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!"
Like King Ludwig II’s famed Neuchwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Reichsburg Castle (aka Cochem Castle or Schloss Reichsburg) was purchased by a visionary dreamer who wished to recreate the area’s previous grandeur, build upon ancient ruins and create a stunning new retreat for himself and his family.
Overlooking the scenic Moselle River and equally picturesque town of Cochem, the Reichsburg Castle has a long storied history. Its original construction dates back roughly to 1000-1100 AD. Built by the Palatinate Count Ezzo, the castle is first mentioned in a 1051 document (although questions remain whether this document might be falsified). In any case, as a prominent medieval castle, it had no shortage of political espionage and romantic intrigue – with stories of murders and mistresses and mayhem. One of its most iconic legends is affectionately known as ‘The Battle of the Barrel’ after citizens of Cochem let loose piles of empty wine barrels, effectively sending attackers running.
Another beloved legend which is celebrated each year on ‘Knipp Monday’ commemorates another battle, where a castle servant overheard armed strangers discussing an imminent attack on the castle on the first Monday after ‘white Sunday’ (the first Sunday after Easter). En route to meet his lady, the servant returned back to the castle and helped thwart the attack. Ever since, including today, residents take to the meadow the servant first overheard the attackers and enjoy a hearty picnic.
The castle’s colorful history continued to play out until the armies of France’s King Louis XIV, aka the Sun King, invaded in 1689. They occupied the castle, burned it and obliterated it down to mere rubble.
And so it remained until Berlin businessman Louis Ravené happened upon it and purchased it in hopes of creating a summer residence. However, rather than restore the castle to its former Romanesque glory, the wealthy entrepreneur rebuilt it in a Neo-gothic style (complete with a few gargoyles even!). However, a few of the original elements were kept – such as the four-story Octagonal Tower and the Hexenturm (aka Witches Tower). Castle lore tells of the tower being used to try women for witchcraft – by throwing them out of the window.
The interior of the castle also has a variety of styles. Ernst Ewald designed the intricate painted ceiling design and the walls both inside and outside. Local artisans and craftsmen contributed too. The effect is both an homage to its long history and romance – it is a popular wedding destination!
Nestled among the banks of the lush Moselle River – in between steep vineyards, high elevations, wine villages and medieval streets, the town of Cochem has much to offer itself. Including stunning panoramic views from the castle above. With its cobblestone streets and riverfront promenades, Cochem is one of Germany’s most picturesque cities!
Delve deeply into the history of Cochem with our Rhine and Moselle sailings.