The 30 best river cruises for 2021 and beyond
Voyages on these stunning routes are just the tonic for those craving an escape
The Three Gorges are found in one of the Yangtze river s most spectacular sections
Credit: Getty
From the depths of the Amazon to splendours on the Nile, Sara Macefield selects 30 great river cruises for the months ahead. Get ready to set sail.
1. Danube’s capital attractions
If you like ticking off European cities, this voyage serves them up in style with a triumvirate of capitals. Budapest sets the bar high, with the illuminated splendour of its Gothic parliament building providing the ultimate night-time vista, while Slovakian capital Bratislava charms with a medieval old town of winding streets and Baroque palaces. Vienna exudes classical splendour at every turn, with grandiose imperial piles and rich musical heritage. Channel your inner Mozart at an exclusive recital before tucking into one of the city’s pastries.
Europe s waterways beckon with plenty of options if you want to skip the flight
22 February 2021 • 2:09pm
The charming town of Durnstein, in Austria, can be reached on a river cruise – with no need to board a plane
Credit: GETTY
Trains and boats – well, ferries anyway – are replacing planes as river cruisers go off flying in the wake of the Covid crisis.
River cruise lines have always offered a selection of rail-sail itineraries; for some it’s their bread-and-butter, alongside ferry and coach travel from the UK. But as the virus struck last year, and sentiments turned against flying, several lines cast about for alternatives.