Below are some of the most popular itineraries that are perfect for an anniversary celebration or a fun group of friends or family.

Danube Delights: Budapest to Vilshofen- Watch Video

• Perfect for first-time river cruisers

• Highlights: Vienna, Wachau Valley, Melk Abbey

• Ideal for spring or fall

Romance on the Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel- Watch Video

• Great for wine lovers and culture seekers

• Optional pre-cruise in Amsterdam

• Biking tours and vineyard visits

France’s Flavors: The Seine River Cruise- Watch Video

• Paris, Normandy, and French countryside

• Culinary focus + history lovers’ dream

• Cozy for a honeymoon or anniversary

Christmas Market: Nuremberg to Vienna- Watch Video

• Magical in December

• Holiday lights, spiced wine, local crafts

• Great way to escape the Midwest winter

Portugal’s Douro Valley: Wine & River Bliss - Watch Video

• Off the beaten path for returning cruisers

• Warm weather and stunning views

• Shorter flights from KC via Madrid or Lisbon

What Is River Cruising—and Why AmaWaterways?

Picture this: waking up in a new European town each morning, sipping your cappuccino as castle views glide by your balcony. That’s the magic of river cruising. Unlike large ocean liners, river cruises offer a more intimate, relaxed, and culturally immersive experience. You dock right in the heart of Europe’s most charming cities—no tenders, no crowds, no stress.

Why we love AmaWaterways:

• Award-winning ships

• Modern and boutique-style elegance

• All excursions included (yes, really!)

• Wine cruises, biking tours, wellness programs & more

• Fewer guests onboard = more personal service

• Dining and wine pairings inspired by local regions

If you love luxury… then this is your cruise line!

Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of sailing on three amazing European river cruises — the Seine, the Rhine, and most recently, with a wonderful group of clients on the Melodies of the Danube. Each trip has given us unforgettable memories: biking through vineyards, exploring storybook towns, and gathering every evening with friends over fine food and wine. River cruising has quickly become one of our favorite ways to see Europe, and we can’t wait to share why it may be perfect for you, too.

The Colors of Provence in Southern France is our upcoming Group River Cruise - Watch Video

Join us aboard the beautiful AmaKristina for an unforgettable Colors of Provence River Cruise through the most charming towns and cities of Southern France:

🍷 1. Wine Lovers’ Paradise – You’re Cruising Through Côtes du Rhône Country!

• Cruise from Lyon to Avignon through some of the world’s most prestigious wine regions: Beaujolais, Côte Rôtie, Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

• Enjoy exclusive tastings at local wineries and vineyards.

🧑‍🍳 2. Gourmet Capital of France – Lyon!

• Lyon is known as the culinary heart of France. Clients can walk cobblestone streets to discover bouchons (local eateries) and a world-famous food scene.

• Optional excursions include cooking classes and market tours.

🎨 3. Walk in Van Gogh’s Footsteps in Arles

• Visit the town where Van Gogh painted over 300 masterpieces.

• Explore locations from his works like Café Terrace at Night and The Yellow House.

• Ideal for art and culture lovers.

🏰 4. Papal Palace in Avignon – A Medieval Marvel

• Tour the incredible Palais des Papes, one of Europe’s largest Gothic buildings.

• Walk the famous Pont d’Avignon and shop in charming Provençal markets.

🌻 5. Southern France Sunsets & Lavender Fields Vibe

• The scenery is straight out of a postcard—think lavender fields, sunflower farms, olive groves, and riverbanks lined with stone villages and castles.

• Perfect for romantic getaways, honeymoons, and photography lovers.

🚲 6. Active Excursions for Every Type of Traveler

• Choose from biking tours through vineyards, hikes to Roman ruins, or slower-paced walking tours with a local guide.

• Great for multi-generational groups or active travelers.

🧀 7. Food & Wine Pairings Onboard

• AmaWaterways highlights local flavors onboard with regionally inspired cuisine and wine pairings from the Rhône Valley.

🛶 8. Smaller Ports & Intimate French Villages

• Dock in storybook towns like Viviers, Tournon, and Vienne, often skipped by larger river cruise lines.

• These offer more authentic, immersive experiences without big crowds.

We will have special group perks like:

💰 $1,000 per person discount

🚢 Complimentary cabin upgrade

🍷 $100 onboard credit per stateroom

Prices starting at $3899 per person

Your floating boutique hotel, the AmaKristina, offers luxurious staterooms, award-winning cuisine, wine and beer with meals, excursions in every port, and the warm, attentive service AmaWaterways is famous for.

River cruising has become one of our favorite ways to see Europe — and once you’ve tried it, we think you’ll feel the same. Whether you’re ready to join our Colors of Provence group or start planning your own adventure with a group, we’re here to help make it seamless and stress-free.

Kim and Dave Cook- Owners Love to Travel

FAQ – Common Questions Answered

• Do I need to dress up? No — river cruising is relaxed. Casual, comfortable clothing is the norm.

• How big are the ships? Ships hold about 150 passengers, so they feel intimate, never crowded.

• What’s included? Multiple excursions per day, all meals, wine & beer with lunch and dinner, and Wi-Fi.

• Is it physically demanding? Not at all — excursions range from gentle walking tours to active bike rides.

• What’s the pace like? You can choose — be as active or relaxed as you wish.