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Imagine the romance of drifting down a river, past ancient monuments and intriguing villages; sailing through epic, timeless landscapes; exploring some of the most incredible cultural and historical sites in the world. But with so many destinations to choose from, the biggest challenge for many travellers might simply be deciding which cruise to take.

In which case, luxury travel operator and river cruise expert, Sanctuary Retreats is here to make the decision a little easier. A river cruise with Sanctuary Retreats is a remarkable journey through history – combining sightseeing led by only the most knowledgeable guides, with time to relax on deck taking in the scenery along the banks of the Nile in Egypt, the Three Gorges area of China’s Yangzi River or the Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers in Myanmar.

Here are our top river cruising experiences.  Read on for your next travel inspiration.

Sanctuary Ananda, Myanmar

Luxury all suite cruise ship, Sanctuary Ananda, takes guests in style on voyages of breath-taking beauty and discovery along the great rivers of Myanmar – on the majestic Irrawaddy from Bagan to Mandalay visiting temples, pagodas, palaces and monasteries along the way, while journeys on its great tributary, the Chindwin, will take you to places visitors rarely see, through the jungles of the north, forgotten villages and ancient towns almost to the Indian border.

Three-night cruises are priced from USD1,286 per couple, with rates inclusive of accommodation, meals, soft drinks and local beer throughout the day, wine with dinner and the full programme of excursions and experiences.

Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer, China

Travel into the heart of China along the great Yangtze River. Explore the very best stretches of this immense waterway, including the Three Gorges; one of the most celebrated sections of the river, in the comfort of the largest and best appointed suites on the river on board the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer.

Take advantage of Sanctuary Retreats’ Early Booking Offer. Book and pay in full three months before any 2019 sailing and receive a 25% discount and a free cabin upgrade for bookings made for the Shoulder and High seasons and a 10% discount for bookings made in the Peak season.

Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer offers 3 and 4 night cruises between Yichang and Chongqing. Three night cruises depart Chongqing on Thursday and travel downstream to Yichang, arriving on Sunday. Alternatively, guests can travel upstream over 4 nights, leaving Yichang on Sunday and arriving in Chongqing the following Thursday.

Save from USD675 per couple per cruise in the Shoulder Season (2 June – 5 September 2017); from USD1,1017.50 per couple per cruise twin in the High Season (31 October – 10 November 2019, 28 November 2019); and from USD451 per couple per cruise twin share in the Peak Season (8 September – 27 October 2019).

Nile Cruising, Egypt

Follow the mighty Nile from Aswan to Luxor as it flows through the heart of Egypt aboard an award-winning Sanctuary Sun Boat, visiting highlights including the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Unfinished Obelisk, Philae and Luxor, as well more remote, but the equally spectacular Denderah, Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples.

The stunningly transformed Sanctuary Sun Boat IV, recently relaunched after an extensive refurbishment, brings new levels of elegance to the Nile with its contemporary-yet-classic design. With just forty rooms, including two presidential suites and two royal suites, time on the boat is a world away from traditional river-cruise cabins.

Three-night cruises aboard the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV start from USD1,920 per couple, with rates inclusive of all accommodation, meals, all sightseeing, guiding and entrance fees, taxes and service charges.

Terms and conditions apply.