Monet could not capture the beauty along the Seine River in his paintings in the span of seven days. Strauss was not finished admiring the Danube River in just one week. And with more than 40 castles along the banks of the Rhine, surely seven nights only gives you a brief taste of the fascinating history and sights that await. 

Some of our most well-traveled loyal guests have returned to the same river multiple times, yet they have had a unique experience each time. Here are just a few reasons why. 

Different Seasons 

The city centers of Budapest and Vienna hum with holiday activity during Christmastime, yet offer a different and calmer atmosphere in February, or during October and November. As the new wine from the season’s harvest begins to flow in November, Austrian Heurigers spring to life, inviting all who visit to share in the magical ambience of these seasonal celebrations. Autumn cloaks the vineyards and scenery of the Moselle River in vivid colors of fall finery – a much different garb than the emerald hues the hills display for guests who sail in the spring and summer. With the various backdrops that different times of the year offer, exploring the same destination can lead to an entirely unique experience. 

Multiple Excursions Offered 

The variety of excursions offered on AmaWaterways’ itineraries invites you to choose your own adventure as you explore the destinations that reside along the rivers. On the Rhine River, for example, your ship docks in Ludwigshafen, but you have the choice to either venture to the university town of Heidelberg with its castle or hike along the Neckar River, immerse yourself in medieval Speyer and its unique history, or take a bike tour through Ladenburg. These three unique destinations are all available in one morning! Even when your ship is docked in the same port and our excursions all take place there, a gondola ride over the winemaking village of Rüdesheim does not quite have the same feel as a hike through its vineyards. On the Danube River, while your ship is docked in Linz, Austria, you may follow the sound of music in Salzburg, head off the beaten path to charming Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or choose either a walking tour or bike tour through Linz.  

Enjoy Your Own Free Time 

Cruise Managers and Receptionists can offer maps and suggestions on places to see and explore that are not included on our itineraries. On most of our European ships, you may even use bicycles from our complimentary onboard fleet and pedal through a destination at your own leisure. While excursions are included and offer the best value with enriching history shared by exceptional local tour guides, there is something to be said for wandering through a city on your own and returning to your home base – your warm, inviting river cruise ship where your friendly AmaWaterways family awaits you.  

Different Itineraries and Ships 

Just because you have cruised our Romantic Danube itinerary does not mean you will have experienced every single delight the Danube River has to offer! Our Legendary Danube and Blue Danube Discovery itineraries include history-rich German cities as Regensburg and Nuremberg that are not included on our other Danube River itineraries. When visiting Libourne during our Taste of Bordeaux itinerary in 2025, you can travel back in time as you explore an ancient watermill and learn the intriguing tradition of breadmaking in an all-new excursion. Embarking on a ship that you haven’t sailed before can also enhance your river cruise experience. If you have ever cruised aboard AmaMagna, you know that this innovative ship is a destination in and of itself – one that you won’t want to leave unexplored!  

The People You Cruise With 

Cruising with multiple generations of your family, or with all your siblings or cousins, creates a much different environment than sailing solo or taking a couple’s cruise does. If you loved one of our destinations, bring someone else on board next time or experience it all for yourself traveling solo. As you glide down the rivers with your travel companions – whether you knew them before embarkation or befriended them on board during a Sip & Sail cocktail hour – you will create lasting memories in the iconic destinations you explore together. 

Bottom line: Even if you have cruised with us several times, you are not finished with Europe – and it isn’t finished with you. Come explore a cherished region on a different itinerary in a different season and see what you’ve been missing! Contact your preferred travel advisor to reserve your next river cruise today and review your Loyalty Benefits here.