Imagine yourself smiling beneath the summer sunshine as the brilliant blue tower of a church beckons beneath the rolling green hills of the charming village of Dürnstein, Austria, the “Pearl of the Wachau Valley.” You’re finishing up a spirited match of pickleball against this postcard-perfect backdrop, and as you walk off the court, you’re greeted with a chilled towel. Or perhaps you are sipping a glass of Beaujolais wine as your floating boutique hotel glides through the idyllic Provencal countryside, autumn’s crimson and gold leaves enveloping lovely châteaux in their transformational beauty. Whether you prefer to keep active or simply want to drink in each delicious moment of your European vacation at your leisure, a river cruise with AmaWaterways has it all.
Venture From Ocean to River
For residents of Malibu and the Conejo Valley, locally based AmaWaterways offers a unique and exciting way to explore the world beyond our own backyards (and across the Pacific Ocean) with ease—unpacking just once and letting your extraordinary Cruise Manager and crew take care of every detail. The line’s award-winning and beautiful river cruise ships provide breathtaking views of sun-kissed vineyards, charming villages and majestic castles at every bend, as well as a wide range of included amenities to ensure you enjoy an unparalleled vacation experience.
Forget waiting for a table, or for a valet to park your car; you need only venture a few paces from your stateroom to the dining room to indulge in exquisite complimentary cuisine at every meal. AmaWaterways’ expert chefs craft their regionally inspired menus with care and prepare each dish with only the freshest seasonal ingredients—locally sourced, of course. This includes the mouthwatering multi-course tasting menu paired with hand-selected local wines offered to each guest once during the cruise as part of AmaWaterways’ intimate (and Michelin star-worthy) Chef's Table experience.
Their innovative European ships also feature a well-equipped fitness room, heated swimming pool or whirlpool, and a fleet of complimentary bicycles that can be used for guided bike tours or independent exploration. Oceans take you to countries, and arguably to some of the most stunning homes in Southern California, but it is only by river that you can journey into the very heart of Europe with a river cruise line that pampers you and welcomes you as family.
Discover the Danube
No waterway provides a more quintessential experience for first-time river cruisers than the Danube, along which AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder and local community member, Rudi Schreiner, grew up in Vienna, Austria. From grand capitals to charming villages, the Danube is a river of legends where kings and queens were crowned, visionary composers were inspired and some of Europe’s most fascinating cities were born.
If you think a Danube River cruise caters to just one type of traveler or generation, think again. AmaWaterways offers more than 10 unique itineraries touching this storied waterway, including Christmas Markets sailings and classical music-inspired itineraries. What’s more, they offer up to six included excursion choices each day. Truly no vacation provider works harder to ensure every guest has a personalized journey! Enjoy guided walking tours of historic city centers such as Budapest, Vienna and Belgrade; marvel at opulent UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as spectacular Melk Abbey; and be treated to AmaWaterways exclusives, including a private tour of Austria’s fascinating Greinburg Castle and a year-round Oktoberfest celebration in the enchanting Bavarian town of Vilshofen.
Cruise Along Romantic French Rivières
Does your heart sing for France? With five unique itineraries along six French waterways in 2023 and one additional river cruise through Burgundy debuting in 2024, you can easily rekindle your joie de vivre with AmaWaterways. If you are a wine collector or even a casual enthusiast, the line’s 7-night Taste of Bordeaux itinerary will immerse your senses in the region’s acclaimed red wines, whether you are biking through Saint-Émilion, attending an exclusive wine festival for AmaWaterways guests in Bourg or inhaling the aromas of several grape varieties in Bordeaux’s multi-story Cité du Vin wine museum—a journey in itself.
Perhaps you are a connoisseur of fine art—then embrace your passion on the line’s Impressions of the Seine & Paris itinerary, which traces the footsteps of famed painters on its exhilarating 7-night route between Paris and Le Havre. You will step inside Monet’s artwork with an included excursion to his home and gardens in Giverny, marvel at the centuries-old Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Norman invasion of England and wander through Honfleur, inspiration for Monet, among others, and where many believe the Impressionist movement began. And if you enjoy cycling, the line’s Essence of Burgundy & Provence itinerary features seven guided bike tours in 7 nights, including one through Lyon, the “Culinary Capital of France,” and another in Arles, where Van Gogh once lived and worked. This unique itinerary also offers plenty of wine tastings, as well as a spine-tingling evening “ghost walk” in Viviers unveiling the city’s rich heritage.
It's Not Where You Go, It’s Who You’re With
Many Southern Californians are “transplants” from other parts of the country, which can leave you with the conundrum of whether to visit out-of-state family during time off or holidays, or to instead venture abroad on the vacation your heart and soul need. Fortunately, a decision between family and leisure need not be made because AmaWaterways’ river cruises are designed to accommodate every member of your brood!
Active excursions, such as hikes to castles perched on hilltops, are available. There are also historic walking tours to city centers offered at three distinctive activity levels, ensuring even loved ones with limited mobility see the sights at their own pace. Family and friends with different interests often part ways for excursions and reunite later in the day at AmaWaterways’ complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour, the perfect time to share how they experienced the same destination in unique ways. There are also a variety of onboard amenities that bridge the generation gap, from cornhole games across the European fleet to ships that offer connecting staterooms to the brand-new full-sized pickleball court on board the line’s award-winning Danube River flagship, AmaMagna.
These thoughtful touches can be attributed in part to the legacy of AmaWaterways’ late Co-Founder, Jimmy Murphy. Jimmy was the father of Malibu’s own Gary Murphy, who currently serves as a proud co-owner of the company. Jimmy was a family man who loved people and a friendly debate no matter your age or background. When AmaWaterways debuted AmaMagna in 2019, staff unanimously voted to name the ship’s family-style restaurant, Jimmy’s, in his memory.
The Time is Now
For those seeking an accessible way to explore Europe, or those wishing to venture beyond to Egypt’s Nile River, Vietnam and Cambodia’s Mekong River, Africa’s Chobe, or Colombia’s Magdalena River, AmaWaterways’ wonderful crew will make you and your traveling companions feel loved from the moment you step on board. With twin-balcony staterooms and luxurious suites still available for river cruises departing later this year, it’s not too late to contact your travel advisor, who can offer you special savings on select departures. Reserve your unforgettable AmaWaterways river cruise today!
Learn more at AmaWaterways.com.
