Viking River Cruise Destinations: The 6 Best Rivers to Cruise

A Viking river cruise is one of the best ways to get acquainted with many different cultures around the world, because Viking puts an emphasis on the destinations that they sail to. From the onboard cuisine that is tailored to reflect the traditional dishes of the area, to the complimentary shore excursions at every port, you will truly feel like you have gotten to know the cultures and communities when you cruise with Viking. And with the largest cruise fleet in the world, they have so many rivers to cruise that even the most prolific travelers will have a hard time seeing them all!

One of the Top Rivers to Cruise for Architecture: Danube

The Danube river is the second longest river in Europe, dwarfed only by the Volga in Russia. It runs from the Black Forest in Germany all the way out into the Black Sea, and has long beared witness to the rich and dramatic history of the countries that it passes through. When you take a Viking river cruise on this magnificent river, you will be treated to the picturesque scenery of the European countryside, from the lush mountain forests of the Danube Bend to the charming vineyards of the Wachau Valley. This river has long been important to cities along its banks, and it passes through more national capitals than any other river in the world. It is also one of the best rivers to cruise for anyone who appreciates European architecture, such as Vienna’s historic structures or Budapest’s classic Chain Bridge and Parliament Building.

A Top Viking River Cruise Destination: Rhine

The Rhine river is another one of the great historic rivers to cruise in the heart of Europe, starting in the Swiss Alps and flowing through Germany and the Netherlands. Much like the Danube River, you will find many historic cities and vibrant landscapes along its path. On a Viking river cruise down the Rhine, you will be transported into the past with UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Windmills of Kinderdijk in South Holland, Netherlands, and Marksburg Castle in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. A river cruise also happens to be one of the best ways to see Amsterdam’s iconic canals and the gabled houses that run along the river.

A Wine Lover’s River: Douro

The Douro River in Portugal is a majestic and stunningly beautiful river, flowing through green meadows, rolling hills, and picturesque vineyards. On a Viking river cruise, passengers get a chance to explore the stunning countryside and its many cultural treasures, from ancient monuments to modern cities. The area experienced great prosperity during the Age of Discovery, and there are many monuments of that time along the river. Porto’s old quarter, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to some of the earliest examples of Baroque architecture in Portugal, and the Port wine lodges on the south side of the river are famous among oenophiles. If you’re excited at the prospect of enjoying port wine tastings at elegant estates, then there is no better river to cruise than the Douro!

Sail a New Viking River Cruise Ship: Mississippi

The Mississippi river runs through the heartland of North America, and is a staple of American iconography and identity, making it one of the most popular rivers to cruise in the US. This historic river is littered with pastoral farms and towering bluffs and passes through one cultural hub after another. When you embark on a Viking river cruise on the Mississippi, they include an excursion at every port, helping you to get more closely acquainted with the region’s rich history and culture, from Mark Twain’s boyhood home in Hannibal, Missouri, to the vibrant nightlife and creole cuisine of the French Quarter in New Orleans. If you are lucky, you might even get a glimpse of the great bald eagle, the national symbol of America.

For the History Lover: Nile

Egypt is often referred to as “The Motherland of the World,” and the Nile is the lifeline that fed the great civilizations of past millenia. The Nile River that runs through is easily one of the most well known rivers in the world, and its history goes back farther than history itself. When you consider iconic monuments like the great pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, it is easy to see why the Nile is one of the best rivers to cruise for fans of archeology and world history. Taking a Viking river cruise here means getting up close and personal with millennia-old artifacts in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, the sprawling temples of Luxor and Karnak in Luxor, and Esna’s towering Temple of Khnum.

Top Viking River Cruise for Scenery: Mekong

The rivers of Asia provide some of the best scenic landscapes to explore in all the world, and there is no better river to cruise for lush scenery than the Mekong in Southeast Asia. Along the banks of this magnificent river, you will find floating markets, silk towns, and fishing villages bustling with activity and bursting with culture. A Viking river cruise here will take you to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, where you can see the historic riverfront and iconic monuments like the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, as well as places like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and the archeological sites in Kampong Cham.

Ready to check out all of the Viking river cruises? Visit Cruises.com — we can help you book the smart way! We give you our exclusive bonus offers and all qualifying cruise line offers, plus all of the cruise line loyalty program benefits. Book online at Cruises.com or call 800-288-6006 today.

Related: Viking Cruises: A Guide to the World’s Leading Luxury and River Cruise Line