5. Rhone
Fine gastronomy, grand historical monuments and charming countryside views accompany a journey along this regal river, a top choice for a European river cruise. Rising from the Rhone Glacier in Valais, Switzerland, the waterway wends into France, where it meets the Soane river, and many itineraries continue south. Squeeze through the narrow traboules passageways of Lyon, stopping to eat at a plethora of Michelin-starred restaurants, admire the Roman amphitheatre in Arles, a city of inspiration to Van Gogh, and wander the medieval streets of Avignon, dominated by Gothic powerhouse, the Palace of the Popes. Resplendent lavender fields, magnificent winelands and the plunging limestone cliffs of Pont d’Arc provide eye candy along the way.