Waking up to the sound of the rainforest, spotting wildlife, joining villagers as they go about their daily lives and touring ancient incense-filled temples are among the many evocative sights that can be found on exotic river cruises.

These include the holy Ganges and Brahmaputra, which provide an incredible insight into Indian culture, China’s awe-inspiring Yangtze, the lush Amazon, meandering Nile and the mighty Mississippi. Exciting itineraries explore far corners of the world and offer incredible sights and experiences.

The Nile

Once one of the best-selling river cruises, the Nile is back on the radar. Luxury vessels transport passengers between Luxor and Aswan with excursions including the Valley of the Kings where pharaohs like Tutankhamun were buried.

Recommend the Nile to culture vultures and twin with a stay in Cairo to see the pyramids or a Red Sea beach break.

Mekong

The Mekong offers a kaleidoscope of sights and experiences. The busier Lower Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia showcases the wonder of the Angkor temples, the world’s largest religious complex, and the fast-flowing Upper Mekong is a fascinating off-the-beaten track cruise through Laos.

Yangtze

A cruise through a country that was closed to the outside world for centuries is a real voyage of discovery.

Itineraries include land-based stays in historic Beijing and neon-lit Shanghai, providing a fascinating contrast between cities and secluded rural areas that are only accessible by ship.

Amazon

Morning and evening expeditions in search of wildlife and to visit remote villages, only accessible by river, are some of the experiences that make an Amazon cruise so memorable.

Ideally suited to well-travelled clients, Iquitos in Peru is the gateway for cruises along South America’s largest river and can be twinned with a stay in colourful capital Lima.

Mississippi

The iconic American river plied by atmospheric paddle-wheelers and an increasing number of contemporary vessels is a wonderful way to explore Civil War history and charming small towns such as St Francisville with its antebellum mansions.

The most popular itinerary is a seven-night sailing from New Orleans to Memphis, home of the blues and the king of rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis.