Talk about a small, luxury hotel experience...on a river! River cruising allows travelers to visit more intimate corners of Europe and the world previously thought hard to get to by cruise, such as the Danube, Rhine, Douro and pockets along the Mekong, Amazon and Nile rivers.
River cruises stop at new ports almost daily offering passengers an itinerary full of unique destinations to discover.
Looking to unwind on the water while taking in the sights? While river cruise lines do not spend a full day cruising, there is typically no shortage of time to take in the beautiful scenery when traveling through scenic stretches such as the Danube's Wachau Valley and the Rhine's River Gorge.
Most food, beverages, and excursions are included in the overall price, allowing travelers to enjoy a decadent vacation without the stress of planning every detail and pinching every penny.
With access to narrow ports and through shallow waterways, river cruising offers a cruise for travelers who love to experience new regional wines, new cultures, visit historical sites and relax in cruise luxury.
Travelers get whisked away and drenched in local cultures with unique excursions and culinary experiences available only on river cruises, including authentic experiences at historical sites and tasting culinary masterpieces made with locally sourced ingredients.
River cruises offer an exclusive, luxurious option for travelers. A smaller vessel means a more intimate vacation setting with staff focused on each guest.
Let wine and song carry you along the melodious Danube—muse for musicians, artists and poets for centuries. Explore Prague, Vienna and Budapest, magnificent capital cities with storybook architecture and the tales to match. Visit Salzburg, the setting for the beloved film classic, "The Sound of Music," complete with a stop in Mondsee, home of the famed Basilica St. Michael where the movie’s wedding scene was filmed. Indulge in the flavors of the region, from delicate, apricot-scented wines of Austria’s Wachau Valley to the hearty Bavarian beer at a traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest in Vilshofen. Each bend and twist in the river affords new surprises just waiting for you to discover.
COUNTRIES: AUSTRIA, GERMANY, HUNGARY, SLOVAKIA
RIVERS: DANUBE
Get lost in the medieval chivalric atmosphere of Nuremberg’s Kaiserburg Castle, representative of the thousands of fortresses that dotted Germany’s landscape in the Middle Ages. Marvel at an immaculate example of Baroque architecture at the designated UNESCO World Heritage Würzburg Residenz, a reminder of life lived on a grand scale. Savor the storybook atmosphere of some of Europe’s most charming towns, Wertheim and Rüdesheim; and along the way, get swept up in the many treasures just waiting to be discovered along the Rhine and Main rivers.
COUNTRIES: GERMANY, NETHERLANDS
RIVERS: RHINE, MAIN
Rambling vineyards and charming native farms cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions and to Port country— the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Sail roundtrip from Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges”; visit Regua, the ‘capital’ of the Douro Valley; and marvel at Salamanca, the UNESCO-designated “Golden City.” Taste wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most unadulterated landscapes.
COUNTRIES: PORTUGAL, SPAIN
RIVERS: DOURO
Travel to France’s legendary wine capital, Bordeaux. Iconic châteaux, timeless vineyards and delicious wine tastings are plentiful as you visit Libourne, Blaye, Bourg, Pauillac and Cadillac. You can also enjoy biking along stunning vineyards and scenic landscapes and perhaps seeing grand estates. The views are particularly wonderful to savor when biking through the Bordeaux wine country. There’s so much more to see in Bordeaux. This trip is a must for anyone interested in the best of French culture, lifestyle, wine and food.
COUNTRIES: FRANCE
RIVERS: GARONNE, DORDOGNE
From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this itinerary enlivens all your senses. Embark in Lyon, France’s culinary capital, and enjoy an evening illumination cruise. Savor the beauty of legendary vineyards and imbibe in local vintages like Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. You can even become an expert in all things culinary: go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles; learn how to pair chocolate with wine; and discover how olives turn into the Mediterranean’s nectar, olive oil. Trace the steps of famous artists in Arles and Carriéres de Lumiéres before your return flight home.
COUNTRIES: FRANCE
RIVERS: RHONE
Discover fine French flavors during this palate-pleasing Celebration of Wine River Cruise along the Seine – an enhanced epicurean experience included in the price of your cruise. Admire beautiful Paris, the “City of Light,” as well as sites memorialized by famous Impressionist painters along France’s Seine River. Visit Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Indulge in Norman chocolate, cheese and cider – and of course, plenty of wine – and enhance your best self on guided bike tours through charming cities like Les Andelys. With fairytale castles, châteaux and idyllic scenery at every turn, this incredible Wine Cruise is sure to inspire your own art – or at least conjure beautiful memories, dreams and flavors for years to come!
COUNTRIES: FRANCE
RIVERS: SEINE
Travel with us and cruise along the Mekong through Cambodia and Vietnam as you are transported back in time to another era, where the rhythms of the countryside move at a slower pace and allow for a fascinating glimpse into a traditional way of life. Visit rural villages, colorful markets and a monastery, where you will receive a special Buddhist blessing by monks. Delve into the peaks and valleys of Cambodia’s history in the Royal Palace and National Museums of its beautiful capital, Phnom Penh. Witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies, and be treated to authentic experiences, including rides via oxcart, tut tut and trishaw. On this transformative journey, the Mekong truly reveals a vibrant world along its shores.
COUNTRIES: CAMBODIA, VIETNAM
RIVERS: MEKONG
Experience the beauty and natural wonders of iconic Cape Town; get up close to animals in their natural habitat; and explore one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.” Spend three nights in Cape Town, discovering its many treasures with visits to Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach and Table Mountain. You also have a choice to visit the renowned Cape Winelands, or tour famous Robben Island. Next, fly to Kasane, Botswana and cross the border to Namibia to embark on your Chobe River safari cruise through the wondrous Chobe National Park, home to one of Africa’s densest populations of wildlife. Encounter elephants, giraffes, leopards, zebras and buffaloes on excursions by boat and open-air vehicles. Conclude your journey with two nights at the majestic Victoria Falls. You also have the option to extend your trip in Johannesburg, following in the foot-steps of Nelson Mandela.
COUNTRIES: BOTSWANA, SOUTH AFRICA, ZIMBABWE
RIVERS: CHOBE
Beginning in September 2021, we are thrilled to now take you to a fascinating destination: Egypt. Allow yourself to be treated to a connoisseur’s discovery of this ancient civilization as only AmaWaterways can provide – with an unparalleled 11-night Nile River cruise and land experience that includes exquisite cuisine, authentic experiences and the extraordinary service for which AmaWaterways is renowned. Sail aboard the luxurious, newly designed AmaDahlia and explore ancient wonders, such as the beguiling Temple of Luxor and the mystifying Valley of the Kings and Queens. Plus, come face-to-face with the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Sphinx and the three Pyramids of Giza. This unforgettable itinerary includes exclusive experiences, such as a private tour of the tomb of Queen Nefertari and a private lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace. Uncover the many mysteries and secrets that have shaped Egypt’s past and continue to influence the future of this remarkable land.
COUNTRIES: EGYPT
RIVERS: NILE