No matter the season—spring’s colorful blossoms, summer’s warm glow, autumn’s serene beauty, or winter’s festive magic—the rivers hold a unique charm all year long. Discover how AmaWaterways tailors every journey to match the rhythm of your perfect getaway.
There’s something quietly transformative about traveling by river. The way the landscape unfolds slowly. The way each bend reveals a new story. With AmaWaterways, river cruising becomes more than a way to see Europe—it becomes a way to experience it authentically.
For travelers seeking immersive, culturally rich experiences, AmaWaterways offers a deeply enriching way to explore the heart of Europe. Our ships glide along storied rivers like the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, and Garonne, connecting you not just to places, but to small, joyful discoveries that stay with you long after the journey ends.
Whether you’re drawn to spring’s vibrant blooms, summer’s golden light, autumn’s quiet charm, or the festive sparkle of winter, each season brings its own rhythm to the river. Here’s how AmaWaterways helps you find yours.
As winter fades, Europe awakens in color. Spring is a season of renewal, and nowhere is that more evident than on AmaWaterways’ 7-night Tulip Time itinerary through the Netherlands and Belgium.
Departing as early as mid-March, this journey offers up to six curated on shore experiences each day. Wander through the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, a 70-acre celebration of tulips in full bloom, and explore Giethoorn, a canal-laced village known as the “Dutch Venice,” where thatched-roof homes and quiet waterways create a storybook setting.
In cities like Bruges and Antwerp, botanical displays burst with life, while hands-on chocolate workshops in Ghent invite you to indulge in the region’s rich flavors. Onboard, fresh tulips decorate the ship, and a special King’s Day celebration brings Dutch culture to life with orange-themed cocktails and festive touches.
Spring with AmaWaterways is about more than flowers—it’s about feeling the pulse of a region as it reawakens. It’s about discovering the stories behind the blooms, the traditions that shape each town and the joy of seeing Europe in full color.
Other spring itineraries, such as Paris & Normandy, offer a distinctly vibrant seasonal atmosphere. This 7-night journey invites you to walk the beaches of Normandy, visit Monet’s gardens in Giverny and enjoy the elegance of Paris in its most romantic season.
Spring also brings an array of fresh flavors onboard. The culinary team draws inspiration from the season’s bounty, crafting menus that highlight local ingredients. From asparagus risotto to delicate fruit tarts, each dish reflects the vibrancy of the season.
Summer on the rivers of Europe is a season of light and leisure. With longer daylight hours, you’ll have more time to explore, linger and connect.
AmaWaterways’ itineraries along Europe’s rivers offer a seamless blend of luxury and authenticity. Picture yourself sipping a glass of wine on the Sun Deck as you drift past stunning medieval castles, or strolling through Paris or Budapest on a warm evening, the city lights reflecting off the water.
Onboard, the experience feels spacious and personal. With an average of just 156 guests, AmaWaterways’ ships offer room to breathe and the freedom to enjoy each amenity in your own way. Whether you’re taking a dip in the pool, joining a host-led stretching class or simply enjoying a quiet moment on your stateroom balcony, you’ll find the space to settle in and recharge, whatever that looks like for you.
A standout summer itinerary is Best of the Danube, a 7-night roundtrip journey from Budapest that flows through the heart of Central Europe, connecting you to the vibrant cultures of Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. With overnight stays in both Budapest and Vienna, you will have the opportunity to experience these iconic cities after dark, whether with a twilight stroll along the Danube promenade or an evening concert in a historic venue.
With AmaWaterways’ complimentary hiking and biking excursions, active travelers can explore at a more exciting pace, from cycling through Vienna’s imperial boulevards to hiking the scenic trails above Dürnstein.
Evenings onboard are filled with music and laughter. Local performers join the ship to share traditional songs and dances, while the lounge becomes a gathering place for storytelling and celebration, particularly during the nightly Sip & Sail cocktail hour, where you can indulge in a menu of complimentary cocktails. Summer is a season of connection, both with the places you visit and the people you meet.
As the crowds thin and the air turns crisp, autumn invites a slower pace. It’s a time for reflection and for seeing Europe in a new light.
AmaWaterways’ 7-night Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles itinerary is a perfect example. Cruising through Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands and more, you can enjoy the golden hues of the Rhine’s vineyards and forests. In Basel, overnight docking allows for evening exploration, while in Rüdesheim, a demonstration of the region’s signature coffee—made with brandy and whipped cream—offers a cozy taste of local tradition. In Lahnstein, Germany, AmaWaterways offers an exclusive evening tour of Lahneck Castle, which intrigues with its historic legends and supernatural lore.
Autumn also brings a sense of intimacy to the journey. With fewer crowds throughout the journey, experiences feel more personal. Guided walks, wine tastings and cultural encounters unfold at a relaxed pace, allowing you to connect on a different level with the places you are visiting.
Onboard, the atmosphere is warm and reflective. Seasonal menus feature hearty dishes like pumpkin soup and roasted duck, paired with full-bodied wines. The lounge becomes a cozy retreat, perfect for curling up with a book or sharing stories with fellow travelers over afternoon tea.
Autumn is a season for savoring not only the flavors, but also the moments. It’s about slowing down, tuning in and letting the river guide you through Europe’s quieter wonders.
Winter on the rivers of Europe is a season of sparkle and spirit. AmaWaterways’ Festive Delights departures transform beloved itineraries into holiday celebrations, blending timeless elegance with seasonal charm.
In France, the Taste of Bordeaux itinerary becomes a winter wonderland. On your 7-night journey, you can visit Bordeaux’s Christmas Market, where over a hundred wooden chalets brim with artisanal gifts and local delicacies. Onboard, tree trimming, seasonal treats and a convivial atmosphere create a sense of celebration and connection.
For those drawn to Portugal, the Douro River itineraries—Enticing Douro and Flavors of Portugal & Spain—offer a unique winter escape, especially for those seeking out a more temperate winter holiday. The valley’s golden vistas reflect in the tranquil waters, while onboard menus feature seasonal farm-to-ship cuisine. In Salamanca, the architecture glows under winter light, and you can indulge in mulled port wine, a local twist on a European favorite.
AmaWaterways also offers Christmas Markets cruises along the Danube and Rhine, where you can visit some of Europe’s most beautiful seasonal markets, sip glühwein and shop for handcrafted gifts. These cruises capture the magic of the season, blending cultural discovery with holiday cheer.
Onboard, the spirit of the holidays is woven into every detail. From gingerbread decorating to caroling in the lounge, you’re invited to celebrate in ways that feel both local and familiar. It’s a season of togetherness, where traditions old and new come to life.
For those new to river cruising, AmaWaterways offers a distinct experience, one that’s personal, immersive and thoughtfully designed.
Aboard AmaWaterways’ ships, each stateroom is crafted for comfort, many featuring signature twin balconies, which combine an outside balcony with seating and a French balcony for panoramic views. Dining is a celebration of place, with menus inspired by the river regions and wines that tell their own stories.
On shore, curated experiences invite you to explore like locals. Whether it’s cycling through vineyards, joining a hands-on workshop or simply wandering at your own pace, every moment is yours to shape with an array of options available to you at no additional cost.
And throughout your journey, AmaWaterways’ crew is there—not just to serve, but to connect. Their warmth and sincerity create a sense of being looked after, not just attended to. It’s this human touch that makes AmaWaterways feel less like a cruise and more like a shared adventure.
Also available are optional pre- and post-cruise land packages, inviting you to extend your journey in popular European destinations and dive deeper into the local culture. From the Basque Country’s Michelin-starred cuisine in Spain to Prague’s historic charm in the Czech Republic, these land packages add even more richness to the experience.
Each season brings its own rhythm to the rivers of Europe. With AmaWaterways, you’re invited to find yours. Wherever you go, and whenever you choose to travel, you’ll find thoughtful experiences, familiar comforts and the kind of moments that stay with you.
Founded in 2002 by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 33 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s Danube, Douro, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Saône, Seine, Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, and Dutch and Belgian Waterways; Southeast Asia’s Mekong River; Africa’s Chobe River; Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2025). The company was recently voted “Best River Cruise Line” by the world’s leading cruise reviews site Cruise Critic, and is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable ship design; wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options that also earned the line a “Best for Active Cruisers” distinction by Cruise Critic); and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complimentary fine wine. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most AmaWaterways ships welcome an average of just 156 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, Sun Deck walking track and heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation, highlighted by the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families, as well as group and charter options.
