Unfortunately for everyone in the UK, it is still January and we are still very much in the middle of winter. Although it may be bitterly cold at the moment, what better way to cheer ourselves up than to look forward to the summer months when three jumpers and thermal socks won’t be necessary! It may seem a while away now, but before you know it summer will roll round again, so now is the time to start planning your summer river cruises. To help you decide on where to venture on your summer river cruises this year, this blog will discuss a selection of river ports boasting wonderful climates, so you know where to go for a spot of summer sun.

Bordeaux

Renowned for its sophisticated wine culture, Bordeaux is one of the jewels of the south of France. Sitting on the banks of the Garonne River, this splendid city boasts a superb summer climate, often drenched in sun between the months of May and September, perfect for summer river cruises. There is plenty to see and do across the region, including a wealth of historic landmarks and monuments alongside many areas of stunning natural beauty, which often appear even more beautiful in the light of the summer sun. Consider taking a stroll through the historic districts of the city, where remarkable structures include the Roman Victory Arch, La Victoire monument and the Girondins memorial. Also, make sure to visit at least one of Bordeaux’s famous vineyards and chateaus, where daily wine tours offer both tranquillity and free samples.

Porto

Situated on the banks of the Douro river estuary, Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal, after the capital city of Lisbon, and a fantastic destination for summer river cruises. The region is blessed with a blissful Mediterranean climate, meaning warm, dry summers, with plenty of sunshine, are the norm. The city has a long and illustrious history, dating back to the Roman occupation of the 4^th century AD, which has lead to the historic centre of town being named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the number of historic structures and landmarks that reside there. Porto is also well-known as the port wine capital of the world and fascinating wine tours can take tourists to various vineyards and caves distributed throughout the region. Porto’s collection of bustling outdoor markets make a great place spend a day in the sun, offering visitors the opportunity to purchase a range of authentic local handicrafts, provisions and souvenirs.

Salamanca

The city of Salamanca is located in the hills of north western Spain by the Tormes River. The region’s delightful climate is typical of the Mediterranean expanse and lashings of sunshine are to be expected throughout the summer months. Tourists on summer river cruises through the area can make the most of the sun by wandering through the ancient streets of the old town, which has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and contains a plethora of historic structures, including grand palaces, lavish houses, towering religious buildings and lively plazas. Salamanca is also an excellent university city, which helps to inject some vibrancy into the region with the many fantastic shops, bars and restaurants found around the centre of town, to generate a unique ambience made up of both historic and contemporary aspects.

Venice

The beautiful and romantic city of Venice has captured the imagination of travellers for centuries. This distinctive city consists of 118 small islands, linked by a labyrinth of meandering canals. Typical of northern Italy, Venice has a humid subtropical climate, so tourists can expect nothing but sun during summer river cruises to the city. The region is a hotbed for culture, art and history, known worldwide as the city of water, bridges and light. Many different boroughs make up the city of Venice, each with their own range of historic structures, guaranteed to live long in the memory of visitors. Take a peaceful gondola ride and navigate the narrow canals of the city, observing the many famous landmarks along the way, which include Saint Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, the Bell Tower of Saint Mark and San Marco Square alongside a plethora of fascinating museums.

Hanoi

For intrepid river cruisers hoping to venture out of Europe to the Far East, Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi is an excellent option. It can get very hot in this part of the world during the summer season, often exceeding 30°C, so don’t forget to take a hat and some sun cream. If you can stand the heat, Hanoi is a fabulous city to explore, offering visitors the chance to discover a new and exciting culture, far from the conventions of the western world. A great way to experience this fascinating culture is by visiting the city’s beautiful temples, all of which boast stunning architecture and gorgeous natural surroundings. Alternatively, spend time in the many charming parks and gardens, where wonderful flora and fauna can be found in abundance. In addition, the people of Hanoi are known for being friendly and talkative, which can be especially helpful if you ever find yourself lost.