30 June,2011 07:35 AM IST | | The Trip
Forgotten civilisations, civil war battlefields and a slice of nature at its wildest best, the trip handpicks three of the world's most exciting river cruises for a taste of the best sights on land and in water
Nile riveru00a0
Imagine gazing straight at the Great Pyramids, as you transport yourself to another time and place where Pharaohs walked and one of the world's greatest civilisation emerged. Easily one of the most unforgettable river experiences, a cruise down the Nile offers a terrific insight into Egypt and its people. The lifeblood of this region, there is plenty to marvel at from the comfort of your cruise ship. Tour operators offer longer itineraries that also include hotel stays, along stopovers. You will be able to sight the legendary pyramids and Sphinx in Giza, the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo, Luxor Temple on the site of the ancient Thebes, Aswan High Dam, Djoser's Step Pyramid in Saqqara and a host of other sights and sounds along this great river. Most such cruises include a professional tour director or an Egyptologist who will share in-depth knowledge of this fantastic land and its rich past.u00a0
Nile cruise ships lie anchored near the Temple of Kom Ombo. PIC/ AFP
Mississippi riveru00a0
One of the world's largest rivers, the entire river system of the Mississippi covers over 50 rivers and tributaries, including the Ohio, Tennessee, and Missouri rivers, allowing passengers the opportunity to explore much of the American Midwest on their leisurely voyage. This cruise makes for a great opportunity to experience history and culture of America. You get to hit rewind mode to a time when life moved as slowly as the riverboats that dot this massive river. Civil War battlefields, plantations, farmlands and river front towns straight out of the Victorian era make for great memories along the way. There are several other legacies to witness ufffd the birthplace of Blues, Jazz and Country music as well as Mark Twain's home town (Hannibal). Apart from Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois and Cumberland, cruise will also include smaller canals and waterways that branch into these rivers.
Amazon River
La Boudeuse, a three-masted schooner ship captained by French explorer
Patrice Franceschi sails along the Rio Japura in Brazil 17 October 2004 in
search of the Macuje, a Colombian Indian tribe of the Amazon. La Boudeuse
undertook the first of twelve sailing expeditions around the world, which
focussed on the re-discovery of the people of the water. PIC/ AFP
If you have harboured dreams to be the next Columbus or Livingstone, or even not, this one is for you. A cruise down the world's largest water system makes for an enthralling escape into nature's bounty. A paradise for birdwatchers, botanists and people with a keen eye to experience and discover the cultural side of the Amazon's indigenous tribes. One can also visit several wildlife reserves and come face-to-face with some of the most exotic insects, birds, plants and species of mammals, reptiles and fish. Most tour operators offer cruises down the Amazon and its tributaries in Bolivia, Ecuador, Brazil and Peru, so you can take your pick of setting off, from your preferred departure point. Bilingual on-board representatives will ensure you are kept abreast with the off-board activities and sightings.
