River cruises: Which one should my wife and I choose?

A cruise vessel is the ideal way to experience the best of Egypt's antiquities

The Danube (Getty)

Q. My wife and I are considering river cruising, which we've never tried before. We'd be travelling in June – so can you suggest a couple of interesting itineraries? Ian Hickman

A. River cruising in Europe is a growth industry. Part of the appeal is effortlessly to be able to visit multiple destinations. But the vessels are much more intimate tha ocean liners, and you moor at night rather than sailing to the next port. There is less emphasis on entertainment and more on beautiful scenery. The Rhine and the Danube provide the most options, but waterways in France such as the Rhone, the Saône and the Garonne are also popular.

June is in demand; Viking River Cruises has no space on any of its nine Rhine departures, and only the most expensive cabins are available on its Danube sailings. But if you can depart from Nuremberg on 30 May aboard the Longship Njord, cabins are available for £3,095 per person, based on two travelling. The first stretch is along the Main-Danube Canal. You also sail through lower Austria with a two-night stop at Vienna before continuing through Bratislava to Budapest. The price includes all meals, guided excursions and flights to and from the UK.

For a shorter and cheaper trip, Noble Caledonia has a week departing from Lyon and sailing along the Saône through Beaujolais and the Cote d'Or. The price of £1,995 includes flights to and from London, all meals (including wine with lunch and dinner), plus tastings.

If it turns out that you enjoy European river cruising, let me recommend an adventure on the Nile. A cruise vessel is the ideal way to experience the best of Egypt's antiquities.