AmaWaterways’ river cruise ships will host an exclusive collection of 33, Smithsonian-crafted cultural experiences beginning in April 2026. The river cruise line has partnered with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution on a series of European river cruises that will draw on the Smithsonian’s 175+ year history as the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. These itineraries will include notable Smithsonian Journeys experts and offer opportunities for local immersion and discovery.
BOOKING HAS OPENED ON THIS UNIQUE COLLECTION OF RIVER CRUISES
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Each of the nearly 3 dozen river cruises, on all the major rivers of Europe, provides exclusive excursions and opportunities to engage with a variety of experts, ranging from art historians, archaeologists and scientists to anthropologists, historians and more. All departures feature an assortment of pre- and post-cruise land packages, hosted by an AmaWaterways cruise manager, for guests to explore further beyond the cruise itinerary.
These new river cruise journeys range from eight to 15 days in duration.
The 2026 departures include (prices quoted in USD):
- Holland and Belgium in Spring: A River Cruise at Tulip Time
April 4–11, April 9–16, April 12–19, April 16–23, 2026
Eight days starting from $3,949 per person double occupancy.
Guests can surround themselves with spring blossoms and fabulous art and architecture on a river cruise through Holland and Belgium timed to coincide with the annual tulip bloom. They will sail out of Amsterdam on a seven-night cruise, discovering historic windmills, medieval trading towns and vibrant modern-day cities, and encounter millions of brilliant tulips at the incredible Keukenhof Gardens.
- Cruising the Upper Danube: Romantic Ports from Bavaria to Budapest
May 18–25, June 15–22, Sept. 7–14, Oct. 5–12, 2026
Eight days starting from $4,449 per person double occupancy.
The cruise will follow the Danube from southern Germany to Hungary, passing through three culturally rich Central European capitals: Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Along the way, there will be stops at World Heritage sites such as Salzburg and the Wachau Valley and opportunities to experience vibrant traditions of music and art.
- Cruising the Lower Danube: Gems of Southeast Europe
May 25–June 1, June 22–29, Sept. 14–21, Oct. 12–19, 2026
Eight days starting from $4,449 per person double occupancy.
Passengers can venture to some of Europe’s hidden delights as they sail the Danube from Hungary through the Balkan Peninsula to Romania. They can discover little-known World Heritage sites, and traditions of art and cuisine, and explore vivacious cities from Belgrade to Bucharest.
- The Grand Danube: A River Cruise from Germany to Romania
May 18–June 1, June 15–29, Sept. 7–21, Oct. 5–19, 2026
15 days starting from $7,799 per person double occupancy.
Sailing the historic Danube River on a grand voyage through eight countries, passengers will visit the splendid world capitals of Budapest and Vienna as well as lesser-known historic gems from Croatia to Bulgaria. A choice of excursions will offer opportunities to experience local traditions of art, music and cuisine.
- Christmas Markets along the Danube: A River Cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest
Dec. 5–12, Dec. 10–19, 2026
Eight days starting from $4,249 per person double occupancy.
Guests can savor the timeless holiday traditions of Central Europe as they cruise the Danube through Germany, Austria and Hungary, discovering delightful Christmas markets in world-class cities like Vienna and Budapest as well in charming towns and palaces from Regensburg to Salzburg.
- Christmas Markets along the Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel
Nov. 28–Dec. 5, Dec. 12–19, 2026
Eight days starting from $4,349 per person double occupancy.
Passengers will experience the enchantment of some of Europe’s most beloved Christmas markets on a cruise through Holland, Germany and France that features visits to Strasbourg and Cologne as well as medieval towns and villages that sparkle with holiday spirit.
- The Captivating Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel
May 14–21, June 20–27, July 18–25, Sept. 26–Oct. 3, 2026
Eight days starting from $4,449 per person double occupancy.
Cruising the Rhine River from one fascinating city to the next and discovering medieval villages, guests will discover wine regions and culinary delights as they make their way from the Netherlands to Germany and France.
- Europe’s Magnificent Waterways: Cruising the Rhine, Main, and Danube River
May 30–June 13, 2026
15 days starting from $7,499 per person double occupancy.
An unforgettable cruise will sail three of Europe’s grand rivers—the Rhine, the Main and the Danube—from the canals of Amsterdam to the majestic heart of Budapest. Along the way, guests can enjoy local cuisine, history and a host of World Heritage sites.
- Cruising Portugal’s Enticing Douro River Valley
May 8–15, June 9–16, Sept. 4–11, Sept. 25–Oct. 2, Oct. 13–20, 2026
Eight days starting from $4,949 per person double occupancy.
Setting sail from the World Heritage-listed city of Porto, guests can discover the spectacular landscapes of Portugal’s Douro River Valley, where wines have been produced for some 2,000 years. They will visit picturesque villages and palaces; spend a day in beautiful Salamanca, Spain; and enjoy tastings at historic wine estates.
- Rhône River Cruise: Colors of Provence
May 21–28, July 16–23, Oct. 8–15, 2026
Eight days starting from $4,949 per person double occupancy.
The delightful ambience of Provence on a river cruise from the heart of Lyon to Arles will feature magnificent historic sites from the Roman Pont Du Gard to the Papal Palace in Avignon, culinary tours and visits to renowned wine regions and the stunning gorges of Ardèche.
- Along the Seine: A River Cruise from Paris to Normandy
May 14–21, Sept. 3–10, Sept. 24–Oct. 1, 2026
Eight days starting from $5,049 per person double occupancy.
Starting from the heart of Paris on the fabled River Seine, the cruise will wind through the glorious countryside of Normandy to the English Channel. Along the way, passengers can explore historic sites from Rouen to Omaha Beach, savor the region’s proud culinary traditions and trace the footsteps of great artists from Claude Monet to Josephine Baker.
- Taste of Bordeaux: Cruising the Waterways of Southwest France
Oct. 1–8, 2026
Eight days starting from $5,049 per person double occupancy.
An enchanting voyage through Bordeaux and its picturesque wine regions will offer opportunities to explore charming towns and historic sites from Cadillac to Dordogne and savor exquisite local wines and cuisine.
*** Image(s) courtesy of AmaWaterways.
*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full itinerary, date and pricing details.
