Luxury River Cruises in Asia

Take a journey back in time and discover the natural beauty of Asia with a luxury river cruise. Journey along the mysterious heart of China, the mighty Yangtze River. See ancient sites and remote villages, and get an up-close look at the Three Gorges Dam. Enjoy the extraordinary scenery along the Mekong Delta, with its mist-enshrouded peaks and dense pines.

The Yangtze River

The Yangtze River, or Chang Jiang, is the longest river in China and Asia, and the third-longest in the world. The river is about 6,380 km long and flows eastwards from its source in Qinghai Province into the East China Sea at Shanghai. As the largest river in the region, the Yangtze is historically, culturally, and economically important to China.

The majority of luxury river cruises either start or end in Shanghai. Shanghai is an exciting and dynamic metropolis located at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Since 1842, the city has grown into a massive international port, attracting people from around the globe.

Bustling urban streets, an emerging fashion district, modern skyscrapers and a pulsating nightlife all give Shanghai a delightfully modern feel.

The Three Gorges is the most spectacular section of the Yangtze River and draws thousands of visitors each year. Located in Sichuan and Hubei Province, the Three Gorges is composed of Qutang Gorge, Wuxia Gorge and Xiling Gorge.

Qutang Gorge is about 8 kilometres long, with 100-metre high walls, stretching from Baidi in the west, to Wushan County in the east, creating a colossal gateway over the Yangtze River.

Wuxia Gorge is said to be the most beautiful of the three. Wuxia is about 40 kilometres long, while Xiling Gorge is the longest of the three, stretching from the Xiangxi stream in Zigui County to the Nanjin Pass in Yichang, running a total of 76 kilometres.

Fengdu is another essential stop on any Yangtze River cruise. Located at the foothill of the mountains, Fengdu is the only ghost city in China. Temples are situated all over Ming Mountain, in which a series of super beings are supposed to dwell.

Legend states that Ming Mountain is one of the 72 graveyards for Taoism. Tao believes that when people die, their spirits will gather at these locations. From March 3 to 15 of the lunar month, Fengdu people hold temple fair days. During the days, "spirit shows" are held in the streets, attracting many believers. Fengdu is a mystical and terrible place of spirits in the minds of the Chinese people.

Another stop on the river cruise itinerary is the city of Wuhan, to see the Hubei Provincial Museum. Founded in 1993, the entire museum covers an area of 51,000 square metres. The museum houses 140,000 archaeological cultural relics dating from the Stone Age to modern day. More than 600 of these are listed as national class exhibit items.

Mekong River

The Mekong River is one of the world?s major rivers and thus a major cruise destination. Deep in history and rich in culture, it's one of the last travel frontiers, with its stunning natural beauty and biodiversity. Some of its attractions include ancient monuments, royal capitals and UNESCO World Heritage sites like Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Luang Prabang in Laos; depicting an illustrious past.

Every cruise itinerary must include a stop at stunning Angkor Wat, a temple complex at Angkor, Cambodia, built for the king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. The modern name, Angkor Wat means "City Temple."

The temple is the epitome of Khmer architecture. It has become the symbol of Cambodia and is the country's central tourist attraction. The temple is admired for the grandeur of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs and for the numerous devatas (guardian spirits) adorning its walls.

Luang Prabang is a city located in north central Laos, on the Mekong River, about 425 kilometres north of Vientiane. The city was formerly the capital of a kingdom of the same name. Until the communist takeover in 1975, it was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Luang Prabang has both natural and historical sites. Among the natural tourism sites, there are the Kuang Si Falls and Pak Ou Caves. The Haw Kham Royal Palace Museum and the Wat Xieng Thong temple are essential viewing for archaeology enthusiasts.

Luxury river cruises provide a window to the past and an effortless means to see some of the best Asia has to offer.

Experience the Mediterranean With Luxury Cruises

European river cruises can include a Mediterranean voyage that will inspire and amaze you. When you visit the coastal area of Turkey and Greece, you will get the added benefit of seeing the islands. Mykonos, Rhodes and Crete are some of the most popular among the river cruises. Another area that is highly visited is the Adriatic Sea. This is one of the destinations that will allow you to see the cities of Barcelona, St.-Tropez, Venice and Monte Carlo.

One of the experiences of a lifetime will be the river boat cruise you take along the Rhone. This was the area of the origination of impressionism. When you choose a river boat cruise you will get to see not only the larger cities that everyone is interested in, but the smaller ones that are just as interesting. Interaction with locals will be one of the most enjoyable aspects of visiting smaller cities.

The experiences you have while visiting the European area of the world will be what makes your river boat cruise special. While enjoying the beauty of this area of the world, it will not be hard to see what was so inspiring to Van Gogh. Your river cruise can vary from a weekend to a month long adventure.

Choose from cruise accommodations that are deluxe to the ones that just comfortable enough. There are a wide variety of river cruises designed to fit your budget and preferences. The scheduled stops will include many of the top-name destinations that you may have wanted to see for years.

This may be a chance for you to pick up a little of the local language. Many of the cruises cater to visitors from all over the world. In addition to English, many of the travelers will be speaking languages from other parts of the world.

Luxury River Cruising in Europe

Luxury European River cruises combine elegance with visits to the many small towns along the river's edge. This gives travellers the opportunity to experience the country's true culture firsthand.

Amadeus Waterways - Paris to Istanbul

With Amadeus Waterways your European vacation begins in Paris, the City of Lights, where passengers spend several days exploring the city, viewing the landmarks the city is known for. Stroll along Champs Elysées, the boutique-lined boulevards, or visit the Eiffel Tower. Travellers witness history up close as the ship glides along the Rhine and Main River.

Then onward to Nessebar, one of the oldest towns in Europe, before rejoining the cruise in Romania. The cruise ship sails along the Romanian/ Bulgarian border before continuing to Serbia. Towards the end of the journey guests can enjoy a full day of cruising through one of Europe's most impressive natural wonders, the Iron Gates. The vacation concludes in historic Istanbul.

The trip includes 14 nights of deluxe accommodation in an outside stateroom. Rooms are equipped with Internet, movies and a Music Library.

Viking River cruises - 2009 Treasures of the Rhine

This 15-day voyage visits five countries along the legendary Rhine River. The journey begins in Switzerland's Basle region, and continues through the Black Forest region of Germany and France's Strasbourg.

On the banks of the Rhine the ship stops in the famous wine town of Rudesheim and lovely Cologne. A highlight of the journey is the guided tour of the city of Strasbourg. See the Place d'Austerlitz and European Parliament, and enjoy the city's famed cathedral up close.

On the fifth day guests travel in a motorcoach to Heidelberg. A guided tour includes Heidelberg Castle, a red sandstone ruin overlooking the Neckar River.

Then, onward to the Netherlands to explore Amsterdam's picturesque canals. In Amsterdam travellers are given the opportunity to enjoy a glass-topped canal cruise past merchant houses and the famed Skinny Bridge.

In Belgium travellers can discover the medieval cities of Bruges and Antwerp.

Evergreen tours - Imperial Jewels of Russia

How does an Imperial Jewels of Russia River Cruise sound? Guests enjoy a 12 night cruise onboard the Ms Surkov, the most luxurious river cruise ship in Russia. Explore some of the world's most fascinating yet relatively undiscovered destinations.

Uncover Russian History, the imposing Red Square and the Kremlin and encounter ancient towns along the river Volga.

Commencing in St. Petersburg guests are transferred to their luxury river cruise ship. The trip begins with a tour of this stunning city including the impressive Peter and Paul Fortress. The cathedral within the fortress houses the tombs of the last Romanov family.

The tour continues on to Nevsky Prospect, where guests can view the Cathedral of Kazan, the Winter Palace and St. Isaac's Cathedral.

A highlight of the journey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Kizhi Island. One of the most ancient sites in Russia, the island is an open-air architectural museum housing significant buildings.

Upon docking in Moscow, passengers visit the famed Bolshoi Theatre and Red Square

Blue Water Holidays - Andalusian Holiday

Blue Water Holidays offers a cruise through the historic Andalusia region of Spain, the home of sherry, flamenco, mountains, and the Costa del Sol. This eight day cruise sails between Seville and Cadiz along the River Guadalquivir and the Spanish coast.

This fabulous journey includes excursions to historic sites and cities. Some optional excursions are also available to towns such as Jerez, home of sherry and the flamenco, the City of Seville and the Rock of Gibraltar.

Passengers are provided with seven nights of cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom, superb dining with all meals included during, unlimited quality red and white wines from Europe's great wine regions with every dinner, a Cocktail Reception and a Captain's Gala Dinner.

Luftner Cruises - Music on the Danube

Most of the world's greatest classical music has originated from a small area in central Europe. Why not take a river cruise down the Danube to explore the musical origins of the genre?

With Luftner Cruises travellers can enjoy a music cruise of the Danube River. The cruise is peppered with a variety of musical extravaganzas, from a concert at the Beethoven-house in Bonn to a tour in Strasbourg that includes a concert in the St. Thomas church.

Entertained by the singers of the London Festival Opera, the journey includes two full days in Budapest as well as a visit to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava. Whilst in the Wachau Valley, Vienna and Budapest the itinerary includes a number of guided excursions.

A river cruise such as this is tantamount to a floating hotel that travels through the very heart of Europe.

River Cruising - A Popular Choice for Cheap Luxury Cruises

Travel agents are used to getting calls from travelers interested in luxury travel vacations who want to travel on a budget. While some more experienced travelers may roll their eyes, there is one big secret for travelers who are looking for a five star experience on a three star budget. It is called river cruising.

These river cruises have all the benefits that large cruise ships have. River cruising ships and itineraries are specifically set up to meet the highest standards of luxury, comfort, and convenience, similar to that of a luxury world cruise. You only unpack your bags once, dining is included in the price, and you can visit several different locations. Unlike big sea cruise vessels, river cruise boats are much smaller, with a maximum passenger number of about 150. There are no large crowds onboard during dining times and at on board activities. You will come to know your fellow travelers very well, and are likely to form bonds to last a lifetime. Thanks to the small and intimate number of travelers, the attention paid to each traveler on a river cruise ship is truly the height of luxury.

With river cruises, you get more included in your fare than large sea cruises, making it a luxury travel vacation full of added value. River cruises usually include a half-day land excursion for each day of the cruise. Many river cruise boats do not have interior cabins, meaning you will have more views of the countryside. While most sea cruise ships are forced to only experience the charm of port cities, river cruises give travelers access to inland areas of countries. A lot of your sight seeing can be done from your boat. Imagine sailing along some of the most famous rivers and waterways of the world, rather than the country's infamously congested highways. River cruises often stop to experience sights that are more quaint, such as intimate villages, towns and vineyards, which would most likely be missed or overrun by a sea cruise ship.

River cruises start at about $1,300 per person. That amount may seem like a lot when big sea cruise ships are offering interior cabins at about $500 per person; but on a river cruise, you are staying in a cabin with a guaranteed ocean view. On big ships, excursions are almost always an extra price, whereas on river cruises, they are included. With river cruises, all the food is gourmet, and is included. River ships are smaller, more intimate and are built to provide the highest level of customer service and satisfaction. If you want to take a luxury travel vacation and want the most bang for your buck, consider the values in a luxury river cruise.

Luxury Mississippi River Dinner Cruises For Discerning Travelers

Seating reservations are made and immediately assigned to all the passengers on board while on Mississippi river dinner cruises. Each passenger is also assigned to table companions for as long as they are on the vessel. Food is taken very seriously and accorded deserved attention for the sake of those who love to eat. While complimentary beverages are readily available for purchase in addition to coffee at full service bar on board, each person is offered a dining room and schedule for dinner. Companions on a table are served with extraordinary culinary delicacies and beautifully brewed wines after which in most cases they are treated to their favourite cocktails.

Having known that there is no room for boredom aboard a vessel in the Mississippi delta, it becomes worth mentioning that very popular traditional jazz and blue grass music by live bands is rendered for the pleasure of everyone especially music fans. Though in very many cases regional Cajun cuisine is served as lunch and dinner during cruises, passengers are left with bountiful choices on where to have a dinner away from the regular dining rooms. On board a vessel in the Mississippi delta every source of boredom and worries are removed through the exiting events that are continually rolled out; passengers are also treated to very sumptuous meal while they relish the wondrous views of the Mississippi river which include the great street bridge, Mississippi river rip rapping, the beautiful riverside park and the Mississippi wildlife among the rest. Mississippi river dinner cruises creates an avenue for a memorable romantic getaway for spouses, nature lovers, fun seekers and holiday makers as very many ships are now well equipped with smaller restaurants having snack bars, some 24 hours mouth watering pizzerias, in-cabin service and buffets services during the day.

A one day cruise on the Mississippi which in no doubt leaves a lasting impression on the minds of all cruisers has prompted major cruise lines to carefully package programs which include good music, tales about the Mississippi delta, beautiful sightseeing events, history of the early Americans, and cruises to notable ports of call. In most cases when the cruise is for a week long or above, one or two formal nights is organized where all boarders are expected to appear in suits and various cocktail dresses. The cost of fruit juices, coffee, hot chocolate, water and teas are usually inclusive in the cost of a cruise. It is no doubt that on a one day cruise or Mississippi river dinner cruises passengers are sure of having worthwhile moments with their loved ones and also meet people from other works of life.

Discount luxury cruises

The services available on a cruise ship are as important as the places visited during the trip. A cruise ship is often synonymous with luxury features. The growing number of passengers on a cruise ship is a sign of success of the discounts granted by the agencies Ravel. Discount luxury cruises have a permanent presence on the list of budget travelers. Almost all cruise line operators offer discounts to attract more passengers. Today discountLuxury Yachts are the watchword for budget travelers.

Luxury Yachts ranging from a few hours to several days. Some cruise tours last for several months, and discounts to give much more flexibility for the average traveler plans and budgets. A cruise is an all-inclusive package, usually including taxes, fees and airport taxes, service charges and port taxes. Proper care should be taken, and the choice of a luxury hotel at a reduced price to ensure that the above ratesare included in the cruise.

Prices are subject to being visited for the duration of the cruise and ports. Special rates are sometimes applied to people who travel alone. A single person booking a double cabin can be calculated as 200%. As a general rule, luxury cruises are best enjoyed outside in large groups. some age groups, as under 12, be granted special discounts. The discounts are also extended to the elderly and members of certain clubs or associations. Ask around,and always compare prices and services before the final plunge and booking himself a cabin on a luxury liner off.

Luxury Cruises in Asia

Take a trip back in time and discover the natural beauty of Asia with a luxury cruise. Journey along the mysterious heart of China, the mighty Yangtze. See ancient sites and remote villages, and get an e-close my eyes to the three- Gorges. Enjoy the stunning scenery wrapped along the Mekong Delta, with its peaks and pine dense fog.

The Yangtze River

The Yangtze River or Chang Jiang is the longest riverChina and Asia, and the third longest in the world. The river is about 6380 km long and flows east from its source in Qinghai Province in East China Sea at Shanghai. As the largest river in the region, the Yangtze is historically, culturally and economically important for China.

Most of the luxury river cruises start or end in Shanghai. Shanghai is a dynamic and exciting metropolis at the mouth of the Yangtze River.Since 1842, the city has grown to a massive international port, attracting people from all over the world.

busy city streets, a thriving fashion district, modern skyscrapers and bustling nightlife, give a wonderful feeling modern Shanghai.

Three Gorges is the most spectacular stretch of the Yangtze River and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Located in Sichuan Province and Hubei Province, is the Three Gorges Qutang Gorge, Wuxia Gorge and Xiling compoundGorge.

Qutang Gorge is about 8 km long, 100 meters high walls, extending from west to Baidi Wushan County in the east, creating a monumental gateway to the Yangtze.

Wuxia Gorge is considered the most beautiful of the three. Wuxia is about 40 km in length, and Xiling Gorge is the longest of the three, which extends from the current Xiangxi in Zigui County in the Nanjing Pass in Yichang, with a total length of 76 km.

Fengdu is anotherMust for every cruise Yangtze. Located at the foot of the mountains, Fengdu is the only ghost town in China. The temples are all over the Ming Mountain, where a number of super-beings to live there.

Legend has it that Ming Mountain is one of the 72 cemeteries of Taoism. Tao believes that when people die, their souls to collect in these locations. From March 3 to 15 the lunar month, people continue Fengdu day temple fair. During the day, "Spirit,exhibition held in the streets and attracts many believers. Fengdu is a mystical and terrible phantoms in the minds of the Chinese people.

Another station on the river cruise tour is the city of Wuhan to see the Museum of Hubei Province. Founded in 1993, covers the entire museum is a space of 51,000 square meters. The archaeological museum 140,000 cultural relics from the Stone Age to modern times. More than 600 of which are shown as a national list of classElements.

Mekong River

The Mekong is one of the world? the main rivers and thus a great cruise destination. Rich in history and rich culture, is a border last trip with his stunning natural beauty and biodiversity. Some of its attractions are monuments of ancient royal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage sites of Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Luang Prabang in Laos; representation of an illustrious past.

Each route has a stopmagnificent Angkor Wat, a temple complex of Angkor in Cambodia, for King Suryavarman II in the early 12 th Century built. The present name means Angkor Wat Temple City. "

The temple is the epitome of Khmer architecture. E 'became the symbol of Cambodia and is the center of tourist attraction in the country. The temple is admired for the greatness of architecture that adorn its extensive bas-reliefs and for the many Devata (guardian spirits) walls.

Luang Prabang is a cityis located in the north of Laos on the Mekong River, about 425 km north of Vientiane. The city was once the capital of a kingdom with the same name. Until the acquisition communist in 1975, was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Luang Prabang has both natural and historical sites. Among the sites of nature tourism, there is the Kuang Si Falls and Pak Ou Caves. Haw Kham, the Royal Palace and MuseumWat Xieng Thong temple is essential that in archeology enthusiasts.

luxury river cruises offer a window into the past and an easy tool to offer some of the best Asia.

Luxury Cruises in Egypt and the Middle East

The majestic Nile in the Middle East, considered by many to be the lifeline of Egypt and offers the ultimate in luxury river cruise. Temples, sacred valleys and amphitheatres hopped on a river cruise destinations. Few places on earth continue to fascinate one century to another.

All the luxury river cruises in this region have Cairo as a top tourist destination. Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt and to the pointtranslates as "the triumph".

Cairo, Egypt, the coasts and islands of the Nile to the north.

Cairo is a fascinating juxtaposition of ancient and modern architecture, based on monuments as the Pyramids, the Hanging Church, the Sphinx, and Heliopolis own. The oldest part of the city is located east of the River.

The Egyptian pyramids are essential in Cairo. There are over 100 pyramids in Egypt. The most famous Egyptian pyramidsare those that are located in Giza on the outskirts of Cairo. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest pyramid, and the only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, still exists.

No luxury river cruise Edfu is complete without a visit to the city - located on the west bank of the River Nile. Edfu is the site of the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus, and of an ancient settlement, Tell Edfu. Of all the remains of the temple in Egypt, the Temple of Horus, the bestpreserved.

Esna is a city of Luxor is located on the west bank of the Nile, 55 km to the south. This city was built in the area of the old Latopolis and is home to a large temple to the god Khnum. Ancient texts mention that it builds on the basis of a temple that is already in the reign of Tuthmosis III, built.

Swenet Aswan is the ancient city, which was in antiquity the frontier town of 'Ancient Egypt. It is located on the eastern side Bank of the Nile and is a busy market and tourist center and one of the driest inhabited places on earth. The quarries were located in Aswan in Egypt, with its wealth of syenite, a rock of granite.

One of the highlights of an Egyptian river cruise is a stop in Luxor. Translating the "palaces", Luxor is home to an amazing collection of ancient monuments in the world. From the magnificent temples of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings> River West Bank, Luxor is the jewel of every trip.

Amenhotep III built-in - One of the first stations in the city, the temple of Luxor.

The Temple of Luxor is a large complex of temples of ancient Egypt is located on the east bank of the Nile. The temple was built from 24 meters high the first pylon of Ramses II. The main entrance of the temple complex was originally flanked by six colossal statues of Ramesses - four standing, and two seats - but only two havesurvived.

Just outside of Luxor, another spectacular goal is to visit the city. The Valley of the Kings is a valley, where for a period of almost 500 years, were built the tombs of kings and nobles of the New Kingdom. The valley is located on the west bank of the Nile, in the heart of the cemetery. The area has a concentrated focus of archaeological investigation since the eighteenth century. In 1979 he became a World Heritage Site.

Outside of Egypt, you can alsoDubai wants to explore the water. Dubai is a modern metropolis on the Gulf Coast of the United Arab Emirates location. Dubai Creek is a large area (suitable for large ships to enter) ranges from northeast to southwest through the town, which for an ideal destination for river cruises.

A river cruise offers breathtaking views of Dubai city. Tour Dubai and the Arabian Gulf and experience the beauty of Dubai back in all its current and former glory. PointsInterest along the route are: the National Bank of Dubai, the historic village and Sheikh Saeed House.

Dubai is known internationally as a tourist destination. Dubai offers an endless variety of possibilities for unique things to see and do. Highlights include: travel, desert safaris, dune, sand-skiing, moonlit Arabian desert barbecues, camel racing, horse racing, falconry, and explore the markets of the old city.

Tour options include: traditional architecture;ancient mosques, magnificent palaces, dusty Bedouin villages, lush oases and beautiful sunsets.

Find Relaxing Luxury on Mississippi River Cruises

     River cruises are some of the most entertaining cruises, and Mississippi River cruises are no exception. You have several options when it comes to Mississippi River cruises. You can travel the Mississippi on a steamboat or on a theme cruise. Visit river ports or stay on the sea on the renowned Delta Queen.

     A paddle-wheel steamboat is the best way to explore the history of the Mississippi River. You get to experience the "showboat" entertainment of the past. You will visit New Orleans and taste Cajun food. You get to see the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. If you are interested in more traditional ports, you can visit Nashville and Chattanooga. The three steamboats offering Mississippi River cruises are the American Queen, the Delta Queen, and the Mississippi Queen.

     Theme cruises include Big Band, Jazz, Civil War, and Cajun. Several cruises are narrated, providing an entertaining history lesson and bringing the Mississippi to life. A common theme is old-fashioned holidays. You and your family can participate in on old-fashioned thanksgiving meal on the Mississippi. Old-fashioned Christmas and New Year's cruises are available. These are great ways to celebrate the holidays with your loved ones. And you don't have to prepare the meals!

     Fall cruises are great ways to discover the changes in nature. You get to explore the changing colors of the leaves. You will enjoy the foods of the season as well including apple cider and pumpkin pie. Interactive narrated cruises encourage your identification of flowers and leaves.

     Riverboat cruises offer different experiences to passengers. You can participate in bluegrass jamborees. You can learn about Native American culture. Civil War sites are popular stops on Mississippi River cruises. Riverboat cruises on the Mississippi offer historic experiences for all passengers.

     Mississippi River Cruises are great ways to explore American history. You have several cruise options that will appeal to you and your family. Regardless of what you want to explore along the Mississippi, there is a cruise package for you. Talk to your travel agent to plan the best Mississippi cruise experience for you and your family.