European river cruising elevated, with AmaWaterways

Family-owned and -operated, AmaWaterways is dedicated to unveilining the wonders of the world’s rivers in style, and with an authentic local eye

There’s a moment, drifting along the Danube with the grand Hungarian Parliament as your backdrop, when time will seem to pause. It’s a magical sight, and within a few metres of your ship. Behind it, historic streets lined with cafes and monuments, and glorious galleries waiting to be explored. Just one of the many enticing reasons to book a river cruise with AmaWaterways.

This family-owned and -operated line began its life in Europe in 2002, and has since expanded to Asia, Africa and South America. But it doesn’t go places without serious consideration – the company’s mantra of local and authentic requires time to perfect in each destination.

Which means you can look forward to meals that nod to each destination you’re visiting, wines that reflect the region, activities that take you behind-the-scenes, and immersive shore excursions offering a truly local perspective. Ama is also dedicated to exceptional service, as you’ll soon find out when you meet your cruise manager and the rest of the ship’s staff.  

Cruise with Ama and save

You don’t need a reason to explore the world’s most scenic waterways. But if you’re looking for one, make it Ama’s incredible deal on 2025 and 2026 sailings. Valued up to $4,649* when you reserve select Europe sailings before 31 March this year, this deal on new reservations allows you to receive a complimentary 2-, 3- or 4-night land package before or after your journey.

Imagine having the time to step off your ship then check in to a luxe hotel and enjoy additional city tours and excursions led by in-the-know local guides. If you need more inspiration, here it is…

French kiss: Paris to Normandy

Paris never goes out of style. And on the seven-night ‘Paris to Normandy’ itinerary you get the chance to take in this glam city before cruising out to the French coastline.

There are too many bucket-list attractions to mention, among them Monet’s Gardens; Place du Vieux-Marche, the site of Joan of Arc’s historic martyrdom; the beaches of Normandy, where Allied forces landed during WWII’s D-Day invasion; and Château de Bizy, once referred to as ‘the Versailles of Normandy’. This extraordinary journey takes you straight to the heart of the wonders of Northern France, revealing culture, art, architecture, history and timeless landscapes.

Multi-country crossing: The Grand Danube

The second-longest river in Europe, the Danube is the stuff of legends. On Ama’s 14-night ‘Grand Danube Cruise’ you get to take in eight countries along the epic waterway, including Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia and Slovakia – you’re following in the footsteps of conquerors, crusaders and kings.

Step aboard your ship in Vilshofen an der Donau in Germany and revel in the majestic scenery, with castles, medieval villages and terraced vineyards all around. There are iconic capitals to be visited, Budapest and Vienna among them, but you’ll also explore other legendary sights such as the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, built into the side of a mountain showcasing well-preserved medieval frescos. And Pécs in Hungary, “the city of Mediterranean impressions” on the slopes of the Mecsek mountains. 

A romance to remember: the Enchanting Rhine

Spanning four countries – France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland – over seven nights, the ‘Enchanting Rhine’ itinerary is indeed the stuff of fairytales. Think grand cities alongside storied villages, castles and forts and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Scenery aside, this journey from Basel to Amsterdam is also full of stories, history, music and food – giving you a front-row tasting experience revealing the brewing of Germany’s legendary beers and the making of Rüdesheimer coffee, among so many others.

Rivers and canals: Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals

The 14-day ‘Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals’ itinerary not only takes you along one of Europe’s most scenic waterways, but also weaves among some of the Netherland’s most atmospheric canals. The journey covers five countries – the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and Switzerland – and reveals a wealth of attractions.

Immerse yourself in UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites, gaze at castles and medieval villages, visit some of the world’s finest museums and galleries, and wander through impossibly pretty vineyards. Food and wine is understandably a highlight of this voyage, with everything from Belgian chocolates to waffles, Dutch street fries, German beer and Rüdesheimer coffee on the menu.

Book your AmaWaterways European cruise now and save!