2014 is well and truly under way, which means we can start looking forward to another brilliant year of river cruising. To get the ball rolling in the New Year, we thought we would compile a list of the top 5 river cruises destinations around the world, to help you decide on where to cruise this year. The rivers of the world are waiting to be explored, so why not make 2014 the year that you discover the joys of river cruising. Check out our top 5 river cruise destinations and be inspired by the wonderful ports that lie on the banks of the world’s mightiest rivers.

Three Gorges

River cruises along the majestic Yangtze River in China will voyage through the famous Three Gorges between Chongqing and Yichang. Once you have passed through the smallest of the three larger gorges, the Qutang Gorge, you will have the opportunity to take smaller vessels to the Lesser Three Gorges, at which you will notice the fascinating hanging coffins of the Ba people and the frighteningly narrow plank road etched into the surrounding cliffs. Sail through the Wu Gorge and arrive at the incredible Three Gorge Dam, a marvellous example of engineering on a colossal scale. This gigantic dam features an astonishing five-tier locking system that cruise vessels must navigate, which is a unique experience for intrepid travellers. The size and scale of the Three Gorges Dam has earned it a place on our top 5 river cruise port list and once ships have passed through, they will finally reach the Xiling Gorge, the largest and longest of the Three Gorges.

Yalta

The ancient city of Yalta in Crimea is often included on the itineraries of ships voyaging along the River Dnieper, which flows through Russia and Ukraine. The city is well-known for its illustrious and well-preserved heritage, on show at the many historic structures and landmarks found there. Take time to visit the famous White Palace, where Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt met for the 1945 Yalta Conference, or walk along the Lenin Embankment to observe the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Alternatively, spend time at some of Yalta’s many areas of natural beauty, such as the beautiful Nikita Botanical Gardens, which contains an abundance of wonderful flora and plant life, or opt for a trip to Massandra, Yalta’s famous wine-making region. Whichever reason you choose, Yalta deserves its place on our top 5 river cruise destinations list.

Rouen

Located on the banks on the River Seine in the Upper Normandy region of France is Rouen, a city steeped in extraordinary historical significance and brimming with an array of stunning architecture and ancient buildings. The city is full of so much history, a walk through the centre of town feels like a trip back in time, which is one of the reasons why this tremendous destination appears on our top 5 river cruise destination list. Observe the amazing Rouen Cathedral, which dates back as far as the 4^th century AD, or climb to the top of the meticulously-restored Big Clock for splendid views across the city. Rouen’s proximity to the Normandy beaches and other important areas of conflict make it a great place to learn more about the role that the region played during the Second World War.

Nuremberg

The German city of Nuremberg can be found on the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, making it a popular port; easily accessible on many European river cruises. This popularity has stemmed from its quaint and charming atmosphere alongside a long and rich medieval and modern history, all of which has earned it a spot on our top 5 river cruise port list. The city’s ancient Old Town, 900 year old ramparts and stunning Imperial Castle have remained intact and well-preserved over the centuries to create a superb historical ambience. Tours of the city may also focus on the part played by Nuremberg’s throughout World War II, as the core of the Third Reich, and later, the location for the 1946 Nazi Tribunal. Due to its location at the heart of Bavaria, the city is also the ideal place to experience authentic local German culture.

Budapest

As one of the major ports on the Danube and the capital city of Hungary, Budapest is a fantastic, but often under appreciated, cruise port that we just had to feature on our top 5 river cruise destinations list. The city manages to combine a modern, youthful atmosphere and thumping night-life with a historical ambience, boasting a collection of ancient structures and intricate architecture from centuries past. Budapest’s inspiring Parliament Building is one of the city’s main architectural attractions, situated on the banks of the Danube. The Royal Palace as well as the many intriguing museums and buildings on Castle Hill are also particularly popular with tourists. The best way to enjoy Budapest is to simply get a map and go for a stroll around the centre of town, taking in the lively environment and fascinating culture and heritage of this tremendous destination.

The top 5 river cruise destinations featured on this blog are just a fraction of the wonderful port towns and cities available to guests who book their next river cruise with River Voyages. Journey along the world’s waterways in style and comfort, from the Rhine to the Rhone, along the marvellous Moselle or further afield to the Yangtze and the Volga.