Mainstream Europe is always nice, but river cruises continue to branch out into ever more exotic territories. Since writing a recent TravelAge West cover story on the subject, lines have doubled down on remote regions and rivers with exciting new itinerary announcements.
Let’s explore the latest here.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways is set to return to Egypt in 2020 with a new 10-day Taste of Egypt route chartering the contemporary 2011-built Farah. The itinerary will feature the Giza pyramid complex and Tutankhamun’s Tomb in the Egyptian Museum before embarking along the Nile River to Luxor Temple, the Avenue of Sphinxes, Karnak Temple Complex, Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens — just to name a few.
“We are thrilled to return to Egypt and the Nile River with this once-in-a-lifetime vacation,” said Pam Hoffee, managing director for Avalon Waterways, in a press release. “From welcoming travelers to Cairo, ‘Mother of the World,’ and inviting them to look up at the ‘Stairway to the Sky,’ to welcoming them onboard the Farah to sail through Africa’s ancient history and civilizations along the Nile, this is a very special, awe-inspiring experience for travelers of all ages.”
Avalon Waterways returns to Egypt this year.
Credit: 2020 Avalon WaterwaysCroisiEurope Cruises
Also showcasing Egypt in 2020 will be CroisiEurope Cruises with its own fresh and slightly shorter eight-day journey, employing the 106-passenger Steigenberger Royale riverboat. The ancient sights and sounds of Cairo are available to clients with a pre-cruise land extension.
The cruise itself will highlight inclusions such as the Karnak Temple Complex and Valley of the Kings, as well as a Nubian village. Meanwhile, optionally available will be Abu Simbel, the Temple of Kom Ombo and the Sound and Light Show at the Giza pyramids.
Delfin Amazon Cruises
Delfin Amazon Cruises is set to enhance its 2020 Amazon River offerings with a pair of new four-day sailings dedicated to the region’s remarkable pink river dolphins. Both sailings will feature marine biologist Dr. Joanna Alfaro and take place onboard the intimate 44-guest Delfin III.
Besides the already exotic locale, pink river dolphins add mystique to the journeys as a rare freshwater find near Iquitos, Peru. And Dr. Alfaro will be on hand to emphasize their conservation as well as offer fascinated guests valuable insights and the opportunity to aid in research efforts.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection will also venture along the Peruvian Amazon in 2020 for its very first time in South America. Chartering the Aria Amazon will be two itineraries promising luxurious accommodations across expansive trips that are 11 or 15 days in length.
The 15-day Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu Exploration begins on land in the Peruvian capital of Lima before a seven-night cruise into the Amazon rainforest and further exploration of Machu Picchu and more.
Alternatively, the 11-day Peruvian Rivers & Rainforest Discovery option also visits Lima as well as Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and the Amazon River roundtrip from Iquitos.
The Details
Avalon Waterways
www.avalonwaterways.com
CroisiEurope Cruises
www.croisieuroperivercruises.com
Delfin Amazon Cruises
www.delfinamazoncruises.com
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
www.uniworld.com
