AmaWaterways wine cruises add a unique epicurean dimension to a variety of itineraries at no additional cost. Join one of these wine cruises with a special wine host and be treated to a menu of exclusive wine and culinary experiences designed to delve deeper into the wonderful flavors and tastes of Europe.
European cities transform into majestic winter wonderlands for the holiday season – and we invite you to experience all their splendor with us. In addition to our variety of daily excursions, you will also have the opportunity to visit festive Christmas Markets in select destinations and participate in nostalgic traditions.
Maximize your Christmas experience by embarking at the height of the holiday market season with daily or near-daily visits to Christmas Markets.
Get "just a taste" of the holidays in mid-November or late December with visits to one or two Christmas Markets during your river cruise.
We are pleased to offer guests the opportunity to experience Floriade in 2022 while sailing along the Rhine River and Dutch and Belgian Waterways between April 14 and October 9. Right outside Amsterdam, this rare experience calls for its visitors to “explore, touch and change” as part of their journey into Floriade – which is set to feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment, talk shows, souvenirs and food stalls.
We invite you to join our incredible cruise on the Rhône with a Latin Touch, featuring bilingual cruise managers, daily tours with Spanish-speaking guides, Latin-inspired music nights and other distinctive elements.
Based on the overwhelmingly positive response received from the announcement of our first-ever “Soulful Experience” on the Rhône River in 2023, we are delighted to announce four new opportunities for guests to celebrate their heritage and discover Black history and culture along the rivers with us in 2024.
Join award-winning television host and travel expert, Samantha Brown, Godmother of AmaMagna, as we cruise through four countries along the Danube River. Special events and Travel Talks are included on this exclusive sailing.
Join Chef Joanne Weir, award-winning cookbook author, restaurant owner and host of PBS television series “Plates & Places” as she hosts a special 7-night Flavors of Burgundy river cruise.
We invite you to join our incredible cruise on the Danube with a Latin Touch, featuring bilingual cruise managers, daily tours with Spanish-speaking guides, Latin-inspired music nights and other distinctive elements.
Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey.
Based on the overwhelmingly positive response received from the announcement of our first-ever “Soulful Experience” on the Rhône River in 2023, we are delighted to announce four new opportunities for guests to celebrate their heritage and discover Black history and culture along the rivers with us in 2025
Join award-winning television host and travel expert, Samantha Brown, Godmother of AmaMagna, as we cruise through five countries along the Danube River. Special events and Travel Talks are included on this exclusive sailing.
We invite you to join our incredible cruise on the Douro with a Latin Touch, featuring bilingual cruise managers, daily tours with Spanish-speaking guides, Latin-inspired music nights and other distinctive elements.
We invite our loyal past guests to join us once again on these special Loyalty Cruises, offering unique experiences in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights.
Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the iconic Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf. We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just that with our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. Discover Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at some of the leading championship courses on the continent.
AmaWaterways’ Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Magna on the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna.
Hello! "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. Each month, I love to share with you my thoughts, personal stories, travel tips and latest news on the people and places that help turn every mile of our guests' river cruise experience into one of their most cherished memories!"
Located in the northwestern corner of France, Brittany lies between Normandy and Pays de la Loire while facing the Atlantic Ocean. A picturesque coastline, tranquil beaches and turquoise waters – all over enticing reasons to visit the beauty of the so-called Emerald Coast. Quaint villages such as St. Malo, the city of corsairs; Dinard, with its beautiful Belle Epoque villas; and Dinan, the well-preserved medieval town, add to the charm of the region of Brittany. When adding the St. Malo land package to our Impressions of the Seine & Paris itinerary, you can admire all three villages and enjoy a closer look into Brittany.
Unlocking The Origin and History
History can only tell the true meaning behind the origin of the name Brittany, or Bretagne. During the Dark Ages, the Celtic Britons sought refuge from the Anglo-Saxon invaders by crossing the English Channel and fleeing from Great Britain to northwestern France. Together, the unique characteristics of Brittany’s historic provinces and distinctive Celtic heritage continue to tell the story behind their Breton culture.
A Gateway into Breton Culture
Medieval towns with their prominent Celtic heritage open the path to share their unique identity with the world. Locals, or les Bretons, proudly display their Celtic roots and beautiful traditions through their historic sites, cuisine, folk music and festivals.
Marks of their heritage can be discovered throughout the region. The legendary Carnac stones, built in pre-Celtic times, remain as a puzzling mystery for architects and even locals as there is no actual explanation for their purpose. Several thousands of standing megalith stones surround the village, the largest collection of such in the world. After adding your post-river cruise land package, you can explore a major historical site in Brittany, the Château de Fougères. Before reaching St. Malo, you will be treated to a visit to this 12th-century medieval fortress, known for its 13 towers rebuilt in stone.
Unexpected Breton Delights
Brittany’s famous salted butter brings unexpected discoveries to taste and delight from the region’s iconic salted caramel butter candies to its traditional buckwheat crêpes and hearty Kouign-amann pastry dish. Originating in the 19th century, this famous Breton cake simply translates as two words: cake and butter, and it swiftly rose in popularity throughout France. Where else can one find delicious flaky layers of sugar and butter in a refined cake-like pastry? Of course, everywhere in Europe will have their own version but Brittany takes it one delightful step further with its renowned salted butter.
Breton traditional folk music incorporates melodies from Great Britain’s Welsh and Cornish civilizations. Beloved festivals, such as the medieval celebration of the Ramparts Festival in Dinan and the nearly 90-year-old annual Festival de Cornouaille in Quimper, transform the region into a celebration of rich, diverse culture in the summertime.
With everlasting efforts from the Breton locals, Celtic culture continues to remain a part of their blended French heritage.
The Marvel and The Wonder
As tides rise sky high, the stunning rocky islet of Mont St. Michel peeks from the Atlantic Ocean. Exploration beckons at every twist and turn as you enter the idyllic medieval village with its quaint shops, museums and restaurants. Along the ramparts of the island, a rewarding, unforgettable view of the bay awaits. This island was previously named "Mont-Tombe," but it was renamed in the 8th century due to the local legend of a bishop’s vision of the archangel, Saint Michael. Saint Michael repeatedly requested that the bishop build a sanctuary in the archangel’s name.
Built between the 11th and 16th centuries, the Benedictine abbey towers above the medieval walls and buildings. Over centuries, generations of builders contributed to this historical monument, incorporating Gothic and Romanesque architecture styles throughout the façade of the abbey.
Mont St. Michel looms over with a striking presence despite the great distance between the island and the French coast. This treasured site holds a universal value of culture, religion and history for northwestern France as it lies at the heart of the bay between Brittany and Normandy. From their respective coasts, the two regions can share the breathtaking sight of this fairytale-like sanctuary.
Why Reserve Our Optional St. Malo Land Package
Add a bonus region to your Impressions of the Seine & Paris river cruise: Brittany, France! Make the most of your international airfare and indulge your wanderlust by spending more time in France and exploring this breathtaking destination. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a photographer, or are simply interested in a longer journey, this 4-night land package, which includes visits to Dinard, Dinan, Mont St. Michel and Chartres Cathedral, is sure to inspire you.
What’s Included in Your Optional Land Package
You can admire the beauty of St. Malo and the Emerald Coast during your Impressions of the Seine and Paris river cruise and land journey!