river
Ten best
river cruisesNote: "River" category includes canals and backwaters (they share similar qualities). However, I did not include the Panama Canal on this list because it's mostly a sea cruise.
1. Nile
Best part is between Luxor and Aswan in Egypt. Nile River cruises showcase pharaonic temples and tombs.
2. Yangtze
Best part is between Chonqing and Yichiang in China. Yangtze River cruises feature stunning landscapes and fascinating shore excursions.
3. Kerala Backwaters
Best part is between Kottayam and Alleypey in southern India. Kerala backwater cruises boast tropical palm-fringed waterscapes.
4. Rhine
Best part is between Koblenz and Rudesheim/Bingen in Germany. Picturesque medieval castles and villages are the stars.
5. Mekong
Best part is between Saigon and Angkor Wat and between Luang Prabang and the Golden Triangle. Mekong River cruises are adventures.
6. Amazon
Best part is betweenIquitos in Peru and Manaus in Brazil. Experience the world's largest rainforest.
7. Danube
Best part is betweenPassau in Germany and Budapest in Hungary. Along the way enjoy Vienna and more.
8. Rhine-Danube
Best part is between Amsterdam and Budapest. The two rivers are linked by the Main River and a canal.
9. Volga
Best part is between Moscow and St Petersburg in Russia. Explore small, historic villages and wooden churches.
10. Canal du Midi
Carcassonne and Colo
Best part is between mbiers in southern France. Cruise the narrow canal in a comfortable converted canal cargo barge.
Runners-up
Over 100 other river cruises exist. Those with special merit include Dneiper, Duoro, Elbe, Irrawaddy, Mississippi/Ohio, Moselle, Murray, Orinoco, Odor, Po, Rhone, Seine, Saone, St Lawrence, and Vistula rivers - and the Caledonia and Eire canals.
