There is no wrong choice for where to go in Europe this summer; but the best choice might be more than one locale. Instead of limiting yourself to one Mediterranean shore or one metropolitan hub, why not experience a range of possibilities and experiences? Naturally, a river cruise presents itself as a superb option — with its wide-ranging itinerary snaking across the continent — and AmaWaterways is a stellar choice for who to sail with. Consider their offerings for three of Europe’s storied waterways below.
Budapest, Hungary
The Danube River
Stretching from southwest Germany all the way to the Black Sea, the Danube bisects a huge, culturally rich swath of Europe. Empires have accumulated on its shores over the centuries; today it’s a who’s-who of must-see sites for the discerning traveler.
On an AmaWaterways 7-night cruise, you’ll:
- Discover Budapest with an overnight stay — Buda’s castle district, Matthias Church, the Hungarian Parliament Building and Heroes’ Square are just some of the marquee sites to discover. Opt for a night out on the town and enjoy a strong drink at one of Budapest’s famed ruin bars.
- Embark on a walking tour of Bratislava, either relishing in its historic streets with an informative lesson on the “Coronation City of Kings,” delving into savory local flavors with a “Tastes of Slovakia” tour or getting the heart pumping with a hike up to Bratislava Castle (where sweeping views of the city await).
- Immerse yourself in Vienna’s imperial splendor with an overnight stay — a city tour introduces you to regal landmarks like the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs; or venture off on your own to go coffeehouse hopping or stroll the bustling stalls of Naschmarkt.
- Take a day trip from Linz to Salzburg, where you’ll discover the resplendent colors of the Mirabell Gardens, and the stately Residenz Square.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Rhine River
Flowing from the Swiss Alps to the Netherlands’ shores of the North Sea, the Rhine River has been vital to life in this stretch of Europe since … well, the beginning, basically. Society has come a long way since the early Iron Age, and every bend of the Rhine brings the past to life.
On an AmaWaterways 7-night cruise, you’ll:
- Embark on your adventure in Amsterdam — but not before you spend the day exploring the city’s iconic canal-lined, vibrant city life. Take in the city’s historic bridges, gabled houses and cornucopia of stunning museums.
- Delight in Düsseldorf’s elegant cultural offerings. This is the hub of German culture, commerce and architecture — all of which is readily apparent with a walking tour of the city. Cap off your trek with a cool glass of Altbier, the local specialty brew.
- Tour the various vineyards of Rüdesheim. A gondola ride over the vineyards will have your head in the clouds, as will the medley of local wines to sample. A bike ride along the Rhine is serene, while a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet is undoubtably intriguing.
- Get lost in the charm of Strasbourg. Here, French and German influences blend, creating a wholly unique culture — the fairytale streets of La Petite France and the renowned astronomical clock atop the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame make for priceless moments, as does your first sip of Alsatian wine.
Saint-Émilion, France
The Garonne & Dordogne Rivers
France inevitably conjures thoughts and feelings of romance — how could one not love a trip through the ever-enchanting Bordeaux? Trace the essence of France’s most celebrated wine region as Bordeaux is threaded by the Garonne and Dordogne rivers (plus the Gironde Estuary).
On an AmaWaterways 7-night cruise, you’ll:
- Stroll the rolling vineyards of Saint-Émilion, one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated vineyards. Additionally, wander the quaint villages and explore the limestone-carved churches of Libourne, a picturesque gateway to the Bordeaux countryside.
- Explore the fortified towns and meandering paths of Blaye, home to the ever-impressive Blaye Citadel. When you’re not cycling past riverbanks or wandering through medieval villages, you’ll likely be swept up in live French music and the warmth and hospitality of local winemakers sharing the treasured trade secrets of their craft.
- Sample world-class wines paired with refined landscapes in the serene vineyards of the Médoc region. Grand Cru tastings make for an indulgent afternoon, as does touring the historic estates or hiking through the sunlit vines.
- Journey back in time with the medieval castles and charming townscapes of Cadillac. The rich history unfolds whether you walk its bygone fortresses, pedal through quaint streets or explore the opulent châteaux.
- Cap off your river cruise with a proper, thorough exploration of Bordeaux. The city is alive with history, culture and, of course, culinary delights. Be it the iconic markets, the world-class museums or the ever-present romantic ambiance, this is a beautiful port to lose yourself in visiting.
With any and all AmaWaterways river cruises, you can expect and enjoy:
- Your choice of up to six daily onshore experiences, available at no additional cost
- Flavorful meals crafted daily with ingredients sourced from farms and markets along the very river you’re cruising
- An experienced Cruise Manager available during your cruise as well as pre- and post-cruise land journeys, plus a crew who goes above and beyond.
- Nightly entertainment with local performers and a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour offering complimentary libations to cap off any and every day of exploration
- Special savings, exclusive onboard credit and complimentary upgrades available on select departures
Chef's Table Dining
Why You Should Book Your AmaWaterways Cruise with a Travel Agent
Trusting your trip to a travel agent infuses an extra element of luxury and elevates your journey to a new echelon of indulgence in a way that’s simply impossible to recreate yourself. Let one of our professionals handle all the bookings and logistics, shower you in priceless recommendations for every town you visit and exclusive perks and amenities with all the leading names in travel. Today, life’s curveballs come fast and unexpected, so the peace of mind provided by having a travel agent on call if something goes awry ensures you never have to solve a conundrum alone in a foreign country. Our agents know AmaWaterways well, so we can help you choose, plan and book your cruise vacation to perfection.
