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!"
Home to a well-known wine area, Dürnstein is celebrated for its vintages, its fairytale-like setting of picturesque architecture and vistas, incredible historical importance –and even apricots. Durstein is home to the Keunringer Castle in 1192, that Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned and held captive for a year by Leopold V, Duke of Austria. It is this singular event which originally put the city on the map and forever left an impressive imprint. Discover the charms of this Austrian town on our Danube itineraries.
Apricots and Wine
One of the most enjoyable ways to revel in the beauty of Dürnstein is with a sip of the region’s superb wine and a taste of its famed apricots. Apricot liqueur, apricot brandy, chocolate and jams are all indulgent and delicious treats.
The Stories of Keunringer Castle
Sometimes called the ‘Pearl of the Wachau,” Dürnstein was first mentioned in 1192 when Richard the Lionheart (also known as Richard I of England) was kept captive in the city’s castle during the Third Crusade. The castle may now be in ruins, but it was once impressive enough to hold one of Europe’s most renowned rulers. And while Richard was released upon an enormous ransom, there is a legend that tells of a faithful servant Blondel who located him by traveling throughout the land singing a secret song until he heard a prisoner able to sing it back to him.
Of course, for this legend to be real, Blondel would surely have had to climb the hill the castle is perched on. If you choose, walk in the footsteps of history as you follow Blondel’s path up to a hill which rewards with stunning views of the city and valley below.
A Tower of Blue
Alternatively, admire the castle from afar and soak in the beauty of the cobblestone narrow streets, colorful homes, historic buildings and the famed Abbey Church. The former Augustinian Monastery of Dürnstein, the Abbey and its unique blue tower are one of the best loved landmarks of the city. While the church was originally built in 1372, the tower (and indeed, the church that we see today) was constructed centuries later as part of a major renovation. Its luminous blue and white colors symbolize the resurrection and overcoming of suffering in a freer, celestial world. The tower’s façade further includes numerous sculptures and a clock. The Baroque-style Abbey continues to be a popular place of worship and is often the setting for weddings.
Embrace scenic views of Dürnstein, the true pearl of the Wachau Valley, during our Danube itineraries.