ONE World , COUNTLESS Rivers

UNIWORLD RIVER CRUISES UNLOCKS THE KEYS TO UNIQUE DESTINATIONS.

BY AMY ROBERTS

WHILE OCEAN CRUISING HAS A LOYAL FOLLOWING, TRAVELERS STIRRED BY CHANGING DESTINATIONS OFTEN OPT FOR RIVER CRUISES, WHICH ARE RECOGNIZED FOR PROVIDING AN INTIMATE AND ELEGANT EXPERIENCE. If you prefer to dock in the heart of town — within walking distance of castles, vineyards, and villages — rather than disembark in an industrial port — river cruising is undoubtedly an ideal option. And if timeless sophistication, exceptional service, and boutique shore excursions are more your style, all-inclusive Uniworld is tops. While the company journeys to spectacular destinations throughout Europe, Egypt, Asia, and Peru, some of its most popular itineraries include the following.

TIMELESS WONDERS OF VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & THE MEKONG

The journey begins in Vietnam’s largest city — Ho Chi Minh City — where modern skyscrapers are juxtaposed against the backdrop of ancient temples. Throughout this 15-day itinerary, you’ll explore the Viet Cong’s vast network of narrow tunnels, paddle through slender canals on a traditional sampan, visit the untouched island of Tien Loi and colorful Siem Reap — the gateway to the UNESCO-designated jungle temple complex of Angkor Wat. The welcoming spirit of Cambodia is on display as friendly villagers excitedly greet passengers and local Buddhist monks offer a water blessing.

PORTUGAL, SPAIN & THE DOURO RIVER VALLEY

The magic of the Iberian Peninsula’s Douro River Valley has beckoned curious travelers for centuries. Spain and Portugal have influenced cuisine the world over, and this adventure provides a taste of their greatest contributions. In Porto, a customary flat-bottomed rabelo — just like those used to transport wine from vineyards hundreds of years ago — delivers you to the historic Ribeira district. Later, wind your way through the dramatic landscapes of the UNESCOdesignated Douro Valley. Beguiling architecture, zig-zag alleyways, opulent churches, and famous museums await.

Splendors Of Egypt And The Nile

Easily the most famous river in the world, cruising the Nile was once reserved for queens and pharaohs. After all, Cleopatra isn’t remembered for crossing the Pacific. The Temple of Luxor and a journey to 4,500-year-old Pyramids of Giza and neighboring Sphinx are some of the highlights. Extensions include a journey to Jerusalem where passengers can visit holy sites including the Pool of Bethesda, Temple Mount, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Stops at Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity are also planned.

INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE & THE SACRED GANGES

Circumnavigating the Golden Triangle — Delhi, Jaipur and Agra — this 13-day itinerary includes a stop at Mother Teresa’s tomb, the Rajbari Temples, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial, and of course, the world’s grandest tribute to love, the Taj Mahal, which passengers can see at both sunrise and sunset. Other wonders of romance include a massive red sandstone marble tomb in Delhi and the Pink City of Jaipur, with its ornate royal palace that was painted in a dusty pink to welcome members of the British Royal Family.