River tips

Pleasant Holidays also is launching vacations to the United Arab Emirates.

When you think of San Antonio, the picturesque River Walk often comes to mind – and rightly so. This iconic waterway meandering through the heart of the city is undoubtedly one of its most famous attractions. However, San Antonio has so much more to offer families beyond this charming waterway. There are plenty of historical landmarks, thrilling theme parks, a wealth of cultural institutions, and plenty of active-adventure activities to be had. This city is a treasure trove of experiences for families.

Following a celebration and naming ceremony in Aswan, Egypt, Viking added its fourth river ship in the country, Viking Aton. The ship was named for its godfather, Richard Riveire, principal of an award-winning interior design firm and the designer of several river, ocean and expedition ships. Viking’s ship will set a new standard in the Nile River cruise industry, in part because its ship cost almost three times as much as others and have a special square bow design that adds space while being efficient.

Sailing the Nile River is a bucket list adventure with many appeals. Among them is tracing the legendary river’s rich history to witness the pyramids, temples, and other marvels of ancient civilizations.

When Tyler Branco thinks of luxury hotels in Bangkok, The Siam comes to mind. It's a 38-room boutique resort on the banks of the Chao Phraya River — and it's a place where nothing is left to chance.

Midmorning on the Dolores River, you could feel how recently the water had been snow. “It’s probably about 48 degrees right now,” our guide Samy said, as she carefully angled the boat so the paddlers in front got wet and she stayed dry in the back. The white water was splashy and rolling without being scary, but it picked up speed as we headed downstream.

Enter the Conde Nast “Readers’ Choice Awards” sweepstakes by June 1, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a 15-day Viking River Cruises trip for two from Amsterdam to Budapest, including air and transfers.

If you’re visiting Bangkok for its temples, it’s tough to beat the views from Sala Rattanakosin, which lets you see one of Bangkok’s most beautiful temples right from your hotel window. A boutique hotel in the heart of Bangkok’s historic district, Sala Rattanakosin overlooks the Chao Phraya River and iconic Wat Arun temple, and gives guests an immersive cultural experience.

When ancient Romans founded Valencia, Spain, the city was built around the Turia River. The Turia River no longer runs through Valencia. In its place, a beautiful urban park snakes more than five-and-a-half miles through Spain’s third-largest city.

A Rocky Mountain megastar, Denver is a thriving city that blends its rich Old West history with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe. Here you’ll find dynamic arts and cultural options woven with a booming food, craft beer and cannabis scene. And with endless sunny days, green spaces galore and a spectacular mountain backdrop, outdoor play is always part of the local ethos. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll find Denver is buzzing with activity.

Last year, my mom suggested we take a river cruise called the Viking Skaga. Its eight-day "Paris & the Heart of Normandy" itinerary along the Seine starts and ends in Paris and includes small towns in Normandy — such as La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, and Rouen.

Typically, the words "refreshing" and "commute" don't belong in the same sentence — in America, at least. (If you're reading this while sweating through your suit on the subway, I apologize in advance). 

Just outside Buenos Aires, Argentina is one of South America ’s most unexpected landscapes – the Paraná Delta. Part of the continent’s second largest river system, it is accessed via a Victorian-style toy train and the town of Tigre, an idiosyncratic cross between England’s Henley-on-Thames and Italy’s Venice.

Among a certain segment of travellers, cruising is sometimes maligned: the dismal buffet and watered-down cocktails. Those kitschy lounge acts. The contrived shore excursions. But that, as they say, was then.

Have you ever fancied paddling in speckled sunlight past ancient châteaux and honey-hued villages, stopping off for a spot of gentle sightseeing and ending the day with a well-earned foodie feast? If so, then canoeing the Dordogne river in southwest France is just the ticket.

Deep underground on the island of Palawan in the Philippines lies the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, it’s the world’s longest navigable underground river and makes for an exciting experience in one of the Philippines’ most popular islands. Here’s everything you need to know about exploring the Puerto Princesa Underground River.

From its source in the mountains of Qinghai province, the famed Yellow River flows for over 5,400km before emptying itself into the Yellow Sea. As one might expect from the sixth longest river in the world, it passes a number of jaw-dropping sights. Here are ten of my favourite spots along its meandering course.

Taking in stunning chateaux, epic hiking and biking trails, enchanting cruise routes, and wild water-sports spots, the Czech Republic’s Vltava River delivers an abundance of historic and natural beauty. Connecting South Bohemia and Central Bohemia through impossibly picturesque Prague, and taking its name from the old Germanic term for wild water (Wilt-ahwa), at 430km the Vltava is the Czech Republic’s longest river. It’s also a national symbol that was immortalised by the esteemed Czech composer Smetana in his stirring Má Vlast (My Country) composition. For independent travellers who like to get off the beaten track, touring the Vltava presents a uniquely enriching experience that rewards culture vultures and outdoor adventurers alike. In addition, trips exploring the Vltava are also ideal for visitors who like to travel responsibly, with plenty of environmentally-sound ways to get around (think bikes, boats and trains). Read on for some top experiences to enjoy along the vibrant Vltava.

Editor’s Note: This CNN Travel series is, or was, sponsored by the country it highlights. CNN retains full editorial control over subject matter, reporting and frequency of the articles and videos within the sponsorship, in compliance with our policy.

Here are some key selling points travel advisors need to know about immersive river cruise experiences, cruise clientele expectations and popular destinations. 

“Shh, listen to the symphony.”