Ten iconic river cruise destinations
River cruising through Europe’s waterways offers the perfect way to enjoy some of Europe’s most iconic sights and events, without having to check into and out of hotels; you only unpack once and your luxurious accommodation moves with you.
Here is award-winning cruise operator, AmaWaterways’ top ten selection of places and events to see within striking distance of a river cruiser.
1. See the Dutch bulb fields in bloom in spring time on a trip to the Keukenhof Gardens with millions of tulips creating a dazzling carpet of colour.
A seven-night Tulip Time cruise round-trip from Amsterdam costs from £1,376 per person, departing in March and April.
2. Germany’s top horticultural show (BUGA 2011) runs from April 15 to October 16.will take over the riverside town of Koblenz all summer long, filling the squares and streets with floral displays. Entry to the show will be included as one of a range of complimentary excursions on the many AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries that call throughout the summer.
A seven-night Enchanting Rhine cruise from Amsterdam to Basel costs from £1,569 per person.
3. Cruise Russia’s waterways in June, when the days are at their longest, enjoying balmy summer evenings sailing slowly through the Russian countryside. In St Petersburg, attend a magnificent ballet performance at the famous Hermitage.
An 11-night Russian Waterways cruise from Moscow to St Petersburg on AmaKatarina, AmaWaterways’ newly-designed ship, costs from £2,314 per person.
4. Visit Austria’s capital, Vienna, with its superb museums and galleries, as the city prepares for the 150th anniversary in 2012 of the birth of artist Gustav Klimt, one of its most famous sons; some of the AMA ships even feature Gustav Klimt prints.
A seven-night Legendary Danube cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest, departing July 10, costs from £1,763 per person.
5. In the beautiful Provencal town of Avignon, take a stroll to the Place du Palais, in the shadow of the awe-inspiring Palais des Papes, in the early evening. The atmosphere when the crowds of day visitors have gone is magical.
A seven-night Provence Cruise from Arles to Lyon on Swiss Pearl, departing July 9, costs from £1,763 per person.
6. Explore the fascinating Romanian capital, Bucharest, famed for its Belle Epoque era buildings dating from the 19th century as well as the world’s largest palace.
A seven-night Black Sea Voyage from Rousse to Budapest departing October 23 costs from £1,634 per person.
7. Take a walking tour of historic Regensburg, visit the magnificent Thurn und Taxis Palace, one of the most lavish in the whole of Europe, its rooms filled with antiques and gilded objets d’art and the brewery, beer hall and gardens in the grounds of the palace.
A seven-night Blue Danube Discovery cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg, via Regensburg, departing September 11, costs from £1,806 per person;
8. Learn about iconic wines on AmaWaterways’ Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle cruise from Remich, Luxembourg to Amsterdam, which includes a wine-tasting in the village of Rudesheim, in the heart of the wine-growing area of the Rhine valley.
A seven-night Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle cruise costs from £1,376 per person, departing November 13.
9. Trace the Jewish heritage of the Danube by visiting important sites along the Danube, including the Jewish Museum in Bratislava, the Jewish Quarter and Sigmund Freud’s house in Vienna, Schindler’s house in Regensburg and the site of important Synagogues in Regensburg and Nuremberg.
A 7-night `Jewish Heritage’ Blue Danube cruise between Nuremberg to and Budapest, departing November 18th 2011, costs from £1376 per person.
10. Get into the Christmas spirit by visiting Europe’s spectacular and atmospheric Christmas markets, including medieval German towns where the aromas of gingerbread, sizzling sausages and spicy mulled wine scent the chilly air and wooden stalls are piled high with tasteful gifts and decorations.
A seven-night Christmas Time cruise on Amalyra from Nuremberg to Budapest, departing November 27, costs from £1,375 per person.
All AmaWaterways cruises include full board during the cruise; free-flowing selected wines with dinner every night; bottled water; a full daily programme of guided excursions; onboard cultural entertainment; and port taxes. Cruises in Europe on all AMA ships on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers also include use of the line’s revolutionary Infotainment system in every stateroom; which included complimentary Internet and WiFi Connection, and bicycles to use in port. Flights are extra.
To book, visit: amawaterways.co.uk
