With AmaWaterways, you have the option of exploring Europe’s amazing sights like the locals do. We were the first river cruise line to carry an entire fleet of complimentary bicycles on board, so you can experience biking alongside enchanting riverside pathways and in city centres. Whether you feel like joining one of our exclusive guided bike tours, or want to go discover on your own, there are many ways for you to explore on two wheels during your cruise. Here are a few examples:

• Bike along the beautiful Danube River between Dürnstein and Melk in Austria’s Wachau Valley
• Tour Cologne’s Old Town and Cathedral along the Rhine River
• See the medieval city of Rouen in France’s historic Normandy region, near the Seine River
• Take in wooded hills and beaches of poplars along the scenic shores of the Inn River in Passau
• Go on a guided bike ride in Vienna, where you’ll visit Klosterneuberg Abbey and enjoy cake and coffee

The beauty of Europe doesn’t just lie in its architecture and landmarks – there are also breath taking things to be seen when you venture out into nature. That’s why we’ve designed special hikes that will take you a bit off the beaten path in some very beautiful destinations.

• Trek up to the Veste Oberhaus in Passau, Germany for incredible views over Old Passau
• Make your way up to Dürnstein Fortress, where it is said that Richard the Lionheart was once held captive
• Hike up the Philosopher’s Path to a panoramic view of Heidelberg and the Necker River
• Journey from the ship to the Old Town in Strasbourg, France

We realise that our guests have different tastes, so we’ve developed a menu of shore excursions in every port of call. In many destinations, you’ll be free to choose from one of several options — all of which are included in your cruise fare. There’s always a city tour designed to show you all the renowned highlights and landmarks in grand capitals and charming villages alike. Is it your first time in Vienna? Opt for an unforgettable exploration of the major sights led by a local, English-speaking guide that is well versed in history and culture. Have you already been to Nuremberg? Instead of taking the city tour, indulge in a bratwurst and beer tasting on one of our Special Interest Tours, which are specially designed to place you in the midst of local life. Are you looking for something more active? See the beautiful scenery of Austria’s Wachau Valley with a guided bike tour along the Danube. The choice is yours.

Every year, we seek out new opportunities for our guests to experience local culture in a unique way. These tours are specially designed to give small groups the chance to be even more immersed in a destination. Here are just a few examples:

Indulge in authentic Belgian waffles and chocolate in Antwerp

Try your hand at knotting a bretzel (German for “pretzel”) in Wertheim

Go to a bratwurst and beer tasting at the oldest brewery in Nuremberg

Discover hidden treasures on a tour of Vienna’s secret spots and sights

Sample Bavarian specialties like pralines in Regensburg

Make the most of your long-awaited vacation by adding our optional land packages before or after your sailing for an all-encompassing river cruise and land journey. Indulge your wanderlust and we’ll whisk you away between your ship and hotel, plus take you on specially curated guided tours with just the right amount of leisure time to explore the art, history or culinary delights in sought-after cities around the world.

Why Add a Land Package?

There are many benefits to adding a land package before or after your sailing. One of the simplest reasons is the convenience of making all your future travel plans in one step. Our concierge services allow you to reserve your river cruise, flights, airport transfers and land packages all at once. No need to call and research multiple providers – just contact your travel advisor and we’ll take care of it all. But the value of adding a land package doesn’t stop there.

World-Class Hotels

Whether you wish to rest and recover from flights or pamper yourself before returning home, you’ll find no better respite than the trusted, 4- and 5-star hotels we have carefully selected for you. Each luxurious property is centrally located near the major sights, such as Turkey’s Istanbul at Sultanahmet, just steps from the magnificent Blue Mosque. If you should wish to extend your vacation even further, your travel advisor can conveniently arrange extra hotel nights through AmaWaterways as well.

Our land packages include transfers between your hotel and river cruise ship, portage service and daily breakfast at the hotel. In addition, fascinating guided city tours and excursions are included, so you can:

Discover breathtaking Mont St. Michel, France, the artistic inspiration for the movie Tangled

Join a tasting of Czech beer while learning about the beverage’s long and illustrious history

Visit Transylvania’s infamous Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula’s Castle

Board a boat for a scenic ride along Italy’s Lake Como to the stunning lakeside village of Bellagio

Rise with the sun at Cambodia’s UNESCO-designated Angkor Archaeological Complex

What's Included in Your Land Package

Overnight stays at 4- and 5-star hotels conveniently located near the major sites

Daily breakfast at the hotel

Guided city tours

Convenient transfers to and from the ship

The services of a professionally trained Cruise Manager throughout your river cruise and land stay – unique in the industry

This versatile space hosts a bar, dance floor, plenty of comfortable couches and big windows on three sides and is used for everything from the morning port talks, daytime reading and chatting to scenic cruising, afternoon tea and evening entertainment.

Daily entertainment including cultural performances

The Gift Shop can be found on the Porto Deck.

Are you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.

Soak up some rays or take a dip in our refreshing pool with a swim-up bar as we pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages and other breathtaking scenery.

After a marvellous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage.