Spain comes into view through storied cities and a food culture shaped by deep regional pride. Madrid and Barcelona offer contrasting perspectives, from grand avenues and royal legacies to coastal creativity and everyday life shaped by the Mediterranean. Santiago de Compostela invites a slower introduction, tracing the legacy of James the Apostle through the city’s sacred streets. Nearby, Combarro reveals a quieter rhythm, where centuries‑old stone granaries line the water’s edge and oyster tables reflect enduring coastal traditions.
Spain River Cruises
Sailing This Itinerary
Regional Food Traditions From Tapas to Pintxos
Taste the varied flavors of Spain as you travel through this diverse food region. In central Spain, tapas and classic dishes reflect agricultural traditions, while the Basque Country is known for pintxos culture and cider houses.
Featured Experiences in Spain
Guided Tour of Salamanca’s Historic Old Town
While passing landmarks like the University of Salamanca and Plaza Mayor, you’ll learn the history of this influential university city.
Stroll Through Bilbao’s Casco Viejo With a Guide
Explore Bilbao’s historic old quarter on foot, seeing the Gothic Catedral de Santiago and learning about the district’s past.
Pintxos and Txakoli Tastings in San Sebastián
Enjoy guided visits to pintxos bars and tastings of txakoli in San Sebastián during the Basque Country land package.
Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
Take in the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural icon and cultural anchor of the Bilbao’s renaissance alongside a knowledgeable guide.
Madrid City Tour With Historic Landmarks
Join a guided exploration of Madrid, visiting plazas, the Royal Palace, and other iconic sites while learning about the city’s heritage.
Not sure where to start?
Let us help you choose the right cruise. Our river cruise experts are here to help you find the perfect journey, tailored to your interests and travel dreams.
Sailing the Douro
Testimonials
“We’ve told so many people about how river cruising with AmaWaterways is the best-kept secret in travel, and we are already talking about what river we will experience next.”
MF
Meghan F.
“Hats off and a bow down to the AmaSiena crew for providing a wonderful experience. I want to give a special shout-out to our Cruise Director. She was there for us all the time including pre- and post-cruise experinces. She is the best Cruise Director of any cruise we have ever been on! ”
TC
Tom C.
“We had planned our river cruise during Christmas, but we didn’t even miss celebrating at home because AmaLucia was completely decked out with wreaths, ornaments, and lights and there were at least four Christmas trees on board. Our gift to the kids this year was the river cruise, but we did take advantage of the ship’s tradition of everyone putting their slippers out to sneak some trinkets into theirs. It was so fun; we may even start doing this at home! On board the ship, our family played a lot of board games in the lounge and danced to the live music each evening. We also spent some quiet time together in the stateroom watching Christmas movies. The gift of traveling with your family is that you don’t have constant distractions or activities to run to – you can just spend more time being together.”
JV
Jennifer V.
“As a slightly disabled 80-year-old, I missed out on many included excursions with other companies. Then I found AmaWaterways and their gentle walker options and my world opened up.”
PT
Patricia T.
“From the moment we landed in Amsterdam for the pre-cruise until the last day of the post-cruise in Zurich, our tour manager, Florentin, made us feel welcome and safe. He remained with us throughout the trip and was extremely professional, knowledgeable and resourceful. Florentin always had a smile on his face and interesting details about the cities on our trip.”
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Ernestina R.
Land Extensions
Spend Extra Days in Spain’s Basque Country
See Spain’s Basque Country, where a distinct culture and language set the region apart. While in two of the region’s most popular cities, Bilbao and San Sebastián, explore Basque cuisine, art, and architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Hungary
Set along the Danube, Hungary offers exploration of grand architecture, café culture, and centuries-old traditions. Budapest anchors the experience with its architecture and energy, complemented by scenic stretches and historic towns like Esztergom and Szentendre.
Austria
While traveling in Austria, weave between refined cities and quaint river towns shaped by centuries of culture and tradition. Cruise its most storied river, the Danube, and discover Vienna, shaped by its enduring musical legacy, before continuing into the Wachau Valley, where vineyard-lined hills and historic villages offer a quieter pace.
Germany
Germany unfolds gracefully along its rivers, where medieval towns, vineyard-lined hillsides, and grand cities reveal centuries of culture and craftsmanship. Cruising the Rhine, Main, Danube, and Moselle connects you effortlessly to historic castles like Burg Eltz and vibrant cities like Cologne and Munich—inviting you to explore at an unhurried pace.
Journeys That Move You.
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