Recently updated on October 6th, 2022 at 02:50 pm
In some of the world’s most enthralling destinations, local life and the culture is defined by the waterways. As the lifeblood of many great cities, the river is often one of the most rewarding places to begin exploring, and our guide to river cruising  takes travellers from the treasures of the Yangtze River in China to North America’s mighty Mississippi. But as you cruise past majestic architecture and secluded patches of wilderness, look a little closer at what lies on each of the riverbanks, taking the time to stop by its most fascinating waterside sites.
Mississippi River Cruise, USA
With a name taken from the indigenous North American word meaning Great or Big River, it takes a journey along this iconic waterway to be able to fathom its sheer size. But it’s not just the geography that makes the Mississippi worth experiencing; it’s the culture of the Deep South that makes this journey interesting. Experience true Southern hospitality and the celebrated music of the Mississippi’s riverside towns, and take in the great waterway’s scenic riverbank views.
Experience the Mississippi on the ‘Tastes and Sounds of the South with Mississippi River Cruise (outside cabin, inside cabin, and deluxe outside cabin)’.
Yangtze River Cruise, China
As the longest river in Asia, and the third longest in the world, the 6,300-kilometre Yangtze River is not travelled in its entirety; instead, the focus is on the remarkably scenic 120-kilometre section known as the Three Gorges, from the port city of Chongqing to the global metropolis of Shanghai. Follow the course of the river past the majestic cliffs that form these gorges, stopping by the secluded Shibao Pagoda, and taking a diversion on a smaller boat along the tributary Shennong Stream.
Set out on a journey along the Yangtze River with the Highlights of China and The Yangtze.
Cruising the Gordon River, Australia
In its extraordinarily isolated setting off the south coast of Australia, Tasmania is home to a vast wilderness, which encompasses large areas of protected land. Here, the Gordon River carves a path through a Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area of lush rainforest. Departing from the historic mining town of Strahan, the boat travels along the river to historic Sarah Island, before continuing to the ominously named Hell’s Gate, where the river meets the Southern Ocean.
Perfect Tasmania
Ayeyarwady River Cruise, Myanmar
Also named the Irrawaddy River, the mighty Ayeyarwady flows all the way from the north to the south of Myanmar, passing this enigmatic country’s villages, pagodas and countryside along the way. The Mandalay to Mingun stretch takes in rural Burmese life, where long-tail boats and bamboo rafts are a part of everyday local life, before reaching the site of the world’s largest ringing bronze bell. Continue on to the large white pagoda of Hsinbyume Paya – said to represent the seven mountain ranges around Mount Meru – before cruising back down this scenic stretch to the city of Mandalay.
Travel along the Ayeyarwady River on Secrets of Myanmar, and Secrets of Myanmar with Bangkok.
Danube River Cruise, Hungary
Europe’s second longest river, the Danube cuts through Budapest, dividing it into Buda and Pest. The Budapest section is flanked by the Art Nouveau architecture that Hungary’s capital is famous for, with the city’s lights reflecting on the water after dark. As the riverbanks become illuminated and the sun dips below the horizon, set off from the harbour and enjoy a gentle river breeze while dining on authentic Hungarian cuisine.
Take an optional Danube River cruise in Budapest on Imperial Europe, and Bohemian Highlights.
Vltava River Cruise, Czech Republic
Prague is another of Central Europe’s architecturally rich cities, even garnering the name, the City of a Hundred Spires. Here it’s the Vltava River that flows through the urban sprawl, with baroque, gothic and medieval structures on each of the river’s banks. By day or after sundown, a Vltava River cruise takes in all of this city’s splendour, while a local expert on-board reveals each of its age-old myths and legends along the way.
Take an optional Vltava River Cruise in Prague on Imperial Europe, and Bohemian Highlights.
A Guide to River Cruising with Trafalgar Image credits: Cover photo of the Ayeyarwady River © iStock / oversnap. Mississippi River Cruise © iStock / LIVINUS. Yangtze River Cruise © iStock / jejim. Gordon River Cruise © iStock / kelichihiki. Ayeyarwady River Cruise © iStock / Ugurhan Betin. Danube River Cruise © iStock / focusstock. Vltava River Cruise © iStock / extravagantni.