11 Life-Changing River Cruises Around the World

1. Uncover the Nile River’s Greatest Mysteries

There isn’t a more bucket-list-worthy destination than a river cruise down Egypt’s Nile River. Delve into this incredible and influential part of world history when you learn straight from an Egyptologist who is ready to answer your every question. More than simply a trip to the pyramids (although that, too!), you’ll learn — in detail — the roles each pharaoh and queen played in shaping ancient Egypt. Calling at different small ports along the Nile River, participants disembark to visit pyramids and descend into tombs. On a Nile River study cruise, you’ll come face-to-face with the rulers responsible for some of the most incredible pieces of architecture and the treasures that still baffle and intrigue the modern world.

Road Scholar Recommends: Beyond the Pharaohs: Egypt Past and Present

2. Discover the Mississippi River

A classic and elegant way to experience the heart of the United States, this cruise offers the quintessential Southern experience. From the flavors of New Orleans to the sounds of Memphis, you’ll explore a side of the country steeped in history and culture. Your Mississippi river cruise destination visits small towns dotting the landscape, each one full of historical significance, such as St. Francisville and Vicksburg. Your voyage through the Old South also brings you right onto historic battlefields, where you’ll learn about America’s most well-regarded generals and commanders, all while spending easy nights filled with breezy blues and lively jazz music.

Road Scholar Recommends: The Best of the Mississippi River: Voyage Into Southern Heritage

3. Connect to Southeast Asian Culture as you Float Down the Mekong River

Prepare to explore Southeast Asia’s dense and diverse jungles, marvel at educational excursions to the region’s most important religious monuments and jump right into the local way of life, which even means picking up a few local phrases along an unforgettable journey. Aboard the Mekong Sun river cruise, participants have access to the river’s best night markets, remote and otherwise hard-to-access communities and the chance to meet the incredible wildlife that calls the Mekong River home. You’ll learn about UNESCO World Heritage Sites and culminate your educational adventure with a once-in-a-lifetime experience: an expert-led discovery of the extraordinary temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Road Scholar Recommends: The Mekong and Icons of Southeast Asia: Ha Long Bay, Angkor Wat & Luang Prabang

4. Voyage Down the World’s Largest and Longest River, the Amazon

There’s just something about the thought of floating down the Amazon River, the largest and longest river in the world, that ignites the explorer in us. When traveling by river cruise, you’ll fill your days with excursions through the rainforest led by experts ready to help you learn about colorful birds and rare flora and fauna. No South American expedition is complete without a visit to a local shaman and dinner with a local family, which will open your eyes to how locals live in the remotest of regions.

Road Scholar Recommends: Adventure in the Heart of the Amazon by Private Riverboat

5. Wave Hello to Wildlife from Africa’s Chobe River

Unforgettable wildlife is calling to you, and there’s no better way to experience Africa than by way of a learning voyage down the Chobe River aboard the Zambezi Queen. On board, you’ll float between the beautiful banks of Botswana and Namibia, and you’ll lose yourself in the sights and sounds that are distinct to this part of the world — zebras supping from the rivers and elephants triumphantly calling to their herd. You’ll embark on safaris to scour the landscape for the Big Five and learn about this amazing ecosystem with expert naturalists.

Road Scholar Recommends: Safari by Water & Land: Zimbabwe, Namibia & Botswana

6. Yangtze River, China

Take a voyage down the third-longest river in the world (3,915 miles) on the Yangtze River in China. Sail with experts to learn about how this river influenced China’s development for thousands of years. Along the river journey, travelers will experience expert lectures, walk along the Great Wall, and discover the differences between imperial Beijing, ancient Xi’an and cosmopolitan Shanghai. 

Road Scholar has curated a 16-day river cruise down the Yangtze and Li Rivers, visiting river towns and gorges along the way.

7. Douro River, Portugal

The local experts know the hidden gems of Portugal and are sharing them with Road Scholar! Sail the Douro River by riverboat to discover little-known villages, valleys and fairytale landscapes in Portugal. 

Road Scholar’s top-notch instructors will guide you through medieval towns and Baroque architecture while floating down the Douro river. Eat and drink your way through Portugal with a bountiful selection of some of the region’s most spectacular foods and wines. 

See a side of this country that people seldom get to experience on this 11-day Road Scholar river tour, Portugal's Best-Kept Secrets. Walk Porto’s historic center, learn about regional Port wine, and visit the UNESCO heritage city of Guimaraes.

8. Danube River, Germany 

Medieval castles, cobblestone streets and historic architecture are just a few of the wondrous things you will see on this Road Scholar 10-day tour down the Danube River. Sail through time along the Danube River to the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria and Hungary to study their fascinating political and cultural histories with local experts.

Travelers will get a close look into Vienna’s musical history, Budapest’s architectural history and Prague’s political history. Live like a local as experts delve deep into the past to explore places like Cesky Krumlov, a small medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Czech Republic.

9. The Seine, Paris

The beautiful Seine River in Paris is lined with cafes, historic boulevards and charming neighborhoods that bring visitors a sense of charm and romance they may have never experienced. Seeing Paris by boat makes this among the best river cruises in the world. It’s a wonderful way to see the City of Light, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum. 

Are you a history buff? Then this tour is for you! Learn from experts about generations of life living along the Seine river, from medieval times to Impressionist art times, as you sail along on a riverboat in this 15-day Road Scholar Seine River cruise. 

Trace the events of history’s largest invasion on June 6, 1944, from Normandy’s beaches to the liberation of Paris. Along the way, enjoy riverboat views of the Seine and the surrounding countryside.

10. Columbia River, Oregon

Trace Lewis and Clark's path on the Road Scholar Columbia River riverboat adventure. For this 11-day tour, travelers will float up the Columbia River on a classic riverboat for a one-of-a-kind adventure, sailing past lush forests and majestic mountains. Experts will teach the geology and the flora and fauna of the Columbia River.

Stop in Portland to visit some of the historic landmarks in the “City of Roses.” Explore the landmarks of Portland and sample local wines. Voyage along the Columbia River to learn about its unique history and breathtaking nature, which includes Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest waterfall.

11. Ohio River, Ohio

Sail along the Ohio River from Pittsburgh to Louisville, learning the history through stories of the small towns along the way. The Road Scholar tour, From Pittsburgh to Louisville: Sailing the Ohio River, is a 12-day tour that visits the cities and small towns along the way. 

Visit historic houses and landmarks with local experts, delve deep into the steel and coal mining industries and learn how they led to the economic boom of the 1920s. 

What is the real story behind Rosa Parks at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati? As you embark on your beautiful journey along the Ohio River, you'll find out.

River Cruises With Road Scholar

At Road Scholar, we have a wide range of cruises around the world to choose from. Our programs are designed to open the world to all of our scholars. No matter which educational learning adventure you choose, you’ll be placed in a cohort of like-minded adventurers, ranging from families to couples, business people to retirees and intellectuals to solo travelers.

Each of our programs is led by local experts who will walk you through your destination's history, culture, traditions and landscape. Our immersive experiences will allow you and members of your group to partake in spirited conversations to learn more about the world and return with lifelong friendships and memories.

Browse through our adventure travel programs and filter based on a wide range of criteria, such as desired activity level, destination, price, dates and interests. Ready to see what the world has to offer? Book your next trip with Road Scholar today!

Each of our programs is led by local experts who will walk you through your destination's history, culture, traditions and landscape. Our immersive experiences will allow you and members of your group to partake in spirited conversations to learn more about the world and return with lifelong friendships and memories.

Browse through our adventure travel programs and filter based on a wide range of criteria, such as desired activity level, destination, price, dates and interests. Ready to see what the world has to offer? Book your next trip with Road Scholar today!

See Road Scholar’s complete collection of the best-rated river cruises →