The rivers and waterways of the world boast a profusion of inspiring destinations along their banks. This blog will take a look at some of the planet’s mightiest rivers, picking out the most inspiring destinations from each, so you know where to go for spectacular views, historic architecture and fascinating local culture.
The Rhine – The Rhine Gorge
Also known as the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, the Rhine Gorge is a 65 kilometre stretch of water 
between Koblenz and Bingen in Germany. The entire region was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002, due to its significant cultural, geological and historic importance, brimming with natural beauty. The quaint town and sweeping valleys along this splendid stretch of the Rhine create spectacular views, making the Rhine Gorge one of the Rhine’s most unique and inspiring destinations.
The Danube – Vienna
Vienna, Austria’s historic capital city, is one of the most inspiring destinations along the Danube River. Throngs of river cruisers are drawn here every year, in search of stunning architecture and fascinating history and culture, both of which can be found in abundance across the city. A walk through the old street of the Vienna is a fantastic experience, offering tourists the chance to see a range of beautiful historic structures, including St Stephen’s Cathedral, Albertina and the Museum of Fine Arts.
The Dutch-Belgian Waterways – Kinderdijk
The stunning Kinderdijk area of the Netherlands contains the nation’s largest concentration of
historic windmills and is situated on the banks of the Dutch-Belgian waterways, creating one of Holland’s most inspiring destinations. The best way to see these wonderful windmills and the beautiful surrounding areas is on foot or by bicycle, as they allow tourists the opportunity to get up close to the structures. The collection of windmills at Kinderdijk was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, recognising the areas cultural and historical connotations.
The Douro – Salamanca
The city of Salamanca sits on the banks of the River Douro in north western Spain and is famous 
for its incredible historical importance – so much so that the city’s quaint old town has added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The old town is home to a number of fabulous ancient landmarks – well worth visiting – including the 16th century Convento de San Estaban and Casa de las Conchas. As a university city, Salamanca combines modern and ancient cultures to create a unique and intriguing ambience, offering something for all kinds of travellers.
The Rhone – Avignon
Many beautiful and historic cities are located along the Rhone River, but Avignon is perhaps one of the region’s most inspiring destinations. The city used to be known as a safe haven for popes who fled the corruption of Rome during the 14th century, and this illustrious history is on display throughout the city, especially at the ancient Le Palais de Papes (Palace of Popes), the world’s largest Gothic edifice built to accommodate them. The outlying areas of the city are filled with verdant countryside and vineyards, offering the perfect place to observing stunning views and find a peaceful place to unwind.
The Moselle – Trier
The majestic Moselle River boasts many inspiring destinations along its banks, including Trier, a beautiful city in western Germany. The city is home to a profusion of Roman and medieval buildings, offering an insight into the region’s long and varied history. Trier’s Porta Nigra is the most immaculately-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps. Other incredible historic sites include the ruins of three Roman imperial baths, the Constantine Basilica and the Trier Amphitheatre. Take a stroll through the old streets of this superb city to appreciate its rich Roman heritage and ancient culture.
The Seine – Rouen
The town of Rouen in northern France also boasts an amazing and often turbulent history, 
spanning thousands of years. The town is famous as the location in which Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake back in 1431. The narrow streets of this ancient district offer up a wealth of insights into the historic culture of the region, from the towering Rouen Cathedral to the recently-restored Le Gros Horloge. Rouen is often compared to a huge open-air museum, due to the plethora of historic structures and landmarks found there.
The Volga – Moscow
River cruises along the Volga can call in many different locations, but when it comes to inspiring destinations, Moscow takes precedent. This iconic city is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and offers an array of fabulous views and sightseeing opportunities. From the Kremlin and the Red Square to the city’s museums and parks, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to fascinating and exciting excursion possibilities in Moscow.
The Yangtze –Three Gorges Dam
The exotic Yangtze River in China has several inspiring destinations from to observe spectacular 
views of the surrounding landscape, none more so than the famous Three Gorges Dam. The Three Gorges Dam is a hydroelectric dam that stretches across the mighty Yangtze in China’s Hubei province. The dam is surrounded by verdant forest, dramatic valleys and is an impressive structure in itself – impressive enough to have become one of China’s most famous landmarks. Passing through the various stages of the Three Gorges Dam aboard a river cruise vessel is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed.
If any of these inspiring destinations motivate you to book an exciting river cruise getaway, call our Cruise Concierge on the number at the top of this page or click here for our latest deals.
