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.
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 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.
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
Explore the rich history of classical and folkloric 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.
Countries Visited: Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
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 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!"
Originating in Northern Spain and Southern France, the Basque people comprise one of the oldest ethnic groups in Europe, dating as far back as 5,000 years. Centuries ago they were seafarers and farmers, believed in fascinating mythology, and spoke a unique language called Euskara, mysteriously unrelated to any other languages of Europe. Today, Euskara is spoken by less than 1/3 of Basque people, yet much of their culture and traditions still thrive.
Food is King in Basque Country
The hills are alive with grapes that produce txakoli, a dry and sparkling white wine. Poured from green bottles, often from great heights that emphasize its effervescence, txakoli is most popularly paired with pintxos (Basque tapas) in the bars of San Sebastián, Spain. These tiny finger foods, historically served with a slice of bread, are the essence of Basque cuisine with both traditional options like tortilla de patatas (potato and onion omelette) and mini haute cuisine experiments. The chefs who create them are typically competitive in nature, making nearly every bite at every pintxos bar (traditionally visited on a crawl) a mouthwatering experience. And then there are the sagardotegi (Basque cider houses), where cider flows powerfully from giant barrels and a multi-course set menu generally consists of a cod fish, a giant steak, and walnuts with local cheese and quince paste. Cider season only lasts from January through April or May, but if your cruise is in early spring, the lively sagardotegi are great fun to work in to your land program in Northern Spain!
Shape Shifters and Goddesses
Though Basque mythology was largely overtaken by Christianity, some Basques still believe in the legends of the “old country,” in which Lurra (the Earth) is the center of the universe. Some of the most important mythological characters are Ama Lurra (Mother Earth), the goddess Eguzi Amandrea (Grandmother Sun) and Ilargi Amandrea (Grandmother Moon). Mari is the Mother Goddess of Old Europe and personifies natural phenomena as well as all the animals. Other mythological characters include Olentzaro, a charcoal maker who, much like Santa, delivers presents to children on Christmas by way of their chimneys; Sorgin, a wicked witch who can shapeshift into animals; and Lamia, a beautiful mermaid-like creature.
Sports and Leisure
If the culture thus far sounds exotic, you’ll recognize this next centuries-old Basque tradition, held annually about an hour south of San Sebastián in Pamplona: the running of the bulls. A weeklong celebration honoring St. Fermin, Pamplona’s patron saint, this festival has attracted hundreds of thousands of thrill seekers who want to be a part of the dangerous spectacle. The practice began simply as a way to herd bulls from their corral to the bullfighting ring but was later adopted into the festivities of St. Fermin’s festival, which today includes a pyrotechnic rocket launch known as txupinazo, processions, a noisemaking event called El Struendo (The Roar), a parade, and traditional Basque sports including aizkolaris (wood chopping) and harri-jasotze (stone lifting). Pelota (Basque hand ball) is perhaps the most competitive activity among the Basque people today and creativity flows at bertsolaris, improvisational Basque musical poetry slams.
Why Reserve Our Optional Land Package in Spain’s Basque Country
Add a bonus country to your Taste of Bordeaux river cruise: Spain! Make the most of your international airfare and indulge your wanderlust by exploring this intriguing, culture-rich region. Whether you’re a self-described foodie, exploring your Spanish heritage or are simply interested in extending your journey, our 4-night Basque Country land package, which includes visits to Bilbao and San Sebastián, is sure to inspire you.
What’s Included in Your Optional Land Package
Extend your journey courtesy of AmaWaterways! Receive a complimentary 2-, 3- or 4-night Land Package when you reserve select 2024 and 2025 Europe river cruises. Click here for offer details or contact your preferred travel advisor. Offer available through June 30, 2024.