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!"
Intriguing Istanbul
Istanbul, once known as Byzantium, blends its cultures and history into an exciting city with so much to offer. Founded during Neolithic times, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited spots of the world, holding true to its historic heritage through exotic mosques, colorful basilicas and cathedrals, and ancient bazaars. In fact, the Historic Areas of Istanbul on the Bosphorus peninsula were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Standing between the East and the West, Turkey’s largest city offers an aura of intrigue and charm that appeals to the masses.
What Remains of an Ancient Tradition
The Hippodrome (adjacent to the historic Basilica Cistern, iconic Blue Mosque and beautiful Hagia Sophia cathedral-turned-museum) was once the center of Roman and Byzantine Constantinople and is a fascinating place to begin exploring Istanbul. The four bronze horses that used to be on top of the emperor's box at this ancient chariot-racing arena were looted by the Crusaders in 1204, and are now on the façade of Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice. While the building no longer stands, the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column from the Delphi oracle remain, having been in this same location since the 4th century.
A Stronghold Twice Attacked
A visit to the Old City stirs the senses, conjuring the ancient times of the Roman Empire. The centuries-old city walls stand out with their effective surroundings and construction. Extending for nearly 14 miles (22 kilometers) and stretching from the Sea of Marmara to the Golden Horn, these walls have stood the test of centuries, having only been demolished twice in their history: first, by the Latin Crusaders who intended to head toward the Holy Land in 1204, and again in 1453 by the Ottoman Turks in their attempts to conquer the city.
A Roman Relic
Within the Old City walls is the Valens Aqueduct (Turkish: Valens Su Kemeri or Bozdoğan Kemeri, meaning "Aqueduct of the Grey Falcon”), once part of the Roman aqueduct. It was the single longest ancient aqueduct system ever to be built, reaching nearly 270,000 square feet (250,000 meters). Completed by Roman Emperor Valens in the late 4th century AD, it was maintained and used by the Byzantines and later the Ottomans, and was operational until the end of the 19th century.
Breathtaking Topkapi
Topkapi Palace combines awe-inspiring antiquity and stunning scenery to create a unique and memorable experience. Dating back to the 15th century, the palace is rich in the history of the Ottoman Empire. Situated on the hill overlooking the ocean, its 27 towers and three miles of stone wall were at one time an official royal residence of the Ottoman sultans and the seat of the Turkish government. Today, it is a museum housed in what is considered the largest and oldest palace in the world. Inside, guests may get a peek at the harem’s quarters, visit the seat of government, behold a collection of old weapons used by the sultans, tour the palace kitchens with their huge porcelain collections, and visit the treasury with its collection of jewels and clocks.
Why Reserve Our Optional Istanbul Land Package
Add both a bonus country and continent to your Gems of Southeast Europe or Grand Danube river cruise, as Istanbul sits in both Europe and Asia! Make the most of your international airfare and indulge your wanderlust by exploring this culture-rich destination. Whether you’re interested in seeing the 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond or simply admiring the impressive architecture of this fascinating city, this 3-night land package is sure to inspire you.
What’s Included in Your Optional Land Package
Contact your preferred travel advisor to extend your Gems of Southeast Europe or Grand Danube journey into Istanbul today!