Viking River Cruises>Cruises>Rivers

The longest river in the European Union, the Danube begins in Germany’s Black Forest region and runs through 10 countries (Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine) on its way to the Black Sea.

Half of Russia’s river cargo is transported along the Volga, and its water is used to irrigate the steppe regions of the south. Russia’s ties to the Volga run strong and deep. Stops along the Volga include the Golden Ring city of Yaroslavl and the medieval town of Uglich, a favorite of Ivan the Terrible.

A river cruise is the only way to experience the legendary Yangtze River. The heart of China and third longest river in the world, the 3,915-mile Yangtze plunges from the Tibetan plateau to flow through the exquisitely beautiful and dramatic Three Gorges region on its way to Shanghai and the East China Sea.

Without the waters of the life-giving Nile River, Egyptian civilization might never have developed at all. Today, nearly all Egyptians live within a few miles of its banks. Travelers on a Nile cruise visit many of Egypt’s important cities, such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel.

Originating in France’s Burgundy region, the Seine runs right through Paris, through northern France and into the North Sea. Travelers on the Seine can also visit Giverny, where Monet lived and worked for years; Rouen, where Joan of Arc was tried and executed; the historic beaches of Normandy; and much more.

A river cruise is the only way to experience the mighty Mekong River. A natural border between several countries in Southeast Asia and revered for its beauty and biodiversity, the 2,703-mile Mekong plunges from the Tibetan plateau to flow through China and into Indochina on its way to the South China Sea.

The Rhône rises in Switzerland and flows through France to the Mediterranean Sea. It formed an important part of the Roman Empire; ruins of Roman roads, aqueducts, baths, arches, arenas and theaters can be seen throughout the area. Cruises on the Rhone feature stops in Lyon, Vienne, Avignon, Arles and more.

Beginning in the Vosges Mountains of eastern France, the Saône runs for 300 miles to meet the Rhône at Lyon. It has been an important part of river traffic since ancient Gallo-Roman times. A cruise along the Saône is also a journey through France’s legendary Burgundy region.

An Elbe river cruise features extraordinarily beautiful landscapes, and includes stops at Dresden, Meissen, Torgau, Wittenberg, Dessau and Magdeburg. Elbe River cruisers also enjoy spectacular views of the dramatic rock formations of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. In addition to its wildlife, the river supports several wine-producing areas.

The Svir River provides passage between Europe’s two largest lakes—Lake Onega and Lake Ladoga—and is part of the Volga-Baltic Waterway linking the Volga with the Baltic Sea. The water is clean, abundant with fish, and surrounded by beautiful pine forests.

Flowing through Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, the Dnieper River is Europe’s third longest. The Dnieper is extremely important to the economy of Ukraine. Its landscapes consist of gently rolling hills, forest groves, ancient villages, wide lakes and reservoirs. It carries river cruisers between Kiev and Odessa.

Flowing through France, Luxembourg and Germany, the Moselle is home to castles and picturesque views. Its winding bends are considered a special attraction, as are the remarkable views of the surrounding hills, narrow terrace-shaped valleys and steep vineyards.

The Main River originates in Upper Franconia and flows through the German states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Hesse. It features exciting river cruise destinations like Würzburg and Bamberg. River cruise guests often stop in Würzburg for a journey along the “Romantic Road” to charming Rothenburg.

The Low Countries—Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg—lie mostly below sea level. An extensive series of dams, dikes, canals and natural waterways crisscrosses the fertile countryside. Amsterdam’s waterways are both beautiful and functional, carrying people around the city, and many of Belgium’s cities also feature canals.