Upper Mississippi River vs. Lower Mississippi River 

The Upper Mississippi River stretches from its origins in Minneapolis, Minnesota down to its confluence with the Ohio River in Cairo, Illinois, also winding through Wisconsin, Iowa, and Missouri along the way. 

The Lower Mississippi River originates in Illinois where the Mississippi and Ohio converge and flows downstream all the way to the Gulf of Mexico for about 1,000 miles (well, 990 miles to be exact!). It travels through Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, and, of course, Mississippi. 

Some of our cruises do go as far north as the Upper Mississippi River, but the majority of the itineraries spend most of their time visiting the destinations in "American's Heartland" on the Lower Mississippi River.
 

The Mekong River flows all the way from the heights of the Tibetan Plateau ultimately into the South China Sea, making it the 12th longest river in the world at 4350 km (2700 mi) in length. Along the way, it winds through Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Each of these countries has its own unique culture, customs, and traditions, but as your riverboat plunges deeper into the jungles and verdant landscapes of these countries, you will see well-preserved ancient architecture, remnants of abandoned fortresses, and the highlights of the Buddhist culture - still thriving today - that has defined the cultural identity of the Indochina Peninsula. 

While some cruises are as short as four days and do not visit more than one or two countries, others meander down the Mekong making their way to three or even all four countries along this waterway. Your tour might include visits to:

• Bangkok: Thailand's busy capital city. 
• Ho Chi Minh City: the bustling city formerly known as Saigon in Vietnam
• Luang Prabang: the spiritual capital of Laos.
• Kuang Si falls three-tiered water that cascades off towering drops into turquoise pools.
• Pak Ou Caves of Cambodia.

You might also get to know each of these countries on your river cruise:

• Laos: A country dominated by Buddhist architecture that reflects national spirituality. 
• Cambodia: Where you'll find a mix of temples and pagodas in traditional Buddhist or Hindu style.
• Thailand: Home to some of our most active Mekong River cruises and unforgettably distinct cuisine.
• Vietnam: Formerly ravaged by war, its breathtaking landscapes, jungles, and architecture now enjoy tranquility and peace.

What are the highlights of a Nile River Cruise?

Most enchanting Nile River cruises depart from Luxor and head to Aswan or vice versa.

• ​The Pyramids of Giza.  A 4,000-year-old edifice tower, only one of the seven marvels of the world which remains in existence. 
• Cairo. In addition to the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt's capital city is home to a wealth of other wonders, including the Sphinx and the Valley of the Kings.
• Aswan. A Nile Cruise typically begins and ends here for many people. Abu Simbel may be a one-day journey away for certain visitors. As
• Kom Ombo. One of Egypt's most unique temples is devoted to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed Haroeris, who sit side by side.
• Karnak And Luxor Temples. In comparison to Luxor, Karnak is far older and has been influenced by a much larger number of pharaohs.
• Abydos | Temple of Osiris. It was a burial place for Egypt's first monarchs, later serving as a pilgrimage site for the god Osiris.
• Abu Simbel. A 3,000-year old UNESCO World Heritage Site devoted to Ramses II, one of Egypt's most active pharaohs and wife Queen Nefertari.
• wan's palm-tree-lined shores, feluccas gliding down the Nile, and awe-inspiring temples set it apart from the rest of Egypt.
• Valley of the Kings.  A UNESCO World Heritage Site, burial grounds for the ancient Egyptian pharaohs on cliffs overlooking the western floodplain. More than 62 tombs have been excavated, including that of the sons of Rameses II and the boy king, Tutankhamen.
• Monument to Queen Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut, only the third female pharaoh in the 3,000-year history of ancient Egypt, is buried in a massive tomb recognized as one of the world's most spectacular architectural marvels. The tiered sandstone complex was carved from the western Thebes cliffs of Deir el Bahri.
• Dendera. Ancient Egypt's most famous religious site of worship. The Sanctuary of Horus, Ihy, and Hathor, located on the west bank of the Nile, make it sacred.
• Hathor’s temple. The Egyptian pantheon's most important goddess, Hathor, symbolized joy, feminity, and motherhood. At Dendera religious complex, Hathor's Temple is the most impressive, with a grand entrance, intricate carvings and hieroglyphics, and exquisite ceilings.
• Temple Of Edfu. The inscriptions on its walls reveal critical Egyptian mythology, language, and religion during the Hellenistic period.