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!"
The name Vincent van Gogh may call to mind the vibrant yellows of Provençal sunflower fields, the swirling deep blues and glowing stars of the night sky, and the dwindling crowds at the terrasses of French cafés on quiet evenings. While Van Gogh found little to no success in the art world during his lifetime, the tormented painter has risen to become one of the world’s most famed artists. Sailing with us through the South of France on our Colors of Provence and Essence of Burgundy & Provence itineraries, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the painter as you discover the scenic landscapes, or paysages, that inspired some of his most famous works of art. While painting extensively in France, Van Gogh left his footprints across Europe, which you can discover on some of our other European river cruises as well.
Admire Van Gogh in Amsterdam
Born in Holland in 1853, Van Gogh spent the first half of his life in the Netherlands and Belgium, working various jobs as an art dealer and as a Protestant missionary. Today, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam holds the largest collection of Van Gogh’s œuvres, or works of art. The most visited museum in the Netherlands, the Van Gogh Museum is a must-see for any art lover or anyone wanting to get a glimpse into the mind of the famous Dutch painter. We encourage you to do so during your free time as part of an optional pre- or post-river cruise land package or extra hotel nights in Amsterdam, available on many of our Rhine & Moselle river cruises, as well as Tulip Time, and Best of Holland & Belgium sailings.
A Community Among Parisian Artists
In 1886, Van Gogh left home to move to Paris, where he remained for two years. During his time in Paris, he befriended members of the avant-garde, Impressionist, and Neo-Impressionist art movements, including Paul Gauguin and Georges Seurat. Van Gogh was initially unimpressed by their work, writing at one point that: “People have heard of the Impressionists, they have great expectations of them ... and when they see them for the first time they’re bitterly, bitterly disappointed” (Van Gogh to Willemien van Gogh, 1888). However, after about a year in the City of Light, Van Gogh began experimenting with Impressionist techniques and styles, incorporating loose brushstrokes and a lighter color palette into his artwork.
Finding His Style: Van Gogh in Provence Van Gogh left the grey wintery skies of Paris in 1888 for a warmer, brighter Arles, which he famously painted in rich yellows, ultramarine, and mauve. Van Gogh spent much of his time there living in what he referred to as “The Yellow House” on “The Street,” properly known as Place Lamartine. Painted with pale yellow walls and vibrant green shutters, the Yellow House acted as Van Gogh’s home and studio. In Arles, at the age of 35, he painted masterpieces such as Bedroom in Arles, The Yellow House, and Café Terrace at Night. During your visit to Arles, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the places that sparked the painter’s imagination on our Van Gogh Walking Tour.
Diminishing Mental Health: The Ails of Van Gogh
It was near the end of the same year that Van Gogh suffered from a mental breakdown, famously cutting off his own ear after hearing voices. After the incident, he became known around town as “le fou roux,” or “the redhead madman.” Unfortunately, his stay at the hospital in Arles only tarnished his reputation, damaging his already limited success as a painter.
In 1889, Van Gogh checked himself into Saint-Paul de Mausole Asylum in Saint Rémy, a mere 19 miles outside of Arles. He remained at the asylum for the better part of a year, living in two barred cells, one of which acted as his studio. The clinic and the gardens of the asylum became central to Van Gogh’s artwork. During this period, his art became increasingly abstract, characterized by his trademark swirling patterns. It was at the Saint-Paul Asylum that Van Gogh completed one of his most celebrated artworks, The Starry Night.
Shortly after leaving the clinic and moving to Auvers-sur-Oise in 1890, Van Gogh tragically took his own life at only 37 years old. On the Artist Walk of Auvers-sur-Oise excursion on our Paris & Normandy itinerary along the Seine, visit the charming town where Van Gogh spent his final weeks at the Ravoux Inn.
Discover Arles Through an Artist’s Gaze
Walking the streets of Arles, one cannot help but feel as though they are retracing Van Gogh’s footsteps and soaking in some of the vibrant colors and beautiful scenery that so inspired him. The coiling olive trees, buzzing streets, and yellow buildings seem to be right out of one of his paintings.
See the Provençal city of Arles through the eyes of Vincent Van Gogh while sailing on the Rhône River through France on our Colors of Provence itinerary aboard our award-winning AmaKristina, or cruise our Essence of Burgundy & Provence itinerary.