s most famous castles, in form of a guided tours and independent exploration.
The Mysterious and Majestic Nile River
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Egypt, learn about the modern Egyptian culture, while delving into the ancient Egyptian culture is to cruise along the life source of the world region, the Nile River. The Nile is lined with artifacts, pyramids and a slice of a mysterious, ancient civilization that still captures the imagination. Such a river cruise offers enjoyable education within a leisurely environment. Many of the great, Nile River cruises include guided land tours offered by qualified educators and Egyptologists.
The Russian Volga River
The Volga River in Russia is the grandest of all European rivers, based on length and watershed. Both St. Petersburg and Moscow can be found along its banks, and within the Russian economy, it plays a vital role to the transport of goods and services. One of the greatest things about cruising the Volga is the ability to visit and explore Russia’s two most prominent cities and everything they have to offer, including sites such as Red Square, The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Palace of Catherine the Great. The enjoyment of cruising the Volga is enhanced with the ability to take in the Russian “countryside” in the form of small, riverside towns and villages.
China’s Yangtze River
Possessing a length of nearly 4,000 miles, the incredible Yangtze River offers a view into the Chinese culture that is rarely seen through popular culture. The Yangtze stretches from the Tibetan plateau, through some of the most picturesque mountains and canyons in the world. The Yangtze also offers the power source to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest power-producing facility. The Yangtze empties into the East China Sea at the city of Shanghai.
Traveling by river has always served as necessity, while also being enjoyed as a form of leisure. Even in the modern world, river travel allows for the shipment of raw and finished goods, imports and exports as well as some of the most enjoyable river cruising that has ever existed. Everyone is familiar with the opportunities available through luxury, open sea cruise liners, whether cruising the Mediterranean, the Pacific or the Atlantic and Caribbean, yet few are aware of the ability to enjoy luxury cruising on some of the world’s most famous rivers.
The Beautiful, Blue Danube
The Danube River runs through Eastern Europe, and through the ages. One of the most fascinating ways to enjoy cities such as a Budapest, Vienna, Linz, Passau, Nuremberg, as well as many others. The River itself stretches through 10 nations, and includes multiple National and natural park areas in each of these countries. Cruising on a river such as the Danube allows for all the joys and romanticism of traveling by ship, while also offering the perspective of a changing landscape, both geographically and culturally.
The Storybook Rhine River
Another incredible river cruise in Europe takes place on the picturesque Rhine, which runs through 9 of the most desirable European destinations, over a 766 mile stretch, joining the Danube in western Germany. The Rhine is famous for possessing some of the world’s most beautiful castles along its banks. Some of the great Rhine River cruises allow for the exploration of some of the world’s most famous castles, in form of a guided tours and independent exploration.
The Mysterious and Majestic Nile River
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Egypt, learn about the modern Egyptian culture, while delving into the ancient Egyptian culture is to cruise along the life source of the world region, the Nile River. The Nile is lined with artifacts, pyramids and a slice of a mysterious, ancient civilization that still captures the imagination. Such a river cruise offers enjoyable education within a leisurely environment. Many of the great, Nile River cruises include guided land tours offered by qualified educators and Egyptologists.
The Russian Volga River
The Volga River in Russia is the grandest of all European rivers, based on length and watershed. Both St. Petersburg and Moscow can be found along its banks, and within the Russian economy, it plays a vital role to the transport of goods and services. One of the greatest things about cruising the Volga is the ability to visit and explore Russia’s two most prominent cities and everything they have to offer, including sites such as Red Square, The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Palace of Catherine the Great. The enjoyment of cruising the Volga is enhanced with the ability to take in the Russian “countryside” in the form of small, riverside towns and villages.
China’s Yangtze River
Possessing a length of nearly 4,000 miles, the incredible Yangtze River offers a view into the Chinese culture that is rarely seen through popular culture. The Yangtze stretches from the Tibetan plateau, through some of the most picturesque mountains and canyons in the world. The Yangtze also offers the power source to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest power-producing facility. The Yangtze empties into the East China Sea at the city of Shanghai.
Very few of us can take a vacation last minute. Often we must plan time to take off of work, school, or other responsibilities. However, if you find yourself with a sudden opening in your schedule, you should consider taking advantage of a vacation deal. Last minute specials are common and frequent. With as little as a weeks notice, you can be on a cruise ship, or in a distant foreign country.
The best way to take advantage of these deals is through a travel agent. Often, when a boat is near setting sale, or a airline is a week from departure, they first contact travel agents with special price incentives. Their goal is to fill up the boat, or plane, before they leave with empty seats. This means they reduce their losses, and you get amazing deals on ticket prices. Cruise deals can be cut as low as fifty percent, and destination package deals can include airfare, hotel stay, and a guided walking tour or bus tour all at a discounted rate.
You don’t always need a travel agent to find these deals, you can check specialized websites in last minute travel deals as well. So book with an agent, or find a deal online, and take a vacation next week!