Top 5 Luxury River Cruises to Explore Outside Europe

Just because Europe boasts the majority of the world’s rivers doesn’t mean that amazing luxury river cruises aren’t available in other parts of the world. In fact, there are quite a few luxurious river cruise options outside of Europe that are definitely worth your time and money.

Here are five top picks for the best luxury river cruises that are not in Europe:

The Mekong River Cruise – Vietnam and Cambodia

The Mekong River runs through Vietnam and Cambodia, and a river cruise is a great way to see both beautiful countries. The cruise begins in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and winds its way through the Mekong Delta, past temples, villages, and rice paddies. The trip ends in more laid-back Siem Reap, Cambodia, where you can explore the temples of Angkor Wat. This is a wonderful way to experience two different cultures and see some amazing World Heritage sights.

The Chobe River Cruise – Botswana and Namibia

For something even more off the beaten path, consider a river cruise on the Chobe River, which forms part of the border between Namibia and Botswana. This is a great option for nature lovers as you’ll get to see some of Africa’s most iconic animals up close, including elephants, lions, and buffalo. You can also expect to see a variety of bird species on this cruise as well as some incredible sunsets over the African plains.

A Chobe River cruise isn’t a traditional river cruise: it is more like a river safari. Vessels explore a 15-mile stretch of river, up to a mile wide in places, with the focus on spotting wildlife, not visiting notable ports of call.

The Amazon River Cruise – Peru

South America is home to some of the world’s most amazing rainforests, and there’s no better way to experience them than on a luxury Amazon River cruise. On this cruise, you’ll explore the Peruvian Amazon region and get to see some of the rarest animals on earth, including pink dolphins and anacondas. You’ll also get to experience the local culture by visiting indigenous villages along the way. Journey to the merging point of the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers where the Amazon River begins.

The Ganges River Cruise – India

A Ganges River Cruise takes you on a journey through some of the most sacred sites in India, including Varanasi, Allahabad, and Haridwar. You will also visit some of India’s most beautiful temples and see traditional rural life in action. Between dramatic temple complexes, richly spiced cuisine, picturesque Jaipur’s Pink City, and the majestic Taj Mahal of the Golden Triangle, India has no shortage of wonders to discover.

The Nile River Cruise – Egypt

Cruise the Nile River Cruise in Egypt, once reserved for queens and pharaohs. Follow the paths of explorers and scholars to experience some of Egypt’s most famous archaeological sites, including Luxor and Karnak temples and the Valley of King’s tomb complex. You’ll also get to enjoy traditional Egyptian cuisine and entertainment onboard your ship as you sail down one of the longest rivers in the world. The newly opened GEM museum in Cairo is a must-see for every art or history lover.

There are several luxurious river cruises to experience all over the world – not just in Europe! If you’re looking for an amazing and unique river cruising experience, consider one of these five exotic destinations.

Contact me to start planning your exotic river cruise. I’ll match you to the best itinerary and river cruise operator to exceed your expectations.

Let’s get started planning your luxury vacation. Reserve your complimentary consultation call with me to begin!

Featured image by Mike