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!"
AmaWaterways has extended our sailing season on the Douro River. Cruise along the gorgeous Douro River as late as December. Here are just a few of the added sparkles that the autumn and winter seasons bring to journeys through this incredible region.
Portugal’s Second Most Popular Fruit
Olives are grown alongside grapevines at many Portuguese wineries. If you travel during the harvest (August-November), you may witness the locals striking tree branches with sticks and collecting fallen olives from the ground. Their scent and flavor are beyond compare — and bottles of Portuguese olive oil make terrific souvenirs.
Crimson Glory and Sweater Weather
The Douro Valley’s dramatic slopes and vineyards are blanketed in a sea of red and gold as autumn announces its presence in Portugal. Average temperatures range from about 45-58° F in November and December, so while you may not experience a “white Christmas,” you will be treated to wonderful weather for our included hikes in Castelo Rodrigo, at Lamego Holy Staircase and through Porto.
A Magical Manger Appearance
Throughout Portugal, nativity scenes typically outnumber Christmas trees. But do not expect to see Baby Jesus in the manger until after Missa do Galo (midnight mass) has ended. It is tradition for parents to place him there just before Father Christmas, known locally as Pai Natal, arrives with gifts — much to children’s delight!
Give Thanks and Be Merry in Portugal
Make special holiday memories with these festive Enticing Douro departures roundtrip from Porto.
November 23-30, 2024 or November 26-December 3, 2025
Count your blessings on board these departures during American Thanksgiving on November 28, 2024 or November 27, 2025 with delicious cuisine and some Portuguese Port wine.
December 21-28, 2024 or December 12-19, 2025 | December 9-16, 2025
Celebrate the Festival of Lights on board when Hanukkah begins the evening of December 25, 2024 or December 14, 2025 — and perhaps substitute Portuguese rabanadas or pastéis de nata for traditional holiday doughnuts!
December 21-28, 2024 or December 23-30, 2025
Deck the halls for Christmas and reflect during Kwanzaa while admiring elaborate nativity scenes throughout the Douro River Valley on these departures. Plus, visit intimate holiday markets in cities such as Porto (and Lisbon if you add our optional land package).
Space is available on board the golden AmaDouro through December in 2024 and 2025 and on our new AmaSintra in 2025 – contact your preferred travel advisor to learn more about cruising the Douro River.