Five of the best river cruises for culture vultures

River cruises really do offer something for everyone. Nature lovers will feel right at home on the Irrawaddy, while history buffs will relish the Rhine and foodies will never forget a voyage along the Douro. Where river cruises really excel, however, is culture.

Countless voyages along iconic rivers offer insights into some of the most culturally-rich destinations in the world. But which are the best river cruises for culture vultures? From ornate castles to inspiring art galleries, these five voyages afford fascinating insights.

Budapest to Passau on the Danube

The Danube is interwoven with a rich history that has embedded countless cultural riches into its fabric. Week-long sailings on this iconic river take in the stunning Wachau Valley: a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its vineyards, fortresses and rolling hills. Then, of course, there is Vienna, birthplace of Gustav Klimt, Marie Antoinette and Franz Schubert. Baroque palaces and elegant streets captivate all who step off their river cruise ships, with a particular highlight being the beautiful Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School.

Budapest, too, is a stunning and, surprisingly, still up and coming destination. Divided by the Danube, you will sail right through the centre of the city before docking for an exploration of Budapest’s thermal baths, delicious food and art nouveau architecture.

Paris, Vernon and Normandy on the Seine

We couldn’t round up the best river cruises for culture vultures without mentioning Paris. The Louvre, Notre Dame, Centre Pompidou, Shakespeare and Company, Café de Flore: the cultural highlights are endless in this city alone. But don’t discount the other stops on Seine river cruises.

You will visit Vernon; transferring to Giverny for a tour of Claude Monet’s stunning former home and gardens. From here you can walk the historic Abbey Trail in Duclair, visit the poignant Normandy landing beaches and call at Rouen, one of France’s most historic cities, before sailing back to Paris.

With chateaus lining its shores and no shortage of museums and art galleries in almost every port, the Seine is a feast for passengers craving France’s cultural delights.

Milan to Venice on the Po

A cruise on the River Po is one of the best ways to see Italy. Milan is the perfect starting point: a city where elegance and sophistication envelope every street. Explore treasure troves of 20th-century art before experiencing the romance of Verona, a city whose association with Romeo and Juliet makes it perfect for star-crossed lovers.

From here, you will pass through picturesque towns and historic communes such as Taglio di Po, a lush landscape just a stone’s throw from your final port of call: Venice. Crossing the city’s lagoons you will experience traditional lace-making, sumptuous wine tasting and fantastic culinary experiences, all between canal-side strolls and visits to local artisans.

St Petersburg to Moscow on the Volga

The longest river in Europe will whisk you away to palaces with spiralling towers, museums embracing a rich yet tumultuous history and sprawling squares surrounded by iconic architecture. Explore the treasure trove of art and culture in St Petersburg’s Russian Museum (spread across four stunning palaces), ballet theatres and Tsarist history, or tour the city’s canals. Crossed by around 342 bridges, these charming waterways have earned St Petersburg the nickname ‘Venice of the North’. But this imperial city isn’t the only Volga river cruise destination packed with majestic architecture.

After sailing through lesser-known treasures such as Uglich and Yaroslavl, you will port in Moscow, a magical city packed with unmissable sights. You must see the five palaces and four cathedrals that make up the colourful Kremlin, and Lenin’s Mausoleum, located in the heart of Red Square.

Beijing to Shanghai on the Yangtze

China might be perceived as a city that never sleeps, but river cruising opens the door to an altogether more tranquil way of exploring this vast country.

Your journey starts in vibrant Bejing, the gateway to Xian’s terracotta warriors and an unforgettable port home to the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China. Take an exciting rickshaw ride through the city before striking out on the Yangtze, a waterway bordered by truly spectacular scenery. On your way to Shanghai you will witness the breathtakingly beautiful Three Gorges – undoubtedly the river’s most scenic section – and admire the historic Shibao Pagoda as it nestles snugly into the verdant cliffs.

Your cultural journey ends in Shanghai: a neon metropolis whose skyline disappears into the clouds. Ancient architecture and 1930s treasures hide among the skyscrapers, while the food really is something else. Shanghai is also becoming something of a creative hub, with a range of fascinating galleries waiting to welcome you into their contemporary corridors.

From European beauty spots to exotic waterways, there are countless cultural river cruises to capture your imagination. These are just five of the itineraries you can choose from, so if you want to spread your wings a little further, call our Cruise Concierge team on 0800 197 0854 to plan your perfect trip.