Our top 3 picks for river cruising in 2022

With 2022 fast approaching, we’re looking to the new year and making travel plans. Here’s our top 3 picks for river cruising in 2022!

1. Active & Discovery on the Moselle

8 days Remich to Frankfurt

*Explore the medieval town of Bernkastel*
*Photo by @barbara.m.lopes on Instagram*

While it may not be as well-known as larger rivers like the Danube, you shouldn’t let the Moselle pass you by! With beautiful scenery all around, it particularly comes into its own in the Moselle valley with almost never-ending scenes of vineyards stretching up and over the hills. On our Active & Discovery on the Moselle cruise, you’ll delve deeper into the hidden gems, history and cultures that call this area home. If you love to keep active, take to the water on a guided canoe trip to get a whole new perspective of the river. Or if you prefer to get your green thumb out, join a local farmer for a special tour through his apple orchards to learn about the different types of trees and apples.

2. Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River

13 days Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap

Banteay Srei temple — *Explore temples like Banteay Srei in Siem Reap*

This inspiring cruise will offer you an immersive experience, taking you right to the heart of two beautiful countries. Go back in time with an excursion to the Củ Chi Tunnels, an incredible maze of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War; enjoy a walk through the rural village of Angkor Ban before visiting a local school to help children with their English; and experience Siem Reap, home to the phenomenal Temples of Angkor. Plus, get ready for a taste explosion as you experience the incredible cuisines in both countries! We recommend a comforting bowl of pho, a crunchy báhn mi or crispy bánh xèo – delicious!

3. Balkan Discovery

9 days Budapest to Bucharest

Church of Saint Sava, Belgrade — *Belgrade is full of gems like the Church of Saint Sava*
*Photo by @amjadms on Instagram*

Eastern Europe is calling your name in 2022! Fascinating stories behind the history of this area await, along with jaw-dropping scenery and quirky towns and cities.

Head to Pécs to see its 4^th-century Christian underground tombs with fascinating murals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with an organ concert. Belgrade, capital of Serbia, is also included with a sightseeing tour so you can deep dive into the city’s history. For a truly jaw-dropping moment, head to the Sky Deck as you sail through the world-famous Iron Gates Gorge and cross the border from Serbia to Romania. And finally, round off your time in the Balkans with Bucharest, known as the “Paris of the East” with landmarks like its very own Arc de Triomphe.

Now’s the time to start planning your river cruise for 2022! Take a look at the Avalon Waterways website for more inspiration.