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Great River Cruise Journeys with Angela Rippon

Written by: Alex Bell

Published: February 04, 2026

Last Updated: 14/05/2026

Journey Along Some of the World’s Most Remarkable Rivers

Angela Rippon returns to Channel 5 with a new 4-part travel series, Great River Cruise Journeys. The series focuses on the river cruise experience, exploring destinations found along some of the world’s most well-known waterways, including the Mekong and Danube rivers.

About the Series

Over the course of the series, Angela travels by river ship through a range of cities, towns and landscapes shaped by historic waterways. Alongside the destinations, the programme looks at life on board a modern Scenic River cruise, while exploring how river travel has influenced local communities and offers a unique way to experience inland regions, compared with ocean cruising.

When to Watch

Great River Cruise Journeys will air on Channel 5 from the 18th of Sep, with new episodes shown every Friday at 7 pm.

Check out the schedule below:

  • 18th Sep – Episode 1: Danube
  • 25th Sep – Episode 2: Danube
  • 2nd Oct – Episode 3: Mekong River
  • 9th Oct – Episode 4: Mekong River

Missed an episode? Don’t worry! You can stream and catch up on demand via My 5.

What to Expect in the Series

Great River Cruise Journeys focuses on:

  • How river cruises offer access to destinations beyond the coast
  • Visits to historic riverside towns and cities along the Mekong and Danube
  • Exploring the culture and heritage shaped by life on the river
  • A closer look at daily life on board Scenic Spirit and Scenic Amber

It’s a must-watch series for anyone looking to plan their next escape.

Episode 1 – The Danube

Angela begins her Danube adventure in Budapest, home to spectacular sights and powerful wartime history. In Vienna, she samples its famous cafe culture, visits the Spanish Riding School and tries her hand at the Viennese Waltz, before cycling through the vineyards and historic villages of Austria’s beautiful Wachau Valley.

Episode 2 – The Danube

Angela heads to Salzburg, where Mozart, chocolate and traditional folk dancing are all on the menu. Cruising on through Germany, she discovers Regensburg’s centuries-old traditions, navigates the engineering marvel of the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal and explores historic Nuremberg, before ending her journey with Bamberg’s famous smoked beer.

Episode 3 – The Mekong

Angela’s Cambodian adventure starts with a spectacular sunrise at Angkor Wat, before she joins the Mekong. Along the river, she samples local street food, hears moving stories of life under the Khmer Rouge, discovers the craft behind Cambodia’s golden silk and meets conservationists working hard to protect endangered pangolins.

Episode 4 – The Mekong

Crossing into Vietnam, Angela explores the wildlife-rich Tra Su wetlands, colourful markets and communities making clever use of the Mekong’s natural resources. After discovering ancient rice-growing traditions, she leaves the river behind for a thrilling motorbike tour through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

We’ve Experienced the Danube River!

Our team has travelled the Danube themselves, from the grand streets of Budapest and Vienna to the smaller riverside towns that are easy to fall in love with. They’ve picked up plenty of tips along the way – where to sit on deck for the best views, the spots locals actually recommend, and the little experiences that end up being the highlight of the trip. Whether it’s your first river cruise or something you’ve wanted to do for years, we’ll help you plan a journey that feels personal from the very start.

The Danube River...

“I didn’t really know what to expect from the Danube, but it ended up being one of those trips I still catch myself thinking about. There was something nice about slowing down for a change – sitting out on deck in the evenings, watching little towns pass by, then waking up somewhere completely different the next morning. Each stop seemed to offer something different from the last as well, which created an endless feeling of adventure!”

Heidi Cassidy – Cruise Expert

We’ve Experienced the Mekong River!

From the stunning waters of the Mekong River and immersive encounters with welcoming locals, to cultural visits to historic temples and once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities, our team has experienced the Riches of the Mekong first-hand. With their personal insights, expert tips and trusted advice, we’ll help make your journey truly unforgettable.

The Mekong River...

“Discovering the astounding beauty of the Mekong River is an utterly unique experience that I would highly recommend to everyone! From the authentic and fun Sampan boat journeys, to the meticulously hand-crafted local keepsakes, this once-in- a-lifetime trip genuinely opens your eyes as to what true happiness represents – totally inspiring from start to finish.”

Nicola Boyd – Cruise Expert

Try It Yourself!

Start Planning Your Own Adventure

Intrigued by Angela’s journey? You can uncover many of the destinations featured throughout the series on our highly sought-after river cruise holidays. From the authentic experiences of the Mekong to the inspiring setting of the Danube, you can enjoy the same adventure on your very own river cruise holiday.

Note: None of the content or information in this article was generated using any form of AI.

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