Following on the success of its In Celebration of Wine theme cruises this year, AmaWaterways has announced the return of these unique voyages for the 2013 calendar year, with expanded itineraries and new offerings that are sure to please both novice and experienced wine connoisseurs alike. Guests who are entranced by the natural beauty of these famed regions throughout Europe will also find much to enjoy and appreciate. Few modes of travel are as conducive to this type of itinerary as a river cruise along the continent’s legendary waterways.
To further drive home the popularity of these itineraries, AmaWaterways has released a dedicated print brochure: Wine Cruises through Europe 2012-2013.
“We’re thrilled to announce our new wine – themed itineraries and the new brochures are the perfect way to share this exciting news,” said AmaWaterways Executive Vice President and Co-Owner Kristin Karst. “We believe that each travel agent and guest is a part of our AmaWaterways family and we’re always looking for ways and tools to enhance their experience with us.”
These aren’t merely a handful of itineraries centered around the theme of the grape; instead, they are well-planned-out journeys that seek to enrich and inspire guests, no matter which voyage and destination they choose.
The exciting itinerary lineup for 2013:
Legendary Wine Regions of the Rhone – November 4 to 18, 2013. This 15-day itinerary begins with 3 nights in Barcelona. There, guests embark on the AmaDagio for a 7-night cruise through legendary wine regions with visits to the cities of Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Vienne and Trevoux before arriving in Lyon, followed by a high-speed TGV train ride to Paris for a 3-night stay. Excursions include tastings at local vintners, visits to enchanting Roman ruins and tours of the Provencal shops and marketplaces.
Vineyards of the Rhine & Mosel – Beginning November 3, 2013. On board the AmaDolce, this 12-day Rhine and Mosel River itinerary offers an unparalleled experience of centuries-old vineyards along two of Europe’s most renowned rivers. Itinerary highlights include views of the steepest vineyards in the world, a sight unique to the Mosel River; visits to ancient wine villages and vineyards and a visit to the 13th-century gothic cathedral in the city of Colonge, whose twin spires are among Europe’s tallest. The Vineyards of the Rhine & Mosel cruise begins with 3 nights in Paris, followed by a 7-night cruise from Luxembourg to Amsterdam.
Paris & the Sparkling Seine – April 4 – November 7, 2013. This 11-day itinerary includes 2 nights in Paris and a 7-night cruise along the magnificent Seine aboard the AmaLegro. Guests will enjoy wine lectures, samplings and pairings as they visit the beautiful cities of Vernon, Giverny, Rouen, Les Andelys and Conflans before returning to the Parisian “City of Light.” Highlighting the rich art and culture of France, excursions include walking the along the streets that inspired Monet, exploring the historic capital of Normandy and its beaches and seeing the ruins of Chateau-Gaillard, the once-massive stronghold of Richard the Lionheart.
Castles & Wineries of Germany – Beginning October 28, 2013. On board the AmaDolce, this 14-day itinerary offers a historic tour of Europe’s rich medieval era. Beginning with 2 nights in Prague, the itinerary includes a 7-night cruise from Nuremberg to Luxembourg, visiting Bamberg, Wurzburg, Wertheim, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Cochem, Zell and Bernkastel. The cruise concludes with a 3-night stay in Paris and optional tours of the famous city. Excursions include vineyard visits and wine tastings, a Bamberg Smoked beer, or “Rauchbier” tasting, a visit to Siegfried’s Music Museum and a tour of the Reichsburg Castle.
Culture & Wine Legacy of the Rhine – November 7 to November 21, 2012. This 13-day itinerary begins in the colorful city of Amsterdam, where guests embark on the beautiful AmaCello. Traveling through the legendary Black Forest region en route to Zurich, guests can discover the stunning scenery of the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. Excursions include a tasting of renowned Kolsch beer, a visit to Heidelberg’s red-walled Castle, scenic lakeside tours and visits to the region’s famous local wineries and markets. The itinerary concludes with a 2-night stay in the medieval city of Lucerne, followed by 2 nights in Zurich, Switzerland.
Classic Port Wines & Charming Quintas – March 29 to November 1, 2013. This 12-day itinerary begins with three nights in Portugal’s lively capital, Lisbon, before continuing on a relaxing 7-night cruise aboard theAmaVida through the scenic Douro River Valley. Surrounded by deep cleft gorges, charming fishing villages and lush vineyards, this cruise begins and ends in Porto, the capital of the North. Itinerary highlights include a visit to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a tour of the Palacio de Mateus; a journey to the Portuguese pilgrimage site Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies) and exploration of the 14th-century Alpendurada Monastery.
Great Capitals & Vintages of the Danube – November 3 to November 14, 2012. Onboard the AmaPrima, AmaCerto, AmaBella, andAmaLyra, this 12-day itinerary travels along one of Europe’s most captivating rivers. Following a 3-night stay in majestic Prague, guests are invited to embark on a 7-night cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest with a backdrop of rolling hillsides, lush vineyards and medieval castles. Itinerary highlights include a walking tour of Vilshofen, known as a 2,000-year-old fairy tale city; a visit to one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries, Melk’s Benedictine Abbey; a visit to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting of the “Sound of Music” and tours of Krem, a city rich with wine culture and history.
More information on AmaWaterways can be found by viewing our complete AmaWaterways Company and fleet overviews right here on River Cruise Advisor.
