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Courtesy of AmaWaterways ● AmaWaterways cruises showcase the beauty of the Danube and rivers of France.
Discover how AmaWaterways European river cruises along the Danube and through France compare. Explore popular seven-night itineraries, featured destinations, cruise inclusions and shore excursions to find the journey that best matches your interests, pace and travel style.
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See how a AAA Travel Agent can simplify planning and help you access available member benefits.
Turn river cruise inspiration into your perfect vacation. AAA Travel Agents can help you narrow the choices and book with confidence.
Discover What Fits
Courtesy of AmaWaterways ● AmaWaterways cruises offers unique views of castles, vineyards and picturesque European landscapes.
A European river cruise brings grand capitals, vineyard-covered hillsides and storybook villages within easy reach — all while you unpack just once. With AmaWaterways, you can follow the castle-lined Danube through Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and Austria’s picturesque Wachau Valley, or experience France through its legendary waterways. Choose the Danube for dramatic scenery, grand cities and the chance to explore several countries in one journey. Choose France for a deeper dive into regional food, wine, art and history, whether exploring Paris and Normandy, tasting your way through Burgundy or visiting the vineyards and medieval towns surrounding Bordeaux. Many itineraries span seven nights, with optional pre- and post-cruise packages offering more destinations, more time ashore and even more to discover.
See how AmaWaterways brings wellness to the water with active excursions, fitness options and refreshing ways to explore Europe.
Explore Wellness CruisesAmaWaterways river cruise fares include many of the essentials travelers need for a memorable European vacation:
These inclusions make it easier to experience multiple destinations without arranging every meal, tour and transportation detail separately. At many ports, guests can choose from several included excursions based on their interests and preferred pace. Exact inclusions vary by ship, itinerary and departure date. Review the specific sailing details or speak with a AAA Travel Agent before booking.
Choose up to three vacation priorities to see whether the Danube or the rivers of France better match your travel style.
Select the experiences that matter most to see which region best matches your travel style.
Use this match as a starting point. Itineraries and ports vary by departure.
Courtesy of AmaWaterway ● AmaWaterways’ guests enjoy regional dining and memorable guided excursions.
Few journeys reveal as many sides of Europe as a Danube River cruise. Flowing through or along 10 countries, the Danube connects grand capitals, medieval towns, vineyard-covered hills and some of the continent’s most dramatic landscapes. AmaWaterways itineraries bring these destinations together in one seamless trip, often with several included excursions to choose from at each port.
Each day offers a new way to experience Central or Southeast Europe. Admire Vienna’s imperial landmarks, wander the historic streets of Budapest, hike to a hilltop castle or sample regional food and wine. Between stops, relax on board as the ship sails through scenery such as Austria’s picturesque Wachau Valley or the towering cliffs of the Iron Gates.
Length: 7 nights | Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia
The Romantic Danube itinerary brings together many of the river’s classic highlights. The voyage travels between Vilshofen, Germany, and Budapest, Hungary, with stops that may include Passau, Linz, Vienna, Bratislava and communities in the Wachau Valley.
This is a strong choice for travelers who want a balanced mix of major cities, smaller towns, architecture, history and scenery. Depending on the sailing, excursion choices may include walking tours, tastings or more active hikes and bike rides.
Length: 7 nights | Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia
Melodies of the Danube pairs the cultural energy of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna with destinations tied to Europe’s musical heritage. Travelers can experience ornate architecture, historic streets and the landscapes that inspired generations of composers.
The itinerary is well suited to guests drawn to classical music, Old World cities and the contrast between lively capitals and quieter river valleys. Optional land packages may make it possible to spend additional time in places such as Prague, Budapest or Munich, depending on the departure.
Length: 7 nights | Countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania and Serbia
Gems of Southeast Europe follows the lower Danube between Budapest and Giurgiu, Romania. Its route introduces travelers to the layered cultures of Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania, with stops that may include Vukovar, Belgrade, Vidin and Rousse.
A signature moment is scenic cruising through the Iron Gates, where the Danube cuts between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. Choose this itinerary if you have already visited Western Europe or want medieval fortresses, regional wines and history beyond the continent’s most familiar capitals.
Courtesy of AmaWaterways ● AmaWaterways river cruise through France features vineyards, villages and regional culture.
Rather than racing across borders, a France river cruise invites travelers to slow down and experience the country one region at a time. Each waterway tells a different story: Follow the Seine from Paris into historic Normandy, glide along the Saône through Burgundy’s celebrated wine country or explore the vineyard-lined Garonne and Dordogne rivers surrounding Bordeaux.
Days ashore may bring Impressionist masterpieces, medieval villages, renowned vineyards and powerful World War II landmarks. Add regional cuisine, château-lined landscapes and the relaxed rhythm of river travel, and each itinerary offers a distinctly different way to experience France.
Length: 7 nights | River: Saône
Flavors of Burgundy travels between Dijon and Lyon through one of France’s most celebrated culinary and wine regions. The route may include Chalon-sur-Saône, Tournus and Mâcon, with opportunities to explore vineyards, historic towns, abbeys and local markets.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want Burgundy wines, regional cuisine and a relaxed journey through eastern France. Dijon and Lyon create memorable bookends: one is closely associated with Burgundy’s wine heritage, while the other is widely known for its culinary culture.
Go beyond Europe on the Well-Traveled with AAA podcast with an exclusive conversation featuring AmaWaterways Co-Founder and President Rudi Schreiner. Hear his insider perspective on unforgettable river cruise journeys across Africa, Asia and South America, plus expert insights to inspire your next adventure.
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Courtesy of AmaWaterways ● AmaWaterways’ cruise along the Seine connects Paris’ chic culture with Normandy’s historic past.
Length: 7 nights | River: Seine
Beginning and ending in Paris, the Paris & Normandy itinerary follows the Seine toward the English Channel, turning the river into a passage through centuries of French art and history. Travelers can trace the story of Joan of Arc, step into landscapes that inspired Claude Monet and visit places connected to pivotal events of World War II.
Depending on the sailing, highlights may include Rouen, the Normandy landing beaches, Le Havre, Les Andelys and Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. This itinerary is an especially compelling choice for travelers who want to pair the energy of Paris with Impressionist art, château-lined countryside and some of France’s most meaningful historic sites.
Length: 7 nights | Rivers: Garonne and Dordogne
Sailing roundtrip from Bordeaux, this itinerary carries travelers into the vineyard-covered countryside, medieval towns and centuries-old traditions of southwestern France. It is an immersive introduction to one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions, where grand estates, historic architecture and riverside scenery unfold along the route.
Depending on the sailing, ports and excursions may include Libourne, Saint-Émilion, Blaye, Bourg and Cadillac. Wine lovers can explore renowned vineyards and sample regional vintages, while history, local cuisine, fortified towns and picturesque landscapes offer plenty to enjoy beyond the tasting room.
Spring and fall often offer the best balance of comfortable weather, beautiful scenery and fewer peak-summer crowds—but every season brings a different reason to sail.
Select a season to explore the experience
Enjoy mild temperatures, blooming scenery and the start of the European river cruise season.
A knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent can help you bring those choices into focus by comparing routes, ships, departure dates, staterooms, excursions and pre- or post-cruise stays, then matching those options to your interests, pace, budget and travel dates. Connect with an agent to explore current savings, available AAA Member Benefits and the AmaWaterways river cruise that feels right for you.
Whether your ideal journey means cycling beside the Danube, tracing history through Normandy or lingering over a glass of wine near Bordeaux, the best AmaWaterways itinerary is the one that reflects how you want to experience Europe. The Danube offers a classic introduction to grand capitals, storied landscapes and multiple countries in one seamless voyage, while France invites a deeper dive into food, wine, art and regional culture. Either way, AmaWaterways makes it easy to experience Europe at river level—with thoughtfully planned itineraries, included experiences and plenty of time to enjoy each destination.
The Danube is a popular choice for first-time river cruisers because it combines famous cities, scenic landscapes and several countries in one seamless itinerary. France may be the better match for travelers who prefer a deeper exploration of one region, with experiences centered on food, wine, art and history.
Fares include stateroom accommodations, onboard dining, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, entertainment and a selection of guided shore excursions. Inclusions vary by itinerary, ship and departure date, so review the details of your specific sailing before booking.
Many guided excursions are included in the cruise fare. Depending on the port, guests may be able to choose from walking tours, wine tastings, hikes or bike rides at different activity levels. Certain specialty experiences may require an additional fee.
During the day, choose comfortable, casual clothing and supportive shoes suited for walking on cobblestone streets and uneven paths. Smart-casual attire is appropriate for dinner. Layers and a lightweight rain jacket are also helpful because temperatures and weather can change throughout the day.
Yes. Select itineraries offer optional pre- and post-cruise packages featuring hotel stays, guided sightseeing and additional destinations. Availability and inclusions vary by itinerary and departure date.
Book with AAA to receive exclusive AAA Member benefits. AAA Travel Agents can also help you compare AmaWaterways itineraries, ships, departure dates and staterooms, then coordinate flights and pre- and post-cruise packages for a more seamless vacation. Your agent can outline current offers and available member benefits, helping you get more value from your European river cruise.
Explore, discover, wander
Compare AmaWaterways destinations, itineraries and sailing dates with guidance from a AAA Travel Agent.
